The Rebel Agenda

Song of the Day: "Where the Wind Blows"

2012-02-01T08:26:00.000-08:00

I was happy to hear a new Villagers song the other day, only to discover it was new Sea Wolf from the "Back to Black Friday" Record Store Day back in November. Record Store Day is a celebration of independent record stores and the day itself is a major dilemma for hipsters: limited releases give the day an importance that they're too cool to actually care about (I'm sure many of them go "ironically" [the hipster version of a "Get Out of Jail Free" card] and also buy used vinyl from Coolio or The Jets to help mask their purchase of some Pixies b-side that's been remastered and remixed).

Regardless, I like the song, which was a double a-side with "Song of the Magpie" (or it's the b-side), released on 45. Who still has the ability to play a 45, show of hands? (I am sooo happy with the digital media world, only because I don't have to find the little center thing to hold the 45.)

Song: "Where the Wind Blows"
Artist: Sea Wolf

The Julia Sugarbaker Award for Strong Southern Women

2012-01-31T15:44:00.000-08:00

The first Sugarbaker goes to Martha Boggs, owner of the Bistro at the Bijou, for asking Tennessee state Senator Stacey Campfield (R, TN) -- the man who sponsored the "don't say gay" bill in Tennessee and who, at age 42, is unmarried (mmm hmmm) and going to Sunday brunch (the gayest of meals) at a restaurant frequented by homersexuals (mmm hmmm) -- to leave before being seated or served.

"I told him he wasn't welcome here and I wanted him to leave. He was waiting to be seated and I walked up to him and told him to leave. I was kind of mad, so I don't really remember everything. He left graciously enough."--Martha Boggs

So kudos to Martha Boggs for recognizing a state senator (I think I'd recognize mine, Chip Shields, based on his vague resemblance to Ron and Clint Howard), and for having the courage and quick thinking to ask WWJSD? And then to do it: SDWJSWD!

I wouldn't be surprised to find her a candidate for the state senate there this year. Tennessee could do worse. And they have.

Song of the Day: "Man or Muppet"

2012-01-31T07:57:00.000-08:00

In the first season of Flight of the Conchords, hapless manager Murray writes a love song to the leggy blonde who has stolen his heart. He previews the song to the unenthusiastic band: "'Hi....' that's all I've got so far."

Bret's response is one I've adopted for use at work: "It's better than I expected."

Bret McKenzie picked up an Oscar nomination for this track for the Muppet-affiliated movie last year (I posted so many fake out trailers I'm not actually sure, but maybe the "too easy to be right" The Muppets). EGOT pontificators note that he already has a Grammy and 6 Emmy nominations. Which is to say he has Grammy (like Paula Abdul, but not like Liza).

I have no sense as to whether this, or yesterday's track by Sergio Mendes et al, will win. I'm kinda betting on the other, only because that's got big elaborate production, like "It's Hard Out Here (For a Pimp)" (are there parentheses in that song title?) which is the only Oscar-winning song I will reference for this morning.

Song: "Man or Muppet"
Artist: Jason Segel and Walter

Song of the Day: "Real in Rio"

2012-01-30T06:23:00.000-08:00

One of only 2 nominees for Best Original Songs for the Oscars (the nomination process for songs is weird, including the fact that the scale on which songs are rated goes from 6 points to 10 points [by quarter point], so the worst songs get 6 points and that doesn't make sense [they should do 0 points up to 5 points and allow half points]). And there is a minimum average rating a song must achieve to be a nominee (I think 8.25 points [it's 8.25, but I had to look and edited out my 8.5 thinking--at least 1 song has to get 8.25 points, and if only one does, then that and the next highest number of points are the nominees]). Without experiencing the song in the context of the movie, it's hard to know for sure, but WTF?! How is this better than the lovely song from Albert ~~Noobs~~ Nobbs?!

Anyway, it's from the movie Rio and the nominees are Sergio Mendes (apparently that is NOT an after shave from the 70s), Carlinhos Brown (that's Chris Brown's real name [no it's not]), and Siedah Garrett. Not Will I. Am who may, or may not, sing on this track.

Song: "Real in Rio"
Artist: The Rio Singers

Song of the Day: "Shoelaces"

2012-01-29T11:07:00.001-08:00

LA-based indie due The Submarines. One of them is a descendant of F. Scott Fitzgerald. Or Gerry Fitzpatrick, I forget which.

Song: "Shoelaces"
Artist: The Submarines

So much for "stealth mode"

2012-01-28T19:07:00.000-08:00

The color is "Rebel Fur Gloss" (nee Hot Lava)

I drove by the site of the Christmas Eve accident today on my way to the dealership and am amazed--there's no way I could have intentionally made it in between those 2 barriers. I need to take a picture next time.

Oh, and yes, this means I am becoming a Scion-tologist (patent pending). It is the 2012 Scion xB Release 9.0. In one of those coincidences that really is just the recurring motif in my life of me eating my words, Clark and I looked at this very model at the Portland Auto Show Thursday night. He was very enthusiastic about its high visibility and I said it screamed "midlife crisis" a bit too loudly. Now, in fairness to myself, that was before I found out that the hood emblem glows like a Bat Signal. I think we can all agree that glowing auto accessories are dignified. That's why your country club parking lot looks like a rave.

The Scion is designed for customization (Toyota created the brand because The Fast and the Furious crowd was passing them over in favor of Honda, Nissan and Dodge... Dodge, couldn't you just die?), and my first act of customization will be addressing this below the front bumper.

I believe the thinking at Scion went something like this: "Aside from the glowing emblems on the front at rear of the car, how will people know what kind of car it is?" I don't know if the letters are individual, in which case I will try "COINS" or "ICONS" or merely "ICON" (now I'm blushing).

1st runner up at the new car pageant

The runner-up vehicle was a 2011 Mazda CX-7 (when I began looking there were several well-priced models in stock, but I may have inherited some of my dad's catlike reflexes and decisive action traits--we are the Étienne Driotons of car shopping, except, of course, that I'm being facetious... still, I give myself 8.5 Dennis Millers for the obscurity of that reference). When it got down to 1 at the price point I liked, it was time to move.

Notes: test drives around 4 p.m. on a Friday afternoon on the city streets of Portland around SE 122nd and Stark are boring. It's very flat and you're stuck in slow-moving surface street traffic for miles in every direction. Okay, mile, whatever. I drove to Mt. Tabor just to get some twisty hill action, which was good. Neither car dude (Andre with the Mazda, Pierre with the Scion, and as I type this I'm sure those are total aliases, probably to avoid retaliation from angry former customers I imagine) had ever taken a test drive out there, or so they claim (perhaps praising me for the idea was just some sales trick, although it was a great idea and I am very handsome to have thought of it). The Mazda was more fun to drive, but the Scion was more comfortable for me to drive (a boxy car for a boxy guy). And the Scion has a Camry engine. And the Scion's first scheduled tune-up isn't until 120,000 miles. Which should be well after Nibiru destroys Earth (advantage: Scion).

And finally, the dealership itself, Ron Tonkin, did a TV commercial last year highlighting their selection of autos (they have like 435 different brands for sale across all their locations) with a commercial (or a series of, I don't recall more than 1) incorporating zombies and Billy Ocean. So I was amused to find this pamphlet among the dealership's sea of collateral material.

I probably should read that. In case the zombies rise before Nibiru hits.

Song of the Day: "Raining in My Heart"

2012-01-28T18:50:00.000-08:00

Graham Nash's track from Rave On Buddy Holly, for Erin & company, who had to say goodbye to Django.

