Category: Pop Music

My Sunday Song – “Car Crash” by Matt Nathanson

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My Sunday Song #213 is the song “Car Crash” by Matt Nathanson.  The song is off his 2007 album ‘Some Mad Hope’ and it was a single and got a relatively fair amount of airplay. Not as much as another song on that album which will be the final post of this 10 song series.

The song is rather dark in subject matter.  It seems to be about someone that has kept things inside for so long that they have become numb to everything around them.  They want to so desperately to feel something.  They want that “car crash” moment to wake them from the darkness and let them feel life again.  They need that dramatic cataclysmic catastrophe to be alive as they are dying on the inside.  It is rather heartbreaking that the person feels so low and depression is so rampant in today’s society which even today is easy to see how the darkness can consume.

Musically, the song fits the lyrics as the chorus explodes and the drum beats and cymbal hits sound like a crashing sound.  While on the verses, the electric guitars fill the image with a rich tone and texture that accompany the vocals to give it a sound that is uplifting despite the darkness. The sounds feel like everything is about explode and all will be right with the world.  It is a perfect blend of the dark lyrics with the light instrumentation.

SMH Continue reading “My Sunday Song – “Car Crash” by Matt Nathanson” →

Friday New Releases – September 11, 2020

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A rather somber day for us in the U.S. as it is the anniversary of 9/11 and I can’t believe it has been 19 years…still feels like yesterday. Even though is is somber, it is still Friday and we still have new releases to celebrate. This week doesn’t see a ton of releases, but there are some very noteworthy ones to list and I have done just that for you. Are there any for me this week? No, not really but like I said a couple very notable groups that a lot of people like. I have no choices highlighted in Blue this week, but I still want to hear from you and what you want to check out and what I may have missed this week as there is always something. Thanks for stopping by and I hope everyone has a great weekend! See you next week!!

  • 71X13UqawZL._SS500_  Marilyn Manson – We Are Chaos – (Loma Vista Recordings / Concord): Marilyn Manson is back with his 11th Studio album…crazy to think he has that many. It has been three years since his prior release and I am sure the fans are eager to hear more of his industrial, shock rock brand of metal.
  • 81xY01P1Y-L._SX522_  Mastodon – Medium Rarities – (Reprise Records) – Vinyl out 10/16: I love it when a home town band makes it big and these Atlanta boys have done that and then some. This is a cool release and I might dive in to it as it is a compilation of rare tracks from the band. Rare tracks are always fun.
Continue reading “Friday New Releases – September 11, 2020” →

My Sunday Song – “Kinks Shirt” by Matt Nathanson

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For My Sunday Song #212, we are going to discuss the song “Kinks Shirt” by Matt Nathanson. The song is off his 2013 album, ‘Last of the Great Pretenders’ and in July of that year he released this song as a video and a single.  It was one of the fun songs on the album that shows he isn’t all heartbreak and sadness and that sometimes he can be a good mood or at least sound like he is.

The song was actually inspired by an actual girl that was wearing a Kinks Shirt.  You know The Kinks, who doesn’t love The Kinks?  No one, that is who.  While recording the album, Matt and his producer and band mates would visit this diner quite frequently, I mean like every day for lunch.  There was a girl that worked there with tattoos and piercings and nothing like someone that Matt would normally be attracted to maybe, but someone he was obsessed with.  Not in a crazy stalker way, but more fantasizing way.  He was so mesmerized by her that she inspired this song.

The song is an uptempo pop song, plain and simple.  It is so catchy, fun and you can’t help but get caught up in the beat and dance around a little.  Lyrically, Matt paints a vivid picture of this girl wearing The Kinks shirt and you can picture every little detail about her and how she makes him feel.  Who hasn’t had a girl at one time you were mentally in love with, but never approached her to see what could’ve been.

91M85+8kGIL._SY355_ Continue reading “My Sunday Song – “Kinks Shirt” by Matt Nathanson” →

Gen X – “Dancing With Myself” 12″ Single – Bonus Edition (The Billy Idol Series)

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In my crate digging back in June, I found this beauty.  It is a Gen X 12″ single of the song “Dancing with Myself”.  This was off the band’s third album called “Kiss Me Deadly” and was a little before the song became famous by the Gen X singer, Billy Idol, on his first solo outing. Since I have all the band’s stuff (with minor exceptions), I look for the Singles and oddball items now and this fit the bill nicely.

For me it is both a Single and an oddball, because what is the deal with the frightening little girl on the cover.  She’s scary, right?  The album is still wrapped in the original plastic wrap which has seen better days, but this has kept the album in pretty dang good shape.

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“Dancing with Myself” failed to chart upon its release and didn’t really do much.  It wasn’t until Billy released it as one of his solo songs, but that is for another discussion.  The song was inspired by what the band saw while on tour in Tokyo.  They noticed that at the dance clubs, the people were dancing more with their own reflections in the mirrored walls than they were with other people.  That somehow inspired the song.

