SONGSTORY

Bad - U2 By Andrew Hawks Bryce

Everybody knows U2, one of the biggest bands currently recording. You’ve got the politically active humanitarian, Bono and the crazy wicked guitarist, The Edge. Then there’s those two other guys. In 1985 at Live Aid (if you don’t know about Live Aid check this out, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Live_Aid, absolutely crazy event) U2 took the stage as one of the lesser acts. Queen were the headliners and apparently stole the show with their rendition of Radio Ga Ga. Each act was given exactly 18 minutes to perform, no soundcheck, nothing. U2 came out and did Sunday, Bloody Sunday and then followed it up with a 12 minute rendition of Bad. The song was released along with the well known Pride (In the Name of Love) on the album The Unforgettable Fire. This album is noteworthy in terms of U2’s development. It was the first time they worked with the producers Daniel Lanois and Brian Eno, who they also collaborated with on Joshua Tree, a monster of an album.

I saw Pearl Jam in September 2005 and U2 were in the audience having just played a show at the ACC. The PJ show was full of short U2 musical references, and Eddie sang snippets of U2 lyrics during some of the jam sessions. For the encore Bono came on stage and joined Pearl Jam for a rendition of Neil’s Rockin in the Free World, it was magical. Nonetheless, introducing a PJ song called Habit Eddie played the opening lick to Bad to loud cheers from the crowd. He stopped and said, “that’s one of the best songs ever written about addiction, but this is the one we wrote, it’s called Habit.” Stories aside, I can’t believe I didn’t know this U2 song, I’ve been a fan for years, and it’s not like U2 has lots of hard to find, rarely heard material. If this is nothing new to you and know what’s coming, my apologies, but if you don’t know it, save the drama for ya mama and prepare to be stunned. I also highly recommend checking this out if you’re into the song http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPyhYczii8I&mode=related&search=. Au Revoir.

Listen Now:

 Standard Podcasts [5:51m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download | Embeddable Player | Hits (734)

My friend Joell is a very special guy. He can sing, he can dance like a male stripper, and he can do math. Only special people have lots of nicknames, and Joell’s got a shitload: Joey, Joey Junk, Fat Joey Crack, Rufio, Poto, Tina, James Brown, Hoopert, Brokeback and Greekysmirk just to name a few.

Joell is a musicmanicforsure. His tastes are wide, varried, diverse, and further synonyms for wide. He loves his music like I loves my Club Soda with Lime, and you know I loves me some Club Soda with Lime.

Joell doesn’t do sleeves, or cops, but he does do Songstory submissions. However this might be the only time–something tells me he doesn’t have the patience for these kinds of things.

4% Pantomime - The Band By: Joell Spiros Ikonomou

This is my first posting and probably my last. I really don’t have the patience for these kinds of things. I figured since this would probably be my only chance to spread some of my musical tastes I might as well share a couple of my favourites.

About five years ago I was having a typical vancity moment, chillin inside on another wet day toking on some chron at my crummy apartment, when my roommate brycester suggested we check out this concert video his moms had picked up for him. I figured what the hell. The Last Waltz, which was the last concert The Band ever played together. Of course they had a whole slew of friends playing with them including Bob Dylan, Van Morrison, Ringo Starr, Eric Clapton, Dr. John, Muddy Waters, and many more well established rock stars. I instantly became a fan of The Band. Actually I remember the exact momment when I thought to myself this band is tight. Ophelia. The horns just about gave me an orgasm. Anyway, at one point this awkward bald man wearing a tight velvet suit came out and gave a performance that left a huge imprint on my CD wallet. Not to mention my desire to learn karate. Of course i knew a few of his classics, but it took both Brycester and I a few minutes to realize who this man was. Actually I don’t think we realized it until he leaves the stage and Robbie Robertson turns to the audience and simply says “Van the Man”. I’d have to say that since that performance my favourtie artist has been Van Morrison. No doubt about it, and thats for sure. And although it didnt happen quite as instantaniously, as much as i dont want to admit it, The Band replaced Boyz II Men as my favourite band.

