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Steve Ison
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2/7/2008 2:30:41 PM
Brilliant pop songs
Just wanted to share some brilliant pop songs imo you might not've heard before from youtube..
I'm gonna add one a day,till i get bored or run out of ideas lol
This one's new to me,but its totally gorgeous and i'm so glad i found it..
If you wanna share any,please go ahead!
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The Man With No Band
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2/7/2008 2:50:26 PM
Nice thing ya got goin' here Steve ... I Look fondly forward to a new daily treat ....
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Hugh Hamilton
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2/7/2008 4:24:02 PM
Dunno whether to laugh or cry over the first one...
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Steve Ison
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2/7/2008 4:29:46 PM
You seriously thought it was that bad Hugh?
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qelizabeth
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2/7/2008 4:55:25 PM
I'm uncharacteristically with hugo on this one. but it's safe to say we love you steve.
girl on a train!
girl on a train!
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Steve Ison
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2/7/2008 5:08:56 PM
Woh Eliz Hugh!
Well i'm glad you're being honest
I'm curious tho lol-why does yuz both dislike it so?
Its interesting discussing taste..
I think its a really beautiful,touching song-and prob better than Girl On The Train if i'm honest..
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Stegor
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2/7/2008 5:21:26 PM
I was gonna say I hope they get better but I figured I was just being Stegor who doesn't seem to like much of anything these days especially female vocalists.
Disclaimer: This comment is a reference to a comment I made on the voting blog about feeling overwhelmed with the predominance of female vocalists in the Big 50 and especially at the #1 spot. If you are a female vocalist and you are reading this let me just say I don't dislike you!
But I do hope they get better!
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qelizabeth
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2/7/2008 5:26:23 PM
me no talk good about music.
but it just doesn't grab me.
i do like the little buildup right before the chorus. not sure what it's called. a bridge?
sorry, me no music player.
me photographer. and, as a photographer, the best thing about the song is that claudia schiffer girl and the brunette.
maybe they could be your girls on the train when we make your video. but we won't put so much make up on them. our girl on the train in my mind is a natural beauty, a bit scruffy from travelling.
i'm off these blogs, off to less fun but other things.
'night night.
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Steve Ison
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2/7/2008 11:57:11 PM
"maybe they could be your girls on the train when we make your video. but we won't put so much make up on them. our girl on the train in my mind is a natural beauty, a bit scruffy from travelling"
Yeh,totally Eliz..you've got the job
Thats my ideal world..I get paid fabulous amounts of money to make the music and you get paid fabulous amounts of money to direct the videos!
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Steve Ison
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2/7/2008 11:59:57 PM
DAY 2....OK.here's another i think's great....
Appreciate y'alls comments n stuff even if you don't like it btw-and thanks for listening :)
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qelizabeth
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2/8/2008 5:39:39 AM
Love this one. That opening scene and the f$@# French payphones really bring back memories.
I thought it was Germany at first.
Notice I just talk about the images?
Anyway, I love the song.
I think maybe I do prefer male vocals. I like a man to sing to me. But I of course do love some females too. But in general.
Beautiful song.
And regarding video: be careful what you wish for.
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Steve Ison
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2/9/2008 1:10:02 AM
Hey,i could happily wish for that!
Really glad you liked it Eliz..I love the video too..
I'm with you on generally preferring Male vocalists,tho not specifically cos i like a man to sing to me ;)
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Steve Ison
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2/9/2008 1:12:31 AM
DAY 3..My brother recommended this band to me..They're from Norway..
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Hugh Hamilton
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2/9/2008 6:19:43 AM
Hi, Steve! I'm just returning to this blog for the first time since my post and see I unwittingly left you hanging with my comment...I didn't really like that first song, couldn't make it through the entire video then or now, but that's not what I meant...in my brevity I left much room for misinterpretation though - what I meant was I had to laugh because the song seems like a spoof to me, and I'm tempted to shed a tear for the fact that, spoof or not, the idea of people with the big bucks buying and selling other people is all too true in this world...really, is that song SERIOUS? It really does make me laugh - I can imagine the Rutles doing a similar thing...I guess whether I'm laughing or crying about this one depends mostly on the song's intention, which I can't quite suss out...
So what key is your penny whistle? LOL! When are we gonna HEAR it?
xxoo,
H
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qelizabeth
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2/9/2008 6:29:51 AM
you have a brother?
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Hugh Hamilton
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2/9/2008 6:37:10 AM
I'm having some other laughs now too - I remember many of Steve's comments about video not leaving enough to the listener's imagination, so I need to ask you Steve if you're specifically loving these as music videos or if it's truly the audio you're into...Either way, I confess I'm having a real hard time "LISTENING" to the songs here...the visual aspect is SOOOO distracting...and generally speaking I don't enjoy music videos - I mostly prefer real performance videos, and that's what I've been buying lately - enjoyed Neil Young's latest DVD along those lines, though I don't rank the new tunes nearly as high as his classics - the DVD includes a lot of "video diary" segments narrated by the director, showing rehearsals and stuff - that's my thing these days.
Though I'd be glad to see a "Girl on the Train" video I have to say that songs with rich imagery, while obviously providing much to work with in a visual sense, definitely do NOT need the video, and if anything, the video can (and often does) detract for me personally...