Song: "Raining in My Heart"
Artist: Graham Nash

Fun with subject lines

2012-01-28T07:50:00.000-08:00

Whoever is working for this particular SPAMMER gets a thumbs up from me. This subject line, more than all the VIGGARRAA APPLICATION and DETIALS ON YOUR FUNDS ONCLOSED subjects combined.

Oh shit, Richard!

Oh shit, indeed.

Meanwhile who are all these lovely sounding ladies...

Song of the Day: "Betty Wang"

2012-01-27T07:09:00.000-08:00

The band is Hospitality, and an album of the same name comes out next Tuesday. Is it their debut? I can't tell. (Okay, it maybe be a debut LP but they had an EP in 2009, and it included this song, which makes this kinda old, but it's what I've got for you, so go with it).

Song: "Betty Wang"
Artist: Hospitality

Song of the Day: "Somebody That I Used to Know"

2012-01-26T07:40:00.000-08:00

This is Gotye, who is a dude, not a band (Wouter "Wally" De Backer). And it sounds a lot like The Police to me, which is why I find myself confused as to why some lesser Police track is getting all kinds of radio play these days.

It's cause it's not them! Duh! It's new(ish) and Belgian! Belgiumian! Whatevs.

Wait, he's from Belgium but now lives in Australia (not Austria).

It won the ARIA (the Australian Grammy) for Single of the Year (and I was hoping it would be the unreleased voice mail from Bon Iver complaining about his hotel room--I was really rooting for that).

Eventually I will get caught back up on work and music and shit.

Song: "Somebody That I Used to Know"
Artist: Gotye

Song of the Day: "Comeback Kid"

2012-01-25T13:23:00.000-08:00

So that's what it takes to knock me out of my daily blogging schedule: a morning during which all I can do is grunt, curse and spill things, followed by an international conference call with clients, followed by traffic stress, followed by, I don't know, life. I slept a lot last night. So Tuesday, January 24th, you will lack a song of the day. As the Mayans prophesied, no doubt. It's a sign.

Sleigh Bells were a 2010 band who took a while to grown on me. This single is easier on the ears, out of the gate, so maybe I've gotten over that hump. Or not. Hard to say.

Song: "Comeback Kid"
Artist: Sleigh Bells

Song of the Day: "Bizness"

2012-01-23T08:39:00.000-08:00

This track from tUnE-yArDs topped some list of songs from 2011, and I'm not really organized for music this week, so I'll borrow from that.

Song: "Bizness"
Artist: tUnE-yArDs

Song of the Day: "Clear Eye Clouded Mind"

2012-01-22T13:14:00.000-08:00

The Stars Are Indifferent to Astronomy is the new one from Nada Surf. It's out Tuesday if you need to get me a gift for some reason.

Song: "Clear Eye Clouded Mind"
Artist: Nada Surf

Song of the Day: "Weh Weh"

2012-01-21T09:01:00.000-08:00

I know Ghanian/Canadian musicians are a total cliche these days, but this song is fun, so please indulge one more.

Song: "Weh Weh"
Artist: Kae Sun

Song of the Day: "Simple Song"

2012-01-20T22:50:00.000-08:00

I almost went to sleep without blogging today. Here's new music from The Shins.

Song: "Simple Song"
Artist: The Shins

Song of the Day: "The Daily Mail"

2012-01-19T21:00:00.000-08:00

I'm very confused by Radiohead, and I have no idea how one gets the release this is from. You're welcome.

Song: "The Daily Mail"
Artist: Radiohead

Newt Gingrich, missing the point entirely

2012-01-18T07:53:00.000-08:00

Listen to Newt at the recent GOP debate (the 488th, I think):

He declares that he believes EVERY American has the right to pursue happiness, and yet he objects to marriage equality (while basking in his own cynical use of the institution)
He says he's going to teach the black community to get jobs, get better jobs, and eventually OWN the job, which sounds like a big government program to me... also I thought Republicans wanted to abolish the Department of Education
Wait, what jobs?! Jesus fucking Christ, does he think people are out of work because they're too stupid to know how to get a job? Companies are not even considering resumes from people who have been out of work for more than 6 months these days. Shit.

And IS Rick Perry actually developmentally disabled? He sounds it.

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Song of the Day: "Miracle Worker"

2012-01-18T07:40:00.000-08:00

Did you know that Mick Jagger, Dave Stewart, A.R. Rahman, Joss Stone and Damian Marley had a super group? (The group that was struck by lightning while in a police lab, granting them super speed.)

Sonya told me about it, and I've only heard anything about it by going to look for something about them. You could go looking for something, but don't go to Wikipedia, it's closed today on account of all the censorship.

Song: "Miracle Worker"
Artist: SuperHeavy

Song of the Day: "Wolves at the Door"

2012-01-17T06:23:00.000-08:00

From last weekend's download spree, here's the opening track of David Bazan's Strange Negotiations.

Song: "Wolves at the Door"
Artist: David Bazan

Happy Birthday Ethel Merman

2012-01-16T07:07:00.000-08:00

Chances are I'm the biggest Ethel Merman enthusiast you know (unless you came here because you searched on "Ethel Merman" and you know yourself), and I'm willing to admit there's no nuance. She's a force of nature, and there's not really much room for subtle with a category 3 hurricane. I point this out because I listened to her take on "Do I Love You?" and, well, Ethel < Roddy Frame. There, I said it. Go do your own research if you don't believe me...Here she takes a classic from A Chorus Line directly to 11, via Merv Griffin.

Happy birthday dude! Rest in peace.

Song of the Day: "Masterpiece"

2012-01-16T06:06:00.000-08:00

Madonna won a Golden Globe! Actually she did that like 15 years ago (Best Actress in a Comedy/Musical for Evita [technically the movie qualified as a musical, not as a comedy]), so she won another Golden Globe, for Best Original Song, from a movie called W.E. which I assume is short for whatEVER and is some 90s themed movie (which is why she's working with William Orbit again, right?).

Whatevs would be the 'teens version of the same movie.

"Masterpiece" (which I thought was "Celebration" when I initially did this next research) continues the string of songs that win the Golden Globe and fail to pick up a nomination for the Oscar. It failed to make the list of 39 qualified songs (here), so it's possible that the song's not given sufficient screen time during the film, or is inappropriately placed during credits (must be the first musical cue during closing credits, duh), or the song was deemed not original for the movie by whomever pre-qualifies that for Oscars. It joins songs from Burlesque, The Wrestler, Into the Wild, Happy Feet (NOTE: FUCK PRINCE!), Brokeback Mountain and Alfie. I tried to explain this trend to Cher last year (here) and am available for additional counseling if needed, Madge (do people still call you Madge? Midge? Margaret? Peg?).

I will say I like the song precisely because it harkens back to Ray of Light, which is to say William Orbit! This whole 90s nostalgia thing is pernicious. Remember how fucking awesome the 90s were? You know why? President Bill Clinton, the greatest President of the last 100 years! What, nearly a decade of peace and prosperity not good enough for you? The dude actually figured out that midnight basketball games could end crime in America. And, AND, he's not a fucking war criminal (it's been a while, fuck you too, George W. Bush). Anyway, Mitzi, call me!

Song: "Masterpiece"
Artist: Madonna

Happy Birthday Rob

2012-01-15T16:09:00.000-08:00

I think we've exchanged 1 meager set of emails in the last year. Sad. But it's one of those things where you drift unintentionally (at least it is for me--it's possible I've pissed him off about something and he's giving me the cold shoulder).

We didn't have Maxinquaye with us on our fantastic 1994 3-day vacation in Portland (living in Dallas at the time), but I have the idea that we did stuck in my head. The agenda for our trip back then is the template for anyone visiting me here for their first trip to Portland. Not that the Gorge, Saturday Market and the Coast are all that esoteric...

