You WILL like what DsD has posted, or we’ll send da boys round, capiche?
The last couple of weeks’ selections from Abahachi and AngryIrishPunk gave me a dilemma: do I continue with their policy of driving us down a narrow track, as a way of trying to make you all listen to a dozen (i) classic rock cuts; (ii) Americana adventures; or (iii) minimalist mood-pieces? My long-lists for this thread included enough options for me to do any of those things. Or was it time to give you all a bit of relief; play safe, pick a load of Spill faves, and see how they ended up being ranked? It might have been fun to watch you agonize on how to split one vote four-or-five ways each!
In the end, I’m not sure I have a theme. I did have a draft of this blurb that claimed I’d dug around in the dusty forgotten corners of my collection for these songs, but I’ve played them (and their parent albums) so much each in the last month that they don’t feel like lost gems any more. So what DO we have here? I suppose the clumsy thread title you clicked on is about as big a clue as you’re gonna get: here are a bunch of songs I’m hoping will make you ALL go away happy. I’m not naïve enough to think I’ll please everyone with all the songs, but I’ve definitely targeted each song at least one specific person. So as well as the usual KEEP ONE, KICK ONE, I’ll give you an extra challenge: who was I thinking
“XXXX will like this one”
about for each of the songs?
1. Was (Not Was) – Go … Now!
I found the vinyl LP in a bargain bin just after I’d discovered Was (Not Was) via the What Up, Dog? album. So whilst everyone else was dancing to Walk The Dinosaur, I was playing air-bass to this.
2. Alabama 3 – She Blessed Me
There are a lot of guest spots and collaborations in my selection this week, and here, Razorlight’s Johnny Borrell adds his radio-friendly tones to my favourite Brixtonians. I still haven’t seen them live, and I won’t next week in Manchester either, because I have something else on . . . (I wonder what, eh?)
3. Gangstagrass – Our Life
Darcey insisted I put this in; along with Lana Del Rey’s Video Games, this is her instant request whenever she & I are alone in the car. I’ve not yet found out what her teacher thinks of my not-quite-7-y.o. skipping into class singing “Drinking all night, working all day, this is our life so heaven can wait”
4. Megafaun – Everything
Features the Be Good Tanyas’ Frazey Ford on prominent vocals. That unfortunately meant this was a song I didn’t get to hear the band play when I saw them this summer. I’m still debating whether to include 2011’s self-titled album in my 2012 ‘Spill end-of-year contributions, as I didn’t find this until March of this year.
5. Iron & Wine / Calexico – He Lays in the Reins
I like both artists on their own, but I absolutely LOVE the collaboration mini-album this is from. I haven’t got a Scooby what the Josef Locke-style vocal is about in the mid-section, but that doesn’t stop me from trying to sing along when I’m on my own playing this.
6. Mark Lanegan Band – Strange Religion
Severin said the other week that it was disappointing that so many artists think that to sound soulful they simply have to sing slow. Well this is slow, but my God, is it soulful?! There is so much inner peace oozing from the laid-back delivery, that it may surprise those who don’t know to be told that there are not one but TWO ex-Guns’N’Roses members singing along with Mr.Lanegan.
7. Matthias Vogt Trio – April 5th
One of two selections here from the recent Spirit Of Talk Talk compilation. A dead giveaway who this is aimed at, but I must thank that particular blogger for giving me the tools to appreciate this for what it is. And, as I sit here typing wearing my fantastic PlayeRR T-shirt from Shane, I am reminded that the original of this song was my first EVER A-lister on RR.
8. Recoil – Inheritance
This is also from the covers album Spirit Of Talk Talk released a couple of months ago. This isn’t my favourite off the album by a long way, but by turning it into a slightly menacing Tricky-esque piece with Linton Kwesi Johnson on vocals, it is at least a decent shot at reinventing the song.
9. Embrace – A Glorious Day
A late substitute for Shack, because the song I really wanted from them faded in and out, which meant it didn’t flow with the songs either side. I’m not giving anything away to say that this one isn’t for Chris, who’ll probably tell me it’s unoriginal, wanders in&out of tune, and an identikit crowd-pleaser. I won’t disagree with him, but I’m in the middle of that crowd, bathing in the bonhomie. Come on Chris, dive in: it’s lovely and warm in here.
10. Girlschool – Take It All Away
I’ll admit I had forgotten all about this until it cropped up on a Classic Rock covermount CD recently. That’s nearly three decades of occasional plays I now have to make up! Now, where’s me leather / denim-cutoff jacket gone?
11. Glenn Hughes – Soul Mover
I decided this playlist needed more heavy rock if it was going to be a true reflection of my taste, but without scaring everyone away. So I figured I’d draw you in with some ace “chocka-wakka, chocka-wakka” guitar, and maybe you won’t notice you’re being pounded into submission right at the last!
Gangstagrass was my favourite ! ! ! It was a lot of fun witha great arrangement and the banjos really remind of Big and Rich which is good thing (as Mr P would say
)
But Megafun just sounded so dull coming directly after it. So I think this would be one to kick out.
I could not think at all of who the tracks could be for ! ! ! I am useless at things like that ! ! !
It is a really great playlist.
Thank you DsD ! ! !
That’s a very interesting comment on my sequencing, Sakura-chan. Playing the Megafaun in isolation, I’d never accuse it of being “dull”, but the Gangstagrass are SS-O-O-O over-the-top that anything would pale next to it. Thanks for listening.