My two penny whistles are both in D if you need a session man...wink...
H
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Steve Ison
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2/9/2008 7:24:53 AM
Hugh..She's a Swedish singer,and its just her playing a role and creating a fictional situation i'm sure..
Just like 'Sunny Afternoon' (a similar case for lack of sympathy lol) obviously isn't Ray Davies himself speaking-its a character he's created..
I guess the distance wouldn't be so apparant here,because the tune and presentation is genuinelly heartfelt and not obviously 'arch' like Sunny Afternoon..
I don't have a problem with the make-believe-and the quality of the main character -someone who has everything money can buy but can't find love except thru paying for it- is so sadly pathetic-that given the subtle,intelligent tune and the way its presented does make me sympathise..
Infact i find alot more to empathise with here than with so much dreadful modern country-with its stylised $$ eyed sentimentality,total lack of creative musicality and cod sincerity..
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Steve Ison
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2/9/2008 7:31:44 AM
Yeh Eliz..I've got a brother!
He's called Rob..We used to play/record n write together in the 90s when we lived in a shared house..He co-wrote If I Met You Again and the stars are never really distant instrumental and is (or prob was now lol) an excellent guitarist..
Since he got married 4 years ago,he's all but given up on music and now puts his creative energies into Amateur dramatics!
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Steve Ison
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2/9/2008 7:56:04 AM
I only use the videos 'cos they're so convenient to hear the songs with here Hugh-No i definitely didn't pick them 'cos of that!
Its a very very seductive medium tho-and i admit i'm an immaculate hypocrite because i can enjoy them if they're done well-and arn't the brain mangling 1-cut-a -second type....
Just turn away from the screen and pretend its audio if you're getting distracted tho!
In the end i,like you am happy to make videos up in my head to songs i like :)
I agree with Neil Young not being as good..He(like Bowie and so many other greats) has never recaptured or matched his early 70s muse..
I dunno why artists in the vaguely pop/rock/songwriter field generally get less inspired as they get older..and its something i've thought about alot..Its not the same with authors or film directors-so why in our medium?
I think some ideas might be..that they take their eye off the ball-and get increasingly distracted with the pressures of the industry-their sales,their image,the uncreative debauched lifestyle etc..
Also,i feel that the increasing habit-forming patterns of age-and the natural desire for psychological stability and physical comfort dosn't sit well with the restless creative spirit, that needs tension and constant openess to new things to work best..
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Hugh Hamilton
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2/9/2008 8:42:46 AM
Interesting comments about aging/creativity, Steve - I think the folks who came to age in the '60s definitely were in a magic feedback-loop with the overall environment of the times, and in the absence of that time-specific environment it could be more difficult to work. I certainly find much to admire in Neil's latest work - very introspective and honest, which I strive for in my own work...he claims to have written and recorded an album in just a few days immediately prior to his surgery for an aneurism, and it's clear that his muse was bubbling up with a lifelong retrospective...my songs "Glen Hill" and "Love Song" and "Men of Religion" and the one that got a kayak (can't remember the title, LOL!) come from a similar place...oh yeah, "Our Love" (duh!)
Paul McC remains a musical titan to me, and I'm glad he's keeping at it, but the last album really saddens me, even though it sounds like his tunes are coming from a similar place. I just can't listen, sorry to say.
I wonder what you thought of John's "Double Fantasy" l.p.? He definitely was writing from his daily life as a househusband and father...much of my inspiration has come from my children over the last few years, and I think of him a lot due to that.
H
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Hugh Hamilton
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2/9/2008 8:44:41 AM
By the way, I got Neil's "Live at Massey Hall" CD which was released recently (though it's a '71 performance, I think) - the ability to sit at a piano or with a guitar all by yourself and captivate an audience is the height of artistry to me, and he certainly did that...amazing...I highly recommend that CD, btw.
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Stegor
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2/9/2008 3:31:03 PM
Steve -
I really liked that last one. The Lionheart Brothers have a sound that reminds me of Komeda, from Sweden. There's been a lot of great music from there lately.
Since you invited others to contribute I hope you don't mind me adding one from Komeda. At least it shows I really don't dislike female vocalists!
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Steve Ison
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2/10/2008 12:48:07 AM
I'm not keen on Double Fantasy if i'm honest Hugh..
The only solo Lennon ones i love are the first 2..The Plastic Ono Band one and Imagine..
After that his artistry really dulled imo-altho there were still a few totally stellar songs like Mind Games and #9 Dream i love
It dosn't appear he was happy at all in his house hubby days..Seems that was just part of the myth-making him n Yoko liked to project..
From at least 2 different scources,he was listless,uninspired-and just sitting round watching tv with the curtains closed all day, getting really stoned and never even touching his guitar..Occassionally feeling pangs of jealousy hearing great songs coming on the radio..
He was by his own admission a 'lazy bastard' and without the pressure exerted by competing with McCartney n The whole Beatles thing,obviously did what came naturally to him (nothing)
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Steve Ison
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2/10/2008 12:56:29 AM
Hey Stegor..Many thanks for comments-and for adding the Komeda one-Its a great track!
Spooky,ethereal strange pop..I agree,there's a stack of great music from Sweden-so many having that vaguely psychedelic strange-pop way of writing that i love..