Not sure why I associate him with this Chemical Brothers track--I'm pretty sure we were in different cities at the time, but I'm willing to bet he's okay with it's inclusion.

I should probably tell him about the Trashcan Sinatras thing from 2010, he would agree that was cool.

Happy birthday dude! Rock on!

Happy Birthday John

2012-01-15T15:58:00.000-08:00

John and I met in LA, forced out of our motel rooms by an angry maid who needed to finish, we talked a little by the pool and discovered that we both lived in Seattle and had recently moved there from Portland where we lived 2 blocks from each other. Which is a lesser version of a truly terrific, absolutely true story.

I don't remember if we saw Megan Mullaly on that trip, or some later trip. But I think it was THAT trip (I know the Warner Bros. lot tour was that trip--I saw Kathy Najimy eating a peach and stole swizzle sticks from the set of Jack & Jill [for Melanie]). But since there isn't a song for that, here's Megan...

Anything Goes is one of John's favorite shows. He was impressed with Sutton Foster's turn as Reno Sweeney. She's no Ethel Merman, in that she can dance, hasn't married Ernest Borgnine, and won a Tony in the role... so take that Ethel Merman fans (me), I guess.

And so concludes John's birthday post. Happy birthday dude! Rock on!

Song of the Day: "Easy"

2012-01-15T15:29:00.000-08:00

I went on something of a digital download purchase binge yesterday, and Real Estate's Days was among my purchases. I also got Cults, A Band of Bees, David Bazan, and Little Dragon. Splurge!!!

Song: "Easy"
Artist: Real Estate

Last Night I Dreamed Marcus Bachmann Loved Me

2012-01-14T14:14:00.000-08:00

(h/t Clark)

Notice how he says "we" in his section.

Also it's fun that Michele isn't the craziest bitch in this montage!

Song of the Day: "Split for the Coast"

2012-01-14T13:53:00.000-08:00

Debut single from a Brooklyn-based trio--it has all the hallmarks of classic, vaguely-retro indie power pop. Have I covered every possible musical bon mot I work into these things? I think I have.

Song: "Split for the Coast"
Artist: Little Racer

Doing the Newt-ron Dance

2012-01-13T15:06:00.000-08:00

I'm so happy the smart one is still in the race! She is a bitch!!!

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Song of the Day: "Jealousy"

2012-01-13T09:40:00.000-08:00

The Fabulous Clinton calls this his favorite track from 2011--Will Young is one of those dude's I confuse with other dudes, but then that's like the hysterical theme of this blog, right? He's NOT this guy or the guy from that band, but was he runner up for something? Like X Factor?

Gay?

Was he in Take That?

See how much fun I am in the mornings?

Song: "Jealousy"
Artist: Will Young"

Song of the Day: "Barton Hollow"

2012-01-12T09:11:00.000-08:00

I'm a little late on this one from The Civil Wars, but their recent Grammy nominations bring them to my attention (Best Folk Album and Best Country Duo/Group Performance for this track). So here you go...

Song: "Barton Hollow"
Artist: The Civil Wars

Two Things That Made Me Laugh

2012-01-11T19:25:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure why Charles Barkley was hosting SNL last weekend, but he was great (perhaps that's why, but it hasn't been a requirement in the past)...

And this still has me howling...

Song of the Day: "Make My"

2012-01-11T06:47:00.001-08:00

The Roots from undun--that's kind of all I've got this morning. I've got to be a grown up on a business call in a few minutes. So there you go.

Song: "Make My"
Artist: The Roots

Song of the Day: “Doughnut for a Snowman”

2012-01-10T19:15:00.000-08:00

So far this has been a crap year for me from a blog content creation perspective. And today is no different. So here's another new track from Guided by Voices.

Song: “Doughnut for a Snowman”
Artist: Guided by Voices

Song of the Day: "Rainbird"

2012-01-09T07:39:00.000-08:00

It would seem Glenn Close is not the only actor in the hunt for an Oscar nomination for Best Original Song, as Oscar winner Mary Steenburgen provides the lyrics to this Oscar-eligible song from ??? (let's say Dirty Girl and I'll edit later [possibly Dirrty Girl]).

Song: "Rainbird"
Artist: Melissa Manchester

Song of the Day: "Can't Keep Johnny Down"

2012-01-08T09:30:00.000-08:00

Gotta go visit with family and enjoy the sunny drive on I-95, so I'll make this quick. They Might be Giants are still recording, and will probably get inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame before Heart.

Song: “Can’t Keep Johnny Down”
Artist: They Might be Giants

Song of the Day: "Think You Can Wait"

2012-01-07T14:59:00.001-08:00

The National showed up on a list of songs eligible for Original Song consideration at this years Oscars, for this track from Win Win (which is NOT 50/50).

Song: "Think You Can Wait"
Artist: The National

Song of the Day: "Following"

2012-01-06T08:34:00.001-08:00

The triumphant return of The Phenomenal Handclap Band! Yes them.

A nice way to start 2012 ("start").

Song: "Following"
Artist: The Phenomenal Handclap Band

Song of the Day: "Collision of Worlds"

2012-01-05T12:15:00.000-08:00

Cars and Cars 2 are the only Pixar movies I haven't seen (I think). This duet between Robbie Williams and Brad Paisley came to my attention as Oscar eligible. I love the pairing, although Macy Gray with either would be a little better.

Song: "Collision of Worlds"
Artist: Robbie Williams/Brad Paisley OR Brad Paisley/Robbie Williams

Song of the Day: "An Angel on Each Arm"

2012-01-04T08:43:00.000-08:00

Robin Thicke embraces 70s soul, R&B, and a bit of blues rock on Love After War--here's a bit of the latter.

Robin Thicke - An Angel On Each Arm (Love After War Album) (2011)

Song: "An Angel on Each Arm"
Artist: Robin Thicke

Song of the Day: "Stay Away"

2012-01-03T07:30:00.000-08:00

Charli XCX comes my way via Pitchfork's Top 100 Tracks of 2011. I'm reviewing others' lists to avoid missing something obvious (I still will). She's 19 years old, and Pitchfork puts this track at #35, in between Jamie xx and Cut Copy.

Song: "Stay Away"
Artist: Charli XCX

Song of the Day: "Otis"

2012-01-02T12:26:00.000-08:00

Jay-Z and Kanye channel Otis Redding, but here's the thing: I feel like I've tried a little tenderness. To be honest, try a little more bitchiness, it works so much better.

Song: "Otis"
Artist: Kanye West/Jay-Z

Song of the Day: "Turn Me On"

2012-01-01T13:23:00.000-08:00

David Guetta appears to rule dance music these days, so let's kick of 2012 with something from him with Nicki Minaj. At first blush, it's over-produced (and apparently when one uses auto-tune, it only goes to 11), but therein is part of the charm. It's big and stupid and only appropriate for Backstreets at 4:00 a.m. in a throng of people: the communal energy from shared euphoria. And vodka. And ketamine.

Wait, what?

Song: "Turn Me On"
Artist: David Guetta/Nicki Minaj

Well this is disappointing

2011-12-31T18:44:00.000-08:00

The blog is ranked 16,064,400 in web traffic (per Alexa), which is LOWER than the last time I remembered to look (October 2010, when I was in the top 14 million).

WTF?

I guess I need another defective page-a-day calendar to pick things up.

Note that Alexa shows my keywords as shelly ryan, harry conick birthday, vatican assassin, happy birthday, and david bowie.

DAVID BOWIE! Love him!

