InventingSituations
InventingSituations
Follow

RANDOM RULES

Posted almost 6 years ago
Inspired by...no...directly derivitive of...no...*stolen* from "The Onion":http://www.avclub.com/content/randomrules , thought it'd be fun to do a "Random Rules" post. I'm sure someone's already done it and I'm sure that someone will let me know...but I haven't seen it done here and I'm not really harboring any delusions of originality, now am I? Goes like this: Put your mp3 player on "Shuffle" and write a bit about each song that plays. No cheating or skipping tracks...the embarrassing ones are the most fun to hear about. Honor system, people.Feel free to join in with five, ten or more...the more (and the more verbose) the merrier :)ok, here goes...*The National - Baby We'll Be Fine*"The Alligator" didn't really grab me as tightly as it did for lots of people, I don't think...this one routinely sticks in my head when I do listen to it though, the "I'm so sorry for everything" bit is pretty sticky for some reason. *The Mooney Suzuki - Everytime*Love the Mooney Suzuki (well, their first two, non-"Matrix"-spoiled records anyway) but this one is kind of a bland straightforward R&B tune...they're at their best when they really rock out. It does get a little more interesting about halfway through as it builds to its chaotically fuzzy climax, but it's my least favorite on "People Get Ready"*Relax - G Love & Special Sauce*Coming from Philly, G. was a bit of a hometown hero...I've kinda grown out of him since, but I'll be damned if it doesn't still make for some good easy-going summertime music.*The Music - Float*Haven't listened to this for ages...I got really into the Music when their first record came out...got tired of it after all the songs started to kind of sound the same, but individually they really are pretty good. I love the drums, and the lead singer is a big ole ball of energy live and in the studio. That thick-ass fuzzy guitar riff that propells this tune is one of the better ones on that record I think, despite the fact that the song isn't the most pop-friendly of the bunch.*Miles Davis - All Blues*Not much to say about this one...cool song from the coolest record. I love the presence on this song, its an old recording but you feel like you're in the room with them. It's brilliant.*Pearl Jam - Can't Keep*I knew some Pearl Jam would wind up in here...I love this song. Eddie Vedder threw the fanbase into a frenzy when he started showing up live playing songs solo on a ukelele. This was one of those, but the band fleshed it out brilliantly for Riot Act. Arguably their worst record, but one of their finest openers. The big, loose drums and delay-drenched guitar just swallow you.*Evening on the Ground (Lilith's Song) - Iron & Wine*Great song, such a great sense of tension. Much was made of the use of distorted guitars on the "Woman King" EP, and while it's uncharacteristic on paper, it all fits together better than one would have thought...it was a great setup for the more fleshed-out collaboration with Calexico that was to follow.ok, enough from me...I'd love to hear some others though. :)
0

Comments (16)

