Song Stuck In My Head This Week - 28th December '10 - Pulp - Do You Remember The First Time?

Formed in 1978, it took Sheffield band Pulp 16 years to hit the big time but when they did they became one of the biggest bands of the 'Britpop' era.

The success began in 1994 when they released their album 'His 'N' Hers'. The first three singles, 'Babies', 'Razzamatazz' and 'Lipgloss', met with critical acclaim and cult popularity but it wasn't until the fourth single 'Do You Remember The First Time?' that they broke into the UK top 40. This meant when the album was released they'd created enough of a following to see the album peak on the UK album chart at number nine and have the album receive a Mercury Music Prize nomination that year.

1995 was a big year for Pulp. It saw the release of their single 'Common People', which was an instant classic as far as fans were concerned and is still much loved today. They then, by default of The Stone Roses having to cancel their performance due to guitarist John Squire breaking his collarbone, Pulp ended up headlining that year's Glastonbury Festival. Their performance on the Saturday night, in only the second year that the even had been televised, is still seen by many as the greatest headline set at the festival. I watched the set a couple of weeks ago when it was shown on BBC4 (amusing in itself as the BBC didn't start broadcasting Glastonbury until '97 with the festival being broadcast by Channel 4 in '94 & '95 and the festival having a year off in '96) and found the set just as exciting and enjoyable to watch as it had been 15 years earlier when I'd last seen it on TV.

Later that year the bands album 'Different Class' was released featuring the singles 'Common People' and 'Sorted for E's & Wizz/Mis-Shapes' that had preceded its release. The next single released from it was the crowd-pleaser 'Disco 2000', one of the tracks first debuted at that summers Glastonbury Festival. The album also went on to win the 1996 Mercury Music Prize.

After that things started to go awry. Key band member Russell Senior left the band and, in the wake of the break up of a long-term relationship and battling cocaine addiction, lead singer and main songwriter Jarvis Cocker struggled to write the follow-up album to 'Different Class'. As a result of all these factors the album that resulted, 'This Is Hardcore', was a bleak album.

A much lighter album, 'We Love Life', was released in 2001 but all was not well in the band and they split from record label Island in 2002 before going on hiatus.

This November, while I was away travelling in the US, I was greeted one morning by the exciting news that Pulp in their original line-up were reforming to play shows in 2011. Who knows what will happen beyond this but, suffice to say, I'll be there in Hyde Park next summer with all the same excitement I had when I saw them first time round at Kentish Town Forum in 1995.

I'll leave you with their spectacular breakthrough single from 1994, 'Do You Remember The First Time?', with the performance footage coming from that legendary headlining set at Glastonbury in 1995.

Hope you all enjoy it and I'll catch you all next week (and, realistically, next year as it'll be 2011!!). Enjoy!!

Pulp - Do You Remember The First Time?

You say you've got to go home
Cos he's sitting on his own again this evening.
I know you're gonna let him bore your pants off again.
Oh God, it's half past eight,
You'll be late.
You say you've never been sure,
Though it makes good sense for you to be together.
Still you bought a toy that can reach the places he never goes.
Oh, now it's getting late.
He's so straight.

Do you remember the first time?
I can't remember a worse time.
But you know that we've changed so much since then,
Oh yeah,
We've grown.
Now I don't care what you're doing,
No I don't care if you screw him.
Just as long as you save a piece for me,
Oh yeah

You say you've got to go home.
Well at least there's someone there that you can talk to.
And you never have to face up to the night on your own.
Jesus, it must be great to be straight.

Do you remember the first time?
I can't remember a worse time.
But you know that we've changed so much since then,
Oh yeah,
We've grown.
Now I don't care what you're doing,
No I don't care if you screw him.
Just as long as you save a piece for me,
Oh yeah

Christmas Song Stuck In My Head This Year - The Ronettes - I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus

Phil Spector seemingly had a history of erratic behaviour involving guns and so when, last year, he was finally convicted of the shooting and death of actress Lana Clarkson in 2003 it was no real surprise. All of this, however, can never detract from the amazing music he created throughout his career as a record producer.

For me, Christmas isn't really Christmas without the album 'A Christmas Gift for You from Phil Spector' as it really just feels so Christmassy. This is helped by Spector's 'Wall Of Sound' method of recording which is best described in this quote from songwriter Jeff Barry who worked extensively with Spector - "You're going to have four or five guitars line up, gut-string guitars, and they're going to follow the chords...two basses in fifths, with the same type of line, and strings...six or seven horns, adding the little punches…formula percussion instruments — the little bells, the shakers, the tambourines. Phil used his own formula for echo, and some overtone arrangements with the strings. But by and large there was a formula arrangement."

This large ensemble of musicians were recorded, on the whole, at Gold Studios in Los Angeles as Spector liked to work with their echo chambers. The process is best described from this quote from Wikipedia - 'Microphones in the recording studio captured the sound, which was then transmitted to an echo chamber—a basement room outfitted with speakers and microphones. The signal from the studio would be played through the speakers and would reverberate around the room, being picked up by the microphones. The echo-laden sound was then channelled back to the control room, where it was transferred to tape.

The natural reverberation and echo from the hard walls of the room gave his productions their distinctive quality and resulted in a rich and complex sound when played on AM radio, with an impressive depth rarely heard in mono recordings.'

The Christmas album showcases this extremely well and is now a much loved album but, on its release, it didn't sell so well. This was, for the most part, due to the fact it was released on 22nd November 1963. This was also the same day President John F. Kennedy was assassinated so people, understandably, were not really in the mood for jolly Christmas tunes. However as time passed it became a staple of many people’s Christmas playlists including mine.

I hope you enjoy my favourite track from the album, 'I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus' performed by The Ronettes!!

The Ronettes - I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus

I Saw Mommy kissing Santa Claus,
Underneath the mistletoe last night!
She didn't see me creep,
Down stairs to have a peek!
She thought that i was tucked up
In my bedroom fast asleep.

Then I saw Mommy tickle Santa Claus,
Underneath his beard so snowy white!
Oh, what a laugh it would have been,
If Daddy had only seen,
Mommy kissing Santa Claus last night!

I saw Mommy kissing Santa Claus,
Underneath the misletoe last night!
She didn't see me creep,
Down stairs to have a peek!
She thought that i was tucked up
In my bedroom fast asleep!

Then I saw Mommy tickle Santa Claus,
Underneath his beard so snowy white!
What a laugh it would have been
If Daddy had only seen,
Mommy kissing Santa Claus last night,
Mommy kissing Santa Claus last night!!!

Song Stuck In My Head This Week - 19th December '10 - Cher - You Haven't Seen The Last Of Me

I know it's only a few weeks since I last posted about a Cher song from the 'Burlesque' soundtrack but, aside from the songs being particularly catchy and getting stuck in your head, Cher's two songs from the soundtrack are seriously good.

This week's song, in my opinion, is one of the greatest songs Cher's ever recorded and it has so far gained nominations in both the Critics Choice Awards and the Golden Globes as well as being long-listed for selection for the Oscars.

'You Haven't Seen The Last Of Me' is a soaring empowerment ballad that channels the emotions of being seemingly at rock bottom but knowing that you're not knocked down that easily. I'm sure Cher managed to tap into the memories of her life experiences when recording this song as it oozes real emotion and feeling. I know I find this song inspirational, especially on the days when it feels like there's no hope and that my life is going nowhere.

In the 45 years since she first hit the music scene, Cher has become not only a renowned singer but also a record producer, movie director and an Oscar winning actress. With the new movie 'Burlesque' and it's astounding soundtrack it shows that it'll be a long time before Cher gives up her crown as the Goddess Of Pop. I also hope this song wins every award it's nominated for as I think it deserves it.

I hope you like this week's song as much as I do!

Chere - You Haven't Seen The Last Of Me

Feeling broken
Barely holding on
But there’s just something so strong
Somewhere inside me
And I am down but I’ll get up again
Don’t count me out just yet

I’ve been brought down to my knees
And I’ve been pushed way past the point of breaking
But I can take it
I’ll be back
Back on my feet
This is far from over
You haven’t seen the last of me
You haven’t seen the last of me

They can say that
I won’t stay around
But I’m gonna stand my ground
You’re not gonna stop me
You don’t know me
You don’t know who I am
Don’t count me out so fast

I’ve been brought down to my knees
And I’ve been pushed way past the point of breaking
But I can take it
I’ll be back
Back on my feet
This is far from over
You haven’t seen the last of me

There will be no fade out
This is not the end
I’m down now
But i’ll be standing tall again
Times are hard but
I was built tough
I’m gonna show you all what I’m made of

I’ve been brought down to my knees
And I’ve been pushed way past the point of breaking
But I can take it
I’ll be back
Back on my feet
This is far from over
I am far from over
You haven’t seen the last of me

No no
I’m not going nowhere
I’m staying right here
Oh no
You won’t see me begging
I’m not taking my bow
Can’t stop me
It’s not the end
You haven’t seen the last of me
Oh no
You haven’t seen the last of me
You haven’t seen the last of me

Song Stuck In My Head This Week - 12th December '10 - The Beatles - Real Love

This week’s song has been in my head for a number of reasons.