Thoughts (typed while listening)…
Was (Not Was) – Musically good, but REALLY not my thing. I had to skip the last 40 seconds or so because I completely zoned out.
Alabama 3 – I’ve seen them on Jools Holland and liked them, not a fan of Radiohead but the collaboration works. Probably keep.
Gangstagrass – Oh, I like this! While I object to an awful lot of rap and hip-hop because it’s racist/sexist/promotes criminality, I have no objection to the genre as a thing. This reminded me a little of early Gym Class Heroes, just with more banjos than you’d expect from Travie et al. Keep.
Megafaun – My immediate reaction is that the vocal is a bit breathy/whingy, which I’m aware will sound hypocritical given some of what was in my playlist last week. Oh, the girl singing backing on the chorus has a nice voice… holy crap! Is that the same girl on the second verse? WHAT HAS SHE GOT STUCK UP HER NOSE? WILL SOMEBODY HELP HER? The middle-eight is good, and the brass is a nice touch.
Iron & Wine/Calexico – Well, I was never going to chuck this, was I? Great guitar, I like the lyrics, the vocals are brilliant, it’s got a catchy tune. Keep. Oh, is that a lap steel guitar? It sounds like Jerry Douglas. And now we’ve gone a bit Andrea Bocelli… love it.
Mark Lanegan Band – To be honest, I went into this with great trepidation. I find most of his stuff deathly dull. Not band though: it doesn’t do enough for me to be a keeper, but I’m not rushing to chuck it, either!
Matthias Vogt Trio – Nice bit of piano. Intro reminds me a little of that Joni Mitchell Christmas song whose name escapes me (y’know “It’s comin’ on Christmas/they’re cutting down trees…”). I quite like this, but I’ve no idea who it’s aimed at. Guess I don’t know anyone’s tastes very well yet! If I had to guess, I’d say Aba…
Recoil – Oh, long keyboard intro… LKJ always raises the tone though. Reminds me a bit of ‘Tam Lin Retold’ by The Imagined Village. Always been a fan of Johnson, so I should probably keep this, but to be honest it’s not doing much for me… oh, Christ, there’s what I assume is the chorus… KILL IT WITH FIRE!!!!! It’s like a cross between Lionel bloody Ritchie and the autotuned white-boy vocal hook on a Flo Rida song. That bit straight after the chorus is like Eliza Carthy crossed with Tinariwen, which is cool. Too many styles mixed up together though, and that insistent three-note sub-bass thing is making Skrillex look like fucking Mozart.
Embrace – Is this Travis? Or Coldplay? Or possibly Train? I’m afraid that intellectually I’m with Chris on this one. Emotionally, however, I’m struggling to not hum along. It’s very catchy, nice simple piano line. Actually, some of the chord changes remind me a little of Hallelujah. Not my thing.
Girlschool – Kill me. Kill me now. The singer’s vocal tone reminds me a little of Brody Dalle, but far more lightweight (if that makes sense). Simple little blues pattern, nothing offensive or bad, but even I’ve heard it about a billion times before and I don’t listen to this kind of music, so I dread to think how familiar it must sound to, say, a ZZ Top fan. Oh, that’s interesting, it cut out after about a minute… Technical difficulties, eh?
Glenn Hughes – Big screeching solo, Axl Rose-esque girly screaming, bluesy riffs. WHERE’S THE POUNDING YOU PROMISED ME, GODDAMN IT????? WHEN I GET PROMISED HEAVY, I EXPECT THIS AT THE LEAST!!!
In conclusion, I’m torn between cutting Recoil, Girlschool and Glenn Hughes. I’m going to go with the latter because it disappointed me, but to be honest it’s pretty much a toss-up. I’m want to keep Bon Ivor, Matthias Vogt Trio and Gangstagrass… I think if I have to choose one I’ll go with Bon Ivor. As for what tack is aimed at who, I have no idea. If there is a track on this playlist aimed at me, I suspect it’s the Bon Ivor, in which case good call! Hopefully I haven’t been too rude about any of the tracks, overall a really wide-ranging playlist, which was great. Thanks, DsD!
Whoops, forgot to add the link for “WHEN I GET PROMISED HEAVY, I EXPECT THIS IN THE LEAST!!!”
OK, THIS IS GETTING STUPID. OBVIOUSLY EVERYWHERE I’VE WRITTEN BON IVOR MENTALLY REPLACE IT WITH IRON & WINE. Interesting Freudian slip, eh?
Even more interesting is that Megafaun is formed by members of Justin Vernon’s former band when he left and became Bon Iver.
I think you created the world’s first musical crop circle!
I think it’s Razorlight not Radiohead! The latter combination might interest me more.
Again, STUPID TYPOS! My feelings would have been even stronger had it been Radiohead, who I must admit to loathing… Nah, as I say, not a fan of Razorlight. Although ‘In America’ was a decent song and I believe Borrell went out with Emma Watson, which technically means that as a Potterhead I can’t criticise him too much
“DE-CAFF FOR TABLE TWO, PLEASE!”
AIP, stop it! You’re cracking me up whilst I sneak looks at my phone whilst I’m supposed to watching my trainee.
You have claimed the obvious Spill point for nailing the Professor to the MV3.