Thanks for turning me on to a cool new band :)
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Steve Ison
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2/10/2008 1:13:31 AM
DAY 4...This gem from the late great Elliott Smith just shone like a blazing diamond in a sea of sh*t when i first chanced upon it on the radio..
I didn't even know who it was by and it took me another 2 weeks of listening to find out-whereupon i went on a huge Elliott bender for the next 2 months listening,buying n downloading all i could by him and boring all my friends to death about how great he was..
Son of Sam just has such incredibly great chord changes,such a strange distinctive and beautiful vibe..
Too sophisticated,magical and strange to be a hit of course-but thats kinda to be expected..
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Steve Ison
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2/10/2008 7:28:14 AM
Actually Hugh,i've just remembered Beautiful Boy's on Double Fantasy-I love that song..
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Hugh Hamilton
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2/10/2008 7:50:26 AM
Many people I've encountered online (especially guys working alone) rank Mr. Smith's work among their favorite - I've never really been exposed to him, other than isolated viewings like this one...but I was lingering over a thick photo collection book at our local book store recently, and was just reading a recent TapeOp magazine issue in which publisher Larry Crane lists his activities over the last year, including working on stuff for ES's estate...maybe it's getting to be time for me to jump in with two feet on his work.
Just for the record, I read the TapeOp interview with the founder of something called eSession.com, which is all about online collaborations...I plan on checking it out...
I'd rather visit Birmingham and sit in Professor Ison's Lecture Hall - the whole online experience has opened so many wonderful doors for many people, including myself, but my recent bit of "real-life" activity has whetted my appetite for more...
:)
H
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Vartan
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2/10/2008 9:23:01 AM
What I have heard of Elliot Smith has been fantastic. I first heard him doing "Because" by the Beatles on the American Beauty soundtrack and was quite intrigued.
Also, my song Lily Tries apparently sounds like him a bit. At least that's what the folks on garageband.com said back in 04-05. lol. It was weird because I hadn't listened to him at all when I wrote that. I still need to get into more of his music.
Steve, which album should I start with?
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Steve Ison
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2/10/2008 10:14:03 AM
Well Vartan i think XO's my favourite over all-but i dunno whether you'd agree..
He's got alot of stellar songs but they're kinda scattered over all his albums-so its difficult to recommend where to start..Good luck anyways :)
If you didn't catch this in the other thread,here's my favourite instrumental ever,i think Kiwi maddog 20/20 by him...
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Gary Stockton
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2/10/2008 11:25:01 AM
I don't know what it takes to make a truly great pop song, but I thought this one had the right combination.
There's something about Johnny Marr's guitar, a harmonica and a shuffling beat.
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Steve Ison
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2/10/2008 1:50:33 PM
Yeh,thats a really cool track Gary..the The were a really good band with soul n atmosphere..Nice one :)
I totally love this track by them.. Its got harmonica and harmonium on too!
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Steve Ison
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2/11/2008 1:57:36 AM
DAY 5...The Shins writer has got such a beautifully distinctive,free way with melody n chord changes..I could've picked loads by them-They're a wonderful band..
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Gary Stockton
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2/11/2008 11:58:29 AM
I love The Shins!! They write really excellent, unusual pop songs.
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qelizabeth
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2/11/2008 2:05:19 PM
I'm here to push the envelope.
This is a briliant pop song. They won't let me embed it though. I heard an acoustic version of it and it underscored the brilliance.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_bsniYwSaWg
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qelizabeth
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2/11/2008 2:34:16 PM
Beuller? Beuller?
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Steve Ison
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2/11/2008 3:29:47 PM
oops you did it again eliz,-pushing the envelope that is...
Yeh,i've always thought thats a really good pop song too...
I've just been playing it on acoustic and will try n busk it this saturday..Cos i wanna push the envelope too ;)
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qelizabeth
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2/11/2008 4:19:16 PM
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qelizabeth
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2/11/2008 5:11:50 PM
Does that mean we'll be hearing Steve Ison sing that song!? Saturday can't come quickly enough if that's the case.
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Steve Ison
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2/12/2008 2:03:11 AM
Meet me at Solihull Town Centre this saturday at 12.30 on the bench by Holland n Barrett and you can hear it Eliz!
DAY 6......
Wow..Wouldn't it be great if there were songs like this in the top 10?
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qelizabeth
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2/12/2008 4:34:34 AM
I've seen him play live several times and am the closest thing to a cult follower. I heart Jonathan (and New England)!
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the kozy king
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2/12/2008 4:59:55 AM
#1 Didn't make it thru Steve. Thumbs down. I was too embarrassed too respond but now that I've seen how open the discussion will be, I'll jump in too.
#2 Je l'aime beaucoup. Plus d' imagination.
#3 Helluva good time. Crazy retro keys, lively bass line, retro spoof. Lots going on and a lot of nerve too. I can imagine that a lot of folks would find something this contrived to be fairly annoying.
STEG: Komeda contrib was great
#4 Outstanding bit of artistry for sure
GARY: I like the sound of this one but the lyrics are too left-brained for me, a bit arrogant praps?
#5 Cute delivery but the lead guitar sticks out like a sore thumb. Still great tho'
#6 Looks like the girls liked it anyway, maybe the boys need a little more testostrone.
Thanks Steve and all. Great blog going here!
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Hop On Pop
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2/12/2008 6:08:04 AM
I got no access to YouTube here.
