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April 30, 2006
Radio Curmudgeon, May Day Edition
I know... the most pressing question on your "enquiring" minds this Sunday morning is: What is Mudge listening to these days? (I've had to accept my role as cultural signpost. The pressure is intense, but I have decided to shoulder it. I'm swell that way.)
So here's a list of the latest songs I've downloaded off iTunes (remember, ClearChannel iand media conglomeration is evil and has killed broadcast radio... iTunes or XM/Sirius is the only acceptable place to get music from anymore). I don't make any claims that all of these songs are good or that you'll have the same tastes as I do. Hell, even I'll admit that I am sometimes embarrassed about what I listen to. Anyway, in no particular order, here's a little of what's currently on Radio Mudge (and be warned, I was in country music country last week, so my playlist is heavy on it right now):
-- "Save A Horse, Ride A Cowboy," Big and Rich. 2005's most annoying and ubiquitous country novelty song has suddenly arrived on my airwaves in spring 2006... I wasn't really into this song last year when it was #1, but when I discovered a country radio station during last week's drive from Albuquerque to Santa Fe, this song was the one on when the "scan" hit 107.9. And all of a sudden, the song -- complete with its pretty rock and roll back guitar line -- doesn't call NASCAR to mind ... I think of barreling down that desert highway with the windows down, the dust in the air, and feeling freer than I had in a long time. I downloaded it as soon as I got home. And Doc, I know you have it on your iTunes as well... I think you and I have our next song for the next karaoke night (no matter how bat-crazy it makes Mrs. Doc that we're doing country.)
-- "Worldwide Suicide," Pearl Jam All right, so I'll join the chorus of bleating sheep who are proclaiming that Pearl Jam are back and that this is their best work since "Ten." Because you know what? This song, the first single off the new album out next week, kicks total ass. It's so good, it almost makes me forgive them for "Last Kiss."
-- "The Nth Degree," Morningwood Destined to be one-hit-wonders. For real. No band that has ever referenced itself and its own name in its debut single has ever lasted. Even doing it in later songs is a poor gimmick that indicates total lameness ("Hangin' Tough" by the New Kids is probably the most egregious example of such suckitude). But you know what? This song also proves the value of an intriguing video. It was running on MTV Europe while I was in Italy, and it stuck in my head because of the video. Sure, Liz Phair did the whole "album covers from different eras" concept in 2003 with "Why Can't I?" (and Liz, you know I still love you, baby... call me). And the concept owes a great deal to the internet memes that have floated for the last few years about worst album covers of all time. But I don't need it to be original to be fun. Heck, if I ever had access to two days of photographers and had the money for vanity shoots, the album-covers-through-time concept is kinda fun. Anyway, while I doubt I'll ever hear from the band Morningwood again once this song has cycled, it's still fun.
-- "Sweet Nothings," Venice Maki Think of what it might sound like if Seal and Jack Johnson musically mated and produced a singer/songwriter offspring. That's who Venice Maki is. Great voice, and every song on his debut CD is strong. I've really been into him since hearing him for the first time about a month ago. I'm wishing I'd heard him about two months ago -- he was just in New York City in late March, and had I known I would have really wanted to see his show. Anyway, I think this guy's really talented, and "Sweet Nothings" is my favorite among ten really good songs on this first CD from him. Of every artist on my current playlist, he's the one I recommend most unreservedly. (Except for you, Beav. He'll be too soft for your taste.)
-- "Why," Jason Aldean Another country song that stuck in my mind after hearing it a few times while in New Mexico last week. By the numbers "I done her wrong" song, but I like the guy's voice, and since every guy has been a jerk at at least one point to at least one woman he's loved, it's a relate-able song.
-- "Foxy, Foxy," Rob Zombie Because I still have a rocker side to me, and between Rob Zombie's new album and the Arctic Monkeys, this is how I indulge it.
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Comments
So where are items 1-13 of "sounds worth saving?" ;)
Posted by: Linkmeister at May 2, 2006 02:16 AM
ha! i told you the arctic monkeys were awesome. who blogged about them firsT? i blogged about them first.
Posted by: Sarah at May 2, 2006 02:19 PM
Caught your comment on artist Venice Maki…I too became a huge fan I heard his music playing on a airplane trip I took and since then been hooked I heard he has video coming out and my friend heard his single on the radio in Ohio. I found a site about him at www.thiswayisout.com if you have any more info please post I’ll be checking thanks! Oh and great site!
Posted by: Gabrie at May 8, 2006 04:32 PM
Hi Christopher. I'm Christopher! I was led to your blog by a friend who found it thru a web search and suggested I take a look. I did. Wanted to let you know that your sentiments concerning Venice Maki are shared among a growing number of what I call listeners...like yourself. I recently launched a personal blog about Venice at www.thiswayisout.com and have been quoting various sources speaking of Venice. Today you made the post!
I made a link back to your site and I am hoping you will take a moment to check out my site and consider doing the same. Also, check out Venice's message board at venicemaki.com!
Very nice blog! I'll follow along from here...
Posted by: Christopher Michael at May 8, 2006 10:32 PM
PS: Do you mind my asking how large is your music collection?
Posted by: Christopher Michael at May 8, 2006 10:35 PM
