Questionable Rants and Raves

The Top 100

The Top 100 has been brewing in my head since August.  I've always rocked to a lot of different types of music-classic rock, disco, new wave, indie, electronica and a little bit of country.  I was lucky MR.CHUCK raised me to appreciate it all.  I think he fried my brain at an early age.  If I stroke out one day and babble about IRS Records in the 1980s, don't stick a ball a newspaper in my mouth let me talk you might learn something.  Enough about that-here for your listening pleasure is 100-80 of my top 100.
100.) "Be My Baby"-The Ronettes.  I love this song.  Ronnie Spector was the original bad girl of rock 'n' roll.  The WARDEN loves Ronnie Spector.  For an uptight white woman my mother loves her some good soul.  The Ronettes were one of the original girl groups to hit the scene.  The mix of Phil Spector's "wall of sound" and her tough, but gentle voice makes this song a classic.  All I have to hear is the line The night we met /I knew I needed you/ And if I have the chance I'll never let you go- I start jumpin' around like a school girl. I used to sing this song at karaoke to an old girlfriend-the things we do for love.
Download 01_be_my_baby.mp3

99.) "Sister Golden Hair"-America.  I have this odd love affair with AM radio classics.  America was one of those bands who put out great pop songs in the 70s.  "Ventura Highway", "The Tin Man", "You Can Do Magic" and my favorite "Sister Golden.  I don't know what it is about this song, but every time I hear it makes me think of summer BBQs, sitting on my deck in Chicago, and just chillin' out.  The line I tried to make it Sunday/But I got so damned depressed is one of the best opening lines in all of music.
Download sister_golden_hair.mp3

   98.)  "I Say A Little Prayer"-Aretha Franklin.  Franklin often referred to as "The Queen of Soul" did a cover of this great Dionne Warwick song in 1968.  I know a lot of people would put "Respect" in their top 100, but I just love her voice.  I find myself singing this song in the car all the time.  I try to do both the main and the backing vocals-it gets tough.
Download i_say_a_little_prayer_for_you.mp3

   97.) "Maybe"-Janis Joplin.  This song has one of the best intros I've ever heard.  The simple blues guitar with the horn section.  It reminds me of an Otis Redding song.  Joplin singing about a lost love just twists my heart up.  I may or may not have listened to this song during a breakup.  I highly recommend it on repeat if you've broken up with or missing someone. 
Download 11_maybe.mp3

96.)"Tenderness"-General Public.  Here is some new wave for you kids.  I got this record for my 12th birthday.  These guys started my obsession with the IRS Label.  Ranking Roger and Dave Wakeling were the best.  These guys knew how to churn out some power pop.  MR. CHUCK loves this record too.  He used to crank this and we'd dance in the living the room.  He's got some great moves for an old burner.  I can't get enough of that SKA beat. 
Download Tenderness.mp3

 

 

 

95.)  "Suspicious Minds"-Elvis.  I can't do a list without putting The King on it.  Without Elvis there is no rock 'n' roll.  The thing I dig about him is how he mixed rockabilly with rhythm and blues to produce a sound no one had ever heard.  "Suspicious Minds" is one of those songs that is timeless to me.  The middle when he sings about not letting a good thing die and how he would never lie is priceless.  I also like peanut butter and banana sandwiches.

Download 18_suspicious_minds.m4a

*The Fine Young Cannibals do a great cover of this song

94.) "For Love"-Lush.  These shoegazing Brits popped onto the scene in 1992 with the "Spooky" album.  Released on the 4AD label it was filled with rich, layered textures with heavy bass lines.  Think Cocteau Twins only with rockin' guitars.  These guys and My Bloody Valentine were on heavy rotation for me in 1992.  15 years later I still have no idea what the lyrics to this song are.

Download 13_for_love.mp3

93.) "Sweet Talkin' Woman"-ELO.  I know I've raved about Jeff Lynne in the past, but seriously this guy is a genius.  These guys are a burnouts dream.  Strings, long instrumentals, and trippy light shows.  What more could you ask for?  These dudes and Emerson Lake and Palmer (they'll show up later) had the market cornered in big arena bands all the through the 70s.  This song does it for me because I love the string arrangement and Lynne's voice.

Download 212_sweet_talkin_woman.m4p

   92.) "Let's Stay Together"-Al Green.  No one captures soul music better than Al Green.  Green just captures both the sacred and the profane.  This song in particular is one of my favorites.  Between the horn section, his voice, the rhythm guitar, and the beat it's almost the perfect song.  When Green sings Lovin' you whether/Whether times are good or bad /happy or sad just makes this song perfect.  I swear if I ever get married I want this song to be played at the wedding/keg party.