Bummer, because you and I generally tend to have very similar tastes.
My idea of a perfect (modern) pop song is
"Seems So"
by
The Apples In Stereo
Are these anything like that?
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Steve Ison
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2/12/2008 10:22:56 AM
Hey Terry..Many thanks for your comments and for listening-Yeh,i love hearing comments good or bad about the songs-Its always interesting seeing what angle people come from and what floats (or dosn't) peoples boats..
..I can totally see what you mean about #3 and how people would respond...I don't mind contrived as long as its artful and well done
'The Beaten Generation' (garys choice) is prob too left-brained for me lyrically too..
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Steve Ison
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2/12/2008 10:42:22 AM
Yeh,thats a bummer Todd..Yeh,you'd definitely like some of the songs(and might well know alot of 'em)
Here's a list of whats been played anyways..
DAY 1...'I Can Buy You' by A CAMP
DAY 2...'For Lovers'...WOLFMAN feat Pete Doherty
DAY 3...'50 Souls And A Disco Bowl' by THE LIONHEART BROTHERS
DAY 4...'Son Of Sam' by ELLIOTT SMITH
I added 'Kiwi Maddog 20/20 by ELLIOTT SMITH too
DAY 5...'New Slang' by THE SHINS
DAY 6...'New England' By JONATHAN RICHMAN
Stegors was 'Cul-De-Sac' by KOMEDA
Garys was 'The Beaten Generation' by the THE
Which i responded with 'This Is THe Day' by the THE
Eliz added 'Hit Me Baby' by BRITNEY SPEARS
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Steve Ison
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2/12/2008 11:07:02 AM
Here the APPLES IN STEREO one 'Seems So'..Its a live performance and the vox are really low unfortunately,but sounds like a good song...Ultra-pop f'sure-I like..
I've never heard anything by them before,so thanks for introducing me.. :)
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Hop On Pop
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2/12/2008 11:33:35 AM
Obv. I can't see that Apples vid, but to defend the song, they were never great live.
Not bad, but the records had a sparkle that they could never seem to duplicate live.
Also, to add another perfect pop song:
"Walk Away Renee" by The Left Banke
So good.
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the kozy king
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2/13/2008 3:48:23 AM
Seems kinda lame at first but the melody grows on you. Wish I could hear the words.
Who was the "guest"?
You've got a fun blog going on here, Steve!
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Steve Ison
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2/13/2008 6:14:47 AM
I think its the lead singer with Apples In Stereo who's 'guest' singing with another band Terry..
As Todd says,'cos its live(with vox very low) it dosn't really do the song justice..
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Steve Ison
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2/14/2008 8:05:39 AM
OK,here's the totally underated Left Banke performing the classic 'Walk Away Renee' Todds choice..Tho its a shame you can't watch it Todd..
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Steve Ison
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2/14/2008 8:07:17 AM
DAY 7...The unbelivably stellar LOVE with a really rare promo for the fabulous 'Your Mind And We Belong Together'
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Hop On Pop
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2/14/2008 8:42:38 AM
For a newer one, how about
The Kooks - "She Moves In Her Own Way"?
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Hop On Pop
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2/14/2008 8:42:57 AM
I love this thread, even if I can't see the vids.
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Steve Ison
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2/14/2008 9:42:41 AM
Well obviously the guy in the pearly king hat is the guitar god Larree-He's wearing the guitar god crown!
I prefer your rapping to your ultra-shrill mate who comes in at about 1.40..Thats what i call seriously annoying..
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Steve Ison
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2/14/2008 9:52:51 AM
Yeh,i agree She Moves In Her Own Ways a good pop song Todd..Very well crafted
It was a huge hit here in the UK..
The verse is a little too self-conscious n cock-er-ney for me in that modern indie Lily Allen n Kate Nash style that loads of bands are now copying-but the chorus is great
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Gary Stockton
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2/14/2008 10:22:38 AM
Funny, I'd never really paid attention to the lyrics of The Beaten Generation, it was more the groove and the hooks that caught me. And that thump thump thump then strings... bit.
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Steve Ison
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2/14/2008 10:37:49 AM
Yeh,those are the parts i really like too Gary-i still think its a good song
Did you like This Is The Day by the The that i posted below yours?
I think thats my favourite by them..
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the kozy king
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2/14/2008 1:41:46 PM
"Funny, I'd never really paid attention to the lyrics of The Beaten Generation, it was more the groove and the hooks that caught me. And that thump thump thump then strings... bit."
Yeah, I like those parts a lot too, Gary.
Funny, Steve, I can't stream any videos on my machine today.
???????????
Great blog tho' keep it going.
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Steve Ison
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2/15/2008 3:21:53 AM
DAY 8...'Typical Girls' by THE SLITS..Wow i just love this track..So atmospheric n original and the chorus is just ace..
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Hop On Pop
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2/15/2008 4:38:20 AM
Okay.
More, just because I'm such a savant-like weirdofreak.
"There She Goes" by The La's (can't believe that nobody has mentioned this one)
"I Play the Records" by Green (a bit more obscure)
and
"Game Of Pricks" by Guided by Voices
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Steve Ison
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2/15/2008 6:52:31 AM
Yeh 'There She Goes' is a total timeless classic pop song Todd..I love it..The La's were a great band!
