iPod Shuffleupagus

1. RØB left...

Dude how dare you...Aretha is not even out of her mid-60s, let alone 80. She'd never do someone with so little regard for her budding youthfulness and womanly beauty. She's all mine.

1) Ricky Nelson - "I'm Walkin'" - His songs aren't (always) karaoke-friendly but I'm very much a fan. This isn't as good as the Fats Domino version, though.

2) Sentridoh - "Songfull / Rehole" - Another sloppy, lo-fi creation of Lou Barlow's...and I love every minute of it. Sebadoh/Sentridoh/Folk Implosion is some of the most influential stuff on my own musical ethics.

3) Billy Joel - "Shades Of Gray" - Okay, so RIVER OF DREAMS, on the whole, is not an absolutely stellar album (especially when compared to some of his earlier work), but I've got some room in my heart for it, and this is one of its tightest cuts, if you ask me.

4) Surgical Steel - "Rivit Head" - From the METAL MASSACRE 2 compilation. Balls-out early-1980s metal...nothin' like it for a good headbangin' workout. Apparently this is among only a very small handful of released recordings by Surgical Steel, whose lead singer was coached by Rob Halford (who also guested on a track of their demo tape), according to http://members.firstinter.net/markster/SURGICALSTEELPAGE.html.

5) Red Hot Chili Peppers - "Warm Tape" - BY THE WAY sorta blew me away when it first came out, and it's still a strong album, and this is still among my favorites from it.

6) Me First & The Gimme Gimmes - "Different Drum" - When I set my iPod to "Shuffle" yesterday, the Linda Ronstadt original was the first song to come up. I don't care what you (or even I) say about Linda, she has some solid songsmithing to her credit, and "Different Drum" is no exception. As usual, the Gimme Gimmes do it up quick and hard and right.

7) Mudhoney - "When In Rome" - Mudhoney were among the first "grunge" acts, certainly well predating their fellow Pacific Northwest natives Nirvana, who brought the genre to the masses. Their earlier stuff is pretty sludgy and very awesome; later work like PIECE OF CAKE is still very much good stuff. It still puzzles me that they were featured in that Chris Farley/David Spade vehicle BLACK SHEEP. Were they really popular enough to be the "guest band" in a movie? The answer is: I have no idea.

8) Jackie Gleason - "You're Getting To Be A Habit With Me" - I inherited a 45 of Gleason's "Melancholy Serenade" and fell in love with the man's orchestral work. Most people know this tune, and when Jackie does it, as when he does any tune known or unknown, he lays on the smooth factor ultra-thick. Sorry to be sappy, but it's the kind of music that really brings you back to simpler times...the kind of stuff you'd half-expect to hear in a Woody Allen movie or something. Hell, it's the kind of stuff you probably HAVE heard in a Woody Allen movie before.

9) Fats Domino - "When The Saints Go Marching In" - Ahh, here's my Fats fix. The man still wails to this day. This is an incredible version of another standard that doesn't get tired for a second. Amazing horn sections, a dancin' and thumpin' thick bassline, and the fat man himself, sluggin' out the words everyone knows. Then it gets quiet, you're mostly hearing bass, a soft instrumental interlude, and with 20 seconds left in the song, you expect it's basically over. THEN out of nowhere, a female chorus (or should I say, choir) erupts with the refrain again. I want to be in that number, too, Fats. I want to be in that number, too.

10) Mono Puff - "Poison Flowers" - One of my favorite tunes from this album of John Flansburgh (They Might Be Giants)'s side project. His voice gets whiny sometimes, but it always seems appropriate, and never gets annoying. Some fuzzy/crunchy guitars, a pulsin' walkin' (almost dronin') beat, and infectious melodies: only the best pop song ingredients, and no surprise coming from half of one of the greatest pop-songwriting/performing duos of all time.

Well PHEW! Once again, I made it through the shuffle without Roberta Flack and Peabo Bryson popping up to serenade with "Tonight I Celebrate My Love." God forbid anyone should know that's actually on my iPod...