I did pick a fairly varied list, so there isn’t much riffage or pounding going on, I admit that. But given that my tastes have always been more Classic Rock than Death Metal, and I’m more than twice your age, I’ll stand by my Girlschool and Glenn Hughes cuts.
But I have made myself a note to do you an “As Heavy As I Get” playlist at some point.
Cheers. Back to work …
I’ll stop now! Glad I got something right with the MV3 call! And in my defence, I needed that coffee in order to get up at 7.15 and write an essay about the Medici
I’m glad you went for a selection of various styles. I really enjoyed your westcountry spill CD, there were a lot of new songs to me that sounded good.
I don’t think you were thinking of me with Was (Not Was), I didn’t like walk the dinosaur and this has a funky bass, but doesn’t touch me.
Alabama 3 sounded different to what I expected, but not in a good way. I will not be seeking out anything else by Gangstagrass, but hey, there’s some good ones coming up.
Megafaun is lovely, I often enjoy a string arrangement and the voice combination is very appealing. Tickles my country allergy, but I can take an antihistamine for that. Did you think that TFD would like this?
I know I love Iron & Wine and own a single by Calexico so this is, as expected, up my street, would you anticipate barbryn might like it?
Mark Lanegan is a popular spill choice I think, Abahachi, Carole, me are fans, I don’t know who else, love him singing anything, but slow and soulful is as adorable as Screaming Trees to me. It’s winning so far. Is it Axl and Izzy?
Matthias Vogt Trio, well I don’t know the original this is peaceful, is it supposed to be? Like the bass.
Recoil is Alan Wilder isn’t it? I would anticipate liking it more than I actually did. Will listen a few more times to this, finding the vocalist distracting if that isn’t too strange a thing to say.
I will not comment on Embrace. I respect Girlschool for touring with Motorhead. I like Glenn Hughes a lot, nice chunky guitars and his vocals always appeal.
If I was ranking these it would go Mark Lanegan, Glenn Hughes, Iron & Wine and Calexico, Megafaun and then the rest. I’d dump Gangstagrass. Thanks for posting an enjoyable list.
Beth,
Yes, I’m hoping TFD takes to Megafaun.
Hadn’t thought about Barney for I&W/Calexico.
One out of two on ex-GnRs: Izzy & Duff.
You’ve well and truly wrong-footed me with your own reactions/responses though!
Ta.
Oh, and thanks for the feedback on the Social CD. That’s a pretty good review bearing in mind how angry, drunk, and limited to my laptop for music choices I was the night I put it together in a Bromsgrove hotel room.
“…bearing in mind how angry, drunk, and limited to my laptop for music choices I was the night I put it together…”
Sounds like pretty much every playlist I’ve ever compiled!
It was the day the Hillsborough report was published.
Entirely understandable mate.
Did you think I only like doomy goth, DsD? Even when I was most goth I was still buying folk albums, woman of mystery, that’s me!
woman of mystery, that’s me!
Remark of the week!
No, I didn’t have you down as being so blinkered, Beth, but there’s definitely one or two of your like/dislike votes I’d have guessed the other way round.
W(NW) – this is good silly fun, you could dance to it, and I like the unhinged brass a lot. Ultimately, though, I’m finding it a bit irritating.
Alabama 3 – a band who I’ve listened to more than anyone in the last few weeks, but only as a result of watching an entire boxset of The Sopranos. This is good though.
Gangstagrass – yes, this works. Didn’t someone post a bluegrass/hip-hop crossover thing as an Earworm a while back? Is this the same people?
Megafaun – like this a lot – the interplay of the voices, the strings. Was a bit thrown by the change of pace initially, but came round to it – want to listen to this one again.
I&W/Calexico – yeah, I think this is my favourite Iron & Wine release too – I haven’t listened to it for a while, as I saved it on a now-defunct mp3 player. Best so far, though with an unfair advantage.
Mark Lanegan can’t do much wrong with that voice, and this is no exception. Don’t know if any of the last three were specifically aimed at me, but they’ve all pretty much hit the spot. This might just edge out the previous track as my favourite.
Matthias Vogt Trio – this was lovely. Can’t think who likes jazz-inflected piano trios.
Recoil – I don’t really know any Talk Talk. That’s pretty poor, isn’t it? I’m sorry. This is an interesting piece anyway.
Embrace – what you said… They do a good line in stadium balladry, and his voice gets me in a way that Chris Martin, Liam Gallagher and others don’t.
Girlschool – fun
And so we reach the point where our musical tastes diverge entirely… I’ve enjoyed the ride up to this point, but you can take Glenn Hughes with you.
“Taxi for Hughes. LA, via Wolverhampton.”
yay, I guessed you’d like Iron & Wine and Calexico. Do I get a prize?
Only a couple of Spill points (
usedpre-owned), I’m afraid, Beth.that’s better than nothing, thank you!
Right, here we go…
Was (Not Was): Blimey, no messing – we’re straight in there, aren’t we? I hate Walk The Dinosaur but really like Spy In The House Of Love (and didn’t they do a fairly respectable version of Papa Was A Rolling Stone?). Anyway, what I’m trying to say is I’m ambivalent about W(NW) – and open for them to be good. Or rubbish. This was neither for me. More sort of… OK. Bit long. And with too much instrumental squealing for these ears. The vocalist can deffo sing though, can’t he? On balance, keep.
