The Problem

It's Saturday. Just going to work, you know? I'm not messing with no one. I take my earbuds out of my ears when I step into the GD Starbucks.

Venti drip. Bold. Room.

I don't say all that. They ask and I confirm. I pretend like I have to think about it for a second. Like I haven't ordered the same thing everyday this week. Last week. Before that for as long as I can remember, I guess.

Anyway, the problem occurs when I am reaching for the 1/2 & 1/2. "What is that song," I say? "It sounds cool. Not familiar, but something I would like."

I add the cream and walk over to that screen they have that tells you what's currently playing.

It's GD Mark Lanegan with Isobel Campbell.

What the WTF? I'm not even trying. I'm not searching it out. It's hunting me down in a coffee shop. Why can't that guy's music just leave me be?

I just downloaded the song. "Come Undone" it's called. I like it.

10:09 in the AM and I need a drink.

We did what now?

Did we really just make a theme of 15 R.E.M. songs that we're already going to know? That is like the anti-Music Club. I think we just got caught up in both wine/beer and the moment......but really, 15 songs from a band we all know?

A modest proposal. Let's scrap that sucker.

I suggest the theme of three songs with one word of the title in common.

I promise not to make my word 'tango'.

Music Art

Hi-

Do recognize the album cover that was inspiration for this painting? Unfortunately I don't think it is one of the paintings we will be showing at the gallery, but we may be showing others like it.

Also, the above painting is a transcription of the guitar solo from Sweet Child O' Mine into color. Now that I say it you totally see it, right?

The Upcoming Summer Songs

So, just out of curiosity, what exactly is a summer song?

Keep your finger on important issues

I thought I’d follow up on the Elvis Costello discussion by (of course) ranking his albums and in the spirit of Jim’s post also listing the best and worst tracks from each. I didn’t include Almost Blue since it’s all covers and also very little past Spike because I just don’t know them well enough (except for The Delivery Man).

And really, how the hell did it take us so long to have an Elvis conversation?

1) Trust. Best song: Watch Your Step. Worst song: Shot with His Own Gun. Depending on the day you might be able to get me to say Strict Time is the best song here. Or New Lace Sleeves. Or Clubland.....you get the idea.

2) Imperial Bedroom. Best song: Beyond Belief. Worst song: Shabby Doll. I am coming around to the idea that Beyond Belief could be his very best song.

3) Taking Liberties. Best song: (I Don’t Want to Go to) Chelsea. Worst song: Wednesday Week. Yeah, it’s a compilation of b-sides but I think that top to bottom it is probably the disc I’ve listened to most over the years. Night Rally is really solid as well.

4) My Aim Is True. Best song: Watching the Detectives. Worst song: Pay It Back.

5) Get Happy!!. Best song: Opportunity. Worst song: New Amsterdam. Riot Act is a really close second for best here.

6) Armed Forces. Best song: Party Girl. Worst song: Goon Squad.

7) This Year’s Model. Best song: Pump It Up. Worst song: Little Triggers.

8) The Delivery Man. Best song: Bedlam. Worst song: Needle Time. This was such a nice surprise.

9) Punch the Clock. Best song: Everyday I Write the Book. Worst song: The World and His Wife.

10) Blood & Chocolate. Best song: I Want You. Worst song: Crimes of Paris.

11) Out of Our Idiot. Best song: American Without Tears No. 2. Worst song: Shoes Without Heels. Another compilation of random stuff is hit or miss, but the best here is better than the original version on King of America.

12) King of America. Best song: Brilliant Mistake. Worst song: Poisoned Rose. Yeah Marcy, I know you love it, and it’s OK but nowhere near my favorite.

13) Spike. Best song: Veronica. Worst song: God’s Comic. I remember playing this a lot when it came out, now looking back on it there is just not a ton that I want to hear again.

14) Goodbye Cruel World. Best song: Inch By Inch. Worst song: Love Field.

15) The Juliet Letters. Best song: Jacksons, Monk & Rowe. Worst song: everything else. I just listed this because I do think Jacksons, Monk & Rowe is a really great song.

As always, feel free to argue! You’ll be wrong, but it's fun to talk.

Best & Worst

I like the idea of not just the best by a great band, but the worst as well.

http://lineout.thestranger.com/lineout/archives/2010/07/13/tomorrow-never-knows-what-goes-on-the-best-and-worst-beatles-and-velvet-underground-songs

Next up: Best and Worst by The National, The Decemberists, Mark Lanegan, Vampire Weekend, Neil Young, Elvis Costello, Rolling Stones, Clarence (Thomas) Carter, Steve Malkmus, and the Ting Tings.

Pat, Is there a reason you didn't yell this one from the mountain top?

Thursday. Aug.19.10

Cracker, Camper Van Beethoven

Neumos

HIgh on High Violet

I am loving The National's new album.

Favorites today:

Runaway

Bloodbuzz Ohio

Sorrow

Thoughts on the next meeting

As much as I love the music baby theme, I'm wondering how you guys feel about swapping it for something that requires less thought (it is almost summer and all)? The last theme was so maddening for a few of us! I think Greg brought up bringing some of our favorite music from the first have of 2010 and hell, it is a stand out year so far. That could be a super fun mix.

Thoughts?

Also, does June 24th work for everyone?

I remember

...his hat tilted forward
His glasses are folded in his vest
And he seems like the kind of man
Who beats his horses
Or the dancers who work in a bar

Apple shuttering Lala online music retailer??

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/36875721/ns/technology_and_science-tech_and_gadgets/

oh no...