My Thoughts In Stereo

The Flaming Lips - "Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots" (2002)

2009-06-19T12:03:00.000-07:00

Last Song Syndrome with Renzie.

Aw man, I just love The Flaming Lips. While their first ever hit was 1993's alternative hit, "She Don't Use Jelly", this hard-working band had been around since 1983, and to this day, has released some twelve studio albums already.

Other than "She Don't Use Jelly", two other personal favorites from The Flaming Lips are "Bad Days" (which was featured on the Batman Forever (1995) OST), and of course, 2002's "Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots".

Check out The Flaming Lips here on a video clip of the band performing on the Top of the Pops, shared by pollutiongirl on YouTube.

Enjoy!

The Flaming Lips
"Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots" (2002)

Her name is Yoshimi
She's a black belt in karate
Working for the city
She has to discipline her body

'Coz she knows that
It's demanding
To defeat those evil machines
I know she can beat them

Oh Yoshimi, they don't believe me
But you wouldn't let those robots eat me
Yoshimi, they don't believe me
But you wouldn't let those robots defeat me

Those evil-natured robots
They're programmed to destroy us
She's gotta be strong to fight them
So she's taking lots of vitamins

'Cause she knows that
It'd be tragic
If those evil robots win
I know she can beat them

Oh Yoshimi, they don't believe me
But you wouldn't let those robots defeat me
Yoshimi, they don't believe me
But you wouldn't let those robots eat me

Yoshimi

'Cause she knows that
It'd be tragic
If those evil robots win
I know she can beat them

Oh Yoshimi, they don't believe me
but you wouldn't let those robots defeat me
Yoshimi, they don't believe me
but you wouldn't let those robots defeat me

Oh Yoshimi, they don't believe me
but you wouldn't let those robots eat me
Yoshimi, they don't believe me
but you wouldn't let those robots eat me

Yoshimi

Can't get that song out of your head? Then check out more of Renzie's Last Song Syndrome Project, the only blog service dedicated to getting that persistent tune out of your system- by giving you lots more of it!

Cheers, everyone!

Eric Carmen - "Make Me Lose Control" (1988)

2009-06-11T03:42:00.000-07:00

not-so-known 80's favorites with Renzie Baluyut.

A sudden wave of nostalgia made me remember a whole bunch of songs I was listening to back in High School. Among those old favorites was this one- Eric Carmen's "Make Me Lose Control", which never really got much local airplay when it came out in 1988 (or, um, ever), except on Metro Manila's 99.5 RT, and later on, on 103.5 KLite.

This song remains one of my favorites to this day, and always brings back memories of high school and summer in the 80's

YouTube video of Eric Carmen's "Make Me Lose Control" courtesy of LuiscmckI, who just like me, is a great fan of this song.

Enjoy!

Make Me Lose Control (1988)
Eric Carmen

I run a comb through my hair
And step out in the street
And the city's the color of flame
In the mid-summer heat
Oh yeah

Jennifer's got her daddy's car,
She's playing uptown on the stereo
We go cruisin' so close,
The way they did long ago
My darlin'

(Turn) Turn the radio up for that sweet sound
Hold me close never let me go
(Keep) Keep this feelin' alive
Make me lose control
Baby, baby

(When) When I look in your eyes, I go crazy
Fever's high with the lights down low
(So take) Take me over the edge
Make me lose control

We put the top down and park 'neath the moon in the sky
And the wind is so hot in our hair, like a fire in July
Whoa yeah

Jennifer's singin' "Stand By Me",
And she knows every single word by heart
Was love always this good?
Or could this be just the start?
Whoa darlin'

(Turn) Turn the radio up for that sweet sound
Hold me close never let me go
(Keep) Keep this feelin' alive
Make me lose control
Baby, baby

(When) When I look in your eyes, I go crazy
Fever's high with the lights down low
(So take) Take me over the edge
Make me lose control

"Be My Baby" comes on, and were movin' in time
And the heat from your touch makes me feel
Like I'm losing my mind
Whoa yeah

(And then they played) "Back In My Arms Again"
(We close our eyes) We start rememberin' when
(We start to kiss) and now the feeling's intense
And we just pray that this night never ends
Woah oh oh, my darlin'

(Turn) Turn the radio up for that sweet sound
Hold me close, never let me go
(Keep) Keep this feelin' alive
Make me lose control
Baby

When I look in your eyes, I go crazy
Fever's high with the lights down low
(So take) take me over the edge
Make me lose control
Baby, baby

(Turn) Turn the radio up for that sweet sound
Hold me close never let me go
(Keep) Keep this feelin' alive
Make me lose control

When I look in your eyes, I go crazy
Fever's high with the lights down low
(So take) take me over the edge
Make me lose control
Baby, baby

(Turn) Turn the radio up for that sweet sound
Hold me close never let me go
(Keep) Keep this feelin' alive
Make me lose control

The Philips Bandwidth Virtual Battle of the Bands

2009-06-10T18:25:00.000-07:00

The Philippine music scene with Renzie Baluyut.

Okay, so you and your homeboys have been jamming at home each week, trying to get your sound just right. You play the occasional school gig, maybe even land a set or two at some nightspot somewhere.

If your band of fledgling rockstars has been hanging out for a while, but ready to take the next step, you and your dogs might want to check out the Philips Bandwidth Battle of the Bands.

Here's something we tore right off the official press release:

Leading consumer electronics maker Philips is this year looking to help these undiscovered talents with the Bandwidth Virtual Battle of the Bands. The contest is meant to help unsigned bands take full advantage of new digital multimedia technology in sharing their music with the rest of the music community.

Bandwidth participants will each be required to upload recent performance videos to the competition’s Youtube channel. Each band will be asked to perform two original songs, with one video uploaded for each song. Videos will be cross-posted to the Bandwidth website where visitors will be allowed to vote for their favorite performances.

These performances will then be screened by Bandwidth’s three mentors and judges, all of whom should be very familiar to fans of Filipino rock: Francis Reyes (a DJ on NU 107.5 and guitarist for The Dawn), Cookie Chua (singer for Color it Red), and Raimund Marasigan (singer for Sandwich, keyboardist for Pedicab, drummer for Cambio and The Eraserheads). The final crop of bands will then receive special one-one-one mentoring with the three judges prior to the final phase of the competition.

The competition will culminate in a final performance night where the winning band will be announced. The grand prize winner will take home a prize of P50,000 worth of cash and prizes.

