Posted in throwback on October 28th, 2010 by Kris.G
Many say that the quintessential song for any Halloween mix is “Monster Mash.” I say they’re all wrong. “I Put A Spell On You” is the obligatory song. Having been covered dozens of times, from Nina Simone to CCR, and even having been sampled in hip hop from names such as Biggie, it’s always the original by Screamin’ Jay Hawkins from 1956 that sticks out in my mind. So here’s your Halloween edition of a throwback.
So Halloween’s fast approaching! I’m going to a party on Friday and they asked me to make a playlist. As I searched online for Halloween playlist ideas, the one song that many people agree should be on every playlist is “The Monster Mash.” I, however, disagree. It’s so boring and kills the flow of a mix. So instead I searched for a remix of it that I felt was appropriate for a party, fun, and kept the nostalgia of the original song. And hopefully I’m posting it just in time for you to use at any of your Halloween parties.
Luckily I found this remix on Soundcloud just in time for the weekend. This remix is by HOORAY! which is comprised of DJ Anubus and DJ Loki Da Trixta (nice references, by the way). Make sure to check out more their work at www.djanubus.com.
If you haven’t noticed, I’ve been really slacking the past couple weeks. Between downtime on the servers and me starting a second job, my time has become a little limited and I’ve been unable to really put the time and effort into my blog. Not to worry, I’m sure I’ll adjust soon enough. However, today is another write up that’s slacking a little. I chose two Modest Mouse songs that I do really really enjoy, but I’ve listened to other things of theirs and I realized I really don’t like most of their music. Anyway, here’s “Float On” and “Ocean Breathes Salty.”
Another installment from guest writer Jon.TheYellowDart
Salutations ne’er-do-wells and other outdated nouns
By popular demand (read: that one girl’s comment) I, [redacted], have been given a monthly contribution here on Bridging The Verse!
(Between you and me, I don’t have a choice. ‘The Master,’ as he’ll come to be known, has a vice grip on mah balls, or lady-balls, if you think I’m a girl).
BUT BOY AM I GLAD TO BE HERE. Certainly not against my wishes, I bring you light, love, laughter, and alliteration.
First thing’s first: I had a section here outlining the Master’s sinister plans for taking over the world through music blogging, but he politely requested (with his spike-laden fists) that I refrain, which is also a musical term. Today, you learned that.
Second thing’s second: Oh boy. I swear I had something for here.
Third thing’s now: Music. That’s why you’re here, probably.
“So what’s new in music?” asks never-stops-asking-fucking-questions-guy. Well, jerk, the nominees for the 2011 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductions were announced a while ago! And I’m just getting to it now, so DEAL.
Sub-first thing’s first: the list of nominees.
Alice Cooper
the Beastie Boys
Bon Jovi
Chic
Neil Diamond
Donovan
Dr. John
J. Geils Band
LL Cool J
Darlene Love
Laurua Nyro
Donna Summer
Joe Tex
Tom Waits (author’s note: for no one)
Chuck Willis
I could spend this whole article illuminating you to the contributions of some of the lesser-known artists listed, shedding light on the downtrodden and overlooked of the glitz-and-glamour music industry. I could tell you how Laura Nyro built a following as a composer and lyricist, turning down endless offers from television and Hollywood before succumbing to ovarian cancer at age 49. I could relay that Dr. John has been playing blues and jazz piano out of New Orleans for over 40 years and was inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame in 2008. I could even point out that Donovan survived polio to embark on a 35 year music career, receiving countless accolades, including an award as a BMI icon in 2009. Of course, Wikipedia can tell you all that too.
So instead, we can focus on the most important thing here: LL Cool J.
I get it, James. Ladies love you. Certainly middle aged ladies who love them some NCIS also, in turn, love you. But does that really qualify you for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? Based on that, both Ices (Cube and T, not Vanilla) get a free pass for going from rappers to MOMTV, but at least they started as rappers.
‘Momma Said Knock You Out’ isn’t exactly hip hop’s ‘Stairway to Heaven.’ And before even getting to the specifics of James Todd Smith (thanks, IMDb, the number one source for musician’s real names), why are we putting rappers in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? Don’t we have a Hip Hop Hall of Fame?
Well, I checked the Internet (all of it) and, turns out, we do, kind of. There’s this.
Though it doesn’t look as legit as, say, my old Tripod or Angelfire site, you’ll notice James was inducted in 2005. Isn’t that enough? Someone may say, “But [redacted], the Beastie Boys are nominated and they’re rappers too!” To that I say false, white people can’t rap. Talking about Brooklyn over some guitar riffs doesn’t count.
“So what are you going to do about it?” you keep fucking asking. Protest? Write a strong-worded letter to the spam filter at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? NOTHING? That one. Once John “Suckinonchilidogs” Mellencamp got in before Rush, the whole thing sort of lost its way.
