Farrelly Brothers // Electric Light Orchestra “Showdown” (1973); Smashmouth “Do It Again” (2000); Billy Stewart “Summertime” (1966)
Look, with a 2-minute graphic diarrhea scene, you either find it funny or you don’t. In other words, you probably either love Farrelly Brothers movies or hate them. Unimaginably gross, dreadfully inappropriate, off-puttingly dark, hopelessly juvenile? Check, check, check and check. Yes, I love them. I’d guess that the Farrelly’s are probably best known for...... Read More
Steely Dan “Deacon Blues” (1977)
This is a great song, and like most great songs, it’s exceptional for many reasons. I love the easy feel throughout, right from the opening 12-seconds of 10 jazz-inflected, matching guitar and piano chords. I love Donald Fagen and Walter Becker’s typically convoluted, largely indecipherable Steely Dan lyrics – is it about a loser’s mid-life...... Read More
Jefferson Starship “Jane” (1979)
The incredible singing of Mickey Thomas makes Jefferson Starship's "Jane" a pleasure worth being guilty over.... Read More
Cee Lo Green “Fuck You” (2010)
Revenge is, as they say, sweet. And yeah, I realize it’s also said that ‘living well is the best revenge’, but I don’t know, that seems like more of a long-term plan. Sometimes, as Otter aptly declared in Animal House, the situation just requires a really “futile and stupid gesture.” My best? In my twenties...... Read More
Neko Case “Bad Luck” (2018)
The Song Of The Summer, that unofficial title bestowed on the one intoxicating, exhilarating song each year whose arrival and subsequent omnipresence best define the musical zeitgeist of the steamy, celebratory season finally again upon us today. Or maybe it’s just the tune you’re most likely to hear at the beach. Looking back over the...... Read More
America “Ventura Highway” (1972)
Prince of thieves: how Prince stole his most iconic two words - purple rain - from America's Ventura Highway... Read More
Jackson Browne “Daddy’s Tune” (1976)
A Jackson Browne classic "Daddy's Tune" and a tribute to all dads - on Father's Day or any day.... Read More
R.E.M. “What’s The Frequency, Kenneth?” (1994)
The change in R.E.M.'s sound on the monster album "Monster" was definitely in the guitar. The meaning of references in its best song, 'What's The Frequency, Kenneth,' are still up for debate.... Read More
Rockpile “Heart”
What band/artist not only had the best debut album, but arguably never produced another one as good throughout long careers to follow? A lot of interesting possibilities but I’m going with the following list (in no particular order): The Cars, Boston, Pearl Jam, The Police, Joe Jackson, The Go-Go’s, Arctic Monkeys, The Strokes, B-52’s, The...... Read More