Firstly, this week saw the 30th anniversary of the death of John Lennon. Though I can't claim to have been as touched or inspired by him as many of my friends I do feel he was, and even in death continues to be, a very important person in musical and humanitarian terms.

'Real Love' was written and recorded by John over several takes between 1979 & 1980 but was never fully completed. In 1995 'Real Love' and another incomplete Lennon track, 'Free As A Bird', were reworked by the then surviving members of the band, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr and George Harrison. Both songs were released as singles - 'Free As A Bird' in late '95 and then 'Real Love' in '96 - and are, as Ringo Starr said when interviewed about recording the songs in '95, "...the end of the line, really. There's nothing more we can do as the Beatles.".

Secondly, this week I finally watched the films 'Before Sunrise' & 'Before Sunset'. Even though I wanted to see the former when it first came out in '95 and the latter in '04, I'm glad I didn't see them until now as I feel that to have seen them any earlier in my life before the experiences I've had would have meant I appreciated them less without realising it. Both are great films and I think are more realistic about love and relationships, in terms of what is said in the narrative, than most romantic movies.

Finally, due to the influence of the films, I've been flitting back and forth on my feelings on relationships and love all week. I've only had two serious relationships in my life. The first ended because I had changed as I got older and, though my ex is a wonderful person and still my best friend, I just didn't have the feelings I used to have for him. The second was a nightmare where I fell foul to physical and mental abuse, the emotional scars from which still have some lingering residue but which are getting less as time passes.

The last four years since then I have had minor flirtations and a couple of dates but nothing solid has sprung forth and, as I get older (I'm 31 next month), the fears of being alone and never finding the right person, raising a family of my own etc get stronger. There are days when I'm fine with it all and other days when I feel a strong sense of despair. I have met some amazing guys over the last few years, a couple who I could even have potentially let myself fall for, but I always either let my heart rule my head and get carried away only to be disappointed or I block it out completely for fear of being hurt.

Watching the films made me realise that, yes, a lot of it can be in your head - at least to begin with - but that ultimately love can be real and that settling for second best should never be an option because it'll only leave you wishing for the ones you preferred that went before, even if you'd not been the one for them.

I've learnt that one of my problems is that I can't tell so many things. I can't tell when someone just wants a good time and when they want more than that. I can't tell when I'm trying too hard or not trying hard enough. I can't tell whether someone is genuinely interested in me or not.

The only thing I know for certain is that I want real love. So here's hoping this song is the start and that positive things follow.

Catch you next week!!

The Beatles - Real Love

All my little plans and schemes,
Lost like some forgotten dreams.
Seems that all I really was doing
Was waitin' for you.

Just like little girls and boys,
Playing with their little toys.
Seems like all we really were doing
Was waitin' for love.

Don't need to be alone,
No need to be alone.

It's real love, it's real,
Yes it's real love, it's real.

From this moment on I know,
Exactly where my life will go.
Seems that all I really was doing
Was waitin' for love.

Don't need to be afraid,
No need to be afraid.

It's real love, it's real,
Yes it's real love, it's real.

Thought I'd been in love before,
But in my heart I wanted more.
Seems like all I really was doing
Was waitin' for you.

Don't to be alone,
No need to be alone.

It's real love, yeah it's real,
It's real love, it's real,
Yes, it's real love, it's real,
It's real love, it's real,
Yes it's real love, it's real,
It's real love, it's real,
Yes it's real love, it's real,
It's real love, it's real,
Yes it's real love....

Song Stuck In My Head This Week - 04th December '10 - The Avett Brothers - I And Love And You

Though I didn't exactly discover The Avett Brothers when I was in America - I first encountered them on the BBC's Glastonbury coverage - but it was on my trip to America that made me fall in love with them.

Formed in 2000 out of the roots of Scott & Seth Avett's band Nemo, they brought in stand-up bass player Bob Crawford and set about work on their first full length studio album, 'A Carolina Jubilee' (which was preceeded by the live album 'Live At The Double Door Inn'). A second album, 'Mignonette', was released in 2004 and then 'Live Vol. 2' in 2005.

In 2007 the band made their first appearance on TV in the US on 'Late Night With Conan O'Brian' and released their third studio album 'Emotionalism' (which I love). Then 2009 saw the release of their fourth studio album 'I And Love And You', the title track of which was the first song of theirs I heard.

When I arrived in Los Angeles for the first week of my trip I discovered that the band were playing at the Nokia Theater. Now, as I knew little about them, for them to be playing the same venue where I'd seen The Who a couple of years previous was a bit of a shock. I toyed with the idea of paying the $40 for a ticket but then wondered if it was wise spending that much money to see a band I knew little about bar one song. This was a decision I came to regret. By the time I got to San Francisco the dvd 'Live Vol. 3' had been released and I decided to buy a copy to see what I thought. I was blown away.

Also featuring Joe Kwon on Cello and Jacob Edwards on drums, The Avett Brothers infuse bluegrass, country, punk, pop melodies, folk, rock and roll, honky tonk, and ragtime together to make some of the greatest music I've heard in a long time. I just hope they play in the UK next year so I can make up for my lack of good judgement in Los Angeles.

As I said, 'I And Love And You' was the first song I heard - the actual Glastonbury performance is the video I'm using this week - and it's just such a sweet song and it's easy to fall in love with in my opinion.

Hope you all enjoy it & I'll catch you all next weel!

The Avett Brothers - I And Love And You

Load the car and write the note
Grab your bag and grab your coat
Tell the ones that need to know
We are headed north

One foot in and one foot back
But it don't pay, to live like that
So i cut the ties and i jumped the tracks
For never to return

Ah Brooklyn Brooklyn take me in
Are you aware the shape I'm in
My hands they shake my head it spins
Ah Brooklyn Brooklyn take me in

When at first I learned to speak
I used all my words to fight
With him and her and you and me
Oh but its just a waste of time
Yeah its such a waste of time

That woman shes got eyes that shine
Like a pair of stolen polished dimes
She asked to dance I said it's fine
I'll see you in the morning time

Ah Brooklyn Brooklyn take me in
Are you aware the shape im in
My hands they shake my head it spins
Ah Brooklyn Brooklyn take me in

Three words that became hard to say
I and love and you
What you were then, I am today
Look at the things I do

Ah Brooklyn Brooklyn take me in
Are you aware the shape I'm in
My hands they shake my head it spins
Ah Brooklyn Brooklyn take me in

Dumbed down and numbed by time and age
Your dreams to catch the world, the cage
The highway sets the travelers stage
All exits look the same

Three words that became hard to say
I and love and you
I and love and you
I and love and you

Song Stuck In My Head This Week - 02nd December '10 - Cher - Welcome To Burlesque

It's been a busy old week this week, and one with little internet access which is why this blog is so late.

This week I saw two great movies, 'Love And Other Drugs' and 'Burlesque'. It is from the latter that this weeks song choice comes from.

The movie is packed full of catchy songs and great performances and I can't wait til it comes out in the UK so I can see it again.

Here's one of my favourites for you!

Cher - Welcome To Burlesque

Show a little more,
Show a little less,
Add a little smoke,
Welcome to Burlesque.

Everything you dream of,
But never can possess,
Nothing's what it seems,
Welcome to Burlesque.

Oh, everyone is buying,
Put your money in my hand,
If you got a little extra,
Well, give it to the band.

You may not be guilty,
But you're ready to confess,
Tell me what you need,
Welcome to Burlesque.

You can dream of Coco,
Do it at your risk,
The triplets grant you mercy,
But not your every wish.

Yes, it keeps you guessing,
So cool and statuesque,
"Behave yourself" says Georgia,
Welcome to Burlesque.

Oh, everyone is buying,
Put your money in my hand,
If you want a little extra,
Well, you know where I am.

Something very dark,
Is playing with your mind,
It's not the end of days,
Just a bump and grind.

Show a little more,
Show a little less,
Add a little smoke,
Welcome to Burlesque.

Song Stuck In My Head This Week - 21st November '10 - Bob Dylan - You're Going To Make Me Lonesome When You Go

I will state upfront in this week's blog the following facts. Fact 1 - In my head has actually been the cover of this song by the talented Mr Nick Stephenson( http://www.myspace.com/nickstephensonmusic/ ) but sadly there's not a copy of him singing it online. Fact 2 - The version you CAN listen to isn't Bob Dylan either as I couldn't find a copy of him singing it online to share. Instead it's a very good cover that I felt captured the 'feel' of the song that I found on youtube.

Though I've had some great times in Seattle, Trenton & LA since I left San Francisco, something of that time still keeps lingering with me. I think that, not since my first US visit when LA captured my attention, have I ever been somewhere that has affected me in quite this way. Both the atmosphere of the city and the people I met there struck a chord with me and this song, even though it was me who was leaving, sums up my sense of loss I felt when I left.

The song comes from Dylan's 1975 'Blood On The Tracks' album which is seen as one of his best. Though some people believe the works on this album to relate to Dylan's separation from his wife Sara, Dylan himself says they were inspired by the short stories of Anton Chekhov.