Alabama 3: This is more my cup of tea. And local lads, so I have to be supportive. Like a Brit Bran Van 3000 (on this one anyway). I like me a bit of white-boy grunge-gospel appropriation – especially when done for sexy secular purposes. Hur hur. Keep.
Gangstagrass: Decent enough groove, but I’m missing a tune. The ‘hook’ is just a bit plodding. Oh my DAZE, I am totes middle-aged now. I think this might grab me more in a live context.
Megafaun: That strummed geetar was like a glass of ice-cool water after the scruffy twang-rap of the last one. Like this very much – although I prefer the male vocalist to the female one. Lots of duets/song battles going on in these songs…
Iron & Wine/Calexico: Lovely. Prefer the English vocalist to the operatic forrin chap. I think your attention span may be even shorter than mine, DsD – you seem to need a couple of songs within each song in this list!
Mark Lanegan Band: Favourite so far. I just love his voice. And the backing is lovely and snuggly warm. So nice to hear someone relaxed enough with his/their gift not to feel the need to show off. There’s no showboating here, is there? He’d be out in week one of X Factor…
Matthias Vogt Trio: For Abahachi? This isn’t really grabbing me. Pleasant but possibly the first contendah for the chop. Maybe I need to know the original song. Which I don’t. I know, my bad.
Recoil: Hm, not really doing it for me either. The vocal is a bit too… talky. I can hear the Tricky thing, but his vocals were more interestingly creepy/paranoid. This sounds a bit flat in comparison. The other chap has a nice voice though. Ooh, now there’s a laydee having a go. (Or a very vocally treated fella.) This is another one that’s too long. Get on with it! Least favourite so far – sorry.
Embrace: Again, I’m finding myself aurally relieved by the simple piano motif after all the techno wizardry. I’ve become a Luddite in my 40s. Sheesh. Nice. Dunno why people were so sniffy about Danny McNamara’s vocal abilities but let Liam Gallagher get away with that horrible nasal whine. There’s a lovely lighters-in-the-air bonhomie to Danny’s voice. And he doesn’t sound like he thinks he’s too cool for school. Keep.
Girlschool: Like a less interesting X Ray Spex. I’d rather hear The Day The World Turned Day-Glo, but this is less unpleasant than I was imagining. I was expecting more axe-wankery. Oh… here it comes.
Glenn Hughes: Yeah, this is OK. Obviously not the sort of thing I would go out of my way to listen to (and I keep wanting it to turn into Sam and Dave’s Soul Man in the chorus), but I don’t hate it.
I think after a first listen, I’m recoiling from Recoil. But I suspect that might change on a second run-through. Apart from the Matthias Vogt for Aba, I dunno who they’re aimed at. Glenn Hughes for gordonimmel? (Not that we generally see him hereabouts.) Iron & Wine for mnemonic? I just don’t know…
Bish, your description of the Lanegan is the bookies’ frontrunner for “Comment of the week”.
Cheers.
1. Was (Not Was) – Go … Now!
Ooh! I do like a bit of Was Not Was. I first discovered them via Ze Records’ Mutant Disco compilation. In many ways, they are the disco cousin of Frank Zappa. This one isn’t getting kicked out. Lovely stuff.
2. Alabama 3 – She Blessed Me
I don’t know their stuff and, to be honest, the phrase “Razorlight’s Johnny Borrell” didn’t exactly make me smile, but this was OK. Not my brand new fave, but solid stuff. It won’t get kicked either.
3. Gangstagrass – Our Life
I shall upset Darcey here, probably. Not really one I would revisit. Maybe one for the sharp exit.
4. Megafaun – Everything
Another act I know nothing about. I think there is too much going on here, it would be better if it was a bit more sparse, but it will stay.
5. Iron & Wine / Calexico – He Lays in the Reins
The Josef Locke-style vocal put me off a bit but the rest was fine. Some nice guitar too.
6. Mark Lanegan Band – Strange Religion
Mark Lanegan can do no wrong. Excellent.
7. Matthias Vogt Trio – April 5th
Atmospheric ethereal loveliness. Absolutely gorgeous.
8. Recoil – Inheritance
I didn’t know what to expect from the description, but I really liked this. There is a bit of Future Sounds Of London about this one and some Massive Attack too.
9. Embrace – A Glorious Day
I really don’t like Embrace. Their appeal escapes me completely. This one may well save Darcey’s fave from expulsion.
10. Girlschool – Take It All Away
Ah, Girlschool. A blast from the past. Seen them a couple of times and where would rock music be without all those recycled Chuck Berry riffs? Good fun.
11. Glenn Hughes – Soul Mover
This is one from the Deep Purple/Whitesnake stable, isn’t it? It is effective enough in it’s own way, even though he’s mangled all the Hendrix riffs he’s stolen. It is a bit like Free or Bad Company. Meat and potatoes British blues-rock.
So, where does this leave matters? I suppose I’ll cut to the chase. Embrace are expelled because I just don’t like them and the song sounds like something a boy band would record.
Carole, Bish, Beth,
Thanks for comments. Too knackered to log onto PC now – had two two-hour nights in a row – will respond fully tomorrow.
G’night.
Zzzzzzzzzzxzz
Was (Not Was) – not my thing, didn’t do anything for me.
Alabama 3 – I quite like the contrast between the as you say radio friendly chorus and the growlier verses. Interesting. I think I have also passed up several opportunities to see them live as I think I’m right in saying they’ve played Rebellion more than once, although I’m not sure what the logic of that booking was.
