Sunday, July 12, 2009
Ahhh, Biff. What a character.
Yeah, I know. Two days in a row. Still, this is worth it, I think.
Tom Wilson (Biff in Back to the Future) sings about crazy fans.
Plus, a sneak peek at something(s) I might show my classes next year:
Enjoy!
Tom Wilson (Biff in Back to the Future) sings about crazy fans.
Plus, a sneak peek at something(s) I might show my classes next year:
Enjoy!
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Party Like It's 1999
I finally finished my iPod A to Z odyssey yesterday. Prince's 1999 was the final track (numbered songs come after lettered ones). Yeah, Bowling for Soup's 1985 would've been cooler, but that missed out by being the song before last.
The adventure that began back in September ended seven months later (to the day for the A-Z songs). The playlist swelled from 4,991 to 5,200, so it's not surprising that it took a bit longer than expected.
I think it's time to play with books on tape for a while....
The adventure that began back in September ended seven months later (to the day for the A-Z songs). The playlist swelled from 4,991 to 5,200, so it's not surprising that it took a bit longer than expected.
I think it's time to play with books on tape for a while....
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
Dueling Billie Jeans
Chatting with fellow Misfit/writer Angie the other evening, and she mentioned I should check out David Cook's rendition of Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean" from the Idol show. Having already displayed my vast knowledge on the topics of fashion and interior decorating, there wasn't really any point in butching it up and saying "that's not how I roll."
Tracked it down on the YouTube. Not bad, Maynard.
Still, not my fave version of the song. Well, the video, at any rate. Checked for the Steve Martin/New Show vid from the mid-80s. Surprise. Surprise. Surprise. It was up! Now that's talent.
Tracked it down on the YouTube. Not bad, Maynard.
Still, not my fave version of the song. Well, the video, at any rate. Checked for the Steve Martin/New Show vid from the mid-80s. Surprise. Surprise. Surprise. It was up! Now that's talent.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
The Other Side of the Tracks
A few Christmases back I ripped a bunch of CDs to iTunes and then transferred them to my iPod. For whatever reason the CDDB (the online database that gets disc info like song names) wasn't working, consequently everything loaded into iTunes/iPod as Track 01, Track 02, Track 03, etc. This hasn't been a problem until recently when I hit the Traxxx section during the A-Z exploration of my iPod.
After all, when listening to the Nat King Cole Christmas album you can tell pretty quickly that Track 01 is "The Christmas Song" or that Track 02 is "Deck the Halls." For Garrison Keillor's Now it Is Christmas Again it doesn't really matter what the tracks are titled. The Star Wars soundtrack albums (and John Williams' Greatest Hits) could use track names, but when just listening to the album it's not a big, big problem.
Fourteen consecutive "Track 01"s though ... big, big problem.
Anyhoo, today I reached the final Track track (Keillor's Track 25, aka "O Little Town of Bethlehem").
Still 600+ songs to go.
Getting there, though....
After all, when listening to the Nat King Cole Christmas album you can tell pretty quickly that Track 01 is "The Christmas Song" or that Track 02 is "Deck the Halls." For Garrison Keillor's Now it Is Christmas Again it doesn't really matter what the tracks are titled. The Star Wars soundtrack albums (and John Williams' Greatest Hits) could use track names, but when just listening to the album it's not a big, big problem.
Fourteen consecutive "Track 01"s though ... big, big problem.
Anyhoo, today I reached the final Track track (Keillor's Track 25, aka "O Little Town of Bethlehem").
Still 600+ songs to go.
Getting there, though....
Monday, February 25, 2008
Larry Norman: Home at Last
Came across this today (via my sister, Julia, who got the word via my other sister, Sarah). Larry Norman, the forever white-haired grandpappy of Christian Rock, has ceased visiting this planet. In my teens, I had the joy of attending several of his concerts in the S.F. Bay Area (Great America and Wolfgang's). Great, great shows.
Although Larry's gone he lives on through his music (91 songs--five and a half hours--on my iPod, 15 CDs in my collection, and several LPs I need to rip someday), and that of the dozen-plus artists he brought to the public's attention in the 70s and 80s (not to mention the countless artists he inspired).
