Matthew Sweet Rocks my World! August 28, 2008

I have been siting at the computer all morning grading Axia papers.  I thought this would be a good time to catch up on listening to new albums, since a lot has come out lately, but instead I put three by Matthew Sweet (Altered Beast, Girlfriend, and 100% Fun) on shuffle and have been singing along at the top of my lungs.  I love this man and his kick butt pop!

He also has a new album out for my birthday, but I haven’t had a chance to pick it up yet.  Soon and very soon.  If you haven’t heard him, or have been wanting to relive some of his hits, here are some videos.

Some people are turned off by his 60’s pop influence and his long guitar solos, but I eat them up like the candy they are.

Sick of Myself

We’re the Same

I’ve Been Waiting

And, the one that started it all!

Girlfriend

Vinyl #2 – Mojave 3 – “Return to Sender” 7-inch July 29, 2008

I hardly ever listen to my 7-inches, but I had to spin Mojave 3’s “Return to Sender” today.

If not for the title track, for the amazing live version of “At Your Feet” on the B-Side.  I’ve been a fan of these guys since “Out of Tune” and used to play a cover of “Baby’s Coming Home” back in the lo-fi america days.

The “Common People” of Star Trek June 26, 2008

Another mash-up for Pulp’s amazing song, “Common People” (the Shatner version). This one using the wonderfully crazy old Star Trek cartoon.

Reason to move to Seattle #347 – Thee Emergency June 23, 2008

I have been researching the Seattle music scene on blogs like Sound on the Sound (give me some recs if you have any) and none have impressed me more than Thee Emergency.  Their soulful rock hit me from everywhere and Dita Vox’s amazing voice grabbed me from the first song.  Heartbreaker is a standout!  I can’t wait to see these guys live, which, from all reports, is where the action is.

The Creature Singeth! June 8, 2008

Once we get settled on the West Coast, we have to take a trip down to Universal Studios to see Creature from the Black Lagoon the Musical.  That’s right!  The Creature is back and he is singing a tune about never getting the girl.

Beirut – “Elephant Gun” May 19, 2008

Some Girls… May 10, 2008

The garage sale was pretty boring today. The one highlight-listening to The Smiths “Some Girls are Bigger than Others” while being surrounded by mid-west shopping moms and their daughters.

I kept waiting for one of them to say, “What is that horrible man talking about?” But, they just kept their heads down and their eyes on the merchandise.

It was a Jarvis Cocker kind of day. May 10, 2008

Some New Old Songs April 25, 2008

Some of you know I used to play in a band before I embarked on the never ending road to Dr. Buck. If you knew me back then or just want to hear what we sounded like, check out “Oooh, Where Are You Now” and “Whisper my Name” (two unreleased tracks) over at my cousin Charlie Ash’s music space. While you’re there, check out other great songs from his long career in music.

If you just have to have our album (I actually have about 1 person a year who contacts me looking for a copy and who eerily tell me that they “wore their copy out.”) you can pick one up at Half.com for a cool 75 cents!

Mix Tape – Songs for Baby (6 weeks/6 songs) April 22, 2008

We’ve already talked about how we are not going to be those parents that buy the Barney Sing Along cd (not that those parents are evil – at least in theory) for our kid. I grew up with Lynard Skynard pumped into my ears 24/7 and we’re going to shape our kids in the same way. So, here is the first of my baby mix tapes.

The Sugarcubes – Birthday

REM – Begin the Begin

Pearl Jam – Black

The Decemberists – The Mariner’s Revenge (complete with lines from Moby Dick)

The Counting Crows – Friend of the Devil (Greatful Dead cover)

Corinne Bailey Rae – Venus as a Boy (Bjork Cover)