Song of the Day: "The Rest is Silence/There is No Me... Without You"

2011-12-31T14:34:00.000-08:00

I close 2011 out with 2 tracks (well, 1.5 really) from Glen Campbell's swansong, Ghost on the Canvas. "The Rest is Silence" is an instrumental... or is it? Maybe it's just a lyric-less song since I think there's a voice in there, giving it a mournful quality reminiscent of the Beach Boys, Bobby McFerrin and a little Bon Iver (just a tad).

It's as good a symbol for my end of the year melancholy as any. This last month has had all the drama of a sweeps month of Melrose Place episodes.

I really fucking hate 2011. If I go postal on a neighbor tonight because they set off fireworks and traumatize Midge, it is NOT premeditated. Despite what you're reading here.

Song: "The Rest is Silence/There is No Me... Without You"
Artist: Glen Campbell

Song of the Day: "Change the Sheets"

2011-12-30T09:23:00.000-08:00

Kathleen Edwards worked with Justin Vernon as co-producer on Voyageur, her fourth album. At first listen I like the sound for her as a fresh expansion of her style, but I can also see myself getting burned out by Bon Iver overkill. Bon Overkill. Damn I'm good.

Song: "Change the Sheets"
Artist: Kathleen Edwards

Happy Birthday Marianne Faithfull

2011-12-29T13:12:00.000-08:00

Not a lot of time for a post, but here are a few songs:

"Sister Morphine"

"I Got You Babe" with David Bowie

And finally "Song for Nico"

Oh, yeah, and she's a Baroness.

Happy birthday dude! Rock on!

Quote of the day

2011-12-29T12:45:00.000-08:00

“We have a federal government that is out of control from the standpoint of spending, and I wish I could tell you I knew every Supreme Court case… I’m not a lawyer but here’s what I do know, I know they’re spending too much money in Washington, D.C.”--Governor Rick Perry (R, TX) on Lawrence v. Texas

First, isn't it awesome that Rick Perry is actually collecting a pay check for being governor of Texas what with his not actually doing that job and all. I guess most of the other candidates, and Obama, are equally guilty, but still, hooray.

And second, why does Rick Perry hate Vicki Lawrence so much? That's what Lawrence v. Texas is about, right? That was the case that awarded Vicki Lawrence a billion dollars a year every year, paid directly from unicorn fuckers (that's my term for "job creators" as they are both equally true--I think the ruling actually says "job creators" though) from the money they were totally going to use for new jobs. That damn Federal government and activist judges and all off the spending. And for what? They're not even making Mama's Family any more.

The third thing is...

Song of the Day: "Terra Incognita"

2011-12-29T08:12:00.000-08:00

Another track from Atlas Sounds's Parallax, one of my favorites of 2011.

Song: "Terra Incognita"
Artist: Atlas Sounds

Song of the Day: "No Light, No Light"

2011-12-28T20:53:00.000-08:00

Holy crap I almost forgot to post a song today. Here's some Florence + the Machine channeling a little Siouxsie and the Banshees (in a good way).

Song: "No Light, No Light"
Artist: Florence + the Machine

You may laugh, but so far there have been no hijackings by cupcake

2011-12-27T13:37:00.000-08:00

(h/t Towleroad)

A few years ago I had a panic attack on a flight so I started taking Xanax for when I travel. Or when I mistakenly think the bike path is an on ramp (after, not before). Or when I'm bored.

I actually now take 1/2 so that it kicks in as I go through the security check point as I am fairly certain that at some point you will see a video of me being tasered by TSA on your nightly news. Apparently they don't like it when I say things like "are we still pretending shoes are a threat" while I wait. And don't bother pointing out that the official size is 3.3 ounces (or 100 milliliters in EVERY COUNTRY OF THE WORLD EXCEPT THE US, BURMA AND LIBERIA!!!) of liquid, not 3 ounces. Unless you want the pat down.

But to the TSA's credit, their quick thinking has stopped another would-be terrorist from using her terrorist cupcake to terrorize a flight. They have also prevented countless attacks by sharks, one assumes. (You haven't heard of an attack via carried on shark, have you?)
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"Her mocking smile says it all"

2011-12-27T09:00:00.000-08:00

It's Marlene Dietrich's birthday, and maybe in the future she'll get a proper birthday post, but for now we'll celebrate with Suzanne Vega's "Marlene on the Wall" inspired by a poster of Dietrich Vega had up in her apartment (on the wall, get it!).

When Eric, Clark and I went to see the Indigo Girls a few years ago, Eric commented that they will be playing "Closer to Fine" at least 300 times a year for the rest of their lives. I wish this, and not "Luka," was Vega's obligatory early hit. Once again life doesn't conform to my wishes. Morans.

Song of the Day: "My Heart"

2011-12-27T08:49:00.000-08:00

Loney, Dear is the name used by Emil Svanängen (I had to paste that in because I don't know how to make those tildaswintons in HTML), a Swedish singer-songwriter-multi-instrumentalist (as if I didn't need to feel lazier, they had to throw multi-instrumentalist into the description).

Hall Music is his seventh album, and for the life of me I can't recall where or how I first heard him, but it's been just in the past few months. It was further complicated by my assumption that "Loney Dear" was a typo on my part (Lonely Dear, duh), and it was, but the actual typo was leaving the comma out: Loney, Dear. As in Loney, dear, take the recycling out before you go to bed. I assume.

Song: "My Heart"
Artist: Loney, Dear

Mitt Romney never even responds

2011-12-27T08:29:00.000-08:00

I've been heckling Mittens for months with nary a reaction (although some retweeting), but all it took was one mention of that time Boy George chained someone to a radiator to get a little love.

First Pakistan, then Grammy winning future Dancing with the Stars participants... who's next? Place your bets now.

And George, please, make a new record sometime. You can record in my basement if cost is an issue (I have a Mac, and based on everything I've heard, that is all I need).

And if I actually get hit by a bus, make sure you let him know that.

I'm always surprised when the fourth marriage doesn't last

2011-12-27T08:20:00.000-08:00

I am sure this is another casualty of teh gayz wanting the special privilege of marrying (next up: marrying a snake! [because snakes can enter all other kinds of legally-binding contracts, so this makes perfect sense, FOX News] [FUN FACT: snakes cannot actually enter any kinds of legally-binding contracts, but they do taste surprisingly like chicken, although when you consider their common evolutionary path, maybe it's not that surprising... hello, eggs! duh]) and not just because someone with three divorces has a very high probability of divorcing again. Also wasn't she a Lesbian for like 45 minutes?

Anyway, guess who's getting a big gift basket from Kim Kardashian!

Song of the Day: "Dirty Dreams"

2011-12-26T08:08:00.000-08:00

This is the third song of the day from Work Drugs in 2011, so it's impressive that they've only been together a year.

Or it's not, I can't decide.

Either it is, or it isn't.

But I definitely like their music, so that's a good thing.

You can download the track here for free.

Song: "Dirty Dreams"
Artist: Work Drugs

There are much worse things to believe in

2011-12-25T17:02:00.000-08:00

My struggle with faith encapsulated in a shorter-than-3-minutes Emmy-nominated song. Happy holidays.

The Colbert Report
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Song of the Day: "Miranda"

2011-12-25T16:57:00.000-08:00

New-ish music from Surfer Blood.

Song: "Miranda"
Artist: Surfer Blood

Song of the Day: "The Same Thing"

2011-12-24T12:33:00.000-08:00

Last month I featured a track from Cass McCombs from his first of 2 albums in 2011, now comes "The Same Thing" which is different and from the second of those same 2 albums (what a coincidence!!!).

The second album is called Humor Risk, by the way.

Song: "The Same Thing"
Artist: Cass McCombs

Notes on Take Shelter

2011-12-23T19:40:00.000-08:00

Sonya coined the term "awardy" a year or 2 ago. Michael Shannon's performance was hinted as "awardy" on Twitter (where pets are huge).

