Music Monday: Disease-d

My fresh-faced friends,

Mondays are always a little rough.

And Matchbox 20's Disease is so smooth (pun intended).



You've gotta love a good taped live show. Find the official video here.

And that's all I've got to say about that.

Digging the disease (but not the early morning),

L

Music Monday: That Funky Music

Good evening my Monday friends!

I'll be honest - this morning was rough. I was all excited last night (something about a really good looking vampire) and stayed up much too late.

The inevitable happened, and I slept in this morning. I managed to make it to work on time (and in top form), but let me tell you, I was a little off kilter all day.

So, today, I needed something really damn cool. Something I could boogie down to, something that demands a little off kilter action.

To the Parentals - I know what you did in the seventies. It was all a little sideways, no?

I bet it looked good on you, and it probably felt even better.

Now for the good stuff, the natural high. We all know drugs are bad. You should never, ever, touch them. Not one little bit. Not even if you nothing else to live for. At least that is my disclaimer.

Get ready to bop to the beat of Wild Cherry and their bad ass ballad "Play that Funky Music":

Did you happen to watch the Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards last night?

We had it on, but I forced the Newf to turn it off. It seems the majority of those kids are too young to hold my interest. That, or I'm too old.

Either way, after watching that, I don't feel old anymore. You rock, Wild Cherry.

Avoiding the Nickelodeon green garbage, cool cure and pretty powders,

L

Music Monday: Beating the Business

Good morning my loves!

I have something very special for you! Yes I do!

In order to celebrate my sexy sashay back into the workforce I have a fun little ditty (and definitely not the original video).

This song was written by a guy called Randy Bachman. You might remember him as a member of The Guess Who.

Anyways, Bachman based this song on a recording technician who worked with his band. Some lyrics, "take the 8:15 into the city" and the song's title "White Collared Worker", for example, were born purely because of Bachman's muse. This specific technician took an 8:15 train to get to work and wore the standard uniform of audio technicians - a white collared shirt.

When Bachman first played his new song for the lead singer of The Guess Who, Burton Cummings, he did not receive positive reinforcement. Instead, Burton stated that the band would never play the song and insisted that he was ashamed of Bachman (it seems that the first guitar riff of the song was awfully similar to The Beatles "Paperback Writer").

Cummings was scared of getting sued, and swore it would never be played. Bachman still wanted his song played.

To make a long story short, an ironic twist of fate gave Bachman the opportunity to sing his "White Collared Worker" on stage with his second band, a little group called B.T.O.

Bachman exchanged the previous "White Collared Worker" title with "Taking Care of Business", a catchphrase of a DJ he had heard over the radio. The disputed guitar riff was revised, and "Taking Care of Business" was born.

Enjoy this saucy little version of B.T.O.'s "Taking Care of Business"! I hope it ramps up your Monday!

I'll never look at mopping the same way. Hoover, anyone?

What do you do to spice up your housework?

Done my first day,

L

Music Monday: You Know Amy's Good

It is a sad day that a girl riddled with as much talent as Amy Winehouse dies, only to be remember as an addict.

Everyone of us will die. Some of us will be junkies, but only a special few can sing like Winehouse could.

Let's remember the talent, not the shortcomings. Because let's face it people, we all have our faults and our addictions (I'm partial to milk chocolate).

Here is one of my favourites, You Know I'm No Good, by Ms. Amy Winehouse:



Do you lament the loss? Do you believe in the Forever 27 Curse? Did you know the club of chance existed?

Tell me why (and remember, karma is a bitch)!

Singing (Amy's) Swan Song,

L

Music Monday: You're Unbelievable

Today's track is for my peeps. They are 100% unbelievable. Grooooooooaaaaaan!

Granted, today's song may have used before is known for its profanity. Before I explain, take a quick little listen to EMF's Unbelievable:



The video is less than thrilling, I know. But, did you hear that? Take a closer listen to the chorus - there is a background vocal that can be vaguely heard saying, "What the fuck was that?"