2. Kate left...

1) Suddenly I See by KT Tunstall - This song was everywhere a year ago, and I still see Anne Hathaway in the opening credits of "Devil Wears Prada" when I hear it. It's a happy song, and there are a lot worse ways to start an ipod roulette game! 2) Over the Rainbow by Me First & The Gimme Gimmes - A rockin' version of this classic song 3) One Thing by Finger Eleven - I've always liked this simple melody and sweet guitar licks 4) I'll Be Loving You Always by Rosemary Clooney - A slow waltz by one of the most famous girl singers, this one is from the later years when her voice had really mellowed out 5) 100 Years by Five for Fighting - This song seems to pop up in the top 10 every time I play this game. My ipod has it out for me. 6) I Can't Help Falling in Love by UB40 - Takes me back to jr. high and reminds me of every sweaty, adolescent boy I slow danced with :) 7) Norwegian Wood by PM Dawn - Wow, another flashback to the early 90's. Is PM Dawn still around? This was my favorite track of theirs, probably because I knew and liked the Beatles version. 8) When I Look to the Sky by Train - I've always thought of this as a rock power ballad that descended from the hair bands of the 80s. Ha! 9) Tears in Heaven by Eric Clapton - the story of the death of Mr. Clapton's son and the creation of this song gets me every time. *sniff* 10) Yesterday by the Beatles - Aaah, an original by the masters themselves.

3. Mike left...

1. Stay Away- Nirvana: Awesome. Pure Awesome 2. South Australia- the Pouges: I love the Irish sounding bands, and this would have to be my second favorite after Flogging Molly 3. God is in the Radio- Queens of the Stone Age: This band has slowly moved into my top five or ten. They are just about the last remaining source of balls out rock (or rawk if you will). This song is heavy as hell, but it is also super catchy which descibes most Queens of the Stoneage 4. Every Little Thing She does is Magic- The Police: There was a time that I would defend pretty much anything by the Police (including the dreadful Russians). However this song is just a little lame now. The synth in the background on the chorus seems like it should be played in background of a Disney Store. 5. Pure Massacre- Silverchair: I know this band is bad. I know that they are just a lost part of my youth. I make fun of them whenever they are brought up. However I still listen everytime one of their songs comes on my ipod. However his lyrics are just awful. "Families being torn apart, its happening every day. Some people just have no heart, it doesn't have to be this way... Pure Massacre". Bad. 6. Swallowed- Bush: Embarassing that I still have this song on an iPod. More embarrassing that I still know every nonsensical lyric. 7. Ring of Fire (live)- Social Distortion: This cover is awesome. This band is good, but I wasn't really sold on them until I saw them live, where despite being about 80 they are still incredible. 8. Snow (Hey Oh)- Red Hot Chili Peppers: One of about 3 good songs on the Chili Pepper's recent double album. That pile of crap could have been 1 CD. I agree whole heartedly with Rob about By the Way, which I think is their best album, which is what made this awful mess such a huge disapointment 9. Janies got a Gun: Aerosmith- So awesome. Pat have you heard mine and Tom's all vocal impression of the begining of this song. If not, then you have missed out. Probably better than the original. On a strange note, this is the third time suffle has brought this song up today. If I am shot by a girl named Janie later today, know that my iPod is some sort of sueth sayer. 10. Tupelo Honey- Van Morrison: Pat you once tried to turn me on to Van Morrison, and I scoffed at it. Well sir, I now scoff at myself. How awesome would your life be if Van Morrison was the soundtrack to your life, you would have the calmest most relaxing life of all time.

4. Mike left...

Rob,

Did you ever take Audio I at Webster, and if you did, do you remember the name of the Billy Joel song we had to edit?

5. RØB left...

I took Audio I, but I am pretty sure we didn't ever have to edit a Billy Joel song. We had to edit some copy spoken by our professor for one project, and do our own commercial for another project, and then do a group project for yet another project? But nowhere was editing a Billy Joel song involved, sadly. Was it on RIVER OF DREAMS?

BY THE WAY might be my favorite RHCP spread too, but I have a special place in my ears for the Dave Navarro stylings of ONE HOT MINUTE.

6. RØB left...

Haven't heard STADIUM ARCADIUM yet, so it's really as bad as they say it is?