I think 'Feelin' by them is equally as great in its own way..Perfect pop in 1.47 too! No fat or filler there..
I couldn't find the Green track you said..Is that Scritti Politti Green?
Game Of Pricks is an excellent transcendent power-pop song..I havn't heard any Guided By Voices before..Eliz recommended i should check them out..
Its a shame the only versions available to listen to are 'live'-but the quality of the song still shines thru..
Have you ever heard 'Typical Girls' by The Slits btw?
Guided By Voices 'Game Of Pricks'
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Hop On Pop
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2/15/2008 7:18:29 AM
I have not heard anything by The Slits. But it sounds like I should.
Green are a Chicago-based power pop band that had a couple of hits in Europe, but never really "made it", except for a cult following. They had a couple of major label releases that kinda fizzled out, but the songs are quite outstanding.
Also, I cannot believe that we made it this far without mentioning the following band:
Stone Roses - "This Is the One"
And, I am glad that you finally got around to checking out GBV. If you're only finding live songs, the one that I found transcendent in that milieu is:
"Motor Away"
It is a serious rock anthem that is a f**kall live track. And it's on the same record as "Game Of Pricks" (Alien Lanes).
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Hop On Pop
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2/15/2008 7:26:14 AM
God, I have more!!!
Nothing yet from:
BIG STAR?!?! How about: "September Gurls" or "When My Baby's Beside Me"?
EMMITT RHODES - "With My Face On the Floor" or maybe "Fresh As a Daisy"
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qelizabeth
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2/15/2008 11:58:43 AM
yes to sept. girls.
yes to emmit! like, somewhere someone special.
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qelizabeth
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2/15/2008 11:59:44 AM
reading previous post, yes to GBV. Yes to the Stone Roses!!
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Steve Ison
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2/15/2008 2:58:14 PM
Yeh September Gurls is just a total janglin' pop classic..I wanted to find Daisy Glaze but they didn't have that
Big Star-September Gurls
I've never even heard of Emit Rhodes but Face on the floor really reminds me of early Paul McCartney-really good track
EMIT RHODES
I kinda thought if you somehow put EMIT RHODES n BIG STAR together you might get the Raspberries...Lets Pretend is a totally sublime pop song..
RASPBERRIES-Lets Pretend
I LOVE Motor Away!...Robert Pollard has a really distinct interesting way with a tune..I'm gonna check out more n more GBV..
Wasn't so keen on 'Auditorium' tho before it tho..but motor away is ace..
Auditorium/Motor Away GUIDED BY VOICES
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Steve Ison
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2/15/2008 2:59:33 PM
Yes to qelizabeth!!!!
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qelizabeth
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2/15/2008 3:32:46 PM
Yes To Steve Ison and the Carpenters too!
(Am I allowed to post video? I think I did here already.)
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Gary Stockton
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2/16/2008 12:05:41 AM
Yes Steve, I really liked This Is The Day. I remember hearing that one on KROQ all the time. A friend of mine named Neil is super huge the The fan, and really into The Smiths, who I love also. They had some remarkable pop songs. Some notable gems were:
- This charming Man
- There is a light that never goes out
- What difference does it make?
Oh Johnny Marr and that guitar..
Now, The Carpenters, simply wonderfully crafted songs, genius harmonies. Paul Weller does a pretty cool version of Close To You on his Studio 150 album, but nowhere near the excellence dear Karen delivered on the original.
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the kozy king
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2/16/2008 5:28:52 AM
Walk away Rene
Epaulets on the shirt, 2 -inch-wide belt, Beatle Haircut...
Insert 16-year-old Terry here
(minus the great voice)
TT
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the kozy king
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2/16/2008 5:35:08 AM
Still can't get the rest of the videos to stream, I guess I'm outa this blog (Todd's a much better sport!) They freeze up after a couple of seconds.
Maybe I'll try to watch 'em at U'Tube...
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Steve Ison
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2/16/2008 2:08:08 PM
Of course you're allowed to post Eliz!
That Carpenters classic put me in mind somehow of this wonderful song from the early 70s
Werewithall...CLIFFORD T WARD
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Steve Ison
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2/16/2008 2:11:10 PM
Yeh This Charming Man Gary-Brilliant early Smiths..Maybe my favourite by them along with How Soon Is Now..
This Charming Man THE SMITHS
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Steve Ison
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2/16/2008 2:18:42 PM
Hey thats a shame Terry..I was really enjoying your comments!
Its good to have a free space here where people can be totally honest about what they think of the music and discussing taste-i'd love to be able to create that....
I like hearing from people even if they don't like the songs i pick...
Hope you get a chance to listen to 1 or 2 on youtube tho :)
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Steve Ison
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2/17/2008 12:41:49 AM
DAY 9....X Offender BLONDIE...Wow,Blondie were such a wonderful group..I think i like their first 2 albums best...Just magical pop..TYhis is the first track off their first album
X Offender..BLONDIE
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qelizabeth
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2/17/2008 5:04:45 AM
We used to be so cool. There's nobody like her today.
Sigh.
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Steve Ison
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2/17/2008 1:12:03 PM
Yeh Blondie Eliz..A truly GREAT New York group..