The song has has always been one of my favorite songs by the band and Billy’s solo work.  The song is pure New Wave dance music with a slight punk edge…classic Billy Idol solo.  It is so melodic, catchy and so much energy you can’t help but move.  The guitars are a little louder on this version and the bass toned down ever so slightly, but other than that it is the song you know.  Being the 12″ Single, it is extended out to just over 4 minutes which is about 20 seconds longer than the album version and 20 more seconds to be on the dance floor.

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The prize on this is not just “Dancing With Myself” as I have several versions on other releases, but it is the B-Sides.  Okay, I have the other two songs as well,  but only digitally, not physically.  Now that has changed.  The two tracks are called “Loopy Dub” and “Ugly Dub” and honestly, they aren’t that great.  So the prize really is “Dancing With Myself”.

“Loopy Dub” doesn’t really go fast enough for a dance track.  It is kinda slow and drags on with no real purpose.  I would’ve liked something more upbeat that you could dance too because this just depresses me.  “Ugly Dub” isn’t any better.  There is a strong case to be made why these didn’t end up on the album.  Honestly, not sure there was ever any reason to release them period.

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And there you have it.  Another nugget in the world of Billy Idol.  The collection is coming along nicely and I love adding new stuff especially when it comes to the Gen X era of his career.

Now, if you want to check out the full reviews and the entire Billy Idol Series, click on any and all of the links below…

  1. Generation X – ‘Generation X’
  2. Generation X – ‘Valley of the Dolls’
  3. Gen X – ‘Kiss Me Deadly’
  4. Gen X – “Dancing With Myself” 12″ Single (Bonus Edition)
  5. Generation X – ‘The BBC Transcription Disc Series No. 126 1978’ (Bootleg)
  6. Billy Idol – Don’t Stop E.P.
  7. Billy Idol – Billy Idol
  8. Billy Idol – Rebel Yell
  9. Billy Idol – Whiplash Smile
  10. Billy Idol – To Be A Lover – Single Review
  11. Billy Idol – Vital Idol
  12. Billy Idol – Charmed Life
  13. Billy Idol – Cyberpunk
  14. Billy Idol – “Speed” (song from the Speed Soundtrack)
  15. Generation X – K.M.D. Sweet Revenge
  16. Billy Idol – VH1 Storytellers (Live)
  17. Billy Idol – Devil’s Playground
  18. Billy Idol – Happy Holidays
  19. Billy Idol – The Very Best of Billy Idol: Idolize Yourself
  20. Billy Idol – Kings & Queens of the Underground
  21. Billy Idol – BFI Live (#RSD 2019)
  22. Billy Idol – Revitalized
  23. Generation X – Your Generation (7″ Record Store Day Release)
  24. Generation X – Generation X Deluxe Edition
  25. Billy Idol – Rebel Waltz: Live (Bootleg)
  26. Billy Idol – Rebel Calling: Live (Bootleg)
  27. Billy Idol – The Albums Ranked From Worst to First

My Sunday Song – “Run” by Matt Nathanson

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For My Sunday Song #211, we are tackling the first in our 10 song set of Matt Nathanson songs. I’m starting the series out with my favorite track and that is “Run”.  The song features Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush of Sugarland. The song is off his 2011 album, ‘Modern Love’ and was released as single, but only reached #53 on the Billboard Hot 100 which baffles me.

The song is not a country song even though Sugarland are on it.  No!  This is a sensual, oh so sexy, love song.  The lyrics are dirty with lines like “You come in waves” and “Then Swallow me whole” as well as “And I watch it explode”.  At the same time they are sexy with lines like “You pull me in close / And buckle my knees” and “You trace my lines / Stirring my soul”.  And then they are heartwarming with a line like “I’m amazing when you’re beside me / I am so much more”.  This song speaks to me and reminds me of my lovely bride and when I hear this song, I think of only her!  Each and every time.

Now here is the problem.  The song I think is more about an affair than love.  The lyrics talk about running back to this person.  The man says he knows that it’s wrong but he can’t help it and he always goes back to her.  Personally, I ignore that part and think of it more as a passionate love affair with my wife.  Either way, you can’t help but love the song.

Continue reading “My Sunday Song – “Run” by Matt Nathanson” →

Friday New Release – August 28, 2020

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We are ending August with a BANG!! There are an abundance of releases this week and there has to be something for you to grab hold of and listen to all weekend. I am listing 18 different releases and you know I don’t ever have all of them so that is a boatload of stuff. I have a bunch I am eager to hear and 2 on order. My choices are highlighted in Blue and I can tell you right now, I doubt I will get to all of them this week as there are so many. Let me know which ones you are interested in hearing and which ones I may have a missed. Thanks for stopping by and have a great weekend!!