Gangstagrass – original I suppose in the mix of styles but not for me.
Megafaun – I could immediately picture them on Jools Hollnd – that is not a good thing at all! But then I liked the bit in the middle where the pace changed (even though I could still imagine it on Jools)
Iron & Wine/Calexio – nice, quite liked it but would have cut the bit where it goes all “Hear My Song”
Mark Lanegan Band – I didn’t expect to like this but I did. I’m not sure it oozes inner peace for me though
Matthias Voht Trio – Just sounded lie background music to me, sorry
Recoil – I really liked this, unexpectedly again. I’ve never been a Talk Talk fan though any similarities to the original? I liked the 80s spaceyness of the chorus.
Embrace – sounds (as expected) like a lightweight Oasis. Probably the track most likely to cause a violent reaction from me.
Girlschool – OK but no Emergency
Glenn Hughes – only got to listen to a minute or so before it began to interfere with Mrs wyngatecarpenter’s concentration, but at that stage it sounded a bit like Saxon to these ears? ……Have I said something bad?
A few surprises in there for me and my musical tunnel vision!
Keep – Recoil
Bin – Embrace
As for who each track was aimed at – no idea whatsoever!
A belated Thank You from me, wyngate. Getting Mark Lanegan past your 6″-laquered spike defences is close to being my Achievement Of The Week.
Re Recoil’s treatment of Inheritance: no, not really any similarities at all. I don’t have the aversion to it that SpottedRichard does, though I’m just as big a Talk Talk fan. By this point in their career, there was as much importance placed on the “spaces between the music” as there was on the instrumentation itself, and as such I think it was probably the absolute antithesis of the “blow-it-all-away” punk ethos.
1)Was (Not Was).
Started off like it was going to be rock then turned into funk/disco and went back to rock again. Mega sound, great bass and a big voice. Good start.
2)Alabama 3 Don’t know of these guys but, like bish said, it sounds an awful lot like “Drinking in L.A.”
3)Gangstagrass. Another ‘sounds like’. Could be something that Will Smith could have done, but with a bit more production.
4)Megafaun. Ah, that’s better. yes I could listen to this on a warm Sunday morning, waiting to start the day doing nothing.
5)Iron and Wire/Calexico. And follow the last one with this. And I quite like the (Mexican ?) voice in the middle. That is a nice piece.
6)Mark Lanegan. See, now you’ve gone from Sunday morning to a late night large single malt when you are on your own and a bit sad and alone. Don’t get in the mood for this sort of music often, luckily, and could quite easily leave it to gather dust somewhere.
7)Mathias Vogt Trio. This has got abahachi’s thumbprints all over it. Late night smooth. Turns his head to camera and says “nice”. Actually, it’s much better than that. It flows and has form and tempo. A keeper.
8)Recoil. Another one that reminds me of something else. It’s got a feel of Leftfield’s “21st. Century Poem” about it. I would certainly put this on a chillout playlist. Lovely.
9)Embrace. Yes, Glorious indeed. Could play that at anytime. Best of the bunch.
10)Girllschool. A good. Wondered where all the DsD heavy, thumping, thrashing selections had gone. Raw, basic and uncompromising. Get in the car and drrrrrrriiiiiivvvvve.
11)Glen Hughes. Ah. MORE ROCK. Got to say though that this could be any one of a number of groups. Background rock. Wouldn’t stop what I was doing to look up who this was but wouldn’t turn it off.
I’ll keep Darcey happy and let Gangstagrass stay, but Mark Lanegan has got to go.
Ah, you’re just too happy a chappy, BP. Me? I positively like to wallow in the mood this song creates. Cheers.
Very briefly
1. WNW – Fun! ?Sakura
2. A3 – Great. Mitch
3. Gangstagrass – Know it off by heart. It’s in the car. Me
4. Megafaun. Lovely. Zala
5. Iron and Wine. Like it Toffeeboy,
6. Mark Lanegan. Like it ?Ali
7. Matthew Vogt Pleasant. Don’t know
8. Recoil. Got to go. No idea.
9. Embrace. Lovely. bish
10 Fun. Like it. Aba
11 Nice chugga chugga. ?Amylee
Lots of keepers. I haven’t listened to the Spirit of Eden covers except for a couple of tracks, so it’s unfair to have taken a violent (purists) dislike to what I’ve heard so far, but it’s irrational but true. I’m recoiling, I’m afraid.
Lovely playlist and I’m going to pull an Ali and say I’m crap at guessing so that I at least get one right.
Well of course you got at least ONE right, identifying yourself for the Gangstagrass you pointed me at. You’re also right with Alabama 3 and Glenn Hughes.
I’ll be back tonight before RR TOFF to fill in the gaps of everyone else’s guesses.
The Gangstahomies are really Shoey’s as it was his earworm, but you and I were the ones who were really sold on them, and TFD also became an instant convert to bluegrass rap.
1. Was (Not Was) – Go … Now!
Not keen on the shouting. Guitar redeems it slightly. Hate the jazz trumpet, FFS will someone stand on it? Oh – they did – thanks!
2. Alabama 3 – She Blessed Me
Think this may be for me as I foolishly owned up to liking Razorlight. I did hope people had forgotten but hey ho … this gets better as it goes on. Keep.