Richard Manuel and Van the Man became instant friends when the latter joined the Woodstock party following the release of Moondance. The two apparently enjoyed the bottle and interestingly enough this is a song about two musicians who are stranded in L.A. with nothing but a bottle of Johnny Walker Red. The song is by no means a classic, but the two feed off each other really well and the vocals are great. I hope you all enjoy.

Listen Now:

 Standard Podcasts [4:34m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download | Embeddable Player | Hits (747)

Happy Holidays and New Year and all that to everyone. I haven’t posted anything on Songstory for a while now, and I apologize if there’s anyone out there who has been disappointed by that. My plan was to post an extravagent collection of material on James Brown’s life and legacy, but that’s not quite ready yet. In the mean time I received an excellent submission from my friend Harlene who features a song by Canadian indie rock-pop-folk artist Feist. Harlene really breaks it down. Leave it up to a intelligent woman to elegantly explain the emotional impact of a heartwrenching ballad. Ok, I will.

Inside & Out - Feist By Harlene Weijs

It has been many, many, many moons since a song has managed to pull at the heartstrings in the way this one has.

I discovered the original “inside & out” in it’s disco form on Feist’s first album and it caught me then as a catchy number with pretty clever lyrics and besides, I love disco. Many months later this live acoustic version discovered me and not only am I caught, I am tangled.

In my books there is nothing that can beat the archetypal brave and lonesome singer/songwriter on stage with their instrument. When they are good they can shake the melancholy loose in even the most unsentimental of people. When they are great, their voices and their style haunt you forever.

Feist’s sweet longing in her simple and pure lyrics lay bare those raw love moments of awe, fear, struggle, vulnerability, doubt, power, relentlessness and truth.

“You figure it’s the love that keeps you warm let this moment be forever we won’t ever feel the storm.”

Inside & Out is not only a ballad of the resilience of the heart, it is a tribute to the passionate intensity of love’s sickness. It is about the naivety, or shall I say invincibility we wear like armor when we charge into love. It’s for those happily in love, trapped by love, longing to love, longing to be loved, and for the ambiguity within it all.

Whether we are enmeshed in a relationship or cocooned in the idea of one it is the very preciousness of this affection for another that keeps us fearing the question she askes in this song: “what are we gonna do if we loose that fire?”

Listen Now:

 Standard Podcasts [3:34m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download | Embeddable Player | Hits (841)

Ahoy Mateys!

Arrrrr, its time for the Blue Beard to update his evil blog. I’m a pirate mateys! Yes, my first mate Tony B., or the ‘Plank Pusher’ as we pirate folk like to call him, loves nothing more than to dance a jig while listening to the music streamed off his favourite pirate blog, Songstory. Arrrr, being a pirate is tough job, but things on our ship have started to improve since we got wireless internet installed. Plank Pusher has been taking a break from…. feeding the sharks, HAR, HAR, HAR, HAR, HAR, HA COUGH COUGH COUGH COUGH….cough. Sorry…has taken a break from feeding the sharks, to write his very own evil pirate submission. Arrrrr, now read Tony’s posting and listen to the song as us pirates disappear into the murky mist of a haunted moonlit sky, arrrr.

Northern Sky - Nick Drake By Tony Bitzionis

Nick Drake is great. Great great great. But Nick Drake is dead. Dead dead dead. I once asked a guy at a used record store on the Danforth if he had any Nick Drake records and he got mad at me and said “What the hell! When this guy was alive you all didn’t give a shit about him, and now that he’s dead you’re all asking me for his record! No I don’t have it!”. See the thing is, Nick Drake died in the 70’s, so I would have to be around 45 to have not given any of my shit about him.