  • 81Rz9estbVL._SS500_  Needtobreathe – Out of Body – (Elektra): Is there any doubt this one would be tops for me. I am a huge fan, but a worried fan as guitarist and a very creative mind behind the band, Bo Rinehart has left the band. I don’t know how much he put in to this album, if anything, but that has me a little concerned as direction and what to expect. The one thing they did that I don’t particularly don’t care for is they released like 5 songs already. I am not a fan of bands doing that.
  • A1aBMRfQkrL._SS500_  Metallica – S&M 2 (Live) – (Blackened Recording): I actually enjoyed the original S&M so I am curious to hear this one as well. Metallica and classical music I think are a good match. And the song they released already was pretty great.
Continue reading “Friday New Release – August 28, 2020” →

Heart – “What About Love” – The 45 Single

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I haven’t done one of these in awhile where I highlight a 45 Single in my collection so I went through and pulled out “What About Love” from the band Heart.  The song is from what is considered their comeback album ‘Heart’ that was released in 1985 and the single was the first off the album and released on June 1, 1985.

The song is a cover song actually and was originally performed by the band Toronto.  It was written by Brian Allen. Sheron Alton and Jim Vallance.  You know Jim as he is the writing partner for some guy named Bryan Adams.  Brian & Sheron were in Toronto, however, Jim wasn’t although he did play drums on the song.  Enough about them, let’s get to Heart.

IMG_2351 Continue reading “Heart – “What About Love” – The 45 Single” →

Friday New Releases – August 21, 2020

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Another Friday is upon us and I am glad you made it through another week.  I am sure my kids are glad it is Friday as well since they started school this past week.  It is a different type of school for them now thanks to COVID.  But one thing that hasn’t changed is Friday is new release day.  There is a lot here this week, but there isn’t at the same time.  There is one I am looking forward to and one I will give a spin as it looks interesting and they are both marked in Blue. Let me know what you are excited about and what I may have missed.  Thanks for stopping by and have a fabulous weekend!!

  • 71EA1ClpcdL._SX522_  The Lemon Twigs – Songs for the General Public – (4AD Ltd):  I know nothing about this band, but the album cover with them dressed very glam like has made me interested in spinning this one.  I need something new, so hopefully this will satisfy that craving.

  • 91-dFqF+lTL._SX522_  The Killers – Imploding the Mirage – (Island Records):  This album got bounced around so much due to Covid, I lost track of the release date and missed having it as a featured cover on the header.  However, this is the main one I would want to hear this week.  Sorry this was added late, but it has been added.

Continue reading “Friday New Releases – August 21, 2020” →

Robbie Williams – ‘Sexed Up – Forever Texas’ (2003) – Album Review

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There is nothing better than going through racks of CDs and finding something you’ve never seen before.  I was at 2nd & Charles in Mathews, NC with my wife (she was looking at books) and I started digging through the used CDs. I started in the “A” section and within 30 seconds I stumbled across this album…Robbie Williams “Sexed Up”.  Yes, in the “A” section as naturally that is where it would be instead of the “R” or “W” section.  Makes total sense.  It had Japanese or some Asian lettering on it so I snatched it up especially knowing that the price was only $3.50.

I did some research once I got home and all I could find out is that the CD is referred to as Robbie Williams – “Sexed Up/Forever Texas” and is an unofficial release.  As a result, Discogs won’t sell it.  I did see a copy on eBay for about $36 and Discogs had a single cd version on sale for over $100.  Either way, my $3.50 is looking like a pretty great deal.

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The packaging is great as the plastic CD case comes in this nice cardboard housing with a flap to open and remove your CD case.  The disc is also labeled as an HDCD whatever the hell that is supposed to mean.  I figured it was going to sound better, but it is CD, it already sounds good as a CD should. Continue reading “Robbie Williams – ‘Sexed Up – Forever Texas’ (2003) – Album Review” →

Friday New Releases – August 14, 2020

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It is Hot! Hot! Hot! I’m talking about the weather though and not the new releases. There are a bunch this week, but nothing I am “hot” over.  Maybe lukewarm.  My choices are highlighted in Blue.  Hopefully there is something here that will get you hot and excited about.  If so, let me know what it is and let me know what I may have missed on the list so other people can see.  Thanks for stopping by and I hope you have a wonderful weekend.  Stay Cool!!

  • 91fueI6vNPL._SS500_  Adelitas Way – Shine On – (Vegas Syn / The Fuel Music):  Adelitas Way isn’t an exciting rock band, but they are consistent.  They have decent songs and there is always a few good songs worth grabbing and throwing in to a playlist. For that fact, I will give them a spin.

  • 910MrctHG9L._SS500_  Biffy Clyro – A Celebration of Endings – (14th Floor Records / Warner Music);  This band came on my radar some years back when my brother-in-law engineered one of their albums.  They a pretty interesting as they don’t settle on one thing, they like to try new things.  These boys from Scotland always bring something worth while to the table and here is hoping for something new and awesome to digest!

Continue reading “Friday New Releases – August 14, 2020” →