3. Gangstagrass – Our Life
Oooh,3 out of 3 on the aliometer. Nice bit of Appalachian twangery going on.
4. Megafaun – Everything
A bit quavery but pleasant – wait – is that that bloody trumpet again?
5. Iron & Wine / Calexico – He Lays in the Reins
It’s a bit countrified for me but OK – is this for Spotted Richard?
6. Mark Lanegan Band – Strange Religion
More laidbackness, nice vocal, Earworm alert.
7. Matthias Vogt Trio – April 5th
This has to be for Aba. I really don’t do jazz, but it is well executed.
8. Recoil – Inheritance
Well, I like Talk Talk so won’t argue with this.
9. Embrace – A Glorious Day
Reminds me of Hootie and the Blowfish – probably best live.
10. Girlschool – Take It All Away
Status Quo on helium? Why not?
11. Glenn Hughes – Soul Mover
This buffered itself but the bit I caught was a bit classic rock for me. However, the buffering saves it from oblivion – Was (Not Was) and that bloody trumpet have to go. (Giant Monty Pythonesque foot appears …)
Thanks DsD,I enjoyed listening, hope you take my comments in the spirit of fun and not criticism. And you’ll have to let us know which you picked for whom.
No offence whatsoever taken with your (or anyone else’s) criticism, Ali.I’m enjoying the harsher stance we’re allowing ourselves to take with this column, since I feel we all know each other well enough to take it as a friend’s opinion, rather than a stranger’s condecension or opprobrium.
Well said! I would rather hear honest opinions than platitudes. (I still think friends have to watch being callous though. Perhaps that’s a Canadian thing)
Well….
ty for your list. I didn’t know some of these, but listening to them all in order confirm for me that Calexico and Megafaun are brillliant bands so I am going back to my library with pleasure.
Kicking one off the island is easy because that Glenn Hughes has no musical merit. Seems he has borrowed from any number of genres and bands. *bows in apology* Mind he did do a couple of 70′s-style hard rock albums with Joe Bonamassa (Black Country Communion) that I thought were amazing (not too many others did , but just you wait!)
Am I wrong that when She Blessed Me came out you said Johnny Borrell was an asshole and you hated him?
Tin,
I think I may have been rude about Borrell before, but I can’t recall it.
I’m a bit up&down with the Black Country Communion albums; love some songs, bored by others. Not heard the latest one at all.
Calexico are touring here early next year, will you be around?
ooo I should be and that would be interesting. I suspect they would be way better live than on MP3.
Your post somewhere else (I’m old, forgive me) mentioned Fallon and Gaslight Anthem too and I’d be hard pressed to make a choice.I’d like once more before I die to be kicked in the ass and knocked off my stool by a band. On the other hand. Calexico is a much more sensible choice medically.
We shall have a discussion
Some keepers here. Alabama 3 & Girlschool ( a bit short though) piqued my interest & I was really rooting for Megafaun but I think it might be a – just missed being irresistible – reason to hear more. Best of the lot, easily, was the Matthias Vogt Trio. Suited me to a tee tonight. Sorry to say the rest was kinda gruelish with the Glen Hughes heading straight to the dump on a sell by date infraction.
As much as our tastes seem to overlap, i’ve noticed that we seem to go onto sort of opposites on these Spillgame lists. Interesting. I do start to wonder if i’m missing something big.
@ fintan – “… sell-by date infraction …” is my second favourite description of the week. Ta.
Really loved the selection from Alabama 3 to Recoil. Worked like a widescreen movie about several characters moving from a rural town to a metropolis. The others didn’t fit into that so well, though Embrace could be the big ballad over the final credits. So that leaves W(NW) who I like, and I’ve always liked female rockers, so Glen Hughes gets left in the redneck, one-horse town where bikers threaten him with a beating if doesn’t play rawk.
Fave was Iron & Wine / Calexico.
Ignore that link. It was meant to go to the Stalingrad Cowgirls. D’oh!
Which song? Let me know and I’ll fix the link later. Cheers.
Oh dear I composed and (I thought) posted a comment but it seems to have disappeared. The gist was that I would ditch either Was (Not Was) or Alabama 3 (probably the latter) and that I really enjoyed Mark Lanagan and Matthew Vogt.
Plus that Girlschool track was much more to my taste than I expected.
Oh and if your hint about having stuff to do means that you, DD, are next week’s guru then all of these were brilliant beyond compare and shine forth like good deeds in a wicked world.
Hold that last thought a short while … (Not tonight though.)
Sorry DsD – late to this party – had a bunch of garbage to get out of the way. Now you have my undivided attention…
1) Was Not Was – FnA! Holy crap! Where have you been all of my life! Yeah baby. Keeper. (On the off chance that was aimed at me, bang on.)
2) Alabama 3 – Meh, i’m afraid. Not doing much for me. Dunno who here.
3) Gangstagrass – Nice and funky! Like better than the very few other tunes i’ve heard by them. Keep. SpottedRich?
4) Megafaun – Not doing much for me, i’m afraid. Pleasant enough, but not liking the female vocalist.
5) Iron and Wine – This was lovely. I’ve heard some Iron and Wine before, and have never been much taken by them. Really liked this one though. Barbryn?
6) Mark Lanegan- Lovely. Keeper. Chris?
7) Matthew Vogt – Drop dead gorgeous. You bet it’s a keeper. Aba.