Anyhow, Adam introduced me to Nick Drake about 5 years ago with his album ‘Pink Moon’. Most of you might recognize the title track to that album because it was in some car commercial. No Seany, it wasn’t the Suzuki Areo, so stop singing. I loved his style right away, though I admit that ‘Pink Moon’ is too quiet to enjoy all the time. I like a lot of Drake’s other stuff, the stuff with horns and the like, but his melancholy songs do it for me too.

Northern Sky is one of these quiet love songs, beautifully soft but with an uplifting piano, and no choly melons to speak of. Man, I really love the piano in this song. Garret, is this good piano? I only ask you cause I know you grew up with, like, 40 pianos in your house. Also, this song is featured in Joell’s favourite movie of all time people…… Serendipity. Yeah yeah yeah, and I love Clueless–there Joey, I saved you a post.

Enjoy the song, but try not to cry if you haven’t found you’re true love.

Tony aka The Plank Pusher

Listen Now:

 Standard Podcasts [3:48m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download | Embeddable Player | Hits (560)

Growing up Garret Keown was a big fan of Home Improvement’s Jonathan Taylor Thomas. Garret had posters of JTT all over his room, joined the fan club, and bought all the teen magazines featuring the pre-teen heart-throb. But like all lovesick 11 year olds must, Garret grew up and Garret moved on. Garret traveled the world, Garret moved away from home, Garret lived and loved and learned, but Garret never completely got over those intoxicating initials. Garret.

Garret Keown aka ”Garret” has submitted a Songstory entry all the way from KOREA where Garret is currently living with Garret’s wonderful girlfriend Harlene and teaching English. Check out Garret’s entry below the pics.

Damn Girl - Justin Timberlake By Garret Keown

Damn Girl,

I remember the time when Timberlake dropped his first solo album and Ben Young called me from a payphone in the middle of Gerrard Square.

“Garret, there‘s something I gotta tell you.“ “Yeah, what is it? You know you can tell me anything, right?“ “Okay, but you can‘t tell anybody.“ “Okay, Ben, what the hell is it?” “I like the Justin Timberlake album.“

At that time, I hadn‘t heard it, so I fell to the floor laughing and banged my forehead off the counter top on the way down. I still have the scar. Ben‘s masculine persona suddenly (sheded????) itself for a tighter t-shirt wearing, dance floor obsessed ”preno” and I thought I was seeing a new side of him. I did, however, know that the Neptunes had their fingerprints all over this Michael Jackson-esque project, which transformed little Justin into a credible pop star (in my opinion any ways). Do I like Justin Timberlake? The answer is sometimes. It‘s every grown man‘s guilty pleasure. I haven‘t really heard the new album, but this track, Damn Girl instantly made me say damn! Why the fuck does he have to make tracks that I like? But, the fact is, I like this song, a lot. It‘s produced by the sometimes incredibly talented WiLL.I.AM of BEP. There are definitely some similarities between this song and Amerie‘s 1Thing, but the funky drumming and organ riff bite is fine with me. I am not sure if Justin would be as well received as he has been if he wasn’t working with such creative producers, but having said that, I think this is a fine effort and a quality pop song.

Way to go Timberlake!

Listen Now:

 Standard Podcasts [5:12m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download | Embeddable Player | Hits (390)

I’ve tried really hard to limit the amount of Jay Dee I post on Songstory.  It seems like everyday I listen to something by Dilla that really excites me–and that which excites me is that which I want to share.  I’m at work now (on my lunch break, I’m no slacker) with limited access to music, which makes it difficult to choose a song to feature on Songstory.  However, one of the tracks I do have on my work computer is a golden nugget off one of Dilla’s many beat tapes.  I’m so tempted.  It’s almost irresistible.  Ok, fine, it IS irresistible.  Goddamn it I am weak. 

This track is short but sweet.  When I listen to it I want to go to a cool, busy, outdoor market and strut-dance around.  Ideally the strut-dancing would manage to incorporate a lot of solid high fives with strangers along the way.  I could also picture this being the soundtrack to a video of a cute little mouse’s adventures looking for cheese.  Or maybe a combination of the two.  The theme song for me when I eat cheese and dance–which happens pretty often.  But I’m lactose intollerant.  I dance alone.