Download 06_lets_stay_together.m4a

91.) "Bus Stop"-The Hollies.  The Hollies are probably the most famous of all the British Invasion bands of the 60s.  They are a good mix of pop and psychedelic sounds of this time period.  This song has some of the best harmonies-these guys might be better than the Beach Boys.  MR. CHUCK gave me the original 45 of "Bus Stop" when I was 10.  I played it over and over again.  Yeah, I know, I'm a complete DORK.

Download 04_bus_stop.mp3

90.) "It's Too Late"-Carole King.  What can I say I'm a sucker for the Tapestry record.  The WARDEN played this until my ears bled when her and MR. STRONG got a divorce.  I used to cringe whenever I heard anything off of this record.  One day I decided to sit and give it another listen-I was hooked.  King is probably one of the best singer-songwriters of our time.  I know it's kinda girlie, but what can I say deep down I'm just a girl.

Download 03_its_too_late.m4a

89.) "Reflections"-The Supremes.  The beginning of the Motown Sound on here.  I love Motown.  The Supremes personify what Motown was in the 60s.  12 number one hits from 1964-1969-that is amazing.  I love the laser sounds at the beginning.  The simple 4/4 beat is great and Diana Ross' voice is perfect.  Thank you Berry Gordy for giving us The Supremes. 

Download 320_reflections_extended_stereo_mix.m4a

88.) "Family Affair"-Sly and the Family Stone.  Not being much of a "Peace and Love" type of girl it's interesting that I love Sly and the Family Stone.  These dudes were all about the love. Sly Stone with his giant afro and tight leather pants made for an eyeful.  With Sly and the Family Stone "psychedelic soul"came to life out of the Bay Area.  I once asked MR.STRONG if one song could be the soundtrack of his life what would it be-he said without skipping a beat "Family Affair".  Interesting for a man who is not all about the love.

Download family_affair.mp3

87.) "Time of the Season"-The Zombies.  MR.CHUCK is to blame for my  love of the Zombies also.  He had all these old 45s around the house.  One day he just handed them off to me and said "Here.  Go sit down, listen, and think.  When you're done come back with the 10 you like the best and tell me why you like them."  I was 10.  MR.CHUCK's odd homework assignment was what started it all.  I still make a list of my top 10 heavy rotation albums and bring it to Chicago with me to discuss and be graded.  Sometimes he's pleased other times he just shakes his head in disgust asking me where he failed.  "Time of the Season" is one of those songs I never get tired of.  The beginning with the drum intro gets me every time.  What's your name?/ Who's Your Daddy?/ Is he rich like me?

Download time_of_the_season.mp3

86.) "It's A Mistake"-Men At Work.  I don't need Zach Braff to remind me how good Men at Work are.  These quirky Australian guys put out 2 great albums in the early 80s.  Business As Usual and Cargo are just pure power pop albums. Colin Hay the dude who fronts this band has a great voice.  The synth-pop sound takes me back to early MTV and seeing these guys with their weird story like videos.  Pick up some Men at Work.

Download 03_its_a_mistake.m4a

85.) "California Dreamin'"-The Mamas and the Papas.  John Phillips might be one of the underrated songwriters to come out of the 60s.  I realize that during that time there were a lot of songwriters.  But, this song in particular resonates with me.  I just love the feel of the song and the harmonies between John Phillips, Michelle Phillips, Cass Elliot, and Denny Doherty. 

Download california_dreamin.mp3

84.) "You've Got to Hide Your Love Away"-The Beatles.  Released in 1965 on the Help album.  John Lennon wrote this tune when he was heavily influenced by Bob Dylan.  The song is mostly acoustical with little or no percussion.  The simplicity of this song is what does it for me. How could she say to me/ love will find a way?/ Gather around all you clowns/Let me hear you say...and then it ends with a beautiful horn movement.  Genius.  There will be more Beatles later in the list.

Download 202_youve_got_to_hide_your_love_away.m4a

83.) "I Was Made to Love Her"-Stevie Wonder.  MR. STRONG is a huge Motown fan.  The harmonica at the beginning sucks me in every time.  I know I ragged on Stevie earlier in the year for being a hack, but when I listen to this old stuff it makes me realize how amazing he is.  Forget, "Ebony & Ivory" go out and pick up anything you can up to Songs In the Key of Life-you won't be disappointed.