For me, it just reminds me of a special time and a special person who's left an indelible mark on my life and who made me lonesome when I had to go.

Hope you all enjoy it and please hunt down the original as well as checking out the great music Nick Stephenson has to offer!! Catch you all next week for my last blog from the US.

Bob Dylan - You're Going To Make Me Lonesome When You Go

I've seen love go by my door
It's never been this close before
Never been so easy or so slow
I've been shooting in the dark too long
When something not right it's wrong
Yer gonna make me lonesome when you go.

Dragon clouds so high above
I've only known careless love
It's always hit me from below
This time around it's more correct
Right on target so direct
Yer gonna make me lonesome when you go.

Purple clover Queen Anne lace
Crimson hair across your face
You could make me cry if you don't know
Can't remember what I was thinking of
You might be spoiling me too much love
Yer gonna make me lonesome when you go.

Flowers on the hillside blooming crazy
Crickets talking back and forth in rhyme
Blue river running slow and lazy
I could stay with you forever
And never realize the time.

Situations have ended sad
Relationship have all been bad
Mine've been like Verlaine's and Rimbaud
But there's no way I can compare
All those scenes to this affair
Yer gonna make me lonesome when you go.

Yer gonna make me wonder what I'm doing
Staying far behind without you
Yer gonna make me wonder what I'm saying
Yer gonna make me give myself a good talking to.

I'll look for you in old Honolulu
San Francisco, Ashtabula
Yer gonna have to leave me now I know
But I'll see you in the sky above
In the tall grass in the ones I love
Yer gonna make me lonesome when you go.

Song Stuck In My Head This Week - 15th November '10 - Joanna Newsom - On A Good Day

San Francisco, as I said last week, is a fascinating place which made me do a lot of thinking and self-analysis. It also needed a special 'soundtrack' to it. I totally overhauled my mp3 player and was playing songs that fitted in with the surroundings really well, however the song I ended up with stuck in my head was one that my friends kept playing and singing regularly.

Until recently I'd never heard of Joanna Newsom but San Francisco changed that. The 28-year-old singer/songwriter from Nevada City, California, has a beautiful and haunting style as well as being a talented harpist and my friends in San Francisco all love her. 'On A Good Day' features on her third studio album, 'Have One On Me', which was released at the beginning of this year.

This song is one that has captured a moment in time for me. It will always remind me of happy times with the lovely people I've gotten to know in San Francisco and I'm definitely going to check out more of Joanna Newsom's music.

Hope you all enjoy it!

Joanna Newsom - On A Good Day

Hey hey hey, the end is near
On a good day you can see the end from here
But I won't turn back, now, though the way is clear
I will stay for the remainder

I saw a life, and I called it mine
I saw it, drawn so sweet and fine
And I had begun to fill in all the lines
Right down to what we'd name her

Our nature does not change by will
In the winter, 'round the ruined mill
The creek is lying, flat and still
It is water though it's frozen

So across the years and miles, and through
On a good day, you can feel my love for you
Will you leave me be, so that we can stay true
To the path that you have chosen

Song Stuck In My Head This Week - 7th November '10 - Bat For Lashes - Sleep Alone

It was only when her most recent album came out that I started to appreciate the music of Natasha Khan, aka Bat For Lashes. Oddly enough we both went to secondary school at the same time in the same town (though different schools) and, while I didn't skive off school to listen to music, from what I've read about her our experiences at that age were somewhat similar. However, while I have drifted through life and I'm still trying to work out where I'm going, she seemed to know what direction she wanted to go in and got a degree in music and visual arts before taking on a job as a nursery school teacher while she wrote and recorded her debut album 'Fur And Gold' which gained her a Mercury Music Prize nomination in 2007.

'Sleep Alone' was the third single from her second album 'Two Suns' and it was the song that totally captivated me and made me want to check out her work further. While walking the streets of San Francisco this last week it has been the song that I keep going back to as it feels comforting. It has an other-worldy quality to it that sucks you in and wrapps you up in the melody.

I've been feeling very solitary in San Francisco for the most part though not in a lonely way. I feel like I'm working out who I am while I'm here and what I want in life. Coming to terms with my conclusions may take a little longer but I'm starting to feel like I don't need to be in a relationship to be happy and nor do I feel like I would be much good at relationships either as I'm too selfish and not a great communicator when I'm actually really interested in someone. I communicate better when I don't seek anything from someone emotionally. 'Sleep Alone' has helped me ease through this decision and actually has made me feel comfortable with it all.

I really love this week's song and all the work by this artist and I hope you all enjoy it too!!

Bat For Lashes - Sleep Alone

You know my darling;
I can't stand to sleep alone.
No sweetheart in the dark to call my own,
You're my own, you're my own.
I can sing it I can groan.
But the darkness is a stranger,
And I'm lonely, lonely, lonely, low ...

Last night's parties and last night's horror show.
Smiling and whirling and kissing all I know!
Give my soul, give my soul,
Sing it free across the sea!
A lonely spell to conjure you
But conjure hell is all I do.

Lonely, lonely, lonely!
Cause my mama told me,
The dream of love is a
Two hearted dream

Lonely, lonely, lonely!
Cause my mama told me,
The dream of love is a
Two hearted dream ...

The say for every high high
There must be a low, low, low
For every sun ascending
A lonesome moon will grow, grow, grow, grow
Drive my heart, drive my heart
Into the fire of a burning heart's desire!
A lonely spell so you be seen,
Do you hear me coming from my blue dream?

Lonely, lonely, lonely!
Cause my mama told me,
The dream of love is a
Two hearted dream

Lonely, lonely, lonely!
Cause my mama told me
The dream of love is a
Two hearted dream...

Song Stuck In My Head This Week - 30th October '10 - Cee-Lo Green - Fuck You

Cee-Lo Green first came to the public eye as the singer for Gnarls Barkley. 'Crazy' was the first ever single to top the UK singles chart based on Download sales alone and it is still a great and much loved song.

Cee-Lo Green is currently about to release his third solo album, 'The Lady Killer', and the lead single from the album is the undeniably catchy 'Fuck You' (or 'Forget You' in the UK or 'F. You' in the US if you prefer the radio friendly version).

Cee-Lo Green - Fuck You

I see you drivin round town
With the girl I love and I'm like
Fuck You! Oo, oo, ooo
I guess the change in my pocket wasn't enough
I'm like fuck you! and fuck her too!
Said if I was richer I'd still be with you
Ha, now ain't that some shit? (Ain't that some shit?)
And although there's pain in my chest
I still wish you the best with a
Fuck you! Oo, oo, ooo

Yeah i'm sorry, I can't afford a ferrari,
But that don't mean I can't get you there
I guess he's an xbox and i'm more atari,
But the way you play your game ain't fair
I pity the fool that falls in love with you
(oh shit she's a gold digger)
Well (just thought you should know nigga)
Ooooooh
I've got some news for you
Yeah go run and tell your little boyfriend

I see you drivin round town
With the girl I love and I'm like
Fuck You! Oo, oo, ooo
I guess the change in my pocket wasn't enough
I'm like fuck you! and fuck her too!
Said if I was richer I'd still be with you
Ha, now ain't that some shit? (Ain't that some shit?)
And although there's pain in my chest
I still wish you the best with a
Fuck you! Oo, oo, ooo

Now I know, that I had to borrow,
Beg and steal and lie and cheat
Trying to keep ya, trying to please ya
'Cause being in love with you ass ain't cheap
I pity the fool that falls in love with you
(oh shit she's a gold digger)
Well (just thought you should know nigga)
Ooooooh
I've got some news for you
Oooh! I really hate your ass right now

I see you drivin round town
With the girl I love and I'm like
Fuck You! Oo, oo, ooo
I guess the change in my pocket wasn't enough
I'm like fuck you! and fuck her too!
Said if I was richer I'd still be with you
Ha, now ain't that some shit? (Ain't that some shit?)
And although there's pain in my chest
I still wish you the best with a
Fuck you! Oo, oo, ooo

Now baby, baby, baby, why d'you wanna wanna hurt me so bad?
(so bad, so bad, so bad)
I tried to tell my mamma but she told me
"this is one for your dad"
(your dad, your dad, your dad)
Uh! Whhhy? Uh! Whhhy? Uh!
Whhhy lady? Oh! I love you oh!
I still love you. Oooh!

I see you drivin round town
With the girl I love and I'm like
Fuck You! Oo, oo, ooo
I guess the change in my pocket wasn't enough
I'm like fuck you! and fuck her too!
Said if I was richer I'd still be with you
Ha, now ain't that some shit? (Ain't that some shit?)
And although there's pain in my chest
I still wish you the best with a
Fuck you! Oo, oo, ooo

Song Stuck In My Head This Week - 25th October '10 - Infant Sorrow - The Clap

I've been having such a fun time here in Kansas and it's a shame it's coming to an end. I've met some amazing people here and can't wait to get back again really soon. I will, however, take away the great memories of the time I've spent here....including dancing around in places like Walmart with my friend Dana singing this week's song to ourselves.