7. Patrick Walsh left...

Rob,

Let's compromise on Aretha and make it a double team? I listened to "River of Dreams" for a year straight in the eighth grade, although I listened in private so not to tip off my parents that I liked "their" music. Haven't listened to it since, but I can still hum "Shades of Gray." By the Way is surely RCHP's greatest. Mudhoney was not that popular, but Black Sheep was probably trying to hop on that grunge bandwagon a couple years too late. Funny movie. Have we discussed that I actually have "Tonight I Celebrate My Love" on my iPod as well? It was on that very same Complete Eighties compilation! I always appreciate your in-depth responses to these posts, sincerely.

Kate -

My mom digs the KT Tunstall, and therefore she is off limits to me, but more power to you. Five for Fighting I can not approve of, just because of that dreadful "Superman" song, which came out at a time when 1 out of 5 songs had "Superman" in the title. UB40 -- they really only got famous on covers right? I saw them on that Live Earth special, and they didn't have any originals. Are they a cover band? I love their version of Neil "the real deal" Diamond's "Red Red Wine" -- 'the lion broke the monkey got choke rumbliss pokey alamonkeyalabloke.' Pretty sure those are the lyrics. PM DAWN?!?! I have a feature comedy script where a guy and girl are trying to have sex and she asks him to turn on some music and it's "Tears in Heaven." Kind of a mood killer. I have a feeling if the script ever gets produced, Clapton will not sign off on it.

Mike --

Reading your song list, I must tell you to watch the show "Brotherhood" which I will be devoting a little post to later this week. A lot of your music shows up there. I still remember you blindly defending "Russians" with tears in your eyes. What a piece of shit song. Also, do not lump "Russians" with Police, that's a Sting solo joint, hence its inherent crappiness. I HATE Sting. I love The Police however, but agree that as they went along things got cheesier. EXCEPT for the glorious "Don't Stand So Close To Me '86." Why don't more bands remake their songs a few years after they were popular? Oh right, because it's a retarded idea. I'll tell you what's not retarded (nice transition) is the NEW Silverchair song "Straight Lines." Love it.

• I saw Social D live back when they were about 75 years old, and it was a great show. There's an incredible use of a Mike Ness song in "Brotherhood"

You are right that Stadium Arcadium is pretty much worthless. But hey, at least it's really really long! Is there a funnier phrase than sooth sayer? I have heard your impression of the beginning of "Janie" roughly 1,000 times, and I look forward to the next thousand. "Tupelo Honey" is a hell of a song. If you get the chance, watch Martin Scorsese's "The Last Waltz," where you can see Morrison in some sort of jump suit kicking his way around the stage while he sings. It's something special.

Also, I took Audio 1, and there was no BJ. No Billy Joel either.

Again, Stadium Arcadium really sucks. Really.

8. Mike left...

Pat,

I had a friend, who knows that I like the Old 97's recommend "Whiskeytown" to me, which apparently is Ryan Adams's old band. What do you think of them? Where would you start? She gave me Faithless Street. I haven't made it all the way through yet.

9. RØB left...

We can definitely compromise on a double-team. Lord knows there's enough of her to go around, right?

I remember when my parents rented BLACK SHEEP and I watched it like three times in the one day that we had it (once on my own before anyone else woke up, once with some siblings, once with my parents and some siblings combined). I don't believe I've seen it since, but 15-year-old me was really amazed, even infatuated, with the idea that MUDHONEY of all bands was in it, "rocking the vote" as it were. Penelope Spheeris (of WAYNE'S WORLD and THE DECLINE OF WESTERN CIVILIAZATION) directed it, which I hadn't known/had forgotten...I even wrote a paper on her once for a "Women Filmmakers" class.

I always thought BLOOD SUGAR SEX MAGIC>>CALIFORNICATION>>BY THE WAY (I leave out ONE HOT MINUTE cuz RHCP was both virtually and realistically a different band for it) as a sort of progression of increasing quality, a crescendo of kickass albums that showed a band in transition. Sort of their HELP!>>RUBBER SOUL>>REVOLVER, if you will...in both cases, a band of considerable merit showed marked maturation in spite of across-the-board high quality.

I think we might have discovered that we both have that otherwise-pretty-sweet 80s compilation that closes with "Road To Nowhere" by Talking Heads. T'Pau's "China In My Hand" is a real killer (the good kind of killer) from that hot disc.