Now typically, this would require strict editing before any type of radio play proceeded. However, these lyrics were never edited (probably because they were considered incoherent background vocals). Now you know better, you are armed for pissing off only the most prominent prudes with your newfound musical knowledge.

Considering the sheer amount of air time Unbelievable has received since its release, and the amount of times the f-bomb is dropped in this specific song, this track is likely responsible for the most profanity ever heard over radio.

Not enough? You want more?

Well, know that according to the song on the B-side of the Unbelievable single was a song called "EMF" (a self-titled track). This song included the chorus: "E! Ecstasy! M! Motherfucker, motherfucker! F! From us to you…"

What would their mother think? I can tell you, mine would not be impressed.

Now that I've mentioned my Mother, here's a fun fact about me: when I was in university I rarely studied in the library. When I did I would do the natural thing - scope out a chair close to a cute boy. I'd set up my song, wait to catch his eye and then I'd push play.

Who needs poetry when you've got a ready-to-go, an "unbelievable" if you will, catchline?

To try my little trick, know that my sweet spot is right around 1:17. A note to catch his attention, and wham bam thank you ma'am!

Starting to get saucy,

L

Music Monday: Sunscreen and Schmich

Today's track is technically a musical single, but features a lot of talking. Released by Baz Luhrmann, on the album Something for Everybody this is a piece that I try to listen to every couple of months. I never, ever get nostalgic while doing so. Ever. I'm not that old yet.

The speech at the basis of the song is widely rumoured to have originated from an MIT commencement speech, given by a gentleman by the name of Kurt Vonnegut. The fiction filled tale was so convincing that Mr. Luhrmann himself was frantically searching for Vonnegut as to secure permission to record the speech.

In fact, the speech was published as a column in the Chicago Tribune on June 1, 1997. Written by Mary Schmich, it was introduced as the commencement speech she would give, if ever asked to do so.

Despite publishing a follow-up piece on August 3, 1997, credit is rarely attributed correctly to Ms. Schmich.

So here it is, my friends, Everbody's Free (To Wear Sunscreen). Consider picking up the album (if you can find it). I love it, but haven't had much luck replacing the copy I lost. It is probably hiding in some Disney vault somewhere. Damn those dwarves (I speak to the Snow White version, I've always thought they were a little shady).

So, how about it - are you fanatic about sunscreen? Do you rock the tanned look? Personally, I'm whiter than a bowl of vanilla ice cream. I tend to burn quickly (my record is fifteen minutes for a burn received in North Carolina a month or so ago).

Screening the sun (through tinted windows),

L

Music Monday: I Promised You Disco

The last time we spoke, I promised you disco.

I have delivered.

After looking through scores of silly little disco songs, I settled on my tried and true - The Bee Gees. This song became an immediate favourite. I loved it before I knew it was popular, because baby, that's just how I roll.

So, um, tight pants. That's certainly an old take on "junk in the trunk".

When I was a child I loved this song SO much, I had to learn the lyrics. So, there I sat, the lyrics copied in my odd little handwriting, singing my heart out.

Be glad you missed it. I can't sing.

Point being, the lyrics have been emblazened into my brain and will remain that way for the rest of my life. Being a country girl, this bad boy track is a required feature at any good wedding, buck and doe, or any other event that includes a lot of liquor and a little bit of a crowd.

When it is blaring over the speakers, you can find me making rounds around the dance floor, shaking my swagger and singing this song.

What gets your rump shaking? Do you know the full lyrics to anything special?

Do you sing like no one is looking?

Creeping on (someone else's) computer,

L

Music Monday: Rolling in the Deep

Good afternoon!

I am up to my eyeballs in paint, so this is going to be quick. Worth it, as always, I promise.

This lady has recently become part of the mainstream radio play, and I couldn't be happier. The first time I heard her song i just had to know what it was. I had to hear it again.

It has played non-stop ever since.

In fact, I would strongly suggest you pick up her new album, 21, because it is totally worth the bucks. I would even argue that she has some better tunes than her sizzling single hiding on her CD.