Wanna know more? Head on over to the official contest site, and check out the contest's very own YouTube channel here. Also, check out the Philips' very own line of mp3 players, the Philips GoGear series, on my main blog, The Status is NOT Quo.

Cheers, everyone.

Iglu and Hartly - "In This City" (2008)

2009-04-11T08:38:00.000-07:00

Spring jammin' with Renzie Baluyut.

Here's one of those songs I fell in love with the first time I heard it.

While Iglu and Hartly came out with this song late last year, "In This City" has been getting heavy rotation on my media player at home right now, and I can tell it's gonna be one of my favorites.

Check out Iglu and Hartly on this video on YouTube, courtesy of AltitudeTV, taken from a live performance at the 5 Gum GoTV music showcase at this year's SXSW.

"In This City" (2008)
Iglu and Hartly

You came in to my life
You cannot separate yourself

And I found that 'round here,
(In this city)
That I won't disappear
(In this city)
I got nothing to fear
(In this city)
(In this city)

And I found that 'round here,
(In this city)
That I won't disappear
(In this city)
I got nothing to fear
(In this city)
(In this city)

Close those doors
Close those doors
Now, now, just keep 'em open
Keep 'em open
Yeah, keep 'em open
I'll keep on, keep keep on going

Taking it in so, so heavy
Take it easy son, this ain't so deadly
Got keep on, gotta go on, gotta go on
Take it all with what we've done

Gotta push it push it push it
To the top of the building
Even when no one is feeling
It might bother you
Don't let it
If these people just don't get it

They can't express it
They won't accept it
She said it's okay that they may never give

you that credit.

And I found that 'round here,
(In this city)
That I won't disappear
(In this city)
I got nothing to fear
(In this city)
(In this city)

And I found that 'round here,
(In this city)
That I won't disappear
(In this city)
I got nothing to fear
(In this city)
(In this city)

I've been down here
Down these roads
People pass through
Some stay some go
Standing here broke
Not a penny to my name
But she says she loves me all the same

I try my best
And you do too
And all you want is something you can move to
Everybody's gotta get their kicks somewhere
Everybody gotta fit in somewhere

There's an open road
And I'm traveling down
Don't know where to go
But I lock and load
Shoot that sky 'till the moon explode
(Moon explode)

Now we're laying in a field
White flowers on our backs
Talking 'bout home
But we can't go back
I guess that's why we left
So we could take a step
Keep moving and forget the rest.

You came in to my life
You cannot separate yourself
You came in to my life
You cannot separate yourself

And I found that 'round here,
(In this city)
That I won't disappear
(In this city)
I got nothing to fear
(In this city)
(In this city)

And I found that 'round here,
(In this city)
That I won't disappear
(In this city)
I got nothing to fear
(In this city)
(In this city)

And I found that 'round here,
(In this city)
That I won't disappear
(In this city)
I got nothing to fear
(In this city)

The Fray - "Look After You" (2007)

2009-03-16T09:50:00.000-07:00

Last Song Syndrome with Renzie Baluyut.

If only my old piano teacher had taught me more contemporary songs than some of the
old crap she pulled out her dusty piano seat, I might have actually learned something I wanted to play.

Music from The Fray is music that inspires you to learn to play piano, if you ask me. I remember a much younger cousin of mine jamming on the ivory keys at a family reunion last year, and she could play a mean "How To Save a Life".

Anyway, mental note to self- get a piano, learn some of The Fray. Here's one of my favorites from 2007. The adult alternative classic "Look After You", from one of the band's two channels on YouTube.

Enjoy!

"Look After You" (2007)
The Fray

If I don't say this now, I will surely break
As I'm leaving the one, I want to take.
Forget the urgency, but hurry up and wait.
My heart has started to turn and separate.

Oh oh, oh oh, be my baby, oh oh
Oh oh, oh oh, be my baby,
I'll look after you.

There now, steady love.
So few come and don't go.
Will you, won't you be the one I always know?
When I'm losing my control,
The city spins around
You're the only one who knows,
You slow it down.

Oh oh, oh oh, be my baby, oh oh
Oh oh, oh oh, be my baby,
I'll look after you.
And I'll look after you.

If ever there was a doubt
My love, she leans into me.
This most assuredly counts
She says most assuredly.

Oh oh, oh oh, be my baby,
I'll look after you.
After you.
Oh oh, oh oh, be my baby, oh oh
It's always have and never hold.
You've begun to feel like home.
What's mine is yours to leave or take.
What's mine is yours to make your own.
Oh oh, oh oh, be my baby, oh oh
Oh oh, oh oh, be my baby, oh oh
Oh oh, oh oh, be my baby, oh oh
Oh oh, oh oh, be my baby, oh oh

Matt Nathanson - "Come On Get Higher" (2008)

2009-02-05T08:27:00.000-08:00

Jammin on Valentines' Day with Renzie Baluyut.

Here's a song you might want to learn to play for your significant other for Valentines Day. The chords and progression seems fairly simple for anyone who's into guitar, so all you have to do is get some practice, really.

Matt Nathanson's "Come On Get Higher" is one of those songs that can fit any Adult Contemporary, or even Adult Alternative playlist or collection, definitely one of those tunes for the ladies.

Check out Matt Nathanson's video for "Come On Get Higher" here on his very own channel on YouTube.

"Come On Get Higher" (2009)
Matt Nathanson

I miss the sound of your voice
And I miss the rush of your skin
And I miss the still of the silence
As you breathe out and I breathe in

If I could walk on water
If I can tell you what’s next
Make you believe, make you forget

So come on, get higher, loosen my lips
Faith and desire in the swing of your hips
Just pull me down hard
And drown me in love
So come on, get higher, loosen my lips
Faith and desire in the swing of your hips
Just pull me down hard
And drown me in love

I miss the sound of your voice
The loudest thing in my head
And I hate to remember
All the violent, sweet perfect words that you said

If I could walk on water
If I can tell you what’s next
Make you believe, make you forget

So come on, get higher, loosen my lips
Faith and desire in the swing of your hips
Just pull me down hard
And drown me in love
So come on, get higher, loosen my lips
Faith and desire in the swing of your hips
Just pull me down hard
And drown me in love

I miss the pull of your heart
I can taste the sparks on your tongue
I see angels and devils
And God, when you come on
Hold on, hold on, hold on, hold on love
Singin' shalala la
Singin' shalala la

Come on, get higher, loosen my lips
Faith and desire in the swing of your hips
Just pull me down hard
And drown me in love
So come on, get higher, loosen my lips
Faith and desire in the swing of your hips
Just pull me down hard
And drown me, drown me in love

It's all wrong
It's all wrong
It's all right
So, come on, get higher
Come on, get higher
'Cause everything works in your
Everything works in your arms

The Who - "Baba o'Riley" (1971)

2009-01-11T08:06:00.000-08:00

classic rock with Renzie Baluyut.