We left after 2-1/2 days, out of boredom.

I hope the 2 dudes from Freaky Friday 5: Final Freak Out are nominated ahead of him. Sorry dude. Try again later.

Notes on Young Adult

2011-12-23T11:53:00.000-08:00

Charlize Theron once proclaimed that her beauty was a detriment to her acting career. I mentioned this to Becky last night who replied, "I know how she feels." I think that means that Charlize Theron's beauty has been a detriment to 2 careers, and that's only the ones we know of.

Young Adults is the follow up to Up in the Air and Juno for director Jason Reitman and to Juno for Oscar winner/former stripper/writer whatever her name is (I'm just bitter because I'm firmly convinced that some middle-aged gay man punched up Juno which is the best way I can come up with to explain how a high school student would drop Diana Ross as a reference [namely, she wouldn't, unless dialog supplied by someone older than me]... also she got an Oscar).

It's entirely possible this movie will pick up Oscar nominations for Best Actress or Best Original Screenplay to which I can only say "meh."

Song of the Day: "Dead and Gone"

2011-12-23T11:43:00.000-08:00

I'm really digging the new Black Keys album El Camino. My only issue is that the cover is filled with photos of minivans.

Not a single titular car to be found.

WTF?

Song: "Dead and Gone"
Artist: The Black Keys

Song of the Day: "Life's a Happy Song"

2011-12-22T07:38:00.000-08:00

Bret McKenzie wrote this track from the recent Muppets outing, putting him in the Oscar hunt, whether you realize it or not (I mean, you do know, duh).

Song: "Life's a Happy Song"
Artist: Jason Segel/Amy Adams/Walter; featuring Feist/Mickey Rooney

Well tonight thank God it's THEM

2011-12-22T07:34:00.000-08:00

Even if it's also you... The Venture Bros. = awesome.

The funniest thing all year

2011-12-22T07:24:00.000-08:00

(h/t Towleroad)

This is the funniest spoof SNL has done in YEARS!

Wait, what? It's not a spoof?!

No. Fucking. Way.

The "historian" who receives $60,000 per "speech" railing against elites, and his third wife/15th mistress [that we know of] celebrating the real meaning of Christmas and wishing you greetings from their "family" [mistresses count if you actually marry them] to yours (UNLESS YOU'RE GAY, CAUSE, YOU KNOW, GAY IS EVIL).

Since Gingrich, multiply guilty of violating Georgia's sodomy laws back when he was impeaching Bill Clinton (greatest President of our time), said that he cheated on his wife/other wife/other mistresses because he LOVED HIS COUNTRY SO MUCH, I wonder if Calista is worried with all this current ~~cunt-loving~~ country-loving rhetoric.

America, FUCK YEAH!

And, AND, why isn't his daughter knocked up yet?!

2011-12-22T07:14:00.000-08:00

(h/t Towleroad)

How elitist to not have a knocked up teenage daughter!!!

By the way, Sarah, the next time you start a sentence with "a majority of Americans think" please finish it with "... I'm a fucking retard" because, brace yourself, that is true. That we think that... and that you are.

Have a very merry solstice.

Would you rather be shot or BEAT THE SHIT OUT OF RIHANNA

2011-12-21T20:30:00.000-08:00

The old joke, would you rather be shot or hung takes a new turn with Chris Brown is invoked!

Who should I follow? Um, none of the above?

Song of the Day: "Party"

2011-12-21T07:42:00.000-08:00

OMG OMG OMG solstice is almost here. It's the time when the SUN seems to DIE only to RISE in 3 DAYS! Praise Jeebus, here's Beyonce!

Song: "Party"
Artist: Beyonce/Andre 3000

You say "crappy camera phone" and I say "MIDGE!"

2011-12-20T08:08:00.000-08:00

Midge

Song of the Day: "That Old Black Hole"

2011-12-20T07:19:00.001-08:00

New music from Dr. Dog.

Who the fuck are they calling old?

Song: "That Old Black Hole"
Artist: Dr. Dog

We bought a 10-year rule

2011-12-19T20:26:00.000-08:00

Matt Damon, 41 years old; Scarlett Johannson, 27 years old.

Age appropriate actresses for Matt Damon: Katie Holmes, Mira Sorvino, Embeth Davidtz, Josie Bissett, Tracee Ellis Ross, Queen Latifah, Mya (and probably an Asian or Hispanic).

Scarlett's not hurting for work.

We Bought a Zoo has been released from my list of movies to see.

"Happy Christmas your arse, I pray God it's our last"

2011-12-19T09:30:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was the anniversary of Kirsty MacColl's untimely passing.

I am warmed with the knowledge that her duet with the Pogues is something of a holiday standard these days.

Rest in peace dude.

Song of the Day: "Love You Like a Love Song"

2011-12-19T09:07:00.000-08:00

I have no idea who Selena Gomez is, so I can post this with no sense that she has any kind of history or baggage (WINK!).

And her band? The Scene!

They all totes rock!

But you already knew that.

Set the auto-tune to 11!

Song: "Love You Like a Love Song"
Artist: Selena Gomez and The Scene

Song of the Day: "The Living Proof"

2011-12-18T08:44:00.000-08:00

Remember a couple years ago when Mary J. Blige did that empowering song "I Can See in Color" for the movie Precious: I Before E Except After C? Only the producers of the movie didn't use enough of the song in the movie for it to qualify for Oscar consideration?

"Like it was yesterday," I can hear you reply.

So you KNOW this song, from The Help, which got a Golden Globe nomination last week, is in at LEAST a full minute of The Help. And really, is that too much to ask for? Not for Mary J. Blige.

Not this time.

No more drama.

Oh HELL no.

You go girl!

Oh, what does the song have to do with the movie? I have no idea. If you listen to it and don't watch the video, you probably won't either.

Song: "The Living Proof"
Artist: Mary J. Blige

R.I.P. Vaclav Havel

2011-12-18T08:38:00.000-08:00

Absurdist playwright turned President (of both Czechoslovakia and the Czech Republic, what a coincidence!), Havel embodies the post-Cold Way Velvet Revolution (which had nothing whatsoever to do with Janet Jackson).

And because I can't read the word "dissident" without thinking of this song, here's Thomas Dolby:

Thomas Dolby Dissidents by Celtiemamab

Rest in peace.

Happy Birthday Bradley Manning

2011-12-17T16:23:00.000-08:00

In a time when George W. Bush is responsible for making America less safe and empowering Iran (or so I'm led to believe), Bradley Manning needs to be credited with getting the U.S. out of Iraq. I mean, allegedly (if found guilty, you know, in the trial that's finally happening). Glenn Greenwald explains (here):

In other words, whoever leaked that cable cast light on a heinous American war crime and, by doing so, likely played some significant role in thwarting an agreement between the Obama and Maliki governments to keep U.S. troops in Iraq and thus helped end this stage of the Iraq war (h/t Trevor Timm). Moreover, whoever leaked these cables — as even virulent WikiLeaks critic Bill Keller repeatedly acknowledged — likely played some significant in helping spark the Arab Spring protests by documenting just how deeply corrupt those U.S.-supported kleptocrats were. And in general, whoever leaked those cables has done more to publicize the corrupt, illegal and deceitful acts of the world’s most powerful factions — and to educate the world about how they behave — than all “watchdog” media outlets combined (indeed, the amount of news reports on a wide array of topics featuring WikiLeaks cables as the primary source is staggering). In sum, whoever leaked those cables is responsible for one of the most consequential, beneficial and noble acts of this generation.

Oh, wow, he also gets partial credit for Occupy Wall Street then. Sweet.