It seems weird to think now,but they were hated by the rigidly austere punk dominated UK music press at the time for being poppy fakers.. (the kids loved 'em tho)
I don't think they even broke in the U.S till Heart of Glass
At the moment they feel like my favourite band in the whole world ever.I love their whole sound n attitude..I can't believe how many sublime, timelessly beautiful pop songs they made-It was a total joy surfing Youtube last night listening
A perfect mixture of innocence,intelligence and a gentle knowing irony- so obviously totally in love with the SPIRIT in the pop song.....
I hear Blondie and think ...Where's the magic,charm and joy in pop today?
Its like they came from some long-lost mythic world alive with strangeness and beauty...
The charmless pop world now seems so corporate,functional,smugly mediocre and dead by comparison..
As you said,there's definitely no-one like her today..
Here's another great one called SLOW MOTION from Eat To The Beat that i read wasn't even released as a single..
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Steve Ison
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2/17/2008 4:36:29 PM
I'm obsessed with Blondie at the moment..Found this gem here off their first album..Woh youtube is great...
IN THE SUN...BLONDIE
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Hop On Pop
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2/17/2008 4:47:21 PM
How about:
The Records - "Starry Eyes"
?
Perfect in every way.
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Holo Lukaloa
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2/17/2008 5:42:23 PM
Blondie was enjoyable, I am a fan. This site has many bands with female vocalists that are just as good as they were, though. To me, the high point was One Way Or Another, along with Heart of Glass.
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Steve Ison
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2/18/2008 3:52:53 AM
Thanks for listening Holo..I agree there's some wonderfully creative,original female artists on this site like Woodstock Taylor,Dirge K and Melody Gardot-to name but 3...They're all very,very different stylistically and mood-wise to Blondie tho
Elizabeth Harper(another IAC artist) is wonderful-and creating in a similar pop/rock vein,but she's got 3 cool songs up-Blondie prob made 30 great songs in their career..
A comparable modern artist would be someone like Avril Lavigne-which speaks for itself about the terrible downward turn of creativity n magic in pop/rock since Blondies day..
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Monkey68
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2/18/2008 4:28:59 AM
Steve - For near-perfect pop, you can't go much further than this. Was that first one Nina Persson of The Cardigans?
Vince (Monkey68)
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Hop On Pop
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2/18/2008 4:39:53 AM
If you want perfect pop, from a female band, (post-Blondie), check out The Bangles' video for "Hero Takes a Fall".
It was the first video I think I ever saw, and I was hooked. Too bad they started relying on outside songwriters, because they wrote much better songs themseleves.
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the kozy king
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2/18/2008 4:55:44 AM
blondie streamed fine, maybe I'm back in the blog.
OK that keyboard set-up was perfect.
Current female talent?
At the risk of having total scorn being heaped upon myself I have to ask if some of you don't think that Taylor Swift deserves all the success she is enjoying -- sure it's country, sure she looks like a barbie doll, yes it's blatantly commercial mainstream, but she writes her own songs and you tell me this isn't a brilliant pop song:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7N_BPX4uXI&feature=related
Sorry I can't do that link thing.
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Steve Ison
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2/18/2008 5:58:26 AM
Yeh Todd..The Records Starry Eyes is a sweet Big Star/Raspberries style pop song..I'm not as in love with it as you,but its a nice track..I'm guessing made in 79 or 80 by the style/sound..
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the kozy king
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2/18/2008 6:14:00 AM
"Yeh Todd..The Records Starry Eyes is a sweet Big Star/Raspberries style pop song"
I'd have to rate that 9.5 outa 10, Todd.
Half-point off for being forty-five seconds too long...
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Steve Ison
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2/18/2008 6:23:53 AM
Hi Vince..Kylies 'Can't Get You Out Of My Head' is undoubtedly a well crafted pop song-and is hailed by many people as a modern classic..
I can see why people really like it-but saying that there's something abit cold and sterile about the vibe that stops me from loving it-In that way it fits in with so much modern pop(especially synth/dance) that shares its kinda ultra-detatched totally head-not heart-feel..
I also don't feel its as transcendent as it thinks it is..
I prefer 'Unfinished Sympathy' by MASSIVE ATTACK...Absoloutly incredible track imo..
Its strange,disorientating major-minor feel- infused with such haunted soulfulness is so transcendent and timeless..For me its a match moodwise with the apocalyptic vibe acheived in A Day In The Life..
I'm suprised more synth/dance music didn't follow such a stunningly creative lead-but i guess not many have the ability to create magical music like this..
Was this a hit in the U.S?
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Steve Ison
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2/18/2008 6:35:27 AM
Oh Yeh that was Nina Persson of The Cardigans in the first video btw
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Hugh Hamilton
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2/18/2008 9:27:18 AM
My current obsession is The Allman Bros. I wanna jam with Derek Trucks.
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Steve Ison
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2/18/2008 9:40:49 AM
What do you like so much about The Allman Bros Hugh-Is it the songs or the sound?
I havn't really heard anything by them..
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Hugh Hamilton
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2/18/2008 9:46:16 AM
Sounds, Baby. Love the whole sound - two drummers and a percussionist - organ and maybe piano - a bunch of axes - rockin' bass - fantastic soulful vocals - the whole bluesy rockin' vibe - damn. It's almost enough to make me wanna get a real band together (lol)...
Lemme go cruisin' for a video for you so you can see what I'm talkin' about...back in a flash...