Glad to do the shuffle action, maybe it's my small way of giving back for all the laughter and tears you've provided throughout the years (wow, I just rhymed "tears" with "fears"...I'll take my Pulitzer Prize now, thanks).

10. Matt S left...

Panda Bear – Im Not Off one of my favorite new albums this year - sounds like Pet Sounds in outer space - even though it's just one dude on ProTools in his bedroom.

George Harrison – Pisces Fish Didn't discover George's final album until last year - it's actually got some great songs on it.

The Beach Boys – Let Us Go On This Way Weird but great late 70's Beach Boys song driven by some crunchy synthesizers and horns. I think this was around when Brian Wilson weighed 500 pounds.

R.E.M. – The Worst Joke Ever Nothing broke my heart more than the lameness of the "Around the Sun" album. What were they thinking? Can't even make it though this song. Please, please redeem yourselves.

Talk Talk – Give it Up Probably best known for the original of "It's My Life" - this band actually did some fantastic stuff. This song in particular is one of my favs.

The Ronettes – Paradise Off the Phil Spector box set.

Queen - Dead on Time A pretty awful album track from a great band.

Spoon – Agony of Lafitte Nothing like a good bitter Spoon song.

Todd Rundgren – I Went to the Mirror I'm recently discovering Todd's catalogue. He was a mad genius. The double album "Something/Anything?" is pretty much perfect.

Huey Lewis – The Power of Love Talk about ear candy - this rocks my life. I suddenly feel the urgent need to skateboard while hanging onto a pickup truck.

11. Patrick Walsh left...

Mike,

"Pneumonia" is probably Whiskeytown's best (it's got the great "Don't Wanna Know Why"), but Ryan Adams solo debut "Heartbreaker" is very similar to that sound and maybe a touch better.

I guess the Old 97s comparison works because they're both countryish, but it's like comparing Queen to Elton John. Sure, they're both gay, but one is laid-back pop and one is balls-out rock. Old 97s are far, FAR more rocking than a Whiskeytown or a Ryan Adams. WT and RA are both very ballad-heavy, except for Adam's great "Rock N Roll," which is, believe it or not, a rock and roll album.

Fun fact -- During the Whiskeytown days, Ryan Adams was a notoriously nasty drunk and was in an ongoing feud with the Old 97s that culminated when he was wasted at their Austin City Limits performance. The 97's song "Crash on the Barrelhead" was written about Adams.

Rob--

Totally agree about the evolution of RHCP, I was blown away the first time I heard "Scar Tissue" for example because of how far they had progressed in one album. Then "By the Way" just blew the roof off the dump.

Nope, different 80s comp. I liinked to the one I have in my post.

Does Tears for Fears have a Pulitzer? Because they beat you to the punch by about 20 years. Cheers. Beers.

Matt --

"Around the Sun" WAS "the worst joke ever" as far as I'm concerned. Apparently they're working on a new one, so fingers crossed.

Love that Phil Spector boxed set, the Christmas album is just gold. Makes me feel like I'm in a Scorsese movie. Spector is probably my favorite record producer-turned-murderer.

Love Spoon, great new album. Also love that Todd Rundgren album but haven't listened to any of his stuff past that. I know he is now lead singer of the "New Cars" one of the worst ideas in musicdom.

If you like "Power of Love," it's time to re-visit "Simply Irresistible." I just watched "Back to the Future" again recently, sure "Power of Love" holds up, but have you heard "Back in Time" lately? My God, it's awful!

12. RØB left...

Oh, you mean it was on that five-discer or whatever. No, mine's a one-off disc and I'd be surprised if you had it, because I got it in Europe, where I am pretty sure it was made and exclusively sold. Good to know that Roberta and Peabo made their way trans-Atlantic, though.

Okay, Amazon confirms that it is an import. It was called HITS OF THE CENTURY: 80s and is the 1980s equivalent of this 90s compilation: http://ww w.amazon.com/Hits-Century-90s-Various/dp/B00003OT35/ref=sr_1_1/002-1354761- 6676867?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1188424203&sr=1-1 and this 60s compilation: htt p://www.amazon.com/Hits-Century-60s-Various-Artists/dp/B000034CNM/ref=sr_1_ 2/002-1354761-6676867?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1188424203&sr=1-2

Does your multi-disc box set have the "Stars On 45 Medley"? Mine does...I never understood that song; the first two parts of the medley are excerpts from a Shocking Blue song and an Archies song, but the remaining eight parts are all excerpts from Beatles songs.