Shit is fucked up and bull shit. And I have never done anything as brave as Manning (allegedly) has.

Happy birthday dude. Good luck. Rock on. Stay strong.

Song of the Day: "The Keeper"

2011-12-17T13:24:00.000-08:00

Also nominated for a Golden Globe this year is Chris Cornell (I think that's him in the video, even though this dude is wearing a shirt).

It's from a movie starring Gerard Butler called Machine Gun Preacher.

Just to be clear, that's these 2:

Chris Cornell/Gerard Butler

Song: "The Keeper"
Artist: Chris Cornell

Song of the Day: "Lay Your Head Down"

2011-12-16T12:40:00.000-08:00

Among this week's Golden Globe nominations is this Song of the Year nomination from Albert Nobbs (or Albert Noobs if you don't read it carefully). Sinead O'Connor provides the voice, but Glenn Close wrote the lyrics (she is also nominated for Best Actress in a Drama for her performance in the movie). Brian Byrne wrote the beautiful music and I thought "hey, two actors" and then realized that there IS a difference between Brian Byrne and Brian F. O'Byrne (although I will grant partial credit for that answer).

This could be a sneaky way for Close to finally pick up an Oscar, and if so, good for her.

Song: "Lay Your Heart Down"
Artist: Sinead O'Connor

Song of the Day: "Honolulu Blues"

2011-12-15T08:24:00.000-08:00

Dude from the Hold Steady has a solo project coming soon. This is from that.

Song: "Honolulu Blues"
Artist: Craig Finn

Song of the Day: "Waiting for Something"

2011-12-14T04:27:00.000-08:00

It's been 3 or 4 years since Nada Surf's "Whose Authority?" trapped me in its pure pop embrace. They had a covers album last year, and The Stars Are Indifferent to Astronomy, their seventh album, will be released next month (which is also next year).

You can download a different track here if you're interested (actually, I assume it works even if you're not interested).

Now to get ready for my 6:30 a.m. flight.

Nada Surf - Waiting For Something by indieisnotagenre

From Islamabad to Karachi, I am huge in Pakistan

2011-12-13T12:40:00.000-08:00

I got some love for my tweet about Obama asking
for the downed drone back from Iran.

Actually I went to see my doctor last week and weighed in--apparently I'm huge here too.

But that's not important right now. What is important is that I made people in Pakistan laugh with a tweet, and apparently that's enough to help my self esteem.

Obama asks for drone back. What's farsi for bwahahahahahaha?

Hysterical.

Colbert and Daily Show recaps

2011-12-13T06:46:00.000-08:00

First, Mittens, out of touch? Say it isn't so!

The Daily Show with Jon Stewart
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And the idea that "Newt" comes from a line that includes Pussy Galore, Honey Ryder and May Day, actually makes sense. But his last name really should be Ratzenberger, or Unfaithfullo.

The Colbert Report
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Song of the Day: "I Can See Through You"

2011-12-13T06:24:00.000-08:00

I have a feeling we are in the middle of a post-grunge heavy shoegaze revival (the kind that would cite Catherine Wheel or Chapterhouse or Curve, ahead of Bauhaus or My Bloody Valentine or the Housemartins [just checking to see if anyone's paying attention]).

Skying is the third album from The Horrors and I got through most of this post without checking to see if I'd ever put a songs of theirs on the blog before. Turns out I have (here)... not all my stories are interesting.

Song: "I Can See Through You"
Artist: The Horrors

Wait, what's that about the terrorists?!

2011-12-12T23:54:00.000-08:00

(h/t @DeadHostess via Twitterzesses and Good)

Infographic from Prose Before Hos

It's what Christo would do to mask police brutality

2011-12-12T22:37:00.000-08:00

From no tent to tent in seconds!

And, AND, it's in the 2012 Pantone Color of the Year: Tangerine Tango (details here; h/t to The Lars for that one).

I'm sure what the Houston Police Department saves in sun block and rain bonnets will more than make up for the extra lawsuits those evil violent protesters bring after being ~~abused~~ arrested in a totes respectful manner. There is no reason to cynically assume the tents are to block photos and videos of hippies getting kicked, beaten or pepper sprayed. Because that shit happens right out in the open!

Say when.

On behalf of white people let me just say I'm shocked that there are cops who behave like complete dicks when one hasn't really broken a law. This thing, which has JUST STARTED must be curtailed soon as it is an outrage.

Now, go fight the power.

Occupy Wall Street

Occupy Portland

Occupy the Ports

Oh snap of the day

2011-12-12T20:41:00.000-08:00

"I will say this, as the father of two daughters: I think it is important for us to make sure that we apply some common sense to various rules when it comes to over-the-counter medicine.”--Barack HUSSEIN Obama

Take THAT Reproductive Advisory Committee, Reproductive Health Drugs Committee, Drug Safety Committee, and Risk Management Committee of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration!

Next time use some common fucking sense!

I'm sure all the girls planning their Plan B One-Step Sweet Sixteen™ parties will be crushed.

Those slutty, slutty girls.

And you know what causes that... Gardasil.

What's up with all these pharmaceuticals that empower girls to be so slutty?

Song of the Day: "Hoop of Love"

2011-12-12T09:27:00.000-08:00

When did duos become the new quartets? I'm gonna assume this is Jack White's doing, and move on with my life (it saves me some aggravation).

This is Dominant Legs, a side project from a dude from Girls (a band I officially "like a lot" [strong words]), and a girl dude who is not a dude or in Girls.

Exactly.

Song: "Hoop of Love"
Artist: Dominant Legs

Win $10,000 from Mittens Romney

2011-12-11T21:07:00.000-08:00

UPDATE: Mormons are opposed to gambling. As a Mormon, Mittens should have never made the bet, and also as a Mormon, Huntsman should have never accepted the bet. Good times...

As you know, the 748th Republican debate was held over the weekend. I think. I was busy organizing porn on my external hard drive so I didn't watch it personally, but I'm told it happened. I'm pretty sure Jesus, tax cuts and American exceptionalism all came up at least once.

Mittens bet Rick Perry $10,000, which is a little rude what with 99% of Americans not really having $10,000 to toss around so casually--at least make the bet in private, it's less odious. And Jon Huntsman, the perfectly reasonable candidate who's only actually in the race because his daddy is a billionaire who is very supportive of his son's hobbies.

But you know what, it depends on what the meaning of the word "is" is, right? It's so easy to criticize Greatest President of Ever Bill Clinton but sooner or later, everyone comes to Rick's (Rick's being my nickname for all the clumsy doublespeak dodges and/or lies Clinton made over his 8 amazing years of peace and prosperity... [yes, he lied about getting a blowjob during a civil trial deposition, but at least he didn't invade a country under false pretenses, or cheer in prep school]).

Anyway, poor Tim Pawlenty. His perfectly rational decision to exit the race actually makes him appear more qualified than most that are sticking it out. Of course Gracie eating poop in the backyard makes her also appear more qualified than Rick Santorum, Michele Bachmann and Rick Perry. And Newt.

It would be interesting, just one time, to see someone like Mittens or Newt actually own up to something they said/believe that might be slightly off from current party orthodoxy. They're flip-flopperific. Like 88,209 times more than John Kerry ever was (and you know how you hated him).

I can find this amusing because I was not inconvenienced

2011-12-11T10:31:00.000-08:00

However, had I been ON that flight and subject to a delay because an entertainer wouldn't shut off his fucking iPhone, I would be less charitable toward Baldwin. The LA (and in this case NYC) Cult of Narcissism for Celebrity goes something like this: "the rules don't apply to ME."