Taken from the soundtrack of 'Get Him To The Greek', 'The Clap' is yet another catchy song performed by Russell Brand as the character Aldous Snow. Full of double entendres and lots of tongue in cheek humour you can't help but enjoy the song.

I still love both the movie and the soundtrack a whole lot so you should check it out!!

Also big congratulations to Russell & Katy Perry on their wedding this past weekend.

Hope you enjoy the song and I'll catch you all next week with (hopefully) a fuller blog than this one!!

Infant Sorrow - The Clap

We got the clap
You got the clap
We kick the rocks
You took the smack
Oh yeah

We got the clap
You got the clap
We took the yellow ones
You took the black
Ohho

We got the itch
You got the scratch
Burns burns burns like the head of a match
You took the front
I'll take the back
Oh Yeah

We got the clap
We got it

We got the clap
You got the clap
Rock my face
Saw the world collapse
Ohho

We got the junk
You got the junk
Shake shake shake
Taste the spunk
Ohho, I said the spunk

We got the clap
can't be beat
Got it off the back of a toilet seat
Shake your hips
Mind your feet
Oh yeah

We got the clap
We got the clap
We got it

We got the itch
You got the scratch
Burns burns burns like the head of a match
You took the front
We took the back
Oh yeah

Catch my drift
Catch that too
Caught it off a buck-tooth prostitute
You took the front
I took the back

We got the clap
(we got the clap, can't be beat)
I got the clap
(got it off the back of a toilet seat
You got the clap
(shake your hips, mind your feet)
Oh yeah

We got the clap
You got the clap
We got the clap!

Song Stuck In My Head This Week - 17th October '10 - The Doobie Brothers - Long Train Runnin'

I'm actually in Carman, Illinois right now as we're off visiting friends, but I've spent the past week with my dear friend Dana in Kansas. Near where she lives is a rail track and you can hear the train horns sounding day and night so every day I've had this song in my head.

Formed in 1970 after drummer John Hartman had arrived in California in 1969 determined to meet Skip Spence from Moby Grape with a view to joining the band. Spence introduced him to some other people and end up forming a band of their own - The Doobie Brothers.

Their second album, 'Toulouse Street', saw them shoot to fame with hits such as 'Listen To The Music' and this weeks song, 'Long Train Runnin'', was on their second hit album 'The Captain & Me' released in 1973.

Initially when he wrote it Tom Johnston, guitarist and vocalist for the band , thought it was just a throwaway bar song but it became one of their most memorable hits as well as a song that continued to be covered and to be a hit over 20 years after it had been released.

With it's ultra-hooky guitar intro it is also a popular karaoke favourite and I even did it at karaoke this week!!

Hope you all enjoy it and I'll catch you all next week!!

The Doobie Brothers - Long Train Runnin'

Down around the corner
A half a mile from here
You can see them long trains run
And you watch them disappear
Without love
Where would you be now
Without love

You know I saw Miss Lucy
Down along the tracks
She lost her home and her family
And she won't be comin' back
Without love
Where would you be right now
Without love

Well the Illinois Central
And the Southern Central Freight
Gotta keep on pushin' mama
'Cause you know they're runnin' late
Without love
Where would you be now, na-na-now
Without love

Well the Illinois Central
And the Southern Central Freight
Gotta keep on pushin' mama
'Cause you know they're runnin' late
Without love
Where would you be now
Without love

Well the pistons keep on churnin'
And the wheels go 'round and 'round
And the steel rails are cold and hard
For the miles that they go down
Without love
Where would you be right now
Without love
Where would you be now

Song Stuck In My Head This Week - 10th October '10 - Scissor Sisters - Invisible Light

The weekend before I came out to the US I saw Scissor Sisters at a TV taping in London performing a selection of tunes from their three albums. I love everything about this band. The attitude, the music, the clothes, the personalities of the members, it's all just so wonderful.

Jake Shears (the kind of gay guy straight girls wish wasn't gay as he's so hot!) and Ana Matronic (the kind of girl you wish you could be like) make a great pairing to front the band with the lovely Del Marquis and song guru Babydaddy backing them up.

Formed in 2000 by Jake & Babydaddy - who had met the previous year in Lexington, Kentucky - by 2002 they had recruited Ana Matronic & Del Marquis and recorded their first single (one of my favourites) 'Electrobix'. It was the B-Side, however, that got the majority of the attention and got them a record deal in the UK with Polydor. The B-Side in question, a cover of Pink Floyd's song 'Comfortably Numb', was their breakthrough song in 2004 and they have just gotten bigger and bigger as the years have gone by.

This year they released their third album 'Night Work'. Every track on the album is a winner and I'd be hard pressed to pick a favourite but I know that 'Invisible Light', the up-tempo yet dark track that was the first to hit the net prior to the album's release, has been in my head all week.

I hope you like it as much as I do!!

Scissor Sisters - Invisible Light

At the doors of Babylon, You are my Zion,
Pacing Tiger, The keeper's cage,
Invisible light shoots from your eyes,
A sign I can see from my high rise,

Another castle crumbles, another monkey falls,
Just open up your joy and let the sailors climb the walls,
I thought I saw you laughing 10 feet in the air,
It doesn't matter if they touch you where because you can give me...

An Invisible light, An invisible light uh-oh,
An Invisible light, An invisible light uh-oh,
An Invisible light, An invisible light uh-oh,
An Invisible light, An invisible light to keep me alive oh,
looking for the tension
I can feel it with the fingers in my mind...

Opiate Utopia is hotter by the hour,
I found you a flower in a field,
My invention, among the tired, among the poor,
Among the broken, the huddled masses,
Its your time...

You answer to a new name that changes all the time,
I'll call you anything you want if I can say it's mine.
This story's never ending.
My footprint's been erased.
Here you are, kiss of Evil,
I see your mouth, Or is it really...

An Invisible light, An invisible light uh-oh,
An Invisible light, An invisible light uh-oh,
An Invisible light, An invisible light uh-oh,
An Invisible light, An invisible light to keep me alive oh,
Something really gets dimension,
Can't you feel it bend your sense of time...

Babylon,
Where bricks of water and diamonds tower,
Sailor's lust and swagger lazing in the moon's beams,
Who's laser gaze penetrates this sparkling theater of excess and strobed lights,
Painted Whores. Sexual Gladiators. Fiercely old Party Children.
All waked from their slumber to debut the Baccara.
Come to the Light! Into the Light! The Invisible Light...

Song Stuck In My Head This Week - 03rd October '10 - The Runaways - Cherry Bomb

On my flight to LA I saw the movie 'The Runaways'. Having initially been put off because of the involvement of Kirsten Stewart (I really find her face annoying) I actually really enjoyed the movie. I already knew a lot of the songs and a few of the band members but I didn't really know much about their roots.

Formed in late '75 by Joan Jett, drummer Sandy West and producer Kim Fowley, after completing the line up with Lita Ford on guitar, Jackie Fox on bass and Cherie Currie on vocals, they went out there as the only all-girl rock band in a very male-dominated rock world.

Though they never had huge success in the US, they did very well in Europe and Asia and have songs that are still highly recognisable. After Currie left, Joan Jett took over lead vocals and still has a strong career today.

As for me, I've been hearing the wonderful 'Cherry Bomb' everywhere the last few days and can't stop humming it.

This blog is just brief but next weekend it'll be back to normal.

Hope you enjoy this weeks song!!

Can't stay at home, can't stay at school
Old folks say, ya poor little fool
Down the street I'm the girl next door
I'm the fox you've been waiting for

Hello Daddy, hello Mom
I'm your ch ch ch ch ch cherry bomb
Hello world I'm your wild girl
I'm your ch ch ch ch ch cherry bomb

Stone age love and strange sounds too
Come on baby let me get to you
Bad nights cause'n teenage blues
Get down ladies you've got nothing to lose

Hello Daddy, hello Mom
I'm your ch ch ch ch ch cherry bomb
Hello world I'm your wild girl
I'm your ch ch ch ch ch cherry bomb

Hey street boy whats your style
Your dead end dreams don't make you smile
I'll give ya something to live for
Have ya, grab ya til your sore

Hello Daddy, hello Mom
I'm your ch ch ch ch ch cherry bomb
Hello world I'm your wild girl
I'm your ch ch ch ch ch cherry bomb

Song Stuck In My Head This Week - 26th September '10 - The Beatles - She's Leavng Home

This week's song has been in my head for the simple reason that, on Thursday, I'm 'leaving home' for two months. Not off to some handsome young paramour (sadly!) but off to a country I love with a passion - America. Traversing the nation seeing friends and doing volunteer work will be such a great experience I'm sure, but fear not dear readers as I'm going armed with my laptop and my music collection on a back up drive so I'll never be far from the net or from the music!

'She's Leaving Home' by The Beatles appears on their album 'Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band' and was the first track not to be arranged by George Martin.

Inspired by a story in the Daily Mail about a teenager, Melanie Coe, who had disappeared one night aged 17 the actual lyrics of the song were not based on any facts - though later Melanie said that it hadn't been too far from the truth.