  1. Anna
    Anna says Franz Ferdinand-Take me out (love 'em love 'em love 'em) Bran Van 3000-Drinkin in L.A. (I consider this to b perfect 4 drivin') Tomoyasu Hotei-Battle Without Honour (from the Kill Bill ost,I congratulate my mp3 player on that one) Busta Rhymes-Touch it (word) Pussycat Dolls ft Snoop Dogg-Buttons (embarassin' one's ha?There.) This is not to be considered typical of my musical tastes though ;)
    Permalink posted 08/15/2006
  2. metalaw
    metalaw says That was fun.... Tired of Your Jive (live-1966) - BB King - from King of the Blues Box Set - Disk 2 -- I have not listened to this disk in the set much, but it is a nice classic blues guitar song - Lucille at her finest - it holds up very nicely at 40 years old. 2 Bailarinas - Max De Castro from Samba Raro (1999) - interesting modern Brazillian rythm, wish I spoke Portugeuse. A Brazillian label executive gave this to me when they were bringing a Brazillian stream on at Live365, and this was my favorite CD from a pile of good Brazillian music. Polly - Nirvana - from Nevermind (1991) - I had not listened to that version in a long, long time but it was very nice. I had the good fortune to see Nirvana live just a few months before the end, on 30 December 1993 in Los Angeles, and this reminded me of one of that stirring performance. My Heart, My Life - Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan & Michael Brook - from Night Song (1996) - ok so I wish I spoke multiple languages now... very sweet winding melody, rythm and vocals. My son used to fall asleep to this in the car as an infant. Of Course - Jane's Addiction - from Ritual de lo Habitual (1990) - love this song and its middle eastern rythm with Perry Farrell's fantastic and unusual voice. Part of the brilliance of Jane's Addiction. The best band from LA at the time, and that was a fun time, late 80s at the Park Plaza Hotel.
    Permalink posted 08/15/2006
  3. Manos
    Manos says I love this game. The urge to skip and lie is strong, but I’ll try to resist. Velvet Black Sky -- Mocean Worker Not my favorite Mocean Worker, but a very fun tune. I can’t help bopping when this comes on. Ants Marching -- Dave Matthews Band This is an “oldy” now, isn’t it? I hadn’t listened to this in a long time and stuck it on the iPod for old time’s sake. It’s still a great song. Angels -- David Byrne Oh, David. What happened? You used to be so cool. This is one of about three songs I can listen to on this album, and I haven’t liked any since. Getting Scared -- Imogen Heap I’m a big fan of Frou Frou, but it took me a while to get into Imogen Heap (testament to Guy Sigsworth I suppose). This one pushes along quite nicely though. Treat Me Mean, I Need the Reputation -- Xploding Plastix I hadn’t heard of Xploding Plastix until a few weeks ago, but this is exactly the type of Jazz-House/electronica I love – fast, fun, jazzy and driving. Factory -- Martha Wainwright I downloaded a few Martha Wainwright songs because I’m a big fan of her brother. Her music is so different and so incredible. Every syllable bleeds feeling.
    Permalink posted 08/15/2006
  4. Hmmm
    Hmmm says Alright Woman From the prairies- Robert Minden Ensemble This guy's crazy. He uses like vacuum hoses and saws to make music. So it fits perfectly with my life. This Year- The Mountain Goats Oh man, what can't i say about this song? Kept me going for a long time The Hardest Button To Button- The White Stripes Most people love this one, but i never liked it as much as the next track, little acorns. Womb with a view- Gwar Ahh, Gwar. Bloody massacres come to mind. Or donkey kong. I always played dk when listening to gwar. Sympathy for the Devil- Guns N' Roses I exited my GNR stage quite a while back, but I did like this song because it turned me on to the Rolling Stones
    Permalink posted 08/15/2006
  5. Maxroc
    Maxroc says Was obsessed with The Music's first album for a long time. Saw them a bunch of times and they were briefly my favorite active band. Very mediocre second album kind of killed it for me though.
    Permalink posted 08/15/2006
  6. InventingSituations
    InventingSituations says I've been hooked on "This Year" (as well as the rest of "The Sunset Tree"for the past week. I've somehow only recently discovered the Mountain Goats...they're fantastic. Maxroc - I was going to say nearly the same thing regarding The Music...that describes my experience with them almost exactly. "Welcome to the North" was ok, but it really highlighted their shortcomings more than their strengths...too bad.
    Permalink posted 08/16/2006
  7. democlez
    democlez says Nine Inch Nails - That's What I Get (An oldie but a goodie. Think New Age with abusive parents and a killer drinking problem) Korn - Counting On Me (I have to be in the right mood for Korn. This doesn't happen often. It's great pissed off music, but I can't really get into it most times.) Arcade Fire - Rebellion (Lies) (Good song! 'Sleeping in is giving in, so lift those heavy eyelids.' I like the video for this song, though I'm not entirely sure what it's trying to say) Toyota - Matrix Theme (This is the music that plays during the Toyota Matrix car commercial. I have no idea who it is by. I really wish there was an extended version (this version is only a few minutes long) and I could find a better quality MP3.) Shining - Something I Can Never Have (A cover of one of my favorite Nine Inch Nails songs. It's pretty good. I still like the original better, but when doesn't that happen?)
    Permalink posted 08/21/2006
  8. Jorobot
    Jorobot says Pillowcase, by Dntel: I downloaded some stuff by Dntel when I found out he did all the production for the Postal Service. Of course, his solo stuff couldn't be any more different. This is super abstract, and I have to confess I don't listen to it very often. Disarm, by Smashing Pumpkins: A no-question classic. I only have one Smashing Pumpkins album, and it's Siamese Dream, and that's all I need, I think, because after that Billy Corgan turned super-pretentious. Not that this isn't pretentious, because it totally is...it's got a great string arrangement, though. Polka Electronic Death Country, by Mochipet: Fun fact, this is the track I cut up to be my radio show theme song. It's as all over the place as you would guess from the title. Mochipet is a very underrated DJ, if you like your music sped up and fried and soaked in acid. Nihilism, by Rancid: Buh. I'm not a punk, I don't really listen to Rancid. Why do I have this? There's worse shit, out there, I guess...but I don't care about Nihilism one way or the other. I guess that's appropriate. Brian the Vampire, by Xiu Xiu: Boy, this is frightening music. I listen to Xiu Xiu when I decide I'm feeling too happy and satisfied with my life, and need something to take me down and remind me how scary the world is. Needless to say I don't listen to Xiu Xiu very often, but I have a lot of respect for his music.
    Permalink posted 08/21/2006
  9. fairportfan
    fairportfan says Here's the first five: X Offendor - *Blondie* - What can you say? quintessential Blondie, catchy melodic hook, mildly Odd lyric, more than somewhat kinky, not surprising, considering that before the label made 'em change it the title was Sex Offendor. Gaslight Rag - Dave van Ronk - The Mayor of MacDougal Street reminisces about the glory days of the Greenwich Village scene: "I had a dream that the Gaslight was clean/The rats were all scrubbed down/.../No-one was swacked/Dylan played Bach/And Ochs's lyrics all scanned". Turning of the Tide - *Bob Mould* - kickass cover of Richard Thompson's bittersweet ode to a dockside whore, from the *Beat the Retreat* tribute album