Download 315_i_was_made_to_love_her.m4a

82.) "The Only Living Boy In New York"-Simon and Garfunkel. It was tough to pick a tune from these guys-there are so many.  I picked this one because I love the harmonies.  Paul Simon's voice is just perfect. Even though they were breaking up Bridge Over Troubled Water might be their best work.  Simon's high vocals and Garfunkel's harmonies make this record a classic.  It's a bit on the mellow side, but well worth it.

Download 308_the_only_living_boy_in_new_york.m4a

81.) "Hold Me"-Fleetwood Mac.  There are people out there who don't like the Mirage album.  I'm one of the few who do.  "Hold Me" is my favorite track because Christine McVie wrote it and sings lead with Lindsey Buckingham.  McVie doesn't get enough love in my eyes.  I like Stevie Nicks, but come on every once in a while it's good to mix it up.  There will be more Fleetwood Mac-I can't help myself.

Download 04_hold_me.m4a

80.) "Caravan"-Van Morrison.  What can really be said about Van.  I love the Moondance album.  I like to listen to it late at night.  Van put out some killer records before getting into Jesus.  This on just makes me weak in the knees.  It's a song about gypsies and the radio.  If you have half a brain you should own this record. 

Download 04_caravan.m4a

*there is a great live version of this on The Band's "Last Waltz"

Well there's the beginning of the list.  Now that I sit here and look at it-it's kinda girlie.  Oh well I promise more boy rock has we move further down the list.

Dylan Mondegreen

Ready for some good pop?  Ready for a new pop crush? Of course you are!  Well hold on to your hats kids because I have one for you.  The dreamy Norwegian   Dylan Mondegreen (aka Børge Sildnes) is your man.  His debut album While I Walk You Home is incredible.  Think Todd Rundgren and Burt Bacharach and you have Mondegreen.  The album is filled with beautiful lyrics and crisp clean melodies.  This guy has made a timeless pop album.  I haven't been this excited about a pop record since Duncan Sheik's debut album in 1996.  Here are my current favorites from this amazing album:  "Girl In Grass", "Broken French", and "While I Walk You Home" are on heavy rotation for me right now. 
Download while_i_walk_you_home_dylan_mondegreen_2_girl_in_grass.mp3
Download while_i_walk_you_home_dylan_mondegreen_8_broken_french.mp3
Download while_i_walk_you_home_dylan_mondegreen_10_while_i_walk_you_home.mp3
*GO GET THIS RECORD FOR YOUR BETTER HALF THEY WILL LOVE IT

The Clientele

The Clientele is everything I love about pop music. Lush vocals, harmonies, simple string arrangements and you have The Clientele.  Their music has often been noted for its reverb-rich production and Alasdair MacLean's distinctive breathy vocals (an effect achieved partly by MacLean singing with a microphone plugged into a guitar amplifier) and unique guitar style.  GOD I LOVE REVERB! Think of your favorite '60s pop band and odds are they're in the Clientele's blood.  It's like the Byrds, the Association, and the Velvet Underground morphed into one.  With perhaps a little bit of the Hollies mixed in for good luck.  I find it odd that with the type of pop that these guys sing they aren't more popular in their native Britain.  They have a much bigger fan base her in the States. 
I'd been curious about these guys for awhile.  When I was home a couple of weeks ago Mr. Chuck and I were talking about them and he said "I just don't get them.  Here."  and he handed me a copy of Strange Geometry.  I guess they don't have enough bass for him or something.  What can I say the old man is a freak.  He will sit around and listen to Nils Kline with a bunch of feedback, but he won't listen to pop music.  Anyway, I took it home popped it in the old HiFi and just kicked back.  I was mesmerized.  It almost makes me want to cry.  Yes, cry like when I listen to Joni Mitchell's Blue-a story for another time.  As a result of my hysteria I went out and got their newest release God Save the Clientele.  This is a great record also.  It's different from Strange Geometry.  This is a much cleaner record-less reverb and clearer vocals, but it is still MacLean's whispery delivery and amazing song writing that make this record great. Get these two records and you will be happy.  Here are some tunes for you from Strange Geometry and God Save the Clientele.  If you get a chance go check them out at the Roseland Ballroom on September 6.  They're opening up for another pop favorite of mine Peter, Bjorn, and John-so get there early.

Strange Geometry:
Download 01_since_k_got_over_me.m4a
Download 03_my_own_face_inside_the_trees.m4a

God Save the Clientele:
Download 07_the_queen_of_seville.mp3
Download 11_carnival_on_7th_street.mp3

These Sisters Rock....