There is an announcement from his brother, Charles, on Larrynorman.com. Read the whole thing, but my favorite part from Larry's goodbye is:
Until we meet in the Island in the Sky, God bless, Larry.
Although Larry's gone he lives on through his music (91 songs--five and a half hours--on my iPod, 15 CDs in my collection, and several LPs I need to rip someday), and that of the dozen-plus artists he brought to the public's attention in the 70s and 80s (not to mention the countless artists he inspired).
There is an announcement from his brother, Charles, on Larrynorman.com. Read the whole thing, but my favorite part from Larry's goodbye is:
I feel like a prize in a box of cracker jacks with God's hand reaching down to pick me up.A great image.
Until we meet in the Island in the Sky, God bless, Larry.
Labels: Music
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Mmmmm...
I've finally made it to the M's in my A-Z iPod adventure. I'm nearing the halfway point in my music library (currently #2257 of 5113 somgs): "Monster Books and Boggarts!" from the Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban soundtrack.
Stay tuned...
Stay tuned...
Monday, December 03, 2007
My Mind Is Blown
No, my students haven't done me in (yet)...
Last night I was reading the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy radio scripts (because that's fun for me). In the endnotes following the first episode the HHGG theme music is identified as "Journey of the Sorcerer" by the Eagles.
Yes, those Eagles.
Anybody got a cranial band-aid?
Last night I was reading the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy radio scripts (because that's fun for me). In the endnotes following the first episode the HHGG theme music is identified as "Journey of the Sorcerer" by the Eagles.
Yes, those Eagles.
Anybody got a cranial band-aid?
Labels: Music
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Phil's Ear
Phil's ear is fine, in case you're thinking he was mauled by gophers or something.
Actually, his ear -- his musical ear -- is pretty darn good. We were watching the opening of Shanghai Noon a few days back, and Phil announced, "This sounds like the music to Indian in the Cupboard." A quick trip to IMDb later and, sure enough, Randy Edelman scored both films.
If only there was an "I can name another movie by that composer in three notes" game show...
Actually, his ear -- his musical ear -- is pretty darn good. We were watching the opening of Shanghai Noon a few days back, and Phil announced, "This sounds like the music to Indian in the Cupboard." A quick trip to IMDb later and, sure enough, Randy Edelman scored both films.
If only there was an "I can name another movie by that composer in three notes" game show...
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Don'ts and Dos
How's the A-Z iPod journey going? Midway through the Ds now. In fact, I just finished the Don'ts. How do they compare to the Dos? Here ya go:
Don'ts:
Dos
Final score: Don'ts - 23, Dos - 16. Just call me Mr. Negativity.
964 songs down. 4,050 to go.
Don'ts:
- "Don't Answer Me", Alan Parsons Project
- "Don't Ask Me Why", Billy Joel
- "Don't Bother Me", The Beatles
- "Don't Cry (Uncut Version)", Seal
- "Don't Do Anything (I Wouldn't Do)", Angelo Badalamenti
- "Don't Dream It's Over", Crowded House
- "Don't Dream It's Over", Sixpence None the Richer
- "Don't Ever Say", David Edwards
- "Don't Fear the Reaper", Blue Oyster Cult
- "Don't Give Up", Peter Gabriel
- "Don't Know Why", The Rutles
- "Don't Leave the Band", John Elefante
- "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood", Eric Burdon
- "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me", Roger Daltrey
- "Don't Say Goodbye (Demo)", 7&7is (77s)
- "Don't Stand So Close to Me", The Police
- "Don't Stand So Close to Me '86", The Police
- "Don't Stop Believin'", Journey
- "Don't Stop Me Now", Queen
- "Don't You Forget About Me", Simple Minds
- "Don't You Wanna Talk About It?", Larry Norman
- "Don't You Want Me?", The Human League
- "Don't, This Way", 77s
Dos
- "Do Big Boys Cry?", Daniel Amos
- "Do It Again", The Beach Boys
- "Do It Again", Steely Dan
(completely different song from the Beach Boys' "DIA") - "Do It for Love", 77s
- "Do It for Love (Stadium Mix)", 7&7is (77s)
- "Do Right to Me Baby (Do Unto Others)", Bob Dylan
- "Do Wah Diddy Diddy", Manfred Mann
- "Do Ya Think I'm Sexy?", Rod Stewart
- "Do You Believe in Love?", Huey Lewis and the News
- "Do You Believe in Magic?", The Lovin' Spoonful
- "Do You Hear What I Hear?", House of Wires
- "Do You Hear What I Hear?", Out of Eden
- "Do You Hear What I Hear?", Phil Keaggy
- "Do You Know the Way to San Jose?", Dionne Warwick
- "Do You Love Me?", The Blues Brothers
- "Do You Really Want to Hurt Me?", Culture Club
Final score: Don'ts - 23, Dos - 16. Just call me Mr. Negativity.