    Meet on the Ledge - Fairport Convention's signature tune, the one they end all their shows with. Also by Richard Thompson; this is the original recording from What We Did on Our Holidays, featuring lead vocals bu Iain Matthews and Sandy Denny. ABbut mortality and friendship and life and time.

    Star Star (Starf++ker) - *Joan Jett* - The Song That Dare Not Speak Its Name. Got Joan banned from Walmart when she stuck it on the cassette of Album without mentioning it on the package. The only song i have that uses the "F" word more blatantly (albeit bleeped) is Pinkard & Bowden's Universal Adjective Song. I can so easily imagine the evil urchin grin on Joan's face as she blasts out the chorus...

    Okay, six - got carried away

    Maggie Don't Two Step - *Cowboy Mouth* - Cajun/roots rock rave-up by Cowboy Mouth, the next-best thing to red beans & rice that comes from New Orleans.

    (And the next three were the *Dead* with Sugar Magnolia, *Alison Kraus* with Any Old Time from a tribute to *Jimmie Rodgers*, and *Brooce* with Nebraska from the *Live 75 - 85* set.)
    Permalink posted 08/21/2006
  10. CineFreak7
    CineFreak7 says Suddenly - Will Hoge Well, this isn't technically a Will Hoge song. It's by Spoonful, a band that Will was in with his bassist Dean Tomasek back before he was a "solo" act. The song's from a (very) rare EP that the band released. It's an okay song, but Will's definitely grown as a songwriter and singer since this. A little more pop-sounding than his more recent, grittier sound. Even so, this song's still better than half the crap out there posing as "rock and roll." Fascinating Rhythm - Antonio Carol Jobim It's "Fascinating Rhythm!" What more can you say? One of Gershwin's best songs, and this is probably the best version of it out there. It's got a bit of a Latino feel to it (more so than other versions) for obvious reasons... Hard Row - The Black Keys I haven't listened the Keys in a while and this song reminded me of what I've been missing. Just one more amazing blues song on an amazing blues album. Ain't No Mountain High Enough - Marvin Gaye What can you say about this song that hasn't been said a million times? It's a classic, one of the most recognizable songs ever. You'd be hard pressed to find anyone who wouldn't know this song immediately. This is one of those that randomly gets stuck in my head for no real reason, without me even hearing it. It's imbedded in my subconscious. The Princess of Hollywood Way - Gary Jules You know? I don't think I've ever really listened to this song. But... I like it! I bought the Gary Jules album used for about $5 after hearing (and falling in love with) his version of "Mad World" from Donnie Darko. There are other songs on the album that I've listened to and enjoyed (especially "Barstool") but this one never stood out to me. Not bad though. Jules is a great storyteller.
    Permalink posted 08/21/2006
  11. Dale
    Dale says OK, you asked for it, you got it: *Tricky - Strugglin'* - Having not heard this song in a long time, I'd totally forgotten it. I think Martina Topley-Bird is on vocals, but she's doing her best Siouxsie impression. We'll find out later, when Tricky does a cover of "Tattoo," the extent of his love for Siouxsie & The Banshees. Sorry, back to this song. Really long, slow, stoned vibe. *Arctic Monkeys - Mardy Bum* - Very Smiths-sounding, from the uniquely English vocabulary to the jangling guitar. I love Alex Turner's accent. I have no idea what a mardy bum is, but sounds like a bad thing. *Soundgarden - Outshined* - This song was my first exposure to Chris Cornell's seductive wail, and by association, my first taste of grunge. Good song, although I prefer their darker stuff, especially Superunknown. *Jon Spencer Blues Explosion - Dang* - Fantastic! Now this is blues I can get into! And in 1:59, it never overstays its welcome. Like a sonic palate-cleanser, if it tasted like battery acid. I have no idea what that means. *Doves - Ambition* - Nothing like the whole collection on random to get switched from lightning-fast to slow & stately. This song's like a tour on a state highway in Kansas, where you're going 65, then have to slow to 30 as you approach a town. As for the song itself, it's from "Some Cities," which is my least-favorite Doves album, but it's still very pretty and has a pleasing arrangement. Teh song cuts to almost nothing, then grants another minute of peaceful song before ending. *Jimmy Eat World - Night Drive* - Can't tell for sure, if this song is about making out in a car, or committing suicide in the car in the garage. Not something you want to be ambiguous about. *The Stratford 4 - Teelphone* - Now I remember why I stopped listening to these guys. They just referenced