The lyrics are written from the perspective of the parents unable to understand why their young daughter would just up and leave. At the time the song was written young girls, like Melanie, running off and leaving with men they'd fallen for was fairly common place as it was a period of time where young people were beginning to feel more liberated and the old traditions of staying at home til you were married were becoming less relevant to the younger generation.

For me it's always been one of the Beatles songs that I've loved as, even as a young child, I could picture the song in my mind. I could see the visual interpretation like a movie in my head. I still feel it's one of the most 'visual' songs they ever recorded.

As for me, I'm looking forward to my adventure and I hope you enjoy this week's song! See you Stateside!

The Beatles - She's Leaving Home

Wednesday morning at five o'clock as the day begins
Silently closing their bedroom door
Leaving the note that she hoped would say more
She goes downstairs to the kitchen clutching her handkerchief
Quietly turning the backdoor key
Stepping outside she is free.

She (We gave her most of our lives)
is leaving (Sacrificed most of our lives)
home (We gave her everything money could buy)
She's leaving home after living alone
For so many years. Bye, bye

Father snores as his wife gets into her dressing gown
Picks up the letter that's lying there
Standing alone at the top of the stairs
She breaks down and cries to her husband Daddy our baby's gone
Why would she treat us so thoughtlessly
How could she do this to me.

She (We never thought of ourselves)
is leaving (Never a thought for ourselves)
home (We struggled hard all our lives to get by)
She's leaving home after living alone
For so many years. Bye, bye

Friday morning at nine o'clock she is far away
Waiting to keep the appointment she made
Meeting a man from the motor trade.

She (What did we do that was wrong)
is having (We didn't know it was wrong)
fun (Fun is the one thing that money can't buy)
Something inside that was always denied
For so many years. Bye, bye
She's leaving home. Bye, bye

Song Stuck In My Head This Week - 22nd September '10 - Robbie Williams & Gary Barlow - Shame

Trying to finalise plans for a 2 month trip to the US, including booking all the flights, a mere 13 days before flying out is a tad stressful as I've discovered. The thought, therefore, of doing a blog just made me want to scream but I'm calm now. All is booked, I have somewhere to stay for my first week (I didn't until 2 days ago!!) and I am now calm...I hope!

In the early 90's in the UK Take That were THE boyband of choice for almost every girl in the country. They had catchy, yet well written, songs and their energetic performances. Add to that the obligatory 'boys that all the girls want' styling and they were the perfect boyband package. Of the boys it was baby-faced Mark Owen and the cheeky 'baby' of the band Robbie Williams that garnered the most attention.

All was going so well - in the period between 1991 & 1996 they sold over 25 million records - until 1995 when, after having several run-ins with band members and management due to his escalating drug problems, Robbie quit. This would be the last time they would all be in contact with Robbie for 12 years. After he left the rest of the members fulfilled already sold-out tour obligations before disbanding in February '96.

Main songwriter for the band Gary Barlow. baby-faced Mark Owen and the black sheep Robbie Williams all went on to have solo careers. While Gary and Mark had moderate success, Robbie's career just went through the roof seeing him perform to massive sell-out audiences and selling over 55 million records worldwide.

Over the years Robbie made his animosity towards Gary Barlow and former manager Nigel Martin-Smith well known through not only interviews but song lyrics too. This helped to keep the walls up between them and let the feud ripple on.

In late 2005 ITV broadcast a documentary about the band where all the members were interviewed. For Howard Donald, Jason Orange, Mark Owen & Gary Barlow it was the first time they'd all been in a room together in many years. Robbie, however, declined to attend though he did do an interview on video which was played to the rest f his former band mates where he was apologetic about how he'd behaved in the past and saying how he'd swap all of his fame and fortune for the happy family life Gary now had. While not bringing him back into the fold, it did start to thaw the ice.

2006 saw Take That reform as a four piece with a new album and new sell-out tour. The band were as popular as ever, if not moreso. Robbie, meanwhile, saw his album 'Rudebox' flop (by his previous sales standards) and retreated to a rehab clinic in early 2007 for addiction to prescription drugs and, bizarrely, Lucozade while his former bandmates picked up their first Brit award since they'd split over a decade earlier.

It was during 2007 that Gary & Robbie started to communicate again. They've said in recent interviews that they just sat down, talked over all the things that caused the problems between each other and both apologised genuinely for any of the things they'd done in the past to hurt each other. This prompted the moves towards a full reconciliation of the original line-up of Take That (they've a new album out in November this year and a tour for next year, though dates haven't been announced yet) and now Robbie & Gary are closer friends than they ever were before all of the falling out.

However, prior to all the Take That reunion fun, is this single. It's a touching ballad-esque song with Robbie & Gary singing about all their 'lost' years as friends and if the song didn't give it enough emotion for you then the video will. You can just tell they don't need to act the emotions on their faces and that's what makes it so moving.

This song more than deserves to be a huge success, even my Dad said it's the best thing either of them have done in their careers and he thinks quite highly of both of them as it is.

I hope you enjoy it!


Robbie Williams & Gary Barlow - Shame

Well there’s three versions of this story mine, yours and then the truth
And we can put it down to circumstance, our childhood, then our youth
Out of some sentimental gain I wanted you to feel my pain, but it came back return to sender
I read your mind and tried to call, my tears could fill the Albert Hall, is this the sound of sweet surrender?

What a shame we never listened
I told you through the television
And all that went away was the price we paid
People spend a lifetime this way
Oh what a shame.

So I got busy throwing everybody underneath the bus
And with your poster 30 foot at the back of Toys-R-Us
I wrote a letter in my mind, but the words were so unkind, about a man I can’t remember
I don’t recall the reasons why, I must have meant them at the time, is this the sound of sweet surrender?

What a shame we never listened
I told you through the television
And all that went away was the price we paid
People spend a lifetime this way
And that’s how they stay
Oh what a shame.

Words come easy, when they’re true
Words come easy, when they’re true

So I got busy throwing everybody underneath the bus
And with your poster 30 foot at the back of Toys-R-Us
Now we can put it down to circumstance, our childhood then our youth.

What a shame we never listened
I told you through the television
And all that went away was the price we paid
People spend a lifetime this way
And that’s how they stay
Oh what a shame.

People spend a lifetime this way
Oh what a shame
Such a shame, what a shame

Song Stuck In My Head This Week - 14th September '10 - David Bowie - Magic Dance

The last few days have been tough beyond belief, hence the severe lateness of the blog.

This week's song is one that will always remind me of the special bond between myself and my friends daughter.

I was seven when 'Labyrinth' came out in the cinemas. I went to see it and, though I wasn't fond of Bowie the rest of the time, really loved the movie and the songs. The film and its music became something I still loved as years went by. So when babysitting my friends then 2-year-old daughter when both me and her had colds it seemed a no brainer to put 'Labyrinth' on to see if I could keep her entertained without much running around.

The plan worked and now, almost two years on, it's still the one thing she always wants to watch. She knows most of the script and all the songs off by heart. To sit and watch her singing along is just a joy.

Sadly her mother has decided to move several hundred miles away which means my friend, her father, and the rest of us will not get to see her as much anymore. Suffice to say hearts are aching right now and it will take time to ease the pain.

I hope you enjoy the song and that it puts a little light in your life!


David Bowie - Magic Dance

You remind me of the babe
(What babe?)
Babe with the power
(What power?)
Power of Voodoo
(Who do?)
You do
(Do what?)
Remind me of the babe

I saw my baby, crying hard as babe could cry
What could I do?
My baby's love had gone
And left my baby blue
Nobody knew

What kind of magic spell to use
Slime and snails
Or puppy dog tails
Thunder or lightning
Then baby said......
Dance magic, dance (dance magic, dance)
Dance magic, dance (dance magic, dance)
Put that baby spell on me
Jump magic, jump (jump magic, jump)
Jump magic, jump (jump magic, jump)
Put that magic jump on me
Slap that baby, make him free

I saw my baby, trying hard as babe could try
What could I do?
My baby's fun had gone
And left my baby blue
Nobody knew

What kind of magic spell to use
Slime and snails
Puppy dog's tails
Thunder or lightning
Then baby said....