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Hugh Hamilton
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2/18/2008 9:49:40 AM
An instrumental - "Jessica":
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Hugh Hamilton
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2/18/2008 9:57:15 AM
LOVE the slide sound on "Statesboro Blues" - in fact, I'm realizing that Duane Allman and Dickie Betts have been a bigger influence on my playing (though it may not be obvious) than I usually think:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=pIIlOh32St8
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Steve Ison
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2/18/2008 9:58:59 AM
Yeh i like the Bangles song Todd....I've never heard it before and didn't even realise they wrote their own songs(tho i knew Suzanna Hoffs co-wrote Eternal Flame-but thought that was a one off)..
Hero Takes A Fall...THE BANGLES
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Hugh Hamilton
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2/18/2008 9:59:30 AM
Sorry for that unintended link - here's the video (not the best performance available, I'm sure - but gets the point across - this just FIRES ME UP):
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Hop On Pop
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2/18/2008 10:04:31 AM
Yeah, Steve. They were actually a part of the Paisley Inderground movement in California - a real garage pop band. On their first album (and preceding EP) they wrote all their own songs. And they were GOOD. The covers they chose (on the first album they did songs by Emmitt Rhodes and Kimberly Rew) had serious integrity.
Unfortunately, that first album sold only modestly and they caved to industry pressure to become manufactured Barbie dolls, with outside songwriting teams and too-slick production. But the fact remains that All Over the Place is a right-solid piece of garage pop.
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Hugh Hamilton
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2/18/2008 10:09:00 AM
I feel like the rude guest at a party interrupting the proceedings with a blaring boombox on my shoulder - sorry fellers!
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Steve Ison
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2/18/2008 10:19:41 AM
His voice really reminds me of John Foggarty Hugh..I can hear they've got a good feel n groove.. I just can't listen to electric 12 bar tho,'cos i get scared my creativity'll get trapped in that endless cycle where the only choice available is the obvious one..Like you could end up living in a loop..
Jessica's a great track..An instrumental with a proper,memorable melody!
I recognise it as its the theme tune from a tv programme here in the UK..
The 70s kings of the great instrumental for me (that i've heard) were Focus...Sylvia,Hocus Pocus and Return Of The King are all great imo-really inventive and musically distinct tracks..
Hocus Pocus...FOCUS
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Hugh Hamilton
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2/18/2008 10:36:42 AM
I'll have to make a non-12-bar ABB playlist for you sometime. I'll think about that while I'm listening. How about "Rambling Man"? I assume you don't need a video for that - although it may be an American thang and perhaps I'm wrong...
I'm laughing over the Wallace & Grommit (sp?) video!! That guitar tone immediately turns me off, sorry to say. I wank around with that type of tone myself for fun, but have never inflicted it on anybody else - maybe I should! (I am completely LOL right now)...it is always fun to compare listening notes and often surprising...and I'll call that an instrumental I suppose, but I do detect some pseudo-yodelling going on!!
When we were driving from San Diego to LA, Mr. Aven was trying very hard to expand my musical frontiers with his eclectic playlist...I will confess to pretty narrow taste, compared to some truly broad-based listeners such as yerself, Todd, and a host of others around these parts...
I suppose when you get right down to it I'd be happy as a lead guitarist, and in a way I learned all the other instruments cuz I just can't seem to find my musical soulmate(s)...I confess to being jealous of bands like the Beatles and the Allmans because it's clear that their musical work as ensembles totally blew past any individual boundaries they had. As a solo dude I feel those limitations all the time...that's why I've had fun doing collabs lately, I suppose, though the long-distance variety is getting unsatisfying, as it lacks the "magic" factor of real-time, same-room feedback, whereby you each influence each other and everything can REALLY take off...
:)
H
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Steve Ison
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2/18/2008 11:05:42 AM
Thats great you're back in the blog Terry!
I can hear 'Our Song' is definitely well crafted within its genre,but its definitely not my idea of a brilliant pop song..Its the kind of track that make the top 5 in the Big 50 here tho f'sure...(probably #1)
I suppose her whole ultra-slick package,presentation n style isn't my thing,but beyond that,there's something just too overstated and neatly tied up about it for me..Its like i find it slightly claustrophobic,boxed in and lacking in natural space where my imagination can move..Even tho i prefer it to the unbearably smug self-satisfied Shania Twain (for instance),i know it would start really annoying me after a couple of plays..
I think thats a problem i have with alot of country (especially modern)...It seems to be created lyrically n musically from the literal, conscious-mind...
Whatever i love whether its pop,rock,folk,psychedelia or new wave etc-i'm looking for some kind of transcendent quality-a creativity thats coming from the unconscious mind that i can't predict and will open up my imagination........and thats not something i can generally get from country (or most modern pop'n'rock either actually)
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Steve Ison
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2/18/2008 3:01:10 PM
I'd find it difficult listening to the same music all the time Hugh,just 'cos i get bored and crave different things..I mean this week i'm obsessed with Blondie and listening to alot of late 70s new wave,but next week i could be into something totally different..
I often get obsessed with MUSIC I LOVE BUT I CAN'T DO.....
I love alot of punk n new wave pop for instance,but have never really been able to get that spirit,feel n direct attitude into my own creativity,which inclines naturally toward the mystic melancholy hippy feel more easily..
