Find Your Grail - The Cast Of Spamalot (2005)
Sometimes a parody is just as good or better than the style it is making fun of. This is one of those instances.
Offworlding: Ambient House, 1992-1997 (A Mixtape)
16 hours ago
Monday, July 19, 2010
JDIZZY's 365 # 69: Late For The Sky
Late For The Sky - Jackson Browne (1974)
No one has ever captured the feelings associated with loss more perfectly than Jackson Browne. This song, off of one of his three perfect albums, is a place to go whenever the pain seems too much to bear. Jackson has experienced it too, and although you might not find the answers you're looking for in the five-plus minutes of this confession, it will forever change you, because you know someone else has felt the exact same way as you. Several times in my life this song has offered solace in times of need. It is the pop song as therapy.
No one has ever captured the feelings associated with loss more perfectly than Jackson Browne. This song, off of one of his three perfect albums, is a place to go whenever the pain seems too much to bear. Jackson has experienced it too, and although you might not find the answers you're looking for in the five-plus minutes of this confession, it will forever change you, because you know someone else has felt the exact same way as you. Several times in my life this song has offered solace in times of need. It is the pop song as therapy.
JDIZZY's 365 # 68: All I Want Is You
All I Want Is You - U2 (1988)
It is odd to me that it has become trendy to hate this band. While I understand that Bono's political activism could rub someone the wrong way ( I don't know who, since he is a tireless promoter of peace, love and health, but who am I to be in the mind of every type of person!?!), there is simply no denying the power and quality of their work, from Boy all the way to No Line On The Horizon. Tell me you hate this ballad from Rattle & Hum. Tell me you didn't think it was brilliantly used in Reality Bites. Tell me the orchestra doesn't give you chills. You can tell me all of these things...... but I won't believe you. Their music is of too high a standard for anyone to dislike, and I stand by that statement....Prove Me Wrong!!!!
It is odd to me that it has become trendy to hate this band. While I understand that Bono's political activism could rub someone the wrong way ( I don't know who, since he is a tireless promoter of peace, love and health, but who am I to be in the mind of every type of person!?!), there is simply no denying the power and quality of their work, from Boy all the way to No Line On The Horizon. Tell me you hate this ballad from Rattle & Hum. Tell me you didn't think it was brilliantly used in Reality Bites. Tell me the orchestra doesn't give you chills. You can tell me all of these things...... but I won't believe you. Their music is of too high a standard for anyone to dislike, and I stand by that statement....Prove Me Wrong!!!!
JDIZZY's 365 # 67: Gethsemane ( I Only Want To Say)
Gethsemane (I Only Want To Say) - Ian Gillan (1970)
Judas has the best role in this, my favorite musical of all time. However, Jesus gets the best song, with this garden lament of fear, anger, and finally, acceptance. This has as much to do with the sweeping Webber orchestration, Tim Rice's finest lyrics, and that unstoppable voice of Deep Purple's Ian Gillan. Nobody has sung this song with as much power and restraint as Mr. Gillian and I sincerely doubt they ever will. Concept albums of musicals are the rough outlines of what the show could be. This 1970 version trumps all future recordings of the work, making it the gold standard for all concept recordings to come. This is a headphone masterpiece children, so hook up your ear-buds to your laptop or iphone or whatevers, and push that youtube button! You're about to get religion!
However, Jean Valjean's version ain't half bad!
Judas has the best role in this, my favorite musical of all time. However, Jesus gets the best song, with this garden lament of fear, anger, and finally, acceptance. This has as much to do with the sweeping Webber orchestration, Tim Rice's finest lyrics, and that unstoppable voice of Deep Purple's Ian Gillan. Nobody has sung this song with as much power and restraint as Mr. Gillian and I sincerely doubt they ever will. Concept albums of musicals are the rough outlines of what the show could be. This 1970 version trumps all future recordings of the work, making it the gold standard for all concept recordings to come. This is a headphone masterpiece children, so hook up your ear-buds to your laptop or iphone or whatevers, and push that youtube button! You're about to get religion!
However, Jean Valjean's version ain't half bad!
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
JDIZZY's 365 # 66: Sally Simpson
Sally Simpson - The Who (1969)
Tommy has become much more than it originally was. Through Film, Broadway, and Legend, we have forgotten what first brought us to this cultural phenomenon was simple: A great record. From start to finish, the first "rock opera" leaps off the stereo. Pete Townshend's tale of the deaf, dumb and blind kid is more cohesive than most books and it gains power with each sequential listen. It is very hard to pick a favorite, but if I had to do so, it would be this track, sung by a never better Roger Daltrey. It's easy to forget how integral the acoustic guitar was to this album. It brings the story of Sally to life with its opening strums, and provides succulent rhythm throughout the entire track. While "Underture" and "Christmas" vie for second place, this concise, tight little jam is secure at first. They had made great albums before and would do so again, but never would they mike a product so stuffed to the brim with hidden gems. It makes you remember the glory that is The Who and makes you forget all about that Super Bowl thing!