Dance magic, dance (dance magic, dance)
Dance magic, dance (dance magic, dance)
Put that baby spell on me

Jump magic, jump (jump magic, jump)
Jump magic, jump (jump magic, jump)
Put that magic jump on me
Slap that baby, make him free

Dance magic, dance (dance magic, dance)
Dance magic, dance (dance magic, dance)
Dance magic, dance (dance magic, dance)
Dance magic, dance (dance magic, dance)
Jump magic, jump (jump magic, jump)
Jump magic, jump (jump magic, jump)
Put that baby spell on me (ooh)

You remind me of the babe
(What babe?)
The babe with the power
(What power?)
Power of Voodoo
(Who do?)
You do
(Do what?)
Remind me of the babe

Dance magic, dance, ooh ooh ooh
Dance magic, dance magic, ooh ooh ooh
Dance magic

What kind of magic spell to use
Slime and snails
Or puppy dog tails
Thunder or lightning
Something frightening

Dance magic, dance
Dance magic, dance
Put that baby spell on me

Jump magic, jump
Jump magic, jump
Put that magic jump on me
Slap that baby make him free

Dance magic, dance (dance magic, dance)
Dance magic, dance (dance magic, dance)
Dance magic, dance (dance magic, dance)
Dance magic, dance (dance magic, dance)
Jump magic, jump (jump magic, jump)
Jump magic, jump
Put that magic jump on me
Slap that baby

Dance magic, dance (dance magic, dance)
Dance magic, dance (dance magic, dance)
Dance magic
Slap that baby make him free
Dance magic, dance (dance magic, dance)
Dance magic, dance (dance magic, dance)
Dance magic, dance (dance magic, dance)
Dance magic, dance (dance magic, dance)
Dance magic, dance (dance magic, dance)
Dance magic, dance (dance magic, dance)
Dance magic, dance (dance magic, dance)

Song Stuck In My Head This Week - 06th September '10 - Arcade Fire - Wake Up

Once upon a time I was a member of David Bowie's online community Bowienet. It was a fairly active little community of Bowie fans from around the world and, every so often, the big man himself would grace us with a post or two on the message boards. One such time was in late 2004 when he proclaimed the next greatest thing in music was a Canadian band called Arcade Fire.

After that quite a lot of the Bowie fans instantly went for their music and just seemed to adore it while I took a stand-offish view of not bothering to give them a try as I wasn't about to buy into the hype. Still, when someone I knew at the time had a spare ticket to one of their shows in London the following March I decided to go anyway.

Now in my opinion the ULU in London has the worst sound of any venue I've ever been to so I left the gig somewhat impressed by the visual performance but not overly fussed by the music. However, in the days that followed I just couldn't stop humming the songs and I ended up snapping up the album by the end of that week.

In the five years since then they have gone on to have a great deal of critical acclaim and, while not having the mainstream chart success with singles, they have had big sales for their albums - their second album 'Neon Bible' peaked at number 2 in the US & UK and their third and most recent album 'The Suburbs' topped the album charts in the US & UK.

Their live performance is something worth experiencing and it has been known in the past for their tickets to trade for anything up to £1,000 a ticket for a smaller venue gig. Their next tour of the UK is taking in big arenas, such is their popularity, and they have already sold out one night at the 25,000 capacity O2 Arena in London with the second night looking close to selling out too. If you want to see them these days you have to be hot out of the blocks (and if anyone reading this is in the LA area and either has a spare ticket for the 7th October Shrine gig or knows someone who has one give me a shout!)

Last weekend they headlined the Reading & Leeds Festival here in the UK. They played an outstanding and magical set that gave me goosebumps just watching it on tv. 'Wake Up', in particular, has always had that effect on me and the performance last weekend was just magical, especially with the sound of the audience singing along.

Sadly the great footage of it that was on youtube has been taken down so this week I have to put up footage of them performing recently in Madison Square Garden. However I have found a video on youtube that someone filmed from the audience. The sound isn't the greatest and the camerawork leaves a lot to be desired but it does give you the overwhelming sound of the audience all singing in unison and so is still worth watching.

I hope you all enjoy this weeks song and I recommend that, if you don't already, go buy their albums! And if you have Google Chrome then check out their site http://thewildernessdowntown.com/

Arcade Fire - Wake Up

Somethin' filled up
My heart with nothin',
Someone told me not to cry.

But now that I'm older,
My heart's colder,
And I can see that it's a lie.

Children wake up,
Hold your mistake up,
Before they turn the summer into dust.

If the children don't grow up,
Our bodies get bigger but our hearts get torn up.
We're just a million little gods causin' rain storms turnin' every good thing to
rust.

I guess we'll just have to adjust.

With my lightnin' bolts a glowin'
I can see where I am goin' to be
When the reaper he reaches and touches my hand.

With my lightnin' bolts a glowin'
I can see where I am goin’
With my lightnin' bolts a glowin'
I can see where I am, go-go, where I am

You'd better look out below

Song Stuck In My Head This Week - 30th August '10 - Gin Blossoms - Hey Jealousy

Taking their name from a caption under a photo of W.C. Fields - '"W.C. Fields with gin blossoms" - the Gin Blossoms formed in 1987 and had some minor success in the early 90's when they released their second album 'New Miserable Experience'.

It wasn't an easy album for the band to produce. Their main songwriter, guitarist Doug Hopkins, was fired towards the end of recording due to his worsening alcoholism and subsequently committed suicide the following year just as the album garnered some success.

The track 'Hey Jealousy' had actually appeared on their debut album 'Dusted' but was re-recorded during the sessions for 'New Miserable Experience' and ended up on the album. Though it only made number 24 in the UK charts I remember that it was a big song on the radio here in the summer of '93 as it always seemed to be playing.

As I got older and learned more about the bands history I realised it was actually about Hopkins' depression and drink problems but, back in '93, I always thought it sounded so romantic. It seemed like a modern 'Romeo & Juliet' story where they were both in love but weren't allowed to be together - hence the line 'and let the cops chase us around'. I think it's a good example of one of the things I love about songs. Even if you don't get the intended meaning of the song, you can often just invent one of your own by assuming that's what the lyrics mean.

Regardless of the meaning of the song I always loved this song and it is one that gets stuck in my head quite often.

I hope you all like this week's song and I hope it gets in your head too.


Gin Blossoms - Hey Jealousy

Tell me do you think it'd be alright,
If I could just crash here tonight,
you see I'm in no shape for drivin',
And anyway I've got no place to go.

And you know it might not be that bad,
You were the best I ever had,
If I hadn't blown the whole thing years ago,
I might not be alone.

Tomorrow we can drive around this town,
And let the cops chase us around,
The past is gone but something might be,
Found to take it's place,
Hey jealousy,
Hey jealousy,
Hey jealousy,
Hey jealousy.

You can trust me not to think,
And not to sleep around,
And if you don't expect too much from me,
You might not be let down.

'Cause all I really want's to be with you,
And feel like I matter too,
If I hadn't blow the whole thing years ago,
I might be here with you.

Tomorrow we can drive around this town,
And let the cops chase us around,
The past is gone but something might be,
Found to take it's place,
Hey jealousy,

Tomorrow we can drive around this town,
And let the cops chase us around,
The past is gone but something might be,
Found to take it's place,
Hey jealousy,
Hey jealousy,
Hey jealousy,
Hey jealousy.

Tell me do you think it'd be alright,
If I could just crash here tonight,
you see I'm in no shape for drivin',
And anyway I've got no place to go.

And you know it might not be that bad,
You were the best I ever had,
If I hadn't blown the whole thing years ago,
I might not be alone.

Tomorrow we can drive around this town,
And let the cops chase us around,
The past is gone but something might be,
Found to take it's place,
Hey jealousy,

Hey jealousy,

She took my heart,
There's only one thing I can start.

Song Stuck In My Head This Week - 22nd August '10 - Denis Leary - Asshole

I've been trying to write this weeks blog for ages now but I am coming to the conclusion that I have writers block. I can't seem to come up with anything of substance to say.

Maybe it's because the song is so brilliant, or that the artist is so intelligent that it makes everything I try to write sound like a cliché. Maybe it's because I spent all of my brain cells writing about the joys of pre-teen hormones last week. Who knows?

I do know that when this song came out in the UK my friends and I all, aside from finding it funny, also felt a strange sense of empowerment from being able to sing loudly 'I'm an asshole' (well, we were teenagers after all). Us girls also developed crushes on Denis Leary due to his arrogant, intelligent brashness as well as his chiselled good looks.

My friend and I were talking last night about how 'safe' and 'sterile' things seem to be these days. How it feels like we are lacking the 'no bullshit' people like Denis Leary in our lives. I hope there are some coming up that I have yet to discover. People not afraid to tell it like it is are something we need right now.

Well, I wrote a little more than I'd hoped for. I hope you guys all enjoy this weeks song!


Denis Leary - Asshole

(SPOKEN)
Folks, I'd like to sing a song about the American dream.
About me, about you, about the way our American hearts beat way down in the bottom of our chests.
About the special feeling we get in the cockles of our hearts, maybe below the cockles, maybe in the sub-cockle area, maybe in the liver, maybe in the kidneys, maybe even in the colon.
We don't know

(SUNG)
I'm just a regular Joe with a regular job.
I'm your average white suburbanite slob.
I like football and porno and books about war.
I've got an average house with a nice hardwood floor.
My wife and my job, my kids and my car.
My feet on my table and a Cuban cigar.

But sometimes that just ain't enough to keep a man like me interested (oh no)
No way (uh-uh)
No, I've gotta go out and have fun at someone else's expense (oh yeah)
Yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah.