The Who seems to have had found an appreciative set of new listeners, thanks to shows like CSI New York, which only features their classic "Baba O'Riley" each and every single episode as part of the show's opening.

The Who is one of those bands that were definitely ahead of their time, a favorite of many a true rockaholic, regardless of age.

Here's a video we found on YouTube, a clip of a live performance courtesy of gawlerpete.

Enjoy!

"Baba o'Riley" (1971)
The Who

Out here in the fields
I fight for my meals
I get my back into my living
I don't need to fight
To prove I'm right
I don't need to be forgiven

Don't cry
Don't raise your eye
It's only teenage wasteland

Sally, take my hand
And travel south 'cross land
Put out the fire
Don't look past my shoulder

The exodus is here
The happy ones are near
Let's get together
Before we get much older

Teenage wasteland
It's only teenage wasteland
Teenage wasteland
Oh, oh
Teenage wasteland
They're all wasted!

Renzie's Early Education in Funk and Cool

2008-10-03T21:06:00.000-07:00

I was born in 1973. Which makes me 35 years old this November. Mom would make outrageous claims that I was jamming out to old albums of The Osmonds when I was a kid. But as far as I can remember, it was this one particular song that had the most impact on me when I was 3 or 4- Stevie Wonder's "Superstition".

I watched me a lot of Sesame Street when I was young. In fact, I could even recite some of the lines of the sketches and songs as they were really burned into the back of my skull somehow. I remember The Pointer Sisters. And James Taylor on the show. And Lena Horne. Paul Simon. Smokey Robinson. Even the late Madeline Khan.

But what really stood out was "Superstition". It had an elaborate setup of instruments and musicians, and kids jammin' out on the balcony, and of course, Mr. Stevie Wonder himself. Man, I funked out to Stevie Wonder when I was 3. After doing a bit of research, here's some stuff I discovered about that particular version of "Superstition".

This performance was recorded live on the set of Sesame Street- right in front of Mr. Hooper's store- in 1972. But check this out: everything was done in one take, and done live.
The lead guitar player? That's a teenaged Ray Parker Jr., man. "A Woman Needs Love"? "You Can't Change That"? The theme from "Ghostbusters" the movie? Yeah, that's him alright.
The rest of Stevie's crew: that's Anthony Jackson on bass (some people say it's Scott Edwards, though)- the same guy who gave you the funky bassline on The O Jay's "For The Love of Money", and you also have Ollie Brown on drums, Trevor Laurence on sax and Steve Madaio on trumpet.

How can you not jam out to this one? Here it is, ladies and gentlemen for your enjoyment:

Much thanks to the boys over at Ryan's Smashing Life Music Weblog for posting this funky-ass video on YouTube. And here's another Stevie Wonder classic on Sesame Street: check this post out from my personal TV blog, Too Much TV | Renzie on TV.

Wanna get more Sesame Street vids and clips? There's a whole lot of em posted all over YouTube, but you may want to check out the official Sesame Street Channel on YouTube here.

Hope you enjoyed this post, ladies and gentlemen.

Cheers!

Tori Amos Live At Montreux CD and DVD Out Now

2008-10-02T08:47:00.000-07:00

Huge news for all you Tori Amos fans out there!

Tori Amos had just released a live CD and DVD titled Tori Amos Live At Montreux. The performances took place just a year apart from each other in July 1991 and July 1992 at the Montreux Jazz Festival. The CD and DVD include Tori’s original music as well as a lot of great cover songs. Check out the track listings below.

Also check out this video of Tori Amos performing "Thank You" at the 1991 Montreaux Jazz Festival. Enjoy!

Here's the official Press Release for the new Tori Amos CD/DVD:

Tori Amos descended on the scene in the early ‘90s brimming with newfound creativity, intelligence, sensitivity and an exacting literary bearing. Celebrated by critics and the public alike, that first spotlight was a heady time in the young singer/songwriter’s career. On September 30, 2008, Eagle Rock Entertainment, through its wholly-owned Eagle Eye Media subsidiary, will release Tori Amos Live At Montreux 1991/1992 on both CD (16 songs) and DVD (90 minutes, 19 songs) simultaneously sold separately. It is a rare glimpse into that initial breathy rush of a great artist’s ascendancy.

The ’91 gig came only months before her Little Earthquakes debut had catapulted her into an instant icon, the ’92 appearance shortly thereafter. The progression in both performance and audience receptivity is appreciable. Material includes most of her stellar debut but also tracks from her indie EPs and some notable covers (Led Zeppelin’s “Whole Lotta Love” and “Thank You” as well as Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit”).

Tori Amos’ stark confessional style immediately garnered millions of young fans searching for some semblance of self in an all too imperfect world. Tori’s melodic sense, coupled with her unerring eye for the human foibles of a generation twice removed from the ‘60s sensibilities of her influences, made for a uniquely special art. There was no, and is no, precedent for such a talent. Tori’s obliquely personal oeuvre digs down deep into such dramatic lyrical topics as sexuality, religion and personal tragedy. She touches that universal chord. It’s small wonder she became a major voice right from the outset of her career.

Track Listings

1991 DVD TRACK LISTING

1. Silent All These Years
2. Precious Things
3. China
4. Crucify
5. Leather
6. Song For Eric
7. Upside Down
8. Happy Phantom
9. Winter
10. Thank You

1992 DVD TRACK LISTING

11. Little Earthquakes
12. Crucify
13. Silent All These Years
14. Precious Things
15. Happy Phantom
16. Whole Lotta Love/Thank You
17. Me And A Gun
18. Winter
19. Smells Like Teen Spirit

CD TRACK LISTING

1991 show:

1. Silent All These Years
2. Precious Things
3. China
4. Crucify
5. Leather
6. Song For Eric
7. Upside Down
8. Happy Phantom
9. Winter
10. Thank You

1992 show

11 Little Earthquakes
12) Precious Things
13) Whole Lotta Love/Thank You
14) Me And A Gun
15) Winter
16) Smells Like Teen Spirit

For more on Tori Amos, check out her entry here on Wikipedia, or her official website here. If you like, you can also visit Tori Amos on her MySpace and Facebook pages.