In the meantime, take a little listen to ADELE and her ditty Rolling in the Deep:

Even her video is awesome.

Seeing as it is the last day of the Victoria Day long weekend (yahoo Canada), I must get back to painting. I'd love to finish that ceiling today.

What are you doing on your long weekend? Do you get a long weekend?

Covered in white,

L

Music Monday: Bruno's Blow

Just because I'm feeling especially loved today, we've got Bruno Mars and his pop hit Grenade:


Just a few days ago I understood Bruno Mars to be some guy who got famous through his penchant for nose candy. Boy, was I wrong.

It turns out he is a mad ladykiller known for his music. The cocaine habit followed.

That's okay Bruno. All the good rockstars do it. Just keep towing pianos around and everything will be okay. Extra points if you keep sporting that hot little suit with a skinny tie.

Maybe I should talk the Newf into sporting a Bruno bump?

Protecting my proboscis,

L

Wordless Wednesday: When Colour is Criminal

Music Monday: Sing, Sing, Sing!

Good morning!

Today we are going to keep it short and sweet, because there isn't much I can say that will better this bad boy video.

The best comment I've heard about this song (you can still see it on the YouTube site) is simply:
"This [song] makes music nowadays sound pathetic."

Get ready for the best five minutes of your day (and I'm not kidding). Boys and girls, it's Benny Goodman, a bandleader otherwise known as "The King Swing" and his tune "Sing, Sing, Sing (With a Swing)":

I don't know about you, but when I hear good music I start to tingle. Let's just say this piece gets my toes full out tickled. When I was young, my Dad used to pop the old Benny Goodman cassette tape into the tape deck in the car and my sibling, my Father and I would all bop along to our destination.

Only now do I realize how invaluable that bopping was.

Thanks Dad, we had a blast with Benny.

Oh, and pop music, better luck next time!

Have you started cursing the ways of the new and modern? Do you want all that noise turned down?

I hate to admit it, but noise makes me crabby. Oh well (better luck next time)!

Moving and grooving like I'm five (all over again),

L

Wordless Wednesday: Snow Dog

Music Monday: The BEAUTIFUL Tuesday Edition

You didn't think I forgot about you, did you?

Well, I can see how you would. I've been rather absent in these parts lately, but I have good reasons. It's called life (and I'm enjoying it).

Please, rest assured I did not forget. Mondays can be a little rough (what with my 4.30 AM start time) and by the time I got home, searched for a clip (which could not be found) and napped Tuesday was here!

For my Canadian friends it was Juno night! This is the Canadian music award show, and it was pretty spectacular this year - way better than the Oscars! My favourite performance of the night was Down With Webster. I was hoping to find a good quality clip to share, but alas, I resurfaced from the interweb saddened and soiled (and without the clip I wanted).

To be honest, after the disaster that is Rebecca Black's "Friday" I needed something to scour the FUN FUN FUN from my brain.

I needed something big.

After my original idea was canned, I found a new repository of worms for you to renew your faith in music. It worked like a charm. I am no longer singing along to a song against my will. My sanity has been saved and the youthful blunder of Miss Black has been bagged.

What is this dark horse I speak of? Shake your money maker to Salt-'N-Pepa's I Am The Body Beautiful:

The song can be found on the To Wong Foo Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar soundtrack. If you haven't seen this movie, you need to. Immediately. Preferably when you have a big bottle of wine or some other form of giddy-inducing consumable (I hear chocolate cake can work well, if you need some ideas). This is the only flick you that will ever feature Patrick Swayze and Wesley Snipes in drag.

Need I say more?

Did you watch the Juno's? Have you seen Rebecca Black's YouTube sensation, "Friday"? How about To Wong Foo?

It's okay if we don't agree. It is even okay if you disagree and bop around to the ballad of Miss Black. Just know that every time you bop and hop and bring the house down a fairy loses her wings.

Blowing over Black,

L

Music Monday: Missing the Maxi

Today's song is hailing from the nineties. It isn't big, or popular, nor was it ever.