964 songs down. 4,050 to go.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Texas Trauma
Dina's only been here a few weeks, but this evening she mentioned not only that she knows who Brad Paisley is but that she'd watched an entire video of his. This never would have happened out in Oregon.
Of course it helped (I'm sure) that the song was funny and it featured notable celebrities William Shatner and Jason Alexander, among others.
Enjoy "Online", if you dare.
Of course it helped (I'm sure) that the song was funny and it featured notable celebrities William Shatner and Jason Alexander, among others.
Enjoy "Online", if you dare.
Friday, September 28, 2007
B Music
I finally hit the B's in my alphabetical iPod journey.
For some reason I have four versions of "Baby, It's Cold Outside" loaded.
Why?
Even in Oregon it was seldom, if ever, that cold.
Hmmmm...
For some reason I have four versions of "Baby, It's Cold Outside" loaded.
Why?
Even in Oregon it was seldom, if ever, that cold.
Hmmmm...
Sunday, September 16, 2007
What's 5,000 Songs Sound Like?
That's how many tracks I have on my iPod. 4991, to be more precise. Last week I started listening to them in order -- alphabetically by artist, until I hit the Air Supply block.
I've since switched to alphabetically by title. I'm up to #22, "A Legal Matter" by The Who.
Should I make it through everything I'll hit "Zoot Suit Riot" in 13 days, 20 hours, and just under 12 minutes.
I've since switched to alphabetically by title. I'm up to #22, "A Legal Matter" by The Who.
Should I make it through everything I'll hit "Zoot Suit Riot" in 13 days, 20 hours, and just under 12 minutes.
Friday, May 25, 2007
Mr. Music
Dina sent me some pix of Phil's rilly-big school music shew. I'm sorry I missed it.
One thing's for sure: the boy can wear the heck out of an orange shirt.
- "Handsome Hair" with Shirt & Tie: 1, 2
- Singing
- Playing the Rubberband Box
One thing's for sure: the boy can wear the heck out of an orange shirt.
Labels: first grade, Music, Philisms
Monday, March 26, 2007
Oh Yes I Did
On the way to church yesterday a CD of rat-pack era songs was playing. Sinatra and Witchcraft, Louie Prima and Banana Split for My Baby, Sammy and I Ain't Got Nobody.
I wondered aloud why Mr. Davis, Jr., wasn't singing Buddy, Ain't Got No Eye. But I'm tacky like that.
I wondered aloud why Mr. Davis, Jr., wasn't singing Buddy, Ain't Got No Eye. But I'm tacky like that.
Labels: Music
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
Waking Up and Facing the Music
As I mentioned earlier, I have a new alarm clock. Plug an iPod in and wake to the song of your choosing (or, if you set it to random and fast forward to near the end of a song, you can be surprised).
Tried a rousing number from the Pirates of the Caribbean soundtrack. Tried Archie Bell telling me that he and the Drells, from Houston, Texas, dance just as good as they walk. Neither are particularly bad choices, though doing the Tighten Up first thing in the morning is recommended by only 1 out of 5 physicians. (You really should stretch first.)
Last couple days I've gone with Percy Faith's (Theme from) A Summer Place. (I always thought this was a Henry Mancini tune, but it's Max Steiner. Also, there are words ... who knew?) Nice to wake up to, not quite engaging enough that you'll keep listening instead of hitting the snooze bar. Just what I like in a wake-up call.