Cheers, everyone!

Last Song Syndrome: Iggy Pop and Kate Pierson - "Candy" (1991)

2008-09-28T15:03:00.000-07:00

from the player of Renzie Baluyut

I remembered first hearing "Candy" over the radio back in my second year of college. Punk god Iggy Pop finally had a Top 40 hit- which actually sounded alright. But what made it better was that he had a B-52 singing along with him: Kate Pierson.

The B-52's were the trademark party band of the 1980's, with Kate being one of the lead singers, alongside Fred Schneider and Cindy Wilson. So having heard a more sensitive side of Kate Pierson on this particular collaboration was a serendipitous treat.

The song wasn't commercially available in the Philippines, so a fan like me really had no choice but to tune in and wait for "Candy" to be played every 4 hours or so.

Just over the weekend, I put together a 90's easy listening mix and pulled out some tracks I haven't quite heard in a while. So here we go, ladies and gentlemen. Enjoy!

Iggy Pop and Kate Pierson
"Candy" (1991)

Its a rainy afternoon in 1990
The big city... geez, it's been 20 years-
Candy- you were so fine...

Beautiful beautiful
Girl from the north
You burned my heart with a flickering torch
I had a dream that no one else could see
You gave me love for free

Candy, candy, candy I can't let you go
All my life you're haunting me, I loved you so
Candy, candy, candy I can't let you go
Life is crazy
Candy baby

Yeah, well it hurt me real bad when you left
Hey, I'm glad you got out, but...
But I miss you

I've had a hole in my heart for so long
I've learned to fake it and just smile along
Down on the street
Those men are all the same
I need a love
Not games
Not games

Candy, candy, candy I can't let you go
All my life you're haunting me
I loved you so
Candy, candy , candy I can't let you go
Life is crazy
I know, baby
Candy baby

Woh oh oh
Candy, candy, candy I can't let you go
All my life you're haunting me
I loved you so

Candy candy candy
Life is crazy
Candy baby

Candy baby,
Candy, candy

Special thanks to male70s for posting the vid up on YouTube. Check out Iggy Pop's wikipedia entry here, and his official website here. As for Kate Pierson, you can read up on her here, and check her out on the B-52's official website.

Can't get that song out of your head? Then check out more of Renzie's Last Song Syndrome Project, the only blog service dedicated to getting that persistent tune out of your system- by giving you lots more of it!

Cheers, everyone!

Last Song Syndrome: Care - "Whatever Possessed You" (1983)

2008-09-24T14:24:00.000-07:00

Now I stand corrected. You know, all this time as a New Wave enthusiast and a radio professional in the Philippines, I've always referred to the duo of Ian Broudie and Paul Simpson as "The Care", when in fact it's really just "Care".

So Care it is. Not a great deal of listeners even know about Care. But if you're into the whole 80's Alternative/New Wave scene, then you've probably heard of them.

Their more famous songs? "Whatever Possessed You" would definitely be their defining sound with that awesome trademark guitar intro. Of course there's "Flaming Sword", "My Boyish Days" and "Chandeliers".

Formed in 1983, Care never released an album, only singles really- until 1997 (way after the band broke up) with the "Diamonds and Emeralds" compilation CD. And yes, I remember grabbing my own copy from CD Warehouse.

Here's a classic New Wave track I was able to catch on YouTube, courtesy of parkhill62. Check out this old video of "Whatever Possessed You". Enjoy!

Care
"Whatever Possessed You" (1984)

Goodbye my love
Heaven has been wronged
Now our young bent arms don't seem quite so strong
November and all the frost bites
Deep as the snow flowers plowed
This bed is colder than blood or bone

Never knock on my door- whatever possessed you, oh
Somewhere there's an emptiness
Hold me, tie me, I wouldn't dream of it

Beware my love
This tongue is a dying flame
My lies may fall like an acid rain
Maybe the sleet was in silently above the roads
You loving angel, you're skin and bones

Never knock on my door- whatever possessed you, oh
Somewhere there's an emptiness
Hold me, tie me, I wouldn't dream of it

November and all the frost bites... deeper than the snow flowers plowed
This bed is colder than blood or bone

Never knock on my door- whatever possessed you, oh
Somewhere there's an emptiness
Hold me, tie me, I wouldn't dream of it

Check out Care's very own entry on Wikipedia, and the respective official websites of Ian Broudie and Paul Simpson.

Can't get that song out of your head? Then check out more of Renzie's Last Song Syndrome Project, the only blog service dedicated to getting that persistent tune out of your system- by giving you lots more of it!

Cheers, everyone!

Chicks In Music: Shirley Manson of Garbage

2008-09-23T23:22:00.000-07:00

by Renzie Baluyut

Shirley Manson, where the heck have you been all this time?

You probably remember Shirley Manson best as frontwoman for 90's rock group (one of the best 90's acts, in my opinion) Garbage. That's her below with Steve Marker, Duke Erikson and Butch Vig, taken on the set of the video for "Only Happy When It Rains" in 1995.

I'm a huge Garbage fan myself. Since the band exploded into the music scene in the mid-90's, they've come out with five albums: their self-titled debut in '95, Version 2.0 in '98, beautifulgarbage in 2001, Bleed Like Me in 2005 and finally a compilation Absolute Garbage just last year.

Here's one of my absolute favorite Garbage songs: Steve, Duke and Butch were all music producers and had already been working on some songs, but wanted a female vocalist. They caught Shirley Manson performing for Angelfish (her pre-Garbage band), and asked her to come audition.

She did, but hadn't quite nailed it the first time. She auditioned once again though, after Angelfish disbanded. And the vocals for that very same audition made it to the final cut of "Stupid Girl".

So here's Shirley Manson and the dudes of Garbage with the song that made the band famous virtually overnight. Enjoy!

Garbage "Stupid Girl" (1995)

"Stupid Girl" made use of a drum sample from one of The Clash's more radio-friendly tunes that made a hit in 1984 , "Train in Vain". The entire video was shot in just four hours in a warehouse they got for the production. Inspired by the opening sequence of the 1995 movie Se7en, Director Samuel Bayer cut the footage into pieces, soaked it in his bath, then deliberately added thumbprints and abrasions onto them before putting it back together by hand.