It is just a really cool song. It's a track every woman should have lying in wait on her MP3 player for that elusive trip to the grocery store.

It also features Shaggy (before he was somebody). Essentially, if Mick Jagger died, Shaggy would take his place.

He's just that good.

Look no further, your perfect pick me up is here. For your pleasure, the official video for "That Girl", sung by Maxi Priest (featuring Shaggy):

Interesting fact: Maxi Priest's birth name was Max Alfred Elliot.

Even more interesting fact: Shaggy's birth name was Orville Richard Burrell.

I promise you'll get more about sexy Shaggy another week, but until then, bring on the popcorn!

Shopping with Shaggy,

L

Music Monday: I'm Going Mad

Gooooooooooood MORNING.

The Newf and I got to share a little sleep in this morning, so we are right as rain and ready for the week to come.

It's about time I got back on this music horse, so I have an interesting comparison for you. Today's song is one that you have likely heard more than once. It's a song that sticks with you - both its lyrics and its harmony are erie and wonderful, all at the same time.

I find this is a song that everyone has an opinion about. Most people feel it paints a depressing picture, but is that what it was meant to be?

Here is what the writer, Roland Orzabal, had to say about his incredibly popular song: "Lyrically the song is pretty loose. It throws together a lot of different images to paint a picture without saying anything specific about the world."

Curt Smith, the original singer of the song (and a bassist, I *love* bassists) said, "It's very much a voyeur's song. It's looking out at a mad world from the eyes of a teenager."

First, let's take a look at the original band, sound and video of the song. Please, saddle up for a listen to Tears for Fears and their international hit "Mad World.

That probably wasn't what you were expecting, was it? You gotta give the guys credit, they certainly know what it meant to be part of the eighties.

Here is the more often thought of version of "Mad World", a cover by Gary Jules which was done for the freaky flick Donnie Darko:

I tend to be biased for originals, but I think the context of the song is lost in the cover versions. Do you prefer the original version or one of the many covers? Does the slow speed change the song for you, at all?

I'm excited to hear your opinion!

Mad for Monday,

L

Wordless Wednesday: Colour Your World

Music Monday: That Bad Boy Beck

Good morning afternoon friends!

I write from the comfort of my double sized bed, complete with silk duvet. Alas, I am allergic to feathers. My bed is shared with the one and only Newf (no Beasts allowed) but lucky for me, the Newf is off making breakfast.

Eggs and turkey bacon. Yum.

Despite the mounds of homework, it is almost like a vacation, and for that, we need some cheeky beats.

Today features a song that has lived in mystery for years and years. I have yet to meet someone who does not like it.

Hopefully, you can continue the tradition.

Now to the musician. Beck is a good old boy; his first studio album was released in 1993 on cassette tape. CD was available only in limited quantity.

Beck is a true amazing musician - if you can imagine, none of his music includes sampling of any sort. Sampling is the use of pieces of other people's songs. It can sound cool, but it is a cop out.

Fast forward five years, Beck is ready to release his sixth album, Mutations. This bad boy was recorded over the span of two weeks, one song a day. Some of these songs are older tunes, and some of them were brand new. They were all produced by Beck and Nigel Godrich (you may recognize his name from the numerous Radiohead albums he's produced).

Anyways, before the release of his album, Beck had gotten special permission fro, his major record label to release his album on a small indie label (I *heart* indie), Bong Load Records. Unfortunately, when Geffen executives heard the record, they released it under their label against Beck's wishes.

This was the firestorm for a massive legal battle, one that none of us really know the result of.

In the meantime, you have a fabulous tune for today! Please, take a listen to Beck's Tropicalia:

It's too bad such a cool song has to be surrounded with such drama. Although, drama does make the world go 'round, or so says the soap I'm watching. I think some girl is going to get pushed off a cliff, um, exciting.

What do you do with your limited vacation time?

Fired up for some breakfast food,

L

Wordless Wednesday: Boil Boil, Toil and Trouble...

Music Monday: Looking for Mr. Jagger

Good afternoon, my radical readers!