I drive really slow in the ultra-fast lane,
While people behind me are going insane.
I'm an asshole (He's an asshole, what an asshole)
I'm an asshole (He's an asshole, such an asshole)

I use public toilets and piss on the seat,
I walk around in the summertime saying "How about this heat?"
I'm an asshole (He's an asshole, what an asshole)
I'm an asshole (He's the world's biggest asshole)

Sometimes I park in handicapped spaces,
While handicapped people make handicapped faces.
I'm an asshole (He's an asshole, what an asshole)
I'm an asshole (He's a real fucking asshole)

Maybe I shouldn't be singing this song
Ranting and raving and carrying on
Maybe they're right when they tell me I'm wrong
NAAAAH!

I'm an asshole (he's an asshole, what an asshole)
I'm an asshole (he's the world's biggest asshole)

(SPOKEN)
You know what I'm gonna do?
I'm gonna get myself a 1967 Cadillac Eldorado convertible, hot pink, with whale skin hubcaps and all leather cow interior and big brown baby seal eyes for headlights. Yeah!
And I'm gonna drive around in that baby at 115 miles an hour, getting 1 mile per gallon, sucking down quarter pounder cheeseburgers from McDonald's in the old-fashioned non- biodegradable Styrofoam containers!
And when I'm done suckin' down those grease ball burgers I'm gonna wipe my mouth on the American flag and then toss the Styrofoam containers right out the side, and there ain't a God-damned thing anybody can do about it.
You know why? Because we got the bombs, that's why!
Two words--nuclear fucking weapons, OK?
Russia, Germany, Romania - they can have all the democracy they want.
They can have a democracy cakewalk right through the middle of Tiananmen Square and it won't make a lick of difference, because we've got the bombs, OK?
John Wayne's not dead - he's frozen!
And when we find a cure for cancer, we're gonna thaw out the Duke and he's gonna be pretty pissed off.
You know why?
You ever taken a cold shower?
Well, multiply that by 15 million times.
That's how pissed off the Duke's gonna be.
I'm gonna get the Duke and John Cassavetes and Lee Marvin (Hey) and Sam Peckinpah (Hey) and a case of whisky (Hey) and drive down to Texas (Hey, Hey, Hey)

(Hey you know you really are an asshole)
Why don't you just shut up and sing this song pal.
I'm an asshole (He's an asshole, what an asshole)
I'm an asshole (He's an asshole, what an asshole)
A-S-S-H-O-L-E.
Everybody, A-S-S-H-O-L-E.

Arf Arf Arf Arf Arf Arf Arf
Fung Achng Tum Chng Fum Afung Fung Ooh

(SPOKEN)
I'm an asshole and I'm proud of it!

Song Stuck In My Head This Week - 15th August '10 - New Kids On The Block - Call It What You Want (The C&C Pump It Mix)

This week, for the third year running, New Kids On The Block sold out their May Bahamas Cruise. 2,600 fans all get to spend four days on a cruise round the Bahamas with the band. This year it sold out in a record 1 hour & 41 minutes! Not bad for a boyband who made a comeback in 2008 having split up 14 years earlier.

It was when I was nine-years-old that New Kids On The Block first broke on the music scene in the UK and I was hooked from the start. With a type of pop music that, at the time, seemed like nothing I had ever heard before and the band members all being pretty young compared to some of the pop stars at the time, they felt like something I could relate to.

At the time my favourite member was Joe. He was only seven years older than me so, for me, I figured I had more chance of him dating me than the others. Admittedly, at nine-years-old, the chances of a 16-year-old dating me were beyond remote and the fact he was an American pop star made it even less likely but a girl could dream!

Over the following few years my room became practically a shrine to the band. I lived, breathed, slept New Kids. Finally, in 1991, I got to see them perform live at Wembley Arena. It didn't matter to me at the time that I was sat right at the very back because I was still in the same room as them. Aside from being my first concert, it was just such an electric experience from start to finish. I sang, I screamed, I cried, I got over excited at Joe McIntyre's 'thrusting' during the song that, this week, has been stuck in my head and I'd certainly say that, for the 11-year-old me, the funny feelings it gave me inside were my first real sexual feelings.

Within a couple of years it was all over. The band had split up and I moved on to Take That and then other bands besides (I'd like to also state that by the time I was screaming for NKOTB at Wembley I was also a HUGE Nirvana fan).

I remember as a kid not understanding why, in the 60's, girls had screamed and cried for The Beatles but after that concert I understood.

Over the last few years bands like Take That and the Spice Girls have gotten back together for reunion shows, albums etc. When I saw those guys I was still wishing I could get to see New Kids On The Block again so when I heard that their site had come back online in early 2008 I had to check it out. After sitting there in stunned silence watching the video clip on their site of old footage of them live and photos I was then seen running round the house all excited and hyper. This was not because of the footage but because of what was playing over it. Music. New sounding music. New sounding music with vocals on with five voices I recognised. I knew there and then that they were back. My younger self suddenly sparked into life.

Since that moment I've gotten their new album, saw them live in HMV in Oxford Street, London, then got to see them live at the sold-out O2 Arena in London on my birthday last year and then the following night at Hammersmith Apollo. I've made some amazing new friends and always enjoy seeing the guys post on Twitter.

I didn't make the cruise this year but hope to make it some other time, though I'm toying with the idea of heading to Miami for the pre-cruise show that'll be put on. I hope I get to see them live again and don't really ever want this to end as the new music's so good. I don't think it's ever good to let go of your inner child and if something like music can bring it out of you then that's all for the better.

There's two videos this week. One is the official video and one is them performing on the much missed Top Of The Pops just cos it reminds me of my childhood even more.

I hope you enjoy this slice of my childhood!


New Kids On The Block - Call It What You Want (The C&C Pump It Mix)

Call it what you want
Call it what you want

Call it what you want, but I'll call it love
Fits like a glove, don't shove
Back and forth, and forth and back, get into the track
Feel the groove or move back
Into position 'cause I'm coming straight for your heart
Feel the vibe and let's start
'Cause I want you and I know that you want me, so let's get busy

Na na na na na na na na na (You sing)
Na na na na na na na na na (You sing)

I can tell you've been watching me
Girl, I've been watching you too
I got the feeling you want my love
I must admit I want your love too

Call it what you want, baby
Girl, I call it love
Call it what you want, darling
I'll still call it love

You know there's something about you girl
What it is, is kinda hard to say
I only wish we could get away
Give me love and I'll lead the way

Call it what you want, baby
Girl, I call it love
Call it what you want, darling
I'll still call it love

Na na na na na na na na na (You sing) Louder!
Na na na na na na na na na

It's so groovy, just to be with you
It's so good babe, just to dance or anything that you want to do

Na na na na na na na na na (You sing) Louder!
Na na na na na na na na na (You sing)

I can feel it, I can feel it
I can feel it, I can feel that love, girl

It's so groovy, just to be with you
It's so good baby, just to dance or anything that you want to do

Call it what you want
I'll still call it love
Call it anything that you want, girl
I'll still call it love

You can call it this, you can call it that
You can call it anything, girl

Call it what you want, baby
Girl, I call it love
Call it what you want, darling
I'll still call it love

Call it what you want, baby
Girl, I call it love
Call it what you want, darling
I'll still call it love

Call it what you want, baby
Girl, I call it love
Call it what you want, darling
I'll still call it love

Song Stuck In My Head This Week - 07th August '10 - Dido - Grafton Street

After doing backing vocals for her brother Rollo's band Faithless for several years, Dido first burst on the scene when Eminem sampled her song 'Thank You' on his 2000 hit 'Stan'. After that her debut album 'No Angel' shot through the roof and sold in excess of 21 million copies worldwide. Her follow up in 2003, 'Life For Rent' also sold well and she was well established as one of the best selling artists of all time. Then all went quiet.

Although work began on her third album, 'Safe Trip Home', in October 2005 it wasn't released until August 2008. The reason for this was Dido's father was diagnosed with cancer and subsequently died. Much of the album touches on this loss but none moreso than 'Grafton Street'.

No matter how 'middle of the road' people might perceive Dido as being, this one song alone steps well away from that for me. It tells of her visits to her father as his condition worsened before his final loss with sadness but hope that he'd found peace.

This song had already been in my head on and off all week anyway when I found out last night that a friend of mine had passed away so this one's for him. He'll be missed so much.

Rob Carter
12/02/88 - 11/08/10
R.I.P.

Dido - Grafton Street

No more trips to Grafton Street,
No more going' there,
To see you lying still,
While we all come and go.

No more watching sunsets,
It seems like summer's holding on.
And no more standing quietly at your window.

No more driving down your road,
Wondering when you'll be home.
And no more peace when they all leave
And leave us two alone.

And time we always lose is finally found here with you.
My love, I know we're losing but I will stand here by you.

No more calling friends from the car saying "I don't know when,
I'll be there but I'll do my best to come."
No more letting you warm my hands,
No more trying to take it in.
And no more saying "goodbye for the last time again"
And no more saying "goodbye for the last time again"

And time we always lose is finally found here with you.
My love, I know you're leaving but I will stand here by you.

No more trips to Grafton Street,
No more going' there,
No more sitting up all night,
Waiting for any word.

Nothing's left that's safe here now,
Nothing will bring you home
Nothing can bring us the peace
We had in Grafton Street.