The  Quin  sisters can rock.   Tegan and Sara might be my new favorite girl band.  Sorry Sleater Kinney you've been replaced.  Their latest album The Con is an amazing blend of rock and electro-pop.  I've read reviews of their past stuff and never got off my ass to get any of it.  Once again, I wear the asshole hat for not getting into these two sooner.  Whatever.  The Con is the twins’ fifth album.  Produced by Death Cab For Cutie’s Chris Walla it appears to be their darkest and most complex album to date.  Go get this record.  Do not delay.  But to tide you over until you get motivated here are a couple of tunes.  "Back In Your Head" and "Floorplan" are my favorites so far.

Download 06_back_in_your_head.m4a

Download

*Thanks Book Stud it was worth the wait.

The End of A Good Thing

The Replacements the little band that could've, but didn't.  These guys were probably the best band that America never heard.  The band consisted of Paul Westerberg, Tommy Stinson, Bobby Stinson, and Chris Mars.  The Mats came out of Minneapolis around the same time as Husker Du.  Their early music could be considered punk, but they slowly morphed into a more mainstreamed pop/rock kind of sound.  The band drew most of their limited popularity from teenagers and people in their early twenties, as a huge bulk of their songs pertained to teenage angst and desired independence, especially in their earlier days.  Tim, Pleased To Meet Me, and Don't Tell A Soul are my favorite albums.

I saw these guys at the 1991 WXRT 4th of July concert in Chicago.  I had spent the day purchasing fire works with WJMY with in Indiana.  Little did I know later that night I would get zinged with a bottle rocket in the leg-I still have the scar to prove it.  But, that is a story for another time.  We got to the show right as Material Issue was going on and we slowly found our friends.  I remember standing there watching The Mats and thinking these guys are awesome.  They opened with I think "Merry Go Round" and just as I was beginning to rock out my friend Watts turned to me and said:  "This is were it's over."   As soon as she said this Paul Westerburg threw his guitar and said "Fuck This!".  That's right the Replacements broke up right in front of my very eyes July 4, 1991.  It was epic.  Bobby Stinson would die of a drug overdose in 1995.  Below are a couple of my favorite tunes by the Replacements.  Give them a listen and think about what could have been.  I know always do whenever I think of them.
 

Download 102_kiss_me_on_the_bus.m4a
Download 106_alex_chilton.m4a
Download 108_cant_hardly_wait.m4a
Download 110_achin_to_be.m4a

The Definitive Power Pop Band ...Material Issue

What is "power pop"?  I always know it when I hear it, but I can never define it.  This is how Wikipedia defines power pop:

The music is characterized by strong melodies, crisp vocal harmonies, economical arrangements and prominent guitar riffs. Instrumental solos are kept to a minimum, and blues elements are largely downplayed. Recordings tend to display production values that lean toward compression and a forceful drum beat. Instruments usually include one or more electric guitars, electric bass guitar, a drum kit, and perhaps electric keyboards or synthesizers.

Material Issue was the ultimate in power pop trio in 1991.  Plus, they are all home grown Chicago boys.    The release of International Pop Overthrow only confirmed it.  Jim Ellison was the voice behind such rich, catchy pop songs.  These songs were usually about love and heartbreak.  The song title was usually a girls name.  These guys came out guitars and drums blazin'.  Their average song was maybe 3 minutes long.  It's almost like they were channeling The Who circa 1965. 
I loved these guys and so did all my friends.  I didn't go to a single party the summer of 1991 were something off this record wasn't played.  That was the summer going into my freshman year of college.  That summer was a good time.  I saw these guys at the WXRT 4th of July show.  They opened up for the Replacements-this will be important later trust me.  Two under appreciated bands sharing the same stage.  They came out and played for 20 minutes.  The crowd in Grant Park went wild-girls screaming, boys screaming like girls.  It was an amazing July afternoon.  I saw them maybe 6 times after that.  Unfortunately Material Issue came to an end when Jim Ellison killed himself in 1995.  It makes me sad to think about the music that Material Issue never got to put out.  If you ever get a chance to pick up International Pop Overthrow do it you won't be disappointed.  From IPO enjoy "Valerie Loves Me" and "Diane".
Download 01_valerie_loves_me.m4a
Download 02_diane.m4a
*the woman in the photo is Liz Phair

Chicago

What can really be said about the band Chicago ?  I know a lot of people associate them with "lite rock"-that makes me want to hurl.  True they do have some stellar power ballads.  I've danced to many of them at junior high mixers- stories for another time.   What I remember most about Chicago are the awesome rock songs they put out.  Songs which were a great blend of rock, funk, and a killer horn section.  Give me a band with a horn section anytime.  It's funny the songs I like best were put out while I was still playing in my sandbox.
In the mid 70s " 25 Or 6 To 4", "Saturday In the Park", "Beginnings", "Old Days" and "Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?" were all in heavy rotation on the FM dial.  I can remember hearing "Beginnings" at Comiskey Park when the Sox made a run for it during the "Winning Ugly" campaign of 1983.  It was played in between innings.  That's right kids Comiskey Park, not that shit hole they play in now.  Pudge Fisk you're still my hero.  I was 10 and I can remember going with MR.STRONG to see the Sox kick the shit out of the Brewers.  Remember when the Brew Crew were in the AL?  MR.STRONG was drinking Old Style and singing "Beginnings" on the way out of the park.  Good times. 