Song of the Day: "Can't Relax"

2011-12-11T08:01:00.000-08:00

20+ years ago I wrote that the Dead Milkmen's "Instant Club Hit (You'll Dance to Anything)" implies that Book of Love are European when they are from NYC (actually originally from Philly, as are Dead Milkmen). Someone from the Dead Milkmen didn't take that well and let fly the angry rejoinders.

I stand by my statement.

The King in Yellow, their ninth studio album, was released earlier this year. I probably have higher awareness since I listen to radio from Philadelphia via the inter-webz (it's not a dump truck).

Song: "Can't Relax"
Artist: Dead Milkmen

Song of the Day: "Down"

2011-12-10T09:36:00.000-08:00

The band is Summer Camp, as opposed to Summercamp. A British indie duo inspired by 60s girl groups and 80s synth pop.

As opposed to 60s synth pop and 80s girl groups.

I do like the somewhat timeless pop quality of the song--we would have played this at the radio station 20+ years ago (or, you know, when I worked there, 2 years ago [cough]).

Song: "Down"
Artist: Summer Camp

Song of the Day: "St. Croix"

2011-12-09T12:38:00.000-08:00

It's been a shitty morning followed by a shitty midday so far, so here's a song that should help take a bit of the edge off.

The band: Family of the Year (love the name).

The song: "St. Croix" (love the sound).

YMMV... and if so, put your complaints on your own blog.

Song: "St. Croix"
Artist: Family of the Year

Rick Perry, super smart

2011-12-08T16:23:00.000-08:00

Rick Perry's Unpopular Opinions Tumblr

Songs of the Day: "Marvin's Room"/"Can't Do Better"

2011-12-08T08:51:00.000-08:00

Drake brings a low key swagger to "Marvin's Room"--it's got all the hallmarks of big hip hop (club? check; niggers? check; bitches? double check), with the subtle musicality of some drum and bass. It's a shame he's so uncomfortable with his voice that he auto-tunes the shit out of the song, otherwise it's the the perfect song for the Fucking Andrews Fucking McMeel Fucking Publishing Fucking Christmas Fucking Massive, I'm sure you will agree. Ho fucking ho bitches!

But wait, there's still more! Because then JoJo (possibly NOT the same JoJo of Jodeci and KC & JoJo fame) did this remake: no more "fuck that nigger" now it's "fuck that new girl" and, AND, it's even still perfect for the very same Fucking Andrews Fucking McMeel Fucking Publishing Fucking Christmas Fucking Massive. It's a fucking Christmas fucking miracle bitches!

Let's make December 8 Drunk Dial Awareness Day!

Song: "Marvin's Room"; "Can't Do Better"
Artist: Drake; JoJo

Song of the Day: "Dearest"

2011-12-07T07:52:00.000-08:00

Continuing this week's rants about the Grammy awards, today's topic: Grammy Inertia. The best way to get nominated for a Grammy? Win a Grammy! Many good-but-otherwise-unremarkable recordings sneak in a nomination with the only clear distinction being a recent Grammy win by that artist.

I like the Black Keys, was pleased with their Grammy wins earlier this year (Rock Duo/Group with Vocals and Alternative Album), and I know/have a copy of the tribute album Rave On Buddy Holly on which this track appears, but even I was surprised to see this among the nominations for Pop Duo/Group Performance (I'm still learning the revised category names). Is it a case of Grammy Inertia, or is it truly among the most distinctive pop music recordings by a duo, group or collaboration (with or without vocals) from the last Grammy eligibility year?

I mean, it's still better than "Moves Like Jagger," but then, so is my as-yet-untitled musical about a Cockney flower girl. Which is nothing like My Fair Lady--it's inspired by the Eddie Murphy movie Trading Places. Stay tuned!

Also not listening to music at all is better than "Moves Like Jagger."

Song: "Dearest"
Artist: The Black Keys

Song of the Day: "Holocene"

2011-12-06T08:29:00.000-08:00

I have a love/hate relationship with the Grammys. Lately it's more hate than love. For more than 10 years, the Grammy peeps (NARAS, if you want to get fussy about it) have used some kind of selection committee to identify a set number of possible nominees for Record of the Year, Album of the Year, Song of the Year, and, possibly Best New Artist. I'm pretty sure the short list for these categories has 30 works or performers. It's how The Joni Letters or The Suburbs could win Album of the Year even though you still don't know what they are (in years past it was you could typically predict the top category nominations by reviewing the top 25 albums in terms of sales, and the top 25 songs based on radio airplay... Taylor Swift would still have been nominated, but it was Kanye that helped her win.

That kind of helping hand isn't apparent with this year's Album of the Year nominations, but it is among the Best New Artist nominations (or it's entirely possible that everyone but me knows who Skeetulrichex is but me; maybe J. Cole) and Record of the Year, with this song. And while I like Bon Iver, that "Holocene" is nominated for Record of the Year bugs me. The same way that nominations and wins for "Please Read the Letter" and "Here We Go Again" bothered me. I feel like it ought to be an unwritten requirement that more than 2% of the general population can identify a song for it to be eligible, even if that means classics like Time Zone's "World Destruction" and David Guetta's "When Love Takes Over" wouldn't have been nominated as Record of the Year... but then, they weren't anyway.

I'm actually okay with "Fireworks" picking up a nomination. Gaga should be in Record of the Year and Bon in Album of the year, that might assuage my issues this morning (well, one of...).

Oh, and, can even big Bon Iver enthusiasts tell the difference between this, "Perth" and "Calgary"? Or am I the problem (see also: Coldplay and 27 variations on "Yellow" [but their "Clocks" was an excellent Record of the Year]). I said I like them/him, right? Anyway, Record of the Year nominee ~~"Perth"~~ ~~"Calgary"~~ "Holocene":

Song: "Holocene"
Artist: Bon Iver

Song of the Day: "Holiday (What Do You Want?)"

2011-12-05T07:26:00.000-08:00

The Leedy Party kicks off the holiday season for me, so here is the first of the seasonal selections: Mike Doughty with Rosanne Cash from his Yes and Also Yes album. Doughty uses a duloxetine capsule for percussion on some tracks of the album, but it's not clear whether or not this is one... but let's pretend it is so as to justify my mentioning it.

I guess there's nothing specifically about Christmas in the lyrics, so really this could be about any winter holiday, like President's Day or Epiphany. Still, it's really cold here in Portland, so we can start with this.

Song: "Holiday (What Do You Want?)"
Artist: Mike Doughty/Rosanne Cash

Happy Birthday Dennis Wilson

2011-12-04T09:37:00.000-08:00

"They say I live a fast life. Maybe I just like a fast life. I wouldn’t give it up for anything in the world. It won’t last forever, either. But the memories will."--Dennis Wilson, All Summer Long liner notes

When I saw Wilson's name among today's birthdays, I had this vague association (really do I have any other type) of him with Natalie Wood. More specifically of his death with her death. That's why I went down the rabbit hole, to see if there was any connection of Wilson's drowning in December 1983 with Wood's drowning in November 1981 (which recently became some news story, but I'm not really paying attention). Aside from being the top 2 celebrities listed in 12 Notable People Who Died by Drowning (suck it Brian Jones [RIP]) there doesn't appear to be any connection.