Spacemen 3 in this song; honestly, if anything, it sounds like they're trying to pull off Spiritualized in their "Let It Come Down"-era orchestrated madness. Too bad they're failing miserably. This band never found their own sound, which is a shame, since I did like "All Mistakes Are Mine." And it goes on for 8 minutes! Next! *The Futureheads - Worry About It Later* - Here's a band that has outgrown their previous influences. They still have the occasional tight vocal harmonies, but have added considerably more muscle to the song. People can't just compare these guys to XTC anymore. The same simple melodies are present, but they're buried under the guitar noise, so it takes work to find. *The Cult - Revolution* - Ah, sweet memories of making my high school French class listen ti this album, when I was 16 and thought The Cult wre the baddest thing ever. Hard to believe, listening to their power ballad here, that they were originally a goth band. Of course, their evolution to metal juggernaut was completed on the next album. *The Crystal Method - Blast* - I downloaded this a long time ago, when I was massively into The Crystal Method, and people were freaking out that their band name was an allusion to crystal meth. Good times. This song holds up well to their album Vegas. *Leftfield - Songs Of Life* - Hmm, from the end here, you'd think I have tons of trance/big-beat. Nope, just chance playing with me. I gopt this after hearing their song with the man, John Lydon, on "Open Up." Darn it, where did I put my glowstick? Who am I fooling, I've never been to a rave. WHEW, what an exercise. Nice opportunity to flex my brain for a bit.
    Permalink posted 08/21/2006
  12. eshep
    eshep says i hereby promise not to cheat. ok... steely dan - 'night by night' (i told you i wasn't cheating!): i will go on the record saying that steely dan are fucking cool. something about dan fagen's voice. he could sing just about anything, and he does, and it would work. this is off of 'pretzel logic', which i haven't listened to in a long time. this is a decent steely dan song, but the next song, 'any major dude', is the bomb, though. wilco did a nice cover of it. kelly willis - 'time has told me' (see, i really am not cheating): kelly willis would be considered country by any standards, yet she plays the kind of country that can no longer be found. her stuff has more in common with the old records of tammy wynette and loretta lynn than gretchen wilson. her voice is on the sugary side of sally ellyson from hem. she's beautiful too, which never hurts. sonic youth - 'beauty lies in the eyes': from 'sister'. i actually got into sonic youth when 'daydream nation' came out, but it wasn't long before i picked up this. anyone who claims to be a fan of rock music who doesn't own this record is missing out on some of the most innovative rock music of the past 30 years. flaming lips - 'can't stop the spring': from 'oh my gawd'. i remember listening to this my freshman year in college (i'm showing my age here) when the flaming lips were just an obscure little outfit from oklahoma that played your local dive when they came through. who woulda thunk they'd become warner's flagship alt-rock band? certainly not me. a great tune, though, this. esquivel - 'whatchamacallit': every time i hear esquivel i can't believe that this music existed when it did. he was truly a visionary, and an amazing composer/arranger. although it's somewhat cliche to do, throwing on esquivel during any soiree is sure to keep the mood festive. james blood ulmer - 'love have two faces': another complete original. nobody on the planet sounds like james blood ulmer. if you care about the guitar, you will seek out 'black rock', 'are you glad to be in america?' and 'the tales of captain black'. amazing funk/jazz/blues/outer space music. def leppard - 'photograph': the song is awesome. biggest drum sound ever. how can you not like this song? this is pre-one armed drummer material. neil hamburger - 'lawsuit crazy': i can only take neil hamburger in very small doses. i admire this man, but it seriously makes me cringe. i think i cringe just as much for the audience as i do for him.
    Permalink posted 08/22/2006
  13. eshep
    eshep says that should read DON fagen, not DAN. need coffee... can't think...
    Permalink posted 08/22/2006
  14. ciaran