Today is a wonderful day, here in Ontario, it is Family Day. Created by our cracked out Conservative government (yep, I've put my political mindset out there) it is actually something I can agree with.

As I have no children, only a dog that sleeps until noon, the Newf and I have enjoyed a wonderful day spent in bed. As of right now, it is just after noon and we have just polished off our Tim Hortons breakfast sandwiches.

Not one to exclude, we made sure the Beast got a sandwich too.

We go all out in Linnie Land.

Speaking of family, I got an earful from my mother. It seems she noticed I haven't posted anything in the last week and she was not impressed.

Mom, I am sorry. I promise to keep your Kindle kicking this week.

This brings me to our anticipated video to kick off your Monday. I have my favourite Rolling Stones video. I have had a school girl crush on Mick Jagger since I heard this song, and once I saw him in concert that crush turned into pure unadulterated passion.

Mick, if you are out there, I love you. The Newf knows, it's okay; we don't have to hide anymore. Margaret Trudeau, eat your heart out.

So, here is the song that sealed my sentiment, please enjoy The Rolling Stones and their tune "Anybody Seen My Baby":

So, now that you've seen the video, let me confirm that yes, that was Angelina Jolie, and yes, I am poking a little bit of fun at the aforementioned earful delivered by my Mother.

The benefit being, that she reads the blog on her Kindle and she won't get the music video. Mom, don't believe the rumours. You and I both know that I take everything you say with the utmost seriousness, especially since the Great Spanking Debacle of '94.

Are you celebrating Family Day? Is everyday family day? Have you ever been spanked?

With a mind full of Mick,

L

It's a GIVEAWAY!

Do you like chairs? Are you a chair connoisseur? Perhaps a professional potato?

Well, either way, feast your sit savvy eyes on this baby, the Eames lounge chair.

My keister is already quivering. In fact, I've already purchased my (winning) lottery ticket, with high hopes of purchasing this feat of fancy.

It would look smashing in my darkened living room, surrounded by books and a massive picture window. My liquor cabinet wouldn't be far off either.

This chair is one of thousands of items (this is the Newf's favourite) that you can find within the CSN Online Stores.

Seriously, they have over 200 stores that you can shop in your skivvies. Hello, utter bliss.

The best part? You could win $40 to spend at ANY one of their online stores!

That's right, the lovely people over at CSN have provided me with $40 to give to one of you, my even lovelier loyal readers.

I've looked through the stores, and I already have a long list of loot I want. Even better, I've found some stuff I already have, and can say it is worth the purchase price (like this bad boy - my Newfoundland hasn't managed to ruin it yet).

So, I know you are asking "How do I win?" It's no secret that I like to gamble, so, do you fancy a little game?

I am going to pick a number between 0 and 1000. You have to guess what that number is. We run with the "Price is Right" rules over here, that means: the closest person without going over gets the prize. In the event two people have chosen the same number, the first one to choose the winner will be named the winner. No ties.

To submit a numbered guess, you must:
1.) Follow me. It's almost Valentine's Day, and I could use some love.
2.) Find & friend me on Facebook.
3.) You could Tweet your little heart out - include a link to this post (and please "@" me, so I can double check your entry).
4.) And finally, you could drop me an email or comment to tell me what your favourite post was, what your least favourite post was, or what you'd like to see more of.

With every guess, leave a comment below or shoot me an email. Don't forget to include your number!

This contest closes Saturday, February 19, 2011. The winner will be announced Monday, February 21, 2011.

Giddy about my (first!) giveaway,

L

FINE PRINT:
This is open to Canadian and US readers. To my Canuck friends, keep in mind there will be additional shipping charges (the duties are INCLUDED)! Consider it a tax for being awesome. None of my (Linnie's) immediate family members are able to enter - this includes Newf, the Beast, the Parentals, Grandma (the live one) and Dumpster Dog. The rest of my family either does not read my blog or does not receive preferential treatment (proof available). The number chosen by me will be photographed with a time stamp to allow my readers to rest assured there is no funny business. Oh, and I am awesome.