Song Stuck In My Head This Week - 31st July '10 - The Wildhearts - Beautiful Thing You

Last week I blogged about the Pink track 'Glitter In The Air' which is a brilliantly simple love song. Delicate and not over the top melodically, it hit the nail of love on the head really well. This week I have another love song but this time it's one with loud guitars and drums that really rocks, yet it still has some amazingly romantic lyrics and doesn't lose the sense of romance for one moment.

I've already featured The Wildhearts a couple of times in my blog but for me they're such an amazing band and their lead singer Ginger, in my opinion, is the greatest singer/songwriter of his generation.

'Beautiful Thing You' is one of the B-sides from the 'Suckerpunch' single released in 1994. The Wildhearts have always had B-Sides that are just as good as anything they've put on an album which makes every single as worthy a purchase as the albums themselves. 'Suckerpunch' also includes the classic Wildhearts track '29 x The Pain' which is a firm fan favourite and one of my top songs of all time, but 'Beautiful Thing You' is a great song of romance and the uncertainties of it.

Not only does the song have great lyrics but it also has a brilliant, catchy melody which helps keep it stuck in your head. Add to that a hefty slice of rocking riffs and you'll be humming it, bouncing around and singing away all week. This is why I have loved this band as much as I have for the last 17 years. Also Ginger's solo work is also amazing and he's great live too. The highlight of every year is Ginger's Birthday Bash. Held on his birthday, 17th December, he always puts on a great show with guest performers doing a mix of his material from outside of The Wildhearts, Wildhearts songs and then songs he just really loves. To get your ticket for this years Birthday Bash in London go here -> http://www.ticketweb.co.uk/user/?region=gb_london&query=detail&event=401029 it's well worth it!

Two videos this week as the live one's audio is a bit muffled so there's also a regular audio version too. The live one, though, does capture the energy of the band so is worth watching.

I hope you all enjoy this week's song. I think it shows you can be romantic while still rockin' your socks off!!

The Wildhearts - Beautiful Thing You

And in the time it takes to feel,
I could swear that you get closer every day
And my only hope is when it all comes real,
I don't fuck it up and throw it all away
cos every time the chaos starts (time after time)
A message screams into my heart
We're always an ocean apart.
You're always in my heart

Oh-woah-woah you beautiful thing you
You beautiful thing you, you beautiful thing
Oh-woah-woah you beautiful thing you
You beautiful thing you, you beautiful thing

And I console myself when life is throwing spears,
There's a growing of the spirit deep inside
And the part of me that smells you getting near,
Trying patiently to break the great divide
And if I fall Im only down (I face the sky)
I'll be there second time around
To practice the balance I've found,
I'll always be around

Oh-woah-woah you beautiful thing you
You beautiful thing you, you beautiful thing
Oh-woah-woah you beautiful thing you
You beautiful thing you, you beautiful thing

Always an ocean apart
You're always in my heart

Oh-woah-woah you beautiful thing you
You beautiful thing you, you beautiful thing
Oh-woah-woah you beautiful thing you
You beautiful thing you, you beautiful thing
(You beautiful thing)
You beautiful thing
(You beautiful thing)
You beautiful thing

Song Stuck In My Head This Week - 25th July '10 - Pink - Glitter In The Air

Springing onto the music scene in 2000 with the feisty 'There You Go', Pink has gone on to make some of the best pop music of the last decade. However, what can't be doubted is that she's also made some really great ballads too and 'Glitter In The Air' is, in my opinon, the greatest song she's ever recorded.

For a hopeless romantic like me it sums up how you'd like love to be. No big gestures, no over sentimental nonsense...just someone holding your cup of coffee calling you sugar (to paraphrase the lyrics). It's all about that feeling of loving someone and knowing they love you back.

Having been single for quite some time, I often find that romantic stuff can bring me down but this song just leaves me feeling hopeful that true love does exist out there and that maybe someday I'll find some for myself.

The song is simple, beautiful and I hope you all enjoy it!

(ps There were no copies of her amazing performance at the Grammy awards this year that I could embed but it's worth checking out -> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6TRL-bz68vk/ however I did embed an audio + picture version for those of you who just want to hear the track)

Pink - Glitter In The Air

Have you ever fed a lover with just your hands?
Closed your eyes and trusted, just trusted
Have you ever thrown a fistful of glitter in the air?
Have you ever looked fear in the face
And said "I just don’t care"

It’s only half past the point of no return
The tip of the iceberg
The sun before the burn
The thunder before the lightning
The breath before the phrase
Have you ever felt this way?

Have you ever hated yourself for staring at the phone?
Your whole life waiting on the ring to prove you’re not alone
Have you ever been touched so gently you had to cry?
Have you ever invited a stranger to come inside?

It’s only half past the point of oblivion
The hourglass on the table
The walk before the run
The breath before the kiss
And the fear before the phrase
Have you ever felt this way?

La la la la la la la la

There you are, sitting in the garden
Clutching my coffee
Calling me sugar
You called me sugar

Have you ever wished for an endless night?
Lassoed the moon and the stars and pulled that rope tight?
Have you ever held your breath and asked yourself
Will it ever get better than tonight?
Tonight

Song Stuck In My Head This Week - 18th July '10 - Pearl Jam - Elderly Woman Behind The Counter In A Small Town

Pearl Jam formed in 1990 out of the ashes of, in my opinion, the first and greatest bands of the 'grunge' movement Mother Love Bone. After storming to mainstream success in 1991 with their debut album 'Ten', Pearl Jam were often criticised for being 'too commercial' but over the following years since then have been staunchly anti-commercial in the way they have behaved within the industry - not recording videos for their songs especially when MTV was key in 'selling' music, boycotting Ticketmaster etc.

Two decades on, Pearl Jam are still recording and performing, still putting out seriously amazing music. The song that quite often, like this week, gets stuck in my head comes from their 1993 album 'Vs'.

Composed by Eddie Vedder in a mere 20 minutes - he didn't even write the lyrics down, just got the melody and recorded it as the words came to him - 'Elderly Woman Behind The Counter In A Small Town' is one of the bands more popular songs and even featured on their 2004 Greatest Hits album 'rearviewmirror' despite having never been a single.

'Elderly Woman Behind The Counter In A Small Town' tells the story of a woman who's lived in a small town all her life. When an old flame who'd long since moved away comes in she at first doesn't recognise him but, when she does she's too afraid to say anything. It's as if she's too embarrassed that she didn't move on and achieve her potential like he did.

I think the song, while set in a small town in America, can really reflect on the lives of many people all over the world. I long to get out of the town I'm in. I'm really drawn to California and would love to live there. I want more than the life I have now and I'm sure there is more out there for me, yet I often feel destined to be where I am forever like so many others I know.

When Eddie Vedder sings the line 'I just want to scream hello', while in the song it's the internal voice of the woman who is too shy to speak to her old flame, for me it feels like a cry to the world. A cry to show the world I'm here and to hope that the world says 'hello' back. I mean, this blog is my attempt to spread my music tastes with the world. I hope that it sometimes opens people’s eyes and ears to music they've never heard of or change their minds about people they'd previously heard. It's my way of saying 'hello'. It's very rare that someone will say 'hello' back and I have no idea if anyone's even reading this or if it's making any impact at all but still I speak just in case someone is. As for the 'teen angst' years of the 90s, this was also the song that struck a chord with me too as, when you're at that age, you tend to feel isolated and like no one understands. It was like my emotions were my 'small town' but I didn't feel I had any way of communicating with anyone about how I felt.

My favourite version of this song was when they performed it at the Fox Theater in Atlanta, Georgia on 3rd April 1994. The concert was broadcast on the radio worldwide and I was up in the early hours recording it off the radio while listening to it on Radio 1. That recording is one of my most precious possessions as, though the recording is a bit sketchy having been played a lot over the years (even with one of the tapes breaking and being repaired with some sellotape), it brings back all the memories of sitting alone in the near dark in my room excitedly hearing a band I loved play live for the first time (I was 14 at the time of broadcast).

I hope you enjoy the song this week. It is, in my opinion, truly wonderful!


Pearl Jam - Elderly Woman Behind The Counter In A Small Town

I seem to recognize your face
Haunting, familiar yet, I can't seem to place it
Cannot find the candle of thought to light your name
Lifetimes are catching up with me
All these changes taking place, I wish I'd seen the place
But no one's ever taken me
Hearts and thoughts they fade, fade away...
Hearts and thoughts they fade, fade away...

I swear I recognize your breath
Memories like fingerprints are slowly raising
Me, you wouldnt recall, for I'm not my former
It's hard when you're stuck upon the shelf
I changed by not changing at all,
Small town predicts my fate
Perhaps that's what no one wants to see
I just want to scream...hello...
My god its been so long, never dreamed you'd return
But now here you are, and here I am
Hearts and thoughts they fade...away...

Hearts and thoughts they fade, fade away...
Hearts and thoughts they fade, fade away...
Hearts and thoughts they fade...fade away...
Hearts and thoughts they fade...