    ciaran says Harmonic 33 - Where Have They Gone: Don't really know much about this. Great little trip-hop track from a Gilles Peterson CD I got few with a UK music magazine a few years back. Lots of nice strings! The Beatles - She Said, She Said: Pure pop genius. My favourite band of all time. From probably their best album (Revolver). The Kinks - Do It Again: Can't say that I've ever listened to this before. From their Ultimate Collection best of, which I'm afraid I tend to limit to the "classics" (Waterloo Sunset). Has a bit of The Who about it.. Big Maybelle - Say It Isn't So: Another track I've never listened to before, this time from a Jazz Compilation. Sounds bit like Ella playing with Miles. John Coltrane - Pursuance/Part 4 - Psalm: 3rd & final part of the ever wonderful Love Supreme. If you don't know what this sounds like then you haven't lived. Beauty in motion. Madeleine Peyroux - No More: I've tended to stick to the singles from this album (Careless Love) but this is perfectly nice dinner jazz. Toots & The Maytals - Redemtion Song: Lovely bit of gentle ska reggae. Not as kicking as Funky Kingston, but very nice none the less. Stereophonics - Not Up To You: I really used to love these guys and listening to this from their 1st album reminds me why. The lyric "The swings don't swing, the park's been dead for years" is one of my favourite ever - evidence of the talent that lies behind the band's bravado. Bryan Ferry & Roxy Music - Love Is The Drug: I HATE THIS AND THIS MAN! It's only on because my wife likes him. Darondo - Let My People Go: One of my best discoveries of the last year. Sounds like Al Green if he'd become a pimp rather than a reverend. Awesome sleezy soul. That was fun!
    Permalink posted 08/22/2006
  15. ciaran
    ciaran says Note for whosyrdad: I have no idea what a mardy bum is, but sounds like a bad thing. A mardy bum is a miserable ****! There's a longer definition of mardy here. ;-)
    Permalink posted 08/22/2006
  16. retinaburn
    retinaburn says Belle & Sebastian - The Model My brother was into B&S years ago now and I had some songs I had ripped from the cd. I haven't heard much of their stuff lately, but I know that they have just about perfect the pop hook. Melissa McClelland - Factory Ahh a Canadian, I was worried shuffle would fail me. I first saw Melissa open for her then fiance Luke Doucet (that man can play guitar!). I love her voice, though while some of her songs are great there is a few that I am not a big fan off. Anxious to get the new album. The Faint - Wonderful Scar I have a few Faint songs off a Saddle Creek (Saddle Creek 50 maybe). The songs I have I love, but other stuff I have heard I wasn't such a big fan off. The Feminists - Nothing's Going to Be Alright My buddy sent me their cd, we swap canadian bands a lot. They have some good songs but I am in no way a huge fan, or even a moderately obese fan. R.E.M. - Revolution Part of a live concert I downloaded from rbally's site. It's from 1985 and radiohead opened for them. Not a huge fan of the band, nor this concert. They sound very loose, and I am not a big fan of getting loose in a live setting. You can certainly change up the song, and do some adlibbing etc, but the songs just don't sound as good as they should. Hamell On Trial - Heat I saw Hamell opening for Ani at the Hummingbird Center a while back. I really liked his live stuff (FACE SOLO!!!). And some of the songs on this record are good, but I just don't find it listenable. Yeah Yeah Yeah's - Warrior Part of a concert I downloaded from rbally, Coachella '06. I skipped this song, I can't get into their live stuff. Pearl Jam - Medely (Daughter, Rocking in the Free world) This song from Live on Two Legs is really good. Old poppy pearl jam. Still meaning to pick up the new album after reading a lot of material lately on them from rollingstone.com Dan Bern - Crazy For Her I love me some dan bern. There is the 'dan bern audio archive' out there with a GIANT collection of his live stuff. When you are a prollific song writer and rarely record albums there winds up being so many great songs that just never get recorded. I have to prune down the number of dan bern songs though its overweighing itunes I hear a dan bern song ever 2-4 songs. The New Pornographers - Execution Day What ..what is this song is awful. The background vocals just mesh well with the lead vocals. However there is a hook to the music that I like, and the beat of the words. Social Distortion - Ball and Chain (acoustic) I pulled this from another music blog. It's a great song. 'Nuff said. Danny Michel - River on the moon Danny is an amazing song writer. He has such a way with words ('I feel like an old tatoo, like something you once believed, now you hide under your sleeve.'). This song is from one of his early albums and its a little more crafted, tone downed which is how I prefer his music. ok I think thats enough
    Permalink posted 08/22/2006

Comment on this Post

Login using email and password below.

Forgot Password?

OR login using Facebook Connect

Connect

Don't have an account?
Join MOG. It's Free!

 

© 2006-2012 Mog Inc. All Rights Reserved