But for those with a lady-boner for the RRHOF, I’ll placate your femrection with a list of the current bands we’ll be seeing on the ballot when we’re older and care even less. I bring you the RRHOF class of 2030:
Attack Attack!
Blood on the Dancefloor
BrokenCYDE
iwrestledabearonce
Napalm Death
Soulja Boy
Tony Danza Tapdance Extravaganza
Wesley Willis
If you don’t know those groups, go ahead and look them up. I’ll wait.
Give it another go. I mean really watch it. I’ve got enough porn in other tabs to hold out til you’re back.
…
You see it?
Once more. This time just skip to the shitty part (0:00-3:44).
…
That’s for real. That whole thing, top to bottom, is actual real life. Maybe LL Cool J isn’t so bad.
When some asshole is touting Attack Attack’s creative genius and the way people just didn’t understand the irony in place when hipsterhipstershutthefuckup and they get voted in, don’t say I didn’t warn you. And don’t tell the police (especially not Ice T) that I burned their houses down.
To the RRHOF, I have your solution. Next year, there are two bands on the ballot: Rush and Foxy Shazam. You vote them both in, then dissolve. Then, you could rent out the building you’re in now. I know a group that’s gonna need a place to live in about 20 years.
-End Transmission-
[redacted]
**Editor’s Note: Expect monthly installments from Jon about who knows what. I’m leaving it open to him. Here are today’s songs to go with this post.**
Can you handle this much Cee-Lo Green in just two days? I hope so because here’s another cover. Like I said yesterday, “Crazy” was huge and became the first number one single based on download sales alone when it first came out in 2006. It’s been covered so many times and here’s another cover of “Crazy.” I first found Ben l’Oncle Soul when he popped up on Hype Machine with his cover of The White Stripes’ “Seven Nation Army.”♫
For this specific cover of “Crazy,” I’ve read mixed reviews. Some people really dig it. Others think it’s sound is appropriate for the song. Me, well I completely dig it. It’s fun and “Crazy” should be fun.
I was stuck between this cover that I just recently found or an older remix. Guess the remix is gonna wait till another day. I’m not sure what it is but Cee-Lo knows how to get to the internet crowd. What I mean is that when “Crazy” first came out in 2006, it became the first number one single based on download sales alone. And now, he’s released “Fuck You” which blew up all over the internet and has been remixed, covered, and everything in between. So today, here’s one more cover for you. It’s by the A cappella group The Overtones. Check out some more of their stuff here and the video for this song is below. I love the subtle double-bird the lead singer flips at the camera at the end of the song.
♫ For another great cover of this song from a female’s perspective check out Anjulie’s version here at Chrome Music.
Posted in throwback on October 21st, 2010 by Kris.G
Just going with a true classic today. I haven’t listened to it in a while so I thought I would today and share it with you. I’m just one of the many that enjoy The Beatles.
Posted in Uncategorized on October 19th, 2010 by Kris.G
I’m still kinda on a 90s kick this week I guess. Felt like posting some Everclear. For a very long time, I always enjoyed their song “Santa Monica” and then one day I really listened and realized what it was about. It’s common knowledge that Everclear front man Art Alexakis has had issues stemming from his father walking out on his family when he was a little kid, his brothers heroin overdose, and drug issues. “Santa Monica” is actually about his attempt to commit suicide at 12 years old after his girlfriend committed suicide at 15. He’s truly that stereotypical tormented artist. The other song I chose was “Wonderful.” I feel like it’s overall message is universal in that we may all look like the happy families but there’s so much more hidden behind the walls of our homes.
Posted in Uncategorized on October 18th, 2010 by Kris.G
If you didn’t notice, Bridging The Verse was down all weekend… I can’t really explain why. It’s some type of server usage limit I’m going over. Not sure.
Anyway, I’ve had this song stuck in my head all weekend and just really wanted to post it. It’s been a long while since I’ve posted something just because I really really felt like it. I have no ulterior motives with this one. Not trying to give you something new. Not trying to conform to my weekly posts of throwbacks or anything. Just really felt this song.
Make sure to watch the video below. The short interview with Matisyahu after his performance really sums this song up well. He talks about Kings of Leon and how much passion is their vocals. I think he’s exactly right and that’s why people have fallen head over heals for Kings of Leon. They feel them. I can’t say they’re my favorite band but I don’t mind them. Minus that they got very overplayed. And when I saw it was Matisyahu doing a cover, I couldn’t help but give it a chance. O yeah, and he starts beatboxing right around 2:45 so that kinda seals the deal for me.
Many say that the quintessential song for any Halloween mix is “Monster Mash.” I say they’re all wrong. “I Put A Spell On You” is the obligatory song. Having been covered dozens of times, from Nina Simone to CCR, and even having been sampled in hip hop from names such as Biggie, it’s always the original by Screamin’ Jay Hawkins from 1956 that sticks out in my mind. So here’s your Halloween edition of a throwback.