The movie versions pretty cool too, with alternate lyrics and lead vocals by Pete!
Tommy has become much more than it originally was. Through Film, Broadway, and Legend, we have forgotten what first brought us to this cultural phenomenon was simple: A great record. From start to finish, the first "rock opera" leaps off the stereo. Pete Townshend's tale of the deaf, dumb and blind kid is more cohesive than most books and it gains power with each sequential listen. It is very hard to pick a favorite, but if I had to do so, it would be this track, sung by a never better Roger Daltrey. It's easy to forget how integral the acoustic guitar was to this album. It brings the story of Sally to life with its opening strums, and provides succulent rhythm throughout the entire track. While "Underture" and "Christmas" vie for second place, this concise, tight little jam is secure at first. They had made great albums before and would do so again, but never would they mike a product so stuffed to the brim with hidden gems. It makes you remember the glory that is The Who and makes you forget all about that Super Bowl thing!
The movie versions pretty cool too, with alternate lyrics and lead vocals by Pete!
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
JDIZZY's 365 # 65: Peaches En Regalia
Peaches En Regalia - Frank Zappa (1970)
Go ahead, I dare you to call this modern master a one-trick pony! For every one of these, there are one of these. For every sophomoric joke, there is a work of raw beauty. Yes, he was tasteless, but he was also refined. He was the most complicated, brilliant and hilarious person to ever grace pop. He will never have an equal, and he probably shouldn't. The world is not ready for another Frank.
In a career of high points, this instrumental powerhouse stands out. I dare you to find another work this zany, awe-inspiring or chill-inducing. This is a genius at the height of his powers. However, what's great about Zappa is that not even his most rabid fans can say they have heard everything the man did. You could fill an entire 365 of his pieces and still leave out another 365 just as brilliant. So, explore, discover and treasure..... but first.......Let your face be melted by the Grand Wazoo's finest moment!
The Covers Come In Waves Today!!!!!!
Go ahead, I dare you to call this modern master a one-trick pony! For every one of these, there are one of these. For every sophomoric joke, there is a work of raw beauty. Yes, he was tasteless, but he was also refined. He was the most complicated, brilliant and hilarious person to ever grace pop. He will never have an equal, and he probably shouldn't. The world is not ready for another Frank.
In a career of high points, this instrumental powerhouse stands out. I dare you to find another work this zany, awe-inspiring or chill-inducing. This is a genius at the height of his powers. However, what's great about Zappa is that not even his most rabid fans can say they have heard everything the man did. You could fill an entire 365 of his pieces and still leave out another 365 just as brilliant. So, explore, discover and treasure..... but first.......Let your face be melted by the Grand Wazoo's finest moment!
The Covers Come In Waves Today!!!!!!
Monday, July 12, 2010
JDIZZY's 365 # 64: Thirteen
Thirteen - Big Star (1972)
Alex Chilton was only 22 years old when he composed this tender ballad to adolescence. At this point, he had already fronted the highly successful Box Tops, and was putting together the first album of his new band, Big Star. While their debut helped invent the power pop movement of the 70's, this tiny little track influenced much more. It has been covered by the kings of alt-rock, from Jeff Tweedy to Elliot Smith. It has been used in films, placed on Rolling Stone lists and is a calling card for the Illuminati of music nerds. What's all the fuss about? Fresh from his teenage years, Chilton captures the thrill of young love, the power of rock and roll and the innocence of youth all in under 3 minutes. The world lost an amazing storyteller this year. Put on this track and smile in reverence at his memory.
Shirley, this shouldn't work, but it so does! Goes to know good material can work wonders.
Alex Chilton was only 22 years old when he composed this tender ballad to adolescence. At this point, he had already fronted the highly successful Box Tops, and was putting together the first album of his new band, Big Star. While their debut helped invent the power pop movement of the 70's, this tiny little track influenced much more. It has been covered by the kings of alt-rock, from Jeff Tweedy to Elliot Smith. It has been used in films, placed on Rolling Stone lists and is a calling card for the Illuminati of music nerds. What's all the fuss about? Fresh from his teenage years, Chilton captures the thrill of young love, the power of rock and roll and the innocence of youth all in under 3 minutes. The world lost an amazing storyteller this year. Put on this track and smile in reverence at his memory.
Shirley, this shouldn't work, but it so does! Goes to know good material can work wonders.
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