In May 2008, Shirley Manson joined the cast of The Sarah Connor Chronicles as a regular, and having seen the first three episodes of the second season, well, let's just say that you know there's definitely a Terminator-on-Terminator smackdown sometime in the near future.

Right now though, we know Shirley's working on a solo album, though no word yet when her album is going to be released.

What I'm Listening To From Shirley Manson Now

The second season of Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles premiered on TV some two weeks ago, picking up from where the first season left off. Without spoiling anything, you have Cameron (the Terminator character played by geek favorite Summer Glau) restoring herself and making her way to the Connor household in the opening scene, to the unmistakable sound of Shirley Manson's vocals- her version of The Grateful Dead's "Samson & Delilah"

A lot of the old Garbage songs are still on my mp3 player, most of which are from the first two albums, including "Milk", "Only Happy When It Rains", "The Trick is to Keep Breathing", "When I Grow Up" and "I Think I'm Paranoid".

Right now though, I'm revisiting "Vow" and "Queer", two songs Garbage released right before they became famous.

Check out Shirley Manson here on her entry on Wikipedia, or you could go ahead and check out the official Garbage website here.

Cheers, everyone.

Chicks In Music is a regular feature on My Thoughts In Stereo. We pay tribute to the hottest ladies in the music industry- with updates, trivia, video clips and links to their websites and social media. Checking out your favorite females in rock, pop and R&B online has never been so gratifying- Chicks in Music!

Renzie's 100 Songs: 80's New Wave Trip

2008-09-23T15:09:00.000-07:00

by Renzie Baluyut

So here I was tagging some photos for uploading, and I decided to bring me up a nice little 80's New Wave playlist. It was a lot of photos, and therefore, I needed quite a bit of New Wave to get things going.

New Wave music does have a great deal of significance to me. It was that time in high school when I decided to listen to something other than the usual Debbie Gibson, Rick Astley and Fra Lippo Lippi (who?). Pop radio was getting increasingly annoying at the time. So me and a few friends decided to, well, soak up on something else.

Years later, when I joined a radio station, I realized that New Wave as a music genre comes in all kinds of music styles. Then your American New Wave doesn't necessarily translate to what was considered New Wave in Europe, and for some strange reason, here in the Philippines, you have people lumping in overplayed pop songs with the New Wave genre.

The lines get blurry, but now I've differentiated 80's music into 3 sub-genres: 80's pop music (which has your usual FM radio fare), 80's rock music (which has your music from The Outfield, U2, Aerosmith, etc.), and then your 80's alternative, in which New Wave falls in (along with 80's Coffeehouse, but that's another post completely).

So anyway, here's a list of a hundred 80's New Wave songs you might want to cue up in your player as well. Enjoy!

10,000 Maniacs - The Peace Train
3 o'Clock - On Paper
The Adventures - Broken Land
The Alarm - Rain in the Summertime
Marc Almond - Say Hello Wave Goodbye
Alphaville - Forever Young
Altered Images - Happy Birthday
Aztec Camera - How Men Are
The B-52's - Legal Tender
B-Movie - Switch On, Switch Off
Bananarama - He Was Really Sayin' Something
Berlin - Like Flames
The Bible - Graceland
Big Audio Dynamite - E=MC2
Big Country - In a Big Country
Blue Nile - Stay
Blue Zoo - Love Moves In Strange Ways
The Bolshoi - Please
Book of Love - Book of Love
Edie Brickell & the New Bohemians - What I Am
Bronski Beat - Smalltown Boy
The Care - Whatever Possessed You
The Chameleons - Tears
China Crisis - Some People I Know To Lead Fantastic Lives
The Church - No Explanation
The Clash - Rock The Casbah
Lloyd Cole & the Commotions - Rich
The Colourfield - Thinking of You
Concrete Blonde - Joey
The Cure - Love Song
Depeche Mode - But Not Tonight
The Dream Academy - Life In a Northern Town
Echo & The Bunnymen - Bring on the Dancing Horses
Erasure - Chains of Love
Fiction Factory - Feels Like Heaven
Figures on a Beach - No Stars
The Fixx - Red Skies
Flesh for Lulu - Postcards from Paradise
A Flock of Seagulls - Transfer Affection
Friends Again - State of Art
Fun Boy Three - Our Lips are Sealed
Gang of Four - Damaged Goods
General Public - Tenderness
H2O - Blue Diamonds
Heaven 17 - Let Me Go
Howard Jones - Life in One Day
The Housemartins - Build
Icehouse - No Promises
Icicle Works - Birds Fly (Whisper To A Scream)
Billy Idol - Catch My Fall
Information Society - What's On Your Mind?
INXS - I Send a Message
Joy Division - Love Will Tear Us Apart
King - Love and Pride
The Lotus Eaters - Palm of my Hand
Love & Rockets - So Alive
Men Without Hats - The Safety Dance
Midnight Oil - The Dead Heart
The Mighty Lemon Drops - Inside Out
Missing Persons - Words
Modern English - Ink and Paper
Nena - 99 Luftballons
New Order - The Perfect Kiss
Gary Numan - Cars
Orchestral Maneouvres in the Dark - Forever Live and Die
Oingo Boingo - We Close Our Eyes
The Pale Fountains - Thank You
Positive Noise - When Lightning Strikes
The Primitives - Crash
The Proclaimers - I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)
The Psychedelic Furs - Love My Way
The Railway Children - A Gentle Sound
REM - It's The End of the world (And I Feel Fine)
Real Life - Catch Me I'm Fallin'
Red Rockers - China
Seona Dancing - More To Lose
Shriekback - Nemesis
Siouxsie and the Banshees - Cities in Dust
Simple Minds - Alive and Kicking
The Sisters of Mercy - Walk Away
The Smiths - Ask
The Sound - Total Recall
So - Are You Sure?
Soft Cell - Kitchen Sink Drama
Strawberry Switchblade - Who Knows What Love Is?
The Style Council - My Everchanging Moods
The Sundays - Here's Where The Story Ends
Tears for Fears - The Way You Are
The The - This is the Day
The Thompson Twins - Hold Me Now
Tuesday Blue - Love Me Simple
Ultravox - All Stood Still
Midge Ure - Dear God
Suzanne Vega - Left of Center
The Violent Femmes - Blister in the Sun
White China - Smiles & Jokes
The Wild Swans - The Worst Year of My Life
X'mal Deutschland - Matador
XTC - Making Plans for Nigel
Vitamin Z - Burning Flame

Pictures on this blog entry courtesy of Wikipedia.