Enjoy some of my favorite Chicago tunes.

Download 103_does_anybody_really_know_what_time_it_is_.m4p

Download 201_old_days.m4p

Download 104_beginnings.m4p

Ryan Adams

Ryan Adams love him or hate him he is one of the most prolific artists of the last 7 years.  Adams has released 9 albums and 2 EPs since 2000.  That's some serious shit.  Adams knows no genre.  Yesterday, I went to the one place that hate more than the NYMEX.  I went to the Virgin Mega Store in Union Square-that place might really be hell on earth.  Anyway, I went there to buy Adams' new release Easy Tiger.  It's amazing.  It is everything that a Ryan Adams album should be.  It is filled with beautiful lyrics, simple production, and Adams' voice sounding as good as ever.  Easy Tiger is a return to  the alt-country sound that first put Adams on the map.  Adams has had his ups and downs with stardom.  Whether it be a tough battle with drugs and alcohol, fighting with his label Lost Highway about artistic control, or just generally being an ass with the release of Easy Tiger he seems to be searching for some type of redemption.  Welcome back Ryan Adams.  I missed you.
Enjoy from Easy Tiger "Two", "Everybody Knows" and "Halloweenhead".  Go get this record.  Give Ryan Adams another chance.

Download 02_two.m4a
Download 03_everybody_knows.m4a
Download 04_halloweenhead.m4a

John Doe

Who is John Doe?  I couldn't for the life of me remember where I knew this name from.  So I went to the one source who can always answer all of my musical questions-Mr. Chuck.  I got him on the phone after a rather long and drawn out conversation with the WARDEN.  Finally I was like "I need to talk to Chuck.  Is he around?"  The WARDEN was not happy with this question.  She dragged ass about it, but finally put him on the phone.  When I asked him where I knew the name John Doe from there was a long silence.  Finally he let loose with "I only have one thing to say to you...X.  I feel as though I have failed in your musical education.  How could you not know who John Doe is?  Did I not teach you anything?"  Then he muttered something about priorities and quickly changed the topic to how much the White Sox suck.  Thanks Mr. Chuck you've been helpful.
As one of the founding members of the Los Angeles punk band X, John Doe was one of the most influential figures in American alternative rock during the early '80.  Doe's solo stuff is nothing like X.  It's more of a country, folk, rootsy blend.  Doe's gritty voice is perfect.  Think what it would be like if Bob Dylan merged with the Replacements.  You still have some edge, but it just kind of grooves along at a nice pace.  Think Blood On The Tracks meets Tim.  I actually like his solo stuff quite a bit. A Year In the Wilderness is his most recent release and it is great.  You can check out his MySpace page here.   For your listening pleasure enjoy "The Golden State" and "A Little More Time" from John Doe.
Download 03_the_golden_state.mp3
Download 05_a_little_more_time.mp3

Matthew Dear

You could throw around generous descriptors and any number of genre-locking terms – electronic pop, minimal house, acid techno – but you’d still fail to get to the center of Matthew Dear .  I think this is why I like him so much.  As most of you know I'm not a big fan of techno, but there is something about this guys stuff that makes me want to boogie.  While attending Michigan Dear was heavily into Detroit Techno and met Sam Valenti.  The two went on to form the label Ghostly International which puts out some pretty crazy shit.  Mr. Chuck is a big of this label.   I  swear  after the  WARDEN goes to bed he has Raves for the neighborhood children.  He will spin this stuff until the early morning hours.  No wonder all the kids want to hang out with him at the block party.
Dear's new album Asa Breed is great.  I can only describe it as an techno-folk album.  Yes, that's right.  I just described an album as techno-folk.  Dear has this great baritone voice which just flows perfectly with the beats he's putting out there.  Give it a listen I think you'll like it.  Now, I'm off to find my glow stick and listen to Matthew Dear.  Enjoy "Fleece on Brain" and "Pom Pom".

Download 01_fleece_on_brain.mp3

Download 08_pom_pom.mp3