Okay, no surprise: Stars on 45 (the group that spawned the "Stars on 45 Medley"...clever name there) were apparently a Dutch recording group. The song was a #1 in the US, and apparently they later did medleys of the Rolling Stones and Stevie Wonder, and ABBA. The best Rolling Stones medley, though, for my money, is "Weird Al" Yankovic's "Hot Rocks Polka" from the UHF soundtrack (not in the movie).

More about Stars On 45 on Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stars_on_45

I definitely only know that song via that one-disc "import" compilation, though, and not from when it was originally released, which was the same year I was born. I don't recall it being popular at any point in my youth though, at least not to the extent that I ever heard it.

13. RØB left...

Coincidentally, the very day I filled out this shuffle thing above, later that day I started up another shuffle, and the first song off was Fats Domino's "I'm Walkin'." THEN, last night, when I started up the shuffle, about 25th song in or so (not Top 10, but still pretty early on, and still a hilarious surprise) was "Tonight I Celebrate My Love"...I listened to it all the way through for the first time in perhaps forever, it was actually so corny it was funny to listen to.

14. Ryan left...

Well now, I was just browsing this Inter-Web on my local CPU system and what do I find but Pat Walsh. Pat, just wanted to apologize for a RPM blackout. I really have no explanation. Anyhow, here are my shuffled songs.

1) Lover's Rock -- The Clash: London Calling is hella, hella tight. So hella. It's like 18 songs long and still great. This one is fruity on the surface, but actually pop gold.

2) Can't Keep My Eyes on You -- Johnny Thunders and the Heartbreakers: "You Can't Wrap Your Arms Around a Memory" is one of the best songs I've ever heard or will hear. Johnny has a few other really good dumb rock songs, but this one goes on for a while. About 9 other words and the title account for the lyrics.

3) Johnny B. Goode -- Chuck Berry: Represented the Lou 50 times better than Nelly and Story of the Year combined. And that was after he figured it was ok to tape women peeing. Some of the most clever and observant lyrics ever heard in pop songs.

4) Honky Tonkin' -- Hank Williams: My songs are trending older and older. John Phillips Sousa should be coming up next. One of my favorite HW tunes. Makes me shake a little bit.

5) Pot Kettle Black -- Wilco: OK. Yankee Hotel Foxtrot. Experimental pop gold. Ghost is Born. Boring crap. What happened? Anyhow, "Sky Blue Sky" is cool and I've got hope.

6) My Poor Brain -- Foo Fighters: Not as big a Foo fan as these other characters, but Colour and the Shape is obviously great. This has everyone's favorite line "Sometimes I get stuck/between the handshake and the fuck" which is a good example that Dave Grohl isn't a motivational speaker for Church on the Rock as his later work might have you believe.

7) Blues From Beyond the Grave -- Thurston Moore: Psychic Hearts street cred. I demand it now. Say what you will, but this is a good album from a guy in a great band. "Psychic Hearts" and "Queen Bee" are unfuckable with. Try, you will fail.

8) Wallflower -- Bob Dylan: Oh man, rife with possibilities for ridicule. But I'll give none. This song is a nice little waltz off of the Bootlegs, and The Wallflowers are a nice little band. Granted, I don't own any of their albums or care to. But when I hear them in Taco Bell, I get a little smile.

9) Baby Boomerang -- T. Rex: Yes, the band that brought you "Bang a Gong" is awesome. Some kind of terribly wonderful mix of cock-rock, space music and gayness. Marc Bolan had it all. "Metal Guru" is fun times ten.

10) What Your'e Doing -- The Beatles: Not really finishing with a bang, but I'll take it. Good, but the favorite off of Beatles for Sale has to be "Baby's in Black".

Apologies for the length. I would assume it is annoying and daunting to read all of this (Lord knows I thought it was for everyone else's). This was just more of a way to get in touch with Pat and play this cool little game. Perhaps email is more appropriate. Pat, by the way, the 11th song was "The Collector" by the Everly Brothers. I'm not sure if you've ever heard it, but it hit me as your kind of song.