Wanna know what Renzie is listening to right now? Welcome to "Renzie's 100 Songs"- a special feature on "My Thoughts In Stereo" featuring a hundred songs currently playing on Renzie's digital music player- a little over 7 hours worth of great tuneage to set the mood for whatever it is you need to get done.

Share your list by emailing Renzie, or by posting a list of your own via a comment.

Cheers, everyone!

Last Song Syndrome: Paul Simon - "You Can Call Me Al" (1985)

2008-09-11T17:00:00.000-07:00

Now here's some more happy music for you. Was listening to this song on my way to this fantastic beachfront property in Nasugbu, Batangas.

Anyway, I remembered having a challenge figuring out the words and lyrics to "You Can Call Me Al", way back in 1985- I was just about 11 or 12 back then, mind you :) But it's always been a fun song, with an equally fun video featuring Chevy Chase lip-syncing as Paul Simon.

Naturally, I had to post it here on this blog. Good times. Enjoy!

Paul Simon
"You Can Call Me Al" (1985)

A man walks down the street
He says, "Why am I soft in the middle now?
Why am I soft in the middle?
The rest of my life is so hard
I need a photo-opportunity
I want a shot at redemption
Don't want to end up a cartoon in a cartoon graveyard.
Bonedigger, bonedigger
Dogs in the moonlight
Far away my well-lit door
Mr. Beerbelly, Beerbelly
Get these mutts away from me
You know I don't find this stuff amusing anymore."

If you'll be my bodyguard
I can be your long lost pal
I can call you Betty
And Betty when you call me
You can call me Al

A man walks down the street
He says, "Why am I short of attention?
Got a short little span of attention
And -woh- my nights are so long
Where's my wife and family?
What if I die here?
Who'll be my role-model,
Now that my role-model is
Gone, gone?"
He ducked back down the alley
With some roly-poly little bat-faced girl
All along, along
There were incidents and accidents
There were hints and allegations

If you'll be my bodyguard
I can be your long lost pal
I can call you Betty
And Betty when you call me
You can call me Al
Call me Al

A man walks down the street
It's a street in a strange world
Maybe it's the Third World
Maybe it's his first time around
He doesn't speak the language
He holds no currency
He is a foreign man
He is surrounded by the sound, the sound
Cattle in the marketplace
Scatterlings and orphanages
He looks around, around
He sees angels in the architecture
Spinning in infinity
He says Amen! and Hallelujah!

If you'll be my bodyguard
I can be your long lost pal
I can call you Betty
And Betty when you call me
You can call me Al
Call me Al

Video of Paul Simon's "You Can Call Me Al" courtesy of curedude77 on YouTube. Check out Paul Simon's Wikipedia entry here.

Can't get that song out of your head? Then check out more of Renzie's Last Song Syndrome Project, the only blog service dedicated to getting that persistent tune out of your system- by giving you lots more of it!

Cheers, everyone!

Last Song Syndrome: Paramore - "CrushCrushCrush" (2007)

2008-09-06T15:32:00.000-07:00

Man, I just gotta get this song outta my system. Been singing the chorus all day.

By far, my favorite Paramore song so far- "CrushCrushCrush" is the third single off the band's second album Riot! that came out last year.

My sister and I hit a karaoke place a few weeks back- I remember choosing this song, but to our disappointment (well, mostly mine) it didn't have any lyrics to go with it (just the regular music video, really). So I thought I'd get me my Paramore fix by putting up a Last Song Syndrome post right here.

Enjoy!

Paramore
"CrushCrushCrush" (2007)

I got a lot to say to you
Yeah, I got a lot to say
I noticed your eyes are always glued to me
Keeping them here
And it makes no sense at all

They taped over your mouth
Scribbled out the truth with their lies
Your little spies
They taped over your mouth
Scribbled out the truth with their lies
Your little spies

Crush
Crush
Crush
Crush, crush
(Two, three, four! )

Nothing compares to a quiet evening alone
Just the one, two, of us who's counting on
That never happens
I guess I'm dreaming again
Let's be more than, this

If you want to play it like a game
Well, come on, come on, let's play
Cause I'd rather waste my life pretending
Than have to forget you for one whole minute

They taped over your mouth
Scribbled out the truth with their lies
Your little spies
They taped over your mouth
Scribbled out the truth with their lies
Your little spies

Crush
Crush
Crush
Crush, crush
(Two, three, four! )

Nothing compares to a quiet evening alone
Just the one, two of us who's counting on
That never happens
I guess I'm dreaming again
Let's be more than this now

Rock and roll, baby
Don't you know that we're all alone now?
I need something to sing about
Rock and roll, hey (hey)
Don't you know, baby, we're all alone now?
I need something to sing about
Rock and roll, hey (hey)
Don't you know, baby, we're all alone now?
Give me something to sing about

Nothing compares to a quiet evening alone
Just the one, two of us who's counting on
That never happens
I guess I'm dreaming again
Let's be more than

No

Nothing compares to a quiet evening alone
Just the one, two of us who's counting on
That never happens
I guess I'm dreaming again
Let's be more than
More than this
Oh

Video posted on YouTube by McrAndGreenDayRok . Check out more of Paramore on their official website, or on their Wikipedia entry right here.

Can't get that song out of your head? Then check out more of Renzie's Last Song Syndrome Project, the only blog service dedicated to getting that persistent tune out of your system- by giving you lots more of it!

Cheers, everyone!

Renzie's 100 Songs: Retro Trip

2008-08-18T22:35:00.000-07:00

One fine Tuesday afternoon, I find myself doing some cleaning at home, sorting out through some stuff and trying to figure which stuff I'm taking with me to Los Angeles, and which ones to get rid of.

I felt retro-ish today, so I cued up some oldies on my player. So here are a hundred songs you might actually like as well if you're into a variety of 60's and 70's stuff- though looking at the list now, it seems there are more 70's stuff on this playlist.

Enjoy!