8) Recoil – Sorry DsD, but as i’ve just recently fallen madly in love with the original Talk Talk album, i’m finding this a bit of a travesty. Although it gets a bit better as it goes on. But this one would have to be aimed at Shoey.
9) Embrace – Iss ok. Pleasant enough, but a bit mor for me, except for the bell-y bit, nice touch.
10) Girlschool – Fun. Not big on the vocals, but i wouldn’t switch the station either. Sakura?
11) Glenn Hughes – Yeah baby. Definite keeper.
So i guess i’m chucking Alabama 3. Still don’t get them yet.
Great list, DsD, thanks.
let’s go with a blind(?) listen through –
1. WNW – It’s not Chris is it? – Amy
2. A3 – It’s not Chris is it? – shoey
3. Gangstagrass – It’s not Chris is it? SpottedRichard
4. Megafaun. It’s not Chris is it? fintan.
5. Iron and Wine. It’s not Chris is it? – barbryn
6. Mark Lanegan. It’s not Chris is it? – Carole
7. Matthew Vogt Pleasant. It’s not Chris is it? – Aba
8. Recoil. It’s not Chris is it? steenbeck.
9. Embrace. It’s not Chris is it? – Japanther … either has a soft spot or loathes them (he’s a weird one – so I’ll go with him)
10 Girlschool – It’s not Chris is it?- Me? – heehee.
11 – Glenn Hughes – It’s not Chris is it? – Amylee
strictly on a huge guess at ‘who you were thinking of’ – not who I think would like what (It’s not Chris is it?
) but really not a scooby.
2 to 8 I enjoyed – 10 for nostalgia reasons (are we allowed to listen to Girlschool any more without being arrested by the Daily Mail?)
nice one DsD – I don’t play the dumping game as I’ve had to do too much of that in my life (everything has it’s place – just not in my ear space)
lmao!
I loved them all.
11 correct with ‘not Chris’ – ‘spill pints are on me.
You’re a bit distant (and far too beloved) for us all to spill pints on you, shane.
No, I won’t describe that Embrace song as ‘unoriginal, wanders in&out of tune, and an identikit crowd-pleaser’, DsD. S’OK: no less original than a lot of music, as in tune as un-gizmo-aided musicians usually are and it didn’t make me reach for my lighter (in fact, it didn’t sound that manufactured at all). A few more lyrics wouldn’t have gone amiss, but I didn’t reach for my Music Crime Book.
In fact, something in most of the tracks prevented me from doing that. Most of the clichés were balanced by a nice squeak or unexpected squiggle. Generally, a bit too boisterous/bouncy for regular listening but no horrors. Glenn Hughes is probably my least favourite.
Now that has made my day much better than it was, Chris! Cheers.
I assume the ‘nsh’ means not so humble.
Like shane said, you make observations that I am in awe of. My issue is that we’re just a community of chaps and chicks and there is a level of cruelty to your deconstructions that I don’t think is in order. I’d like to hear more constructive ideas..
but no horrors?
jeez, give us a bit of latitude. Clearly none of us can judge music as competently as you, but give us a break sometimes.
Do I really have to add ‘imnsho’ to everything I say, tin? Can’t you just assume it and, thus, take it or leave it?
There are much better judges of music around here than me, imnsho.
I adore Chris’ music criticism – it’s open and honest in a technical way that I know nothing about – I love it.
It also makes me rip my hair out in exasperation – because the shocking realisation that it ‘grates’ and ‘niggles’ at him – is beyond me.. we are different – thank God/Darwin for the difference in people – bland life otherwise.
Programming – 80′s tones – out of tuneness – shallow pop – manufactured soul suckers – whatever today’s agitator is – is usual what I find charming/ fun / I don’t ‘notice enough to give a shit’ – because music is a dumb arse thing for wasting some time and pissing around – just like all art – sometimes it transcends that. But it’s just there to keep people occupied.
Criticising it – is just as much fun – I’ve played RR for 7 years – an idiotic game suggesting songs that fit a theme and being dumbfounded by the crap people would pick over my fantastic suggestions – music I’d leave the room to avoid mostly – but it’s a thing to keep my mind busy – instead of falling apart***
Truly believing in something enough to form personal, unique, opinions is brilliant and makes all our minds work – either disagreeing or being in agreement – it’s a good work out for the brain – ‘horrors’ is a fantastic description of what one mind thinks of other peoples taste. But it’s just an opinion – nothing to get worked up about. Just as your replies tinny – can come across as agitating when probably/possibly meant as a joke.
I think vivid characters and strong opinions (yet typed with grace and dignity) is what keeps me interested here. The odd blow up usually entertains me too – but I’m a sick puppy.
Big kisses to everyone.
*** damn you all – now I have a Meat Loaf ‘tune’ in my head and I may need to scape it out with a potato peeler or TNT.
Marry me, shane. Just keep that Meat thing to yourself.
You do confuse me, tin. I asked on this week’s Earworms: “Should I keep opinions like this to myself?”
To which you replied: “Not at all! (Except about mine of course
)
“Seriously though, I prefer considered honesty to silence. We’re here to share music and ideas about it after all.”
This game encourages critical appraisals and when DsD sets me up as being hyper-critical, you have a go at me for saying ‘it’s not that bad at all’.
I’ll carry on doing what I’m doing; I apologise in advance for upsetting you.