15. Matt S. left...

Pat I do consider you a master of analogies, but with that Elton John/Queen comparison, you might just be off your crocodile rocker. Both EJ and Queen each have their share of both balls-out rock AND laid back ballads. Queen might've taken their balls out a bit more often, but you can't deny stuff like "Saturday Night's Alright" or many others from EJ. Likewise Queen sure knew their way around a ballad.

And yes I agree about the New Cars. But which was worse - that, or "Queen + Paul Rodgers!?!?"

16. RØB left...

Man yeah that Thurston Moore album PSYCHIC HEARTS is so good. "Patti Smith Math Scratch" came up in a shuffle the other day for me.

Is that Ryan M. of PTA fame?

17. Patrick Walsh left...

Rob,

I have no idea what "Stars on 45" is. The 80s were a crazy, crazy time. Did you light some candles for "Tonight I Celebrate My Love?" I always picture a mixed-race couple tenderly kissing in front of a fireplace when I hear that song, the room full of candles.

Ryan!

How the hell are you? What an odd, public place for a reunion, but I'll take what I can get. Whether you believe this or not, "Lover's Rock" was playing on my computer when I read your comment. Not sure what this means, but I think we have to get married now. Who gave you that "Can't Put Your Arms Around a Memory?" Pat Walsh, that's who. I agree, his other output is lacking. You like "Sky Blue Sky?" It makes me sleepy. Certainly can't fault "Baby's In Black" but I'm more a "No Reply" or "I'm a Loser" man. Don't know that Everly Brothers tune. Will check out. Hit me up sometime!

Matt,

I certainly don't put the thought into my comments that I do into my posts, and I suppose I could have picked a better comparison, but let's be honest here. Do you think "rocker" when you think Elton John? Yes, "Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting" rocks (hell, it was covered by a man NAMED Rock -- Kid Rock that is), but aside from an off track here and there, Elton's a light pop man through and through. And NO Crocodile Rock is not a rock song, despite the title's implication. And no contest, New Cars is worse. At least Freddie Mercury is dead and therefore needed to be replaced.

18. Bryan left...

I'm a little late to the game, but here goes ... 1.) "Echos Myron" Guided by Voices. One of my favorite bands. Pollard is the greatest drunken singer ever. 2.) "Train in Vain." The Clash. What's there to say? Classic. 3.) "Dark Star" Beck. It's from his latest album, which is really solid ... and those stickers and the bonus dvd were very cool. Also, this particular song makes me want to do drugs. 4.) "Go" Pearl Jam. My first real rock concert was from this album's (VS) tour. Haven't listened to it in a while. I'm not so much rockin' out, as wallowing in nostalgia. 5.) "The Love I'm Searching For" The Rentals. Awesome band. Great melodies. I like their stuff way more than the most recent Weezer albums. 6.) "Favourite Hour" Elvis Costello. This is not my favorite song off Brutal Youth, but it's an album I love. 7.) "The Blood is Love" Queens of the Stoneage. The opening to this song kind of sounds like circus music. 8.) "Eric's Trip" Sonic Youth. Great tune off Daydream Nation. (Probably one of the shorter songs on the album). 9.) "Move Closer" Tom Jones. HAAA! It starts off with some spoken word "Hey Baby" voiceover, with very cheesy techno beat in the background. Then the immortal lyrics. "When we're dancin/smoochin and swayin'/tender love song/softly playing/Move Closer/Move Your body closer til we feel like we're really MAKING LOVE." I can only listen to this ironically. 10.) "Bush Leaguer" by Pearl Jam. Yes, Eddie. I agree. George Bush is a bad president.

19. Love Lives Here left...

1. Brave New Hope - Basia 2. God Only Knows - Beach Boys 3. This Is The Sea - The Waterboys 4. Somewhere Only We Know - Keane 5. Tougher Than The Rest - Bruce Springsteen 6. If We Were A Movie - Hannah Montana (I have a 7 year old..) 7. Sweet Escape - Gwen Stefani 8. Radio Song - REM 9. Love Unlimited - Love Unlimited Orchestra 10. Cold Lamb Sandwich - Meet Joe Black Soundtrack

No explanations.