10CC - I'm Not In Love
ABBA - Take A Chance On Me
America - Sister Golden Hair
Argent - Hold Your Head Up
Bachman Turner Overdrive - Takin' Care of Business
The Bay City Rollers - Saturday Night
The Bellamy Brothers - Let Your Love Flow
Elvin Bishop - Fooled Around And Fell In Love
Bobby Fuller Four - I Fought The Law
David Bowie - Fame
Blood, Sweat and Tears - Spinning Wheel
Blue Magic - Sideshow
Blue Oyster Cult - Don't Fear The Reaper
Boston - More Than A Feeling
Brownsville Station - Smoking In The Boys' Room
Steve Carlisle - WKRP in Cincinatti
Chad and Jeremy - Before and After
Cheap Trick - I Want You To Want Me
Chicago - Saturday In The Park
Climax Blues Band - Couldn't Get It Right
The Crazy World of Arthur Brown - Fire
Creedence Clearwater Revival - Fortunate Son
Pablo Cruise - Worlds Away
Daddy Dewdrop - Chick-a-Boom (Don't Ya Jes' Love It?)
The Doobie Brothers - Jesus Is Just Alright With Me
The Doobie Brothers - Takin' It To The Streets
The Edgar Wynter Group - Free Ride
Exile - Kiss You All Over
Firefall - Always
Flash and the Pan - And The Band Played On (Down Among The Dead Men)
Free - All Right Now
Marvin Gaye - Got To Give It Up, Part 1
Dobie Gray - Drift Away
Al Green - Let's Stay Together
Nick Gilder - Hot Child In The City
Marshall Hain - Dancing In The City
Hamilton, Joe Frank and Reynolds - Fallin' In Love
George Harrison - My Sweet Lord
Heart - Barracuda
Heatwave - Mind Blowing Decisions
The Hollies - Bus Stop
Rupert Holmes - Escape (The Pina Colada Song)
Hot Chocolate - You Sexy Thing
The Ides of March - Vehicle
The Isley Brothers - Fight The Power
Jefferson Airplane - Somebody To Love
Jigsaw - Sky High
Elton John & Kiki Dee - Don't Go Breakin' My Heart
KC & The Sunshine Band - My Boogie Shoes
Carole King - You're So Vain
Kool & The Gang - Jungle Boogie
Led Zeppelin - The Immigrant Song
Edison Lighthouse - Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes)
Leo Sayer - You Make Me Feel Like Dancing
Lynyrd Skynyrd - Sweet Home Alabama
The Mamas and the Papas - California Dreaming
Maria Muldaur - Midnight At The Oasis
Malo - Suavecito
The Marshall Tucker Band - Last of the Singing Cowboys
Curtis Mayfield - Superfly
Paul McCartney and the Wings - Band On The Run
Paul McCartney and the Wings - Silly Love Songs
Barry McGuire - Eve of Destruction
MFSB ft The Three Degrees - T.S.O.P.
~~Van Morrison~~ King Harvest - Dancing In The Moonlight
David Naughton - Makin' It
The New Beats - I Like Bread and Butter
The New Seekers - I'd Like To Teach The World To Sing
The Nylons - Duke of Earl
Odyssey - Native New Yorker
Ocean - Put Your Hand In The Hand
The O'Jays - For The Love of Money
The O'Jays - I Love Music
Parliament - Give Up The Funk
The Pointer Sisters - Yes We Can Can
Gary Puckett and the Union Gap - Young Girl
Ram Jam - Black Betty
Rare Earth - I Just Wanna Celebrate
Lou Rawls - You'll Never Find
Reunion - Life Is A Rock (But The Radio Rolled Me)
Rhythm Heritage - The Theme from S.W.A.T.
Santana - Evil Ways
Sniff N' The Tears - Driver's Seat
The Spencer Davis Group - Gimme Some Lovin'
Spiral Starecase - Our Day Will Come
The Stampeders - Sweet City Woman
Starland Vocal Band - Afternoon Delight
Donna Summer - Hot Stuff
Sutherland Brothers and Quiver - Arms of Mary
Sweet - Love Is Like Oxygen
T-Rex - 20th Century Boy
Tower of Power - So Very Hard To Go
The Turtles - Happy Together
Vanity Fair - Hitching A Ride
The Walker Brothers - The Sun Ain't Gonna Shine Anymore
WAR - Why Can't We Be Friends?
Bill Withers - Lovely Day
Stevie Wonder - As
Stevie Wonder - I Wish
Gary Wright - Dream Weaver

Wanna know what Renzie is listening to right now? Welcome to "Renzie's 100 Songs"- a special feature on "My Thoughts In Stereo" featuring a hundred songs currently playing on Renzie's digital music player- a little over 7 hours worth of great tuneage to set the mood for whatever it is you need to get done.

Share your list by emailing Renzie, or by posting a list of your own via a comment.

Cheers, everyone!

Damn These International Licensing Issues

2008-08-18T21:17:00.000-07:00

"We're sorry, but this video is unavailable in your country."

Reviewing bits of this particular blog of mine, "My Thoughts In Stereo: Renzie on Music", has revealed a truly annoying trend. As you all know, I have a number of blog posts which incorporates video- so thanks to other music fans all over the world posting their favorites on video-sharing services such as YouTube, AoL Music and other sites, this is all very much possible.

Lately, however, and more particularly on some of my posts I've written while I was in Los Angeles, I've noticed that I couldn't play back some of my embedded videos- mostly due to restraints on certain pieces which cannot be played outside the United States.

So anyway, here I am trying to make my blog more world-friendly, fixing whatever broken links I find, or trying to find alternate links or sites to videos that can, apparently, only be played in the US.

If you've been reading through my blog, and for some reason, come across some video that can't be played or follow a link that can't get you what you want- please do let me know. I realize I may have quite a bit of work going on then.

Cheers, everyone.

Last Song Syndrome: Fergie ft Ludacris - "Glamorous" (2007)

2008-08-18T20:36:00.000-07:00

Man, I love this song. It is, for me, Fergie's best piece of work thus far.

For me, it's memories of soaking in the hot tub at this one particular hotel I stayed in, playing this song over and over 'til I got me enough of the lyrics right to sing to it.

Anyway- lately, some family flew on in from Canada for my brother's wedding- and wouldn't you know it? The lucky ducks get bumped up to first class for their 16+ hour flight from Toronto to Hong Kong. The furthest I ever got upgraded was to Business Class :).

So here we have "Glamorous", the third single released from Fergie's debut solo project, The Dutchess- after "London Bridge" and "Fergalicious", and right before "Big Girls Don't Cry".

Produced by Polow Da Don, "Glamorous" was a massive worldwide hit- in terms of radio airplay, downloads, album sales and saw some really hot rotation on music video channels.