But i wanna write great liberating pop songs like Blondie too-so hope some of that particular magic'll rub off..
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Monkey68
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2/18/2008 3:38:15 PM
Couldn't agree more with Unfinished Sympathy - it's in my top 3 of all time (and Mezzanine is in my top 5 CDs - I know Unfinished Sympathy is off Blue Lines). I also understand about Kylie's song being a little cold - it's got that Daft Punk feeling which is, I think, detached by nature. Horses for courses, I guess.
I think Massive Attack had a breakthrough with Unfinished Sympathy over here but I'm a Brit, so I know it from home.
Talking of Nina Persson, there's a song she did recently with the Manics that I came across last night that I hadn't heard over here:
I think that's a good pop-rock song.
V
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Hop On Pop
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2/18/2008 5:41:02 PM
Nick Lowe & Rockpile - "RAGIN' EYES"
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Hugh Hamilton
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2/18/2008 5:48:38 PM
I understand about "listening to the same stuff all the time" Steve - it's just that I'm soooo slow that I'm still learning from songs I've been hearing for 40 years...lol...and I'm serious!
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Monkey68
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2/18/2008 6:59:18 PM
Loving this thread. And I humbly submit:
Complete with trademark ToTP lip-synch and Peter Powell doing the intro - but goodness couldn't Pete Shelley write the perfect new wave pop song?!!!
V
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Hop On Pop
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2/19/2008 4:35:19 AM
Another one for you to find and upload:
The Format - "Inches and Falling"
Or, if they don't have anything for that song up, try "The Comprimise"
Both are from one of my favorite albums of 2006: Dog Problems, which is track after track of perfect pop.
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Steve Ison
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2/19/2008 3:53:45 PM
Yeh Vince...You Stole The Sun by The Manics n Nina is excellent..I remember seeing this video a while back-but forgot about it..So thanks for bringing it back into my head..Its definitely one Todd'd love i reckon-Has the real SPIRIT of pop in it for me..Great hooks n vibe..
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Steve Ison
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2/19/2008 3:58:23 PM
Goddamit..None of the videos are showing now..Is that the same for everybody?
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Kevin White
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2/19/2008 4:14:04 PM
I'm not getting any video links ... but the read is great. I think perhaps the thread has gotten so bulky, it has some difficultly loading the page.
Anyways, look up anything by the Decemberists -- I'd suggest "Leslie Ann Levine" or "California One" for starters.
Sort of alt-pop ... but what resides front forward on my spins these days.
Best,
Kev-
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Steve Ison
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2/20/2008 1:21:21 AM
Yeh The Buzzcocks Vince..What an ace band!
Of course 'Ever Fallen In Love With Someone You Shouldn't Of' is a total classic...There was a real renaissance of brilliant pop/rock at that time..I can think of Buzzcocks,Blondie,The Pretenders,Squeeze,Elvis Costello,Nick Lowe,The Rezilloes,The Police-So many brilliant,intelligent pop songs!
I love this one by The Buzzcocks too
Lipstick..THE BUZZCOCKS
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Hop On Pop
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2/20/2008 6:02:08 AM
Here's that Format song:
"Inches and Falling"
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Steve Ison
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2/21/2008 12:05:04 AM
I love alot of Nick Lowe Todd..Excellent songwriter..Wanted to add 'So It Goes' or 'I LOve My Label' but they didn't have them at youtube..:(
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Pulse Eternal
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2/21/2008 12:16:18 AM
What a cool thread! So many cool clips here. I LOVED the Bangles and Blondie..... bring back the 80's I say!! I still have my leg warmers!!!
Here's another cool pop tune from one of our very own IACer's......
(notice the STEREO audio ;-)
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Kevin White
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2/21/2008 8:54:37 AM
Oddly, although the clips now appear in Firefox, the videos play for 3 secs and stop.
And there's no sound.
Odd ...
Kev-
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Pulse Eternal
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2/21/2008 9:27:32 AM
Hmmm... they play purrfectly here Kev. I'm using Firefox and WinXP.
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Steve Ison
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2/21/2008 10:33:56 AM
Hi Kev..They're both cool songs..Sort of spacious Americana mixed with R.E.M to my ears..I've never heard anything by them before-so thanks for introducing me..
Leslie Ann Levine has a stack of people doing acoustic covers up-but unfortunately no record of the actual track-other than a live performance..
I'm the opposite of Hugh Hamilton in that respect..I'd rather get just a still picture of the band with the actual properly recorded version playing..Live is great when you're actually there-but not so great for listening to in your bedroom..
California One..THE DECEMBERISTS
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Steve Ison
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2/21/2008 10:45:19 AM
Thanks for listening Superpuss..They look like they're having fun in 'poseur Boy'..The bongo miming was hilariously bad..You forgot to say who it was-but it looks like Larree n his mate..
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Steve Ison
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2/21/2008 10:58:42 AM
Todd..The Format song is clever n well written-I love quirky and like its creative ambition- but think this one might become annoying after a couple of plays..
Its weird with this type of song..I've been totally in love with some totally bubblegum n ultra-quirky songs most people hate-then there's others (like this) that don't quite hit the spot for me..
This is really quirky,but i totally love it...
BC CAMPLIGHT...Blood And Peanut Butter..
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