I dedicate this song to Edward Norton.  I watched American History X the other night.  That movie is HILARIOUS! 

Listen Now:

 Standard Podcasts [0:55m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download | Embeddable Player | Hits (535)

Tony is posting again.  And it’s really good to see that he’s still got great taste in music and the wit that we’ve all come to know and love.  What’s the lesson here?  I suppose it is that you can go through hormone replacement therapy, and live your lifelong dream of becoming a 1970’s professional wrestler without it changing who you are on the inside.  But for those of you who are curious what Tony’s outside now looks like see below.

Tony “The Adonis Strangler” Bitzionis gives us a submission about legendary Country music artist Hank Williams.  A man who died in the back of Cadillac on the way to a show at the age of 29.  Unlike Ja Rule, Williams’ music actually did reflect his real life.  Take it away Tony.

You Win Again - Hank Williams Sr. By Tony Bitzionis

“The news is out All over town That you’ve been seen Out runnin’ round I know that I Should leave but then I just can’t go You win again.”   Ah, it’s just not the same without Hanks cuuurvy voice.  If this man doesn’t make you want to cry, then I’ll deal with you later.  I’ve gotta admit, I don’t know much about Hank Williams Sr. at all, but I love the way he sings his songs.  Another thing I love is the era in songwriting this guy is from.  They used to write some hilariously straightforward songs, like perhaps his most famous number “There’s a Tear In My Beer”. Lovely song.   You Win Again is a classic, and a lot of covers have been done, but Hank’s voice is so perfectly smooth, that you either have to do it your own way, or you’re going to end up sounding foolish trying to imitate him.  I’m no country expert, but a lot of country singers today sound like asses.  Shania Twain, give me a break she’s from Timmins, and I’m pretty sure she’s turning into a robot.  I hate you Shania, but you’re hot…call me—I don’t have a cellphone and my dad doesn’t speak much English, so call Dave’s cell and he’ll call me and then I‘ll get in touch with you. 416-554-7845 

  Tony

Listen Now:

 Standard Podcasts [2:38m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download | Embeddable Player | Hits (565)

Did you know that there are people who get paid big time dollas to program ipods with music?  People who are considered “musically astute” get paid by people who are, crazy? I don’t know, to add music to their ipod.  Who the hell pays somebody to do that?  I would say that I am almost entirely against it–but with a couple exceptions.  One of these would be if I had the opportunity to have Questlove program an ipod for me.  I don’t actually have an ipod, so he’d have to buy me one too.  That reminds me of the time my friend Tony got a ticket for riding his bike without a bell.  They threatened to take away points from his drivers license.  But Tony didn’t have a drivers license.  He got excited thinking they would have to give him one in order to take away the points.  But thats neither here nor there.  What I’m trying to say is that Questlove is considered to be one of those individuals who has their finger on the pulse of musical trends.  I read his blog occasionally and he recently suggested people check out the new album by Amy Winehouse. 

This chick is fucking crazy, but in a good way–I mean, I’m kind of in love with her and after only 2 days of exposure.  The first single off her latest album “Back to Black” is called Rehab.  Not only is it a rediculous song on a variety of levels, its also the exact kind of song I wanted to post on Songstory precisely because there is an interesting story behind it.  Winehouse released her first album Frank in 2003 at the age of 20 and it went PLATINUM!  During this time she appeared on several tv shows drunk off her ass.  I’ve seen one clip that is particularily amusing where Winehouse is doing a duet of Beat It with this British Late Nite talk show host named Charlotte Church.  Winehouse is obviously drunk–she yells her lines more than sings them.  You can tell Church is distracted by the young drunk girl staggering next to her and is struggling to stay composed.  Here’s the link  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2vfdl7-E80Q.  So after several of these drunken tv appearences Winehouse’s management company confronted her and told her she had to go into rehab.  She told them to fuck off and found new management.  Then she wrote Rehab.  I love this girl.  She totally reminds me of Babe-raham Lincoln.  