I think I'm going to have to create a playlist of "alarm clock" songs, though. Scrolling to the middle of the Ts takes forever.
Tried a rousing number from the Pirates of the Caribbean soundtrack. Tried Archie Bell telling me that he and the Drells, from Houston, Texas, dance just as good as they walk. Neither are particularly bad choices, though doing the Tighten Up first thing in the morning is recommended by only 1 out of 5 physicians. (You really should stretch first.)
Last couple days I've gone with Percy Faith's (Theme from) A Summer Place. (I always thought this was a Henry Mancini tune, but it's Max Steiner. Also, there are words ... who knew?) Nice to wake up to, not quite engaging enough that you'll keep listening instead of hitting the snooze bar. Just what I like in a wake-up call.
I think I'm going to have to create a playlist of "alarm clock" songs, though. Scrolling to the middle of the Ts takes forever.
Friday, March 02, 2007
Bus Stop Songs Phil Wishes I Wouldn't Sing
Phil and I usually get out to the schoolbus stop a few minutes early, giving me a chance to embarrass him start his day with a song.
So far, these haven't gone over very well (not that that stops me from singing them):
I do requests, so if you've got one you'd like me to take for a spin, list it in the comments. (The Hollies's Bus Stop is a bit too on-the-nose, sorry.)
So far, these haven't gone over very well (not that that stops me from singing them):
(to the tune of the Love Boat themesong)
The Love Bus
Taking you to the School of Looooooove
The Love Buh-us
[at which point Phil usually hits me]
(to the tune of Here Comes the Sun)
Here comes the Bus
doo-doo-doo-doo
Here comes the Bus
and I say
["Ow!" 'cause this is where he hits me again]
I do requests, so if you've got one you'd like me to take for a spin, list it in the comments. (The Hollies's Bus Stop is a bit too on-the-nose, sorry.)
Labels: first grade, Music, Weird Stuff
Saturday, January 20, 2007
NuTunes
Stopped by StVdP earlier in the week and picked up a couple CDs. One, Peter Gabriel's Us, I've been hunting for a while. The other, a John Debney/Royal Scottish National Orchestra recording of Bernard Herrmann's score for The Seventh Voyage of Sinbad, was an unexpected treat. (They also had six or eight soundtracks by Danny Elfman, but I hadn't seen the movies, so I passed.)
If you're looking for Christian music at near-thrift store prices, check out some of the deals at Christian Discs' $3.99 (or less) sale. Some of my favorites:
Can't vouch for, but wouldn't be surprised to find it excellent:
Phil Keaggy: Cinemascapes
In the event that Sandi Patti/y is more your style:
Artist of My Soul, All the Best, Find it on the Wings
See something I missed in the almost 300 CDs on sale? Give me an earful in the comments (and don't miss the other almost-300 CDs in the $6.99 Super Sale).
If you're looking for Christian music at near-thrift store prices, check out some of the deals at Christian Discs' $3.99 (or less) sale. Some of my favorites:
- Sixpence None the Richer: self-titled
though I'm partial to their Divine Discontent - Chasing Furies: With Abandon
- Lost Dogs: Best of
(pre-Gift Horse/not nearly enough from Green Room Serenade) - The Choir: Flap Your Wings
- Echoing Green: Supernova
For when you're feeling Techno-y. - Various Artists: Roaring Lambs
With everyone from Jars of Clay to Over the Rhine to Steve Taylor to Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Charlie Peacock. Good stuff, Maynard. - Charlie Peacock: Strangelanguage
- Havalina: Space Love and Bullfighting
Quirky, but the organ on "You've Got Me Cryin" is worth $4 all on its own.
Can't vouch for, but wouldn't be surprised to find it excellent:
Phil Keaggy: Cinemascapes
In the event that Sandi Patti/y is more your style:
Artist of My Soul, All the Best, Find it on the Wings
See something I missed in the almost 300 CDs on sale? Give me an earful in the comments (and don't miss the other almost-300 CDs in the $6.99 Super Sale).