But Dennis Wilson's actual life and death are far more interesting than some imagined connection between him and Wood. For example, he's the uncle of 2 members of Wilson Phillips. He was the only member of the original Beach Boys who could surf. And, oh yeah, he is personally responsible for the crimes of CHARLES MANSON!!!! (Not really, but it got your attention, and also kinda...) But first, here's Dennis singing lead with the Beach Boys on "Forever":

Okay, here's the details on Wilson's connection with Charles Mason, per Wilson's IMDB biography by Chris Parson (here):

In 1968, Wilson picked up a couple of women hitchhikers and took them to his house to party. The women were associated with a wanna-be song-writer named Charles Manson, who invited himself to visit the Beach Boy. Wilson also picked up a male hitchhiker that year, drug dealer Charles Watson, whom Dennis invited to hang out at his house. In fact, Manson met "Tex" Watson at Wilson's house; the two would become partners in some of the most infamous murders of the 20th Century. Initially, Wilson tolerated Manson's presence at his house, as he brought his groupies with him. Wilson had encouraged Manson's musical ambitions and one of his songs, "Cease to Exist", appeared on the Beach Boys album "20/20" under the title "Never Learn Not to Love". Eventually, Wilson and his musical confederates whom had been introduced to Manson became disenchanted with him, despite the former pimp's provision of women, due to Charlie's fierce temper. Ultimately, Manson and his girls proved to be unwanted guests who tried to commandeer Wilson's house. Wilson, too intimidated to evict his guests, eventually moved out of his own house. Shortly thereafter, Manson and his followers left and began their descent into the hellish frenzy that culminated in the Tate-LaBianca killings.

Here's "Dreamer" from Wilson's 1977 solo album, Pacific Ocean Blue:

So really after Charles Manson, something like "dated Christine McVie" is pretty pedestrian. How about "he married his cousin?" I mean, technically she was his cousin's daughter, and they didn't realize it until after they were married, and that was only his fifth wife, so it's not like he had this pattern or anything... but still, colorful, right?

I guess it's worth noting his appearance in the cult classic Two-Lane Blacktop, a movie I'm scarcely aware of but in reading its description, am now seriously considering as a Christmas gift for my dad (spoiler alert)...

Here's an unreleased version of "All Alone" (well, if it's on the youtubez, presumably someone got a copy):

Wilson is a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee and shares a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame with the rest of the Beach Boys.

Happy birthday dude. Rest in peace.

Song of the Day: "Can't Get Enough"

2011-12-04T08:39:00.000-08:00

Fresh off the success of yesterday's "who the fuck is Sleestack" blog post, comes today's "who the fuck is J Crew" song of the day. Except once again I'm confusing my upscale casual retailers with my Best New Artist Grammy nominees. Turns out dude's name is J. Cole.

So who the fuck is J. Cole? A young rapper with a colorful past, such as:

Before J. Cole was signed to Roc Nation, he worked a job as a bill collector. One morning, he turned on his cell phone and noticed that he received a text from an associate asking him to call the associate back. When Cole returned the call, the associate informed Cole that he received a call from Jay-Z’s associates and that he had to meet with them as soon as possible.

True story. It really gives you hope.

And makes me wonder whether or not "associate" was originally a more urban word like "brother" or "homey" or, um, "neighbor" (you know, the n- word that white people shouldn't call blacks, per Lisa Lampanelli) before a more diplomatic person than me edited it.

Anyway, here's ~~Land's End~~ J Cole with Trey Songz.

Song: "Can't Get Enough"
Artist: J Cole/Trey Songz

Lenin is lit (and soon I shall be too)

2011-12-03T21:45:00.000-08:00

http://instagr.am/p/XQDzG/

Melanie of Inward Facing Girl fame did, um, whatever the verb associated with a picture becoming something on Instagram, to her picture of Seattle's Status of Lenin decorated for Festivus or Kwanzaa or Winter Solstice or possibly Christmas (but it's Fremont, and Christmas is a little too "rest of the universe," but yeah, maybe Christmas).

She has lots of other cool Instagrams, but I can't figure out how to link to those collectively, so just check her Twitterings. Tell her Sofia sent you.

And, AND, I am going out, on a Saturday night, leaving the house at 10:00 p.m. No, for reals. And not just to drive to Jack in the Box for a milk shake (although a milk shake does sound good right now). Company's here, and my routine is too conspicuously boring, so I have to pretend I go out. So let the Long Islands start to flow...

Quote of the day

2011-12-03T09:14:00.000-08:00

Really poor children, in really poor neighborhoods, have no habits of working and have nobody around them who works, so they have no habit of showing up on Monday. They have no habit of staying all day; they have no habit of "I do this and you give me cash," unless it is illegal.--Newt Gingrich (here)

Now there's a good chance that Newt has flip-flopped on his "children should work" philosophy, especially if some child welfare group paid him to ~~be their lobbyist~~ make a speech.

But in case he's still standing by that quote, I want to make 2 points:

"I do this and you give me cash" sounds a lot like the transactions of drug dealers, day laborers/undocumented workers ("theytookourjobs") or ~~prostitutes~~ Craigslist therapeutic service providers. Or, as Drudge would paraphrase it: "Newt Gingrich encourages children to become drug dealers and prostitutes!"
His point of that only work ethic poor kids see is people doing things that are illegal (NOTE: they do NOT have Newt Gingrich as a role model, making $60,000 speeches and otherwise behaving like an entitled white male tool who never had the deck stacked even slightly against him and wondering what all this affirmative action bullshit is about, and also all the flagrantly illegal activities of companies like Goldman Sachs are done by white men in suits, so that would make those "good" in Newt's eyes) is undermined by just how fucking hard drug dealers and prostitutes have to work. Those aren't 9 to 5 jobs, that shit is 24/7, or so I'm told by documentaries on cable. Do you think Newt Gingrich has ever worked as hard for a single day as any random crack whore anywhere in this country? Me neither.

But it's entirely possible that Newt Gingrich is just a performance artist who is doing an elaborate piece on the flimsy nature of American values, in which case he deserves the largest grant the National Endowment for the Arts can ironically provide.

Song of the Day: "First of the Year (Equinox)"

2011-12-03T08:19:00.000-08:00

It seems like yesterday that I first typed "who the fuck is Esperanza Spalding" after her surprise Grammy nomination for Best New Artist. That was a year ago (also, awkwardly, the answer became "Grammy winner" and also my neighbor, she lives a couple streets over from me [everyone in Portland does]). By all accounts, Spalding's win is a vindication for the Grammys (I would have accepted Mumford & Sons or Florence + the Machine, or even Mumford + the Machine or Florence & Sons) in a category I think they should eliminate.

This year's nominees included 2 names I expected (Nicki Minaj and The Band Perry [how does Rick Perry find the time to be a Governor, run for President AND record and tour with a band?!]), and 1 that occurred to me the day before the nominations were announced (Bon Iver, and it occurred to me with a cynical burst of, "oh, right, they changed the rules again, that will probably happen" more than some wily prediction), with 2 names I didn't know.

This year I get to type "who the fuck is Skillrex" [note: it's Skrillex, not Skillrex or Skillsaw, but I will not be consistent and am not going to bother to edit] and the answer is he's a 5-time Grammy nominee (in addition to Best New Artist, there are nominations for Best Dance Recording, Best Dance/Electronica Album, Best Remixed Recording (Non-Classical) [by the way, there is NO Best Remixed Recording (Classical) award, so WTF?!], and Best Short Form Video for this very video), bitchez! In addition to "electronic DJ/producer" he was a singer with From First to Last, a band I had never heard of but with origins in Valdosta, GA, although I don't think Sonny [oh, yeah, surprise, Skrillrex is not his "government name," it's Sonny Moore] was with them then... still, if you know anything about Valdosta, GA you'll know that any claim to fame, however tenuous and distant, is a good one.

Speaking of tenuous, From First to Last opened for the band All Time Low on a tour, and now here's a picture of the ever-shirtless Zach Merrick (fun fact: Merrick has a line of shirts, because he's not wearing them).

Where was I? Oh, right, Skillsaw... kudos to you. Here's the Grammy-nominated video.

Song: "First of the Year (Equinox)"
Artist: Skrillex