What I have been trying to get across is that your appraisals are sharp and I prefer that to “nice list”, but you have to understand people are putting up valued treasures so a little consideration for that would be in order.
(I’ve used the word consider twice now, and not by accident.)
Marry me, shane
OMG. Amylee’s routine is going viral. I’m not sure whether I fancy you or her more at this point.
ok, that settles it. I’m having Shane. If there is a lineup, no matter because I am a patient man. I am also prepared to Roman-Greco wrestle anyone who is not much larger than a small child and does not go to a gym.
Shane? You’re a bloody star.
Chris? As the newly recycled phrase has it: Keep Calm And Carry On.
Tinny? You shout a fair warning given the Spill rule*, but in this case I think you jumped the gun. It was close (“going on the ‘B’ in ‘BANG’” springs to mind), but IMPWO [figure it out!
] see my response to Ali above.
* “If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything.”
@DsD Fair enough and I don’t object to being disciplined.
Space for all the “ooo ers” ————————>
But ‘Maeby’ everyone has Arrested Development.
Can we have our first argument about your assertion that ‘music is a dumb arse thing for wasting some time and pissing around – just like all art – sometimes it transcends that. But it’s just there to keep people occupied’?
Music – just like all art – is the most transformative and enriching expression of being human, even when it pisses around just to keep some people occupied. (I’ll leave your ‘dumb arse’ out of it.)
No argument there either – transforms and enriches this ‘dumb arse’ human.
Drawing, art and music saved me when stuck in hospital doing physiotherapy from my knackered knees as a twelve year old – all I had otherwise were my thoughts (I’d also disguised the fact that I couldn’t read from everyone around me – so all the books brought in were screaming ‘USELESS’ at me) – still had a mental breakdown – mind – but it would have been worse without art and music.
Sometimes I write throwaway comments about important things.
Sometimes I’ll put deep thought into trash.
That’s what’s good about being here – we CAN do that.
OK. You can unpack your bags. That was a deal-breaker.
For the record, I love the fact that your approach to commenting keeps me on my mental toes. ‘He can’t be serious!’ I often say to myself. In a John McEnroe voice, of course.
So, for anyone still interested, who did I have in mind for the songs?
First of all, I’m gonna cop out on two fronts:
- (i) It wasn’t just one person for each song. Probably obvious, but I feel the need to say it out loud. Mark Lanegan, for instance, already has lots of fans amongst the ‘Spill posse.
- (ii) Embrace wasn’t targetted at anyone; it was a late substitution for a Shack song I know Shane loves that just ruined the flow of the playlist.
Some of you guessed correctly. Matthias Vogt Trio being for Abahachi was the most correctly spotted. On the other hand, no-one suggested Mitch for Girlschool, who I thought would enjoy the “recycled Chuck Berry riffs”. Tinny & I have discussed Megafaun before, so I know he likes them, and the Recoil Talk Talk cover was launched with a target area somewhere in mid-Florida.
Was (Not Was) and Glenn Hughes I got badly wrong, so won’t say any more, and I must apologise to barbryn for not remembering him re I&W/C.
Thanks for playing all, and now that I have a copy of TFD‘s brilliantly clear & concise posting instructions for playlists, I think you’ll be hearing rather more from me!
* sounds of distant groans *
So you’re saying (in an roundabout way) my taste in ‘Shack’ is responsible for Embrace – kill me now***.
heehee
(***no offence to Embrace fans intended – used for the intention of humour only)
Haven’t had a chance to listen to this or much else – just finished 9 straight nights of work & the eldest spawn is home for the long holiday weekend.
Am intrigued to check out the Talk Talk cover album.
For the record, I also enjoy Chris’ critiques. Always honest, often constructive & the destructive comments are fun too.
Ta, Shoey.
Enjoy your free time!
Shoey,
Can’t remember: you got access to the ‘Box?
My abandoned/unposted Amazon review of SPIRIT OF TALK TALK was a four-star-with-reservations score.
Yep, I’m still on the box. Comes in handy for kicking things back & forth with Shane & certain ‘Spill festive activities. Reminds me – it’s about that time again, isn’t it?
What’s in the Box? What’s in the Box? What’s in the Box?
For what it’s worth I enjoy reading everyone’s comments even if I don’t agree with them. It’s interesting to hear different views and often makes me listen to something again,even if I didn’t ‘get’ it the first time around. I verge on the side of being ‘nice’ which is all very well but if everyone did that the blog would be bloody boring. So keep doing what you do,people.
I just thought I should mention that that’s the second week in a row that one of us has proposed to Shane during the ‘Spill game… AND I GOT THERE FIRST CHRIS!!!
“Dave – you’re NOT Dave – you’re my wife now”
emotionally incontinent Brits.
*shakes head*
I may have been born in the UK, but I can’t really call myself a Brit… However, I cheerfully concede the point that I’m emotionally incontinent! Speaking of which, do you by any chance remember that conversation about a friend of mine we had on Sakura’s Japanese schoolgirl post? I spoke to her on Friday, it didn’t work out but we’re still absolutely fine and will remain so BECAUSE I CAN HAVE IT ALL, BITCHES!!!!!
That’s the spirit, son! Damn straight you can
btw, guess again if you think i’m touching Sakura’s new thread with a 10 ft. pole.
I wouldn’t dream of suggesting such a thing