The video is also awesome.  I love the guy in the blue bathrobe and want to learn his various handclap dance moves.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKVbgkfFygY&eurl=

Listen Now:

 Standard Podcasts [3:55m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download | Embeddable Player | Hits (140)

Today brings us a contribution from a source who has requested they remain anonymous.  So lets call him “Tony B.” wait, no, ”T. Bitzionis”.  Thats better.  Mr. TB (like the disease) has something to say, so y’all better open your ears and cover your groins, like Roy Orbison–he see’s Tony coming.  

End of the Line - The Traveling Wilburys By Tony Bitzionis

I’m trying really hard to not do any Dylan songs until I’ve sufficiently proven that I do listen to other music.  This one doesn’t count though, cause he doesn’t actually have a verse in the song, so Garret, Joell, and DaveNam, fuck off this isn’t a Dylan song.

Quickly, and for those of you who don’t know, The Travelling Willbury’s were a family of musicians.  The members were: Clayton Wilbury (Jeff Lynne– from Electric Light Orchestra), Muddy Wilbury (Tom Petty), Lefty Wilbury (Roy Orbison), Spike Wilbury (George Harrison), and Boo Wilbury (Bob Dylan).  They released 2 albums in the 80’s, The Travelling Wilbury’s: Volume 1, and The Travelling Wilbury’s: Volume 3.  There is no Volume 2.

End of the Line is probably their most recognizable song, even made a music video for it.  The odd thing about this song is that though it’s such an up-beat, feel-good song, the music video is kind of somber (sombrero!).  That’s because Roy Orbison (‘Pretty Woman, La Da Doo Dee Doo’) died of a heart attack just after Volume 1 was recorded, and he’s not in the video (which shows the band members performing the song on a train).  When Roy’s verse comes up, the lights dim and we see his picture on a rocking chair with the rest of the Wilbury’s looking on. Also, I stole Roy Orbison’s sunglasses.   I think it’s impossible to not love this song, so if you don’t love it, go to hell.   Tony

Listen Now:

 Standard Podcasts [3:24m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download | Embeddable Player | Hits (170)

It has now been 4 days since we started Sample Week, when in earnest I posted a Stereolab song and you all were supposed to tell me who sampled it.  Lets take a look at some of the guesses we’ve had so far.  Andrew Bryce said that Puff Daddy used it in a Lil’ Kim song.  Hellz if I know. Maybe he did.  I forgot to consider the large gaps in my hip hop knowledge base when I began this simple sample game, and I got exposed on the first response.  Andrew Bryce, you’re an asshole.  Then came Andrew number 2, Andrew Chang.  Andrew Chang didn’t really need to sign his name on his post since we all know Andrew Chang language when we see it.  Andrew Chang didn’t guess anything.  Rather he spoke in a freely associative way similar to Kramer, and gave us a small lesson on e-friendly grammer.  Andrew Chang, you as well are an asshole.  Then came me, admitting my weaknesses, putting it all on the line.  We all know I’m an asshole.  And then FINALLY we hear from Tony.  He guessed Sir John A. McDonald. Hilarious!  But wrong.  Only assholes guess wrong.  Didn’t Sir John A tell you?  

I declare Sample Week a failure. 

Let us segue quietly on to other things and never mention it again. 

Today’s song is off Busta Rhymes’ 2000 album “Anarchy”.  Appropriately Busta, who can be seen below asking his hands why oh why they insist on tearing holes in all of his best shirts, put exclamation marks in the name of almost every track on the album.  This song is an exception–it’s called Show Me What You Got.  Listen to how many times he rhymes ORE.  Luckily for Busta everything rhymes with exclamation marks!!  This track was produced by James Yancy, Jay Dee, Dilla Dawg, J Dilla.  It’s never enough.

Listen Now:

 Standard Podcasts [3:43m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download | Embeddable Player | Hits (745)