A Music Thread [Joe Mannix]

Beyond what is liked or disliked, there is a whole category of music that is often not discussed: the guilty pleasure. The guilty pleasure music is music you love to hate, or just like and enjoy but think you shouldn't, or is like stuff you don't usually go for, etc. It might even be a song you actually don't like, but can't get enough of anyway.

For me, one guilty pleasure song came on the radio recently and I listened to it the whole way through. It has no merit and I am embarrassed that I like it, but so it goes.

Do you have any "guilty pleasure" songs?

NOTE: As always, the intro is just a conversation starter if needed. You're welcome to go off-topic, just please keep it to the world of music!

Notable Live Performances
I am not sure this actually qualifies because it is a music video centered on the live performance rather than the live performance itself, but it's a good enough rock 'n roll story that I'm going to include it anyway.

In 1992, K-Mart refused to carry the debut album by Jackyl, citing its inappropriate lyrics and album cover. In retaliation, the band rented a 40' trailer, loaded it up with amplifiers, drove it out to a K-Mart in Marietta, GA, dropped in on a local radio station to announce it and then threw a concert in the store's parking lot until the law came to break it up. They used footage of that event in the music video for their song "I Stand Alone."

With the movement of music into the online space and physical sales almost a historical relic, the opportunity for rock 'n roll stunts like this is waning fast.

Great Fun Covers
During a concert, the band Sugarland was joined on stage by Sara Bareilles and they performed a cover of "Come On Eileen" by Dexy's Midnight Runners. It's very high-energy and they all look like they're having a blast. They also do the song well, but more than anything this cover is just fun.

Cool Music Videos
It is rumored that OK Go's manager once commented that he wished the band made awesome music and mediocre music videos rather than the other way around. The band is legendary for its music videos, and for good reason. When they're able to get a sponsor for their videos (i.e., they get a big budget) they do really remarkable things. There are so many great OK Go videos that it's hard to pick just one for inclusion.

This is the video for their song "The Writing's On the Wall." The video is shot in a single take (their videos often are) and is an exercise optical illusions and practical visual effects. I think it's really cool and the number of people it took to accomplish it (they come pouring out at the end) is impressive.

Arbitrary picks from my collection
In no particular order and no implications of quality, here are four songs I've heard recently.

The Black Keys - Gotta Get Away
Even if he has to go to the ends of the earth

Johnny Lang - Wander This World
It still astounds me that this album came out when he was only 17 - and that it was his second major record.

Grace Potter & The Nocturnals - Only Love
Grace Potter has some serious pipes. I think there is a lot more to like on The Nocturnals albums than there is to dislike.

Kidneythieves - Taxicab Messiah
I learned about these guys from a Moron some time ago. I'm glad I did.

Have a great rest of your weekend!

posted by Open Blogger at 07:30 PM

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