As far as I'm concerned though, it's my all-time favorite Fergie jam, and it's still in my player today.

So check it out, ladies and gentlemen, and sing along to some of Fergie's "The Glamorous Life".

Fergie ft. Ludacris "Glamorous" (2007)

Are you ready? Yeah. Polow da Don. It's Fergie!
If you ain't got no money take your broke ass home
You say: If you ain't got no money take your broke ass home
G-L-A-M-O-R-O-U-S, yeah
G-L-A-M-O-R-O-U-S

We flyin' first class
Up in the sky
Poppin' champagne
Livin' the life
From the fast lane
And I wont change
By the Glamorous, oh the flossy flossy

The glamorous,
The glamorous, glamorous (the glamorous life)
By the Glamorous, oh the flossy flossy
The glamorous,
The glamorous, glamorous (the glamorous life)
By the Glamorous, oh the flossy flossy

Wear them gold and diamonds rings
All them things don't mean a thing
Chaperons and limousines
Shopping for expensive things
I be on the movie screens
Magazines and bougie scenes
I'm not clean, I'm not pristine
I'm no queen, I'm no machine

I still go to Taco Bell
Drive through, raw as hell
I don't care, I'm still real
No matter how many records I sell
After the show or after the Grammies
I like to go cool out with the family
Sippin', reminiscing on days when I had a Mustang
And now I'm in...

First class
Up in the sky
Poppin' champagne
Livin' the life
From the fast lane
And I wont change
By the Glamorous, oh the flossy flossy

The glamorous,
The glamorous, glamorous (the glamorous life)
By the Glamorous, oh the flossy flossy
The glamorous,
The glamorous, glamorous (the glamorous life)
By the Glamorous, oh the flossy flossy

[Ludacris:]
I'm talking Champagne wishes, caviar dreams
You deserve nothing but all the finer things
Now this whole world has no clue what to do with us
I've got enough money in the bank for the two of us
Plus I gotta keep enough lettuce
To support your shoe fetish
Lifestyles so rich and famous
Robin Leach will get jealous
Half a million for the stones
Taking trips from here to Rome
So if you ain't got no money take your broke ass home

G-L-A-M-O-R-O-U-S, yeah
G-L-A-M-O-R-O-U-S

We flyin' first class
Up in the sky
Poppin' champagne
Livin' the life
In the fast lane
And I wont change
By the Glamorous, oh the flossy flossy

The glamorous,
The glamorous, glamorous (the glamorous life)
By the Glamorous, oh the flossy flossy
The glamorous,
The glamorous, glamorous (the glamorous life)
By the Glamorous, oh the flossy flossy

I got problems up to here
I've got people in my ear
Telling me these crazy things
That I don't want to know (fuck y'all)
I've got money in the bank
And I'd really like to thank
All the fans, I'd like to thank
Thank you really though

Cause I remember yesterday
When I dreamt about the days
When I'd rock on MTV, that be really dope
Damn, It's been a long road
And the industry is cold
I'm glad my daddy told me so, he let his daughter know.
(If you ain't got no money, get yo' broke ass home)
I'm glad my daddy told me so,
(If you ain't got no money, get yo' broke ass home)
He let his daughter know.
(If you ain't got no money, get yo' broke ass home)
I'm glad my daddy told me so,
(If you ain't got no money, get yo' broke ass home)
He let his daughter know.

Video from Jack2102 on YouTube. Wanna read more about Fergie and her work? Check out her entry on Wikipedia, or even better- check out her official website.

Can't get that song out of your head? Then check out more of Renzie's Last Song Syndrome Project, the only blog service dedicated to getting that persistent tune out of your system- by giving you lots more of it!

Cheers, everyone!

The Dr. Horrible Sing-Along Blog Songbook, Part 3 of 3

2008-07-24T00:16:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Part 3 (of 3) of my Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog Songbook- a special series on this blog, My Thoughts In Stereo, paying tribute to the brilliant internet musical directed by Joss Whedon.

In our last couple posts, we took on the first several songs from Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog: From the first act- "My Freeze Ray", "Bad Horse (The Application)", "Penny's Song", and "What A Man's Gotta Do", and then from the second- "On The Rise", "Bad Horse (The Phone Call)", "Keep Your Head Up" and "Brand New Day".

This post features the songs of the last, third act:

"So They Say"
"Everyone's A Hero"
"Slipping", and finally
"The Finale / Brand New Day (reprise)"

So let's get this show on the road- ladies and gentlemen, the music of "Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog" Act 3:

The People of Los Angeles
"So They Say"
Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog, Act 3

Moving Guy #1: So they say Captain Hammer’s become a crusader-
political, he’s cleaning up the streets.
Moving Guy #2: About time

Groupie #1: So they say that it’s real love
Groupies: So romantic!
Groupie #2: He signed this.

Penny: So they say we’ll have blankets and beds
We can open by Monday thanks to you
Captain Hammer: Thanks to me!

News Anchors: It’s the perfect story
Newsman: So they say
Newslady: A hero leading the way
News Anchors: Hammer’s called to glory
Newslady: Let’s all be our best
Newsman: Next up, who’s gay?

Groupie #3: So they say he saved her life
Groupie #1: They say she works with the homeless
And doesn’t eat meat- we have a...
Groupies: ...problem with her!
Groupie #2: This is his hair.

Captain Hammer: This is so nice
I just might sleep with the same girl twice
They say it’s better the second time
They say you get to do the weird stuff
Groupies: We do the weird stuff!

Penny: This is perfect for me so they say
I guess he’s pretty OK
After years of stormy sailing
Have I finally found the bay?

*phone rings*
Moist: (to Pink Pummeller) He’s still not picking up...

Dr. Horrible and Penny: There’s no happy ending, so they say...
Dr. Horrible: ...not for me anyway
Penny: Should I stop pretending, or is this a brand new day?
Horrible: ...Stop pretending, take the chance to build
a brand new day!

Groupie #2: This is his dry cleaning bill
Groupies: Four sweater vests!

Captain Hero feat. the People of Los Angeles
"Everyone's a Hero"
Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog, Act 3

You know what? I don't need tiny cue cards.
When I fell deeply in love with my serious, long-term girlfriend, Penny-
Wave your hand, Penny-
*sporadic applause*
There she is! Cute, huh? Sort of a quiet, nerdy thing- not my usual- but nice.
Anyway, she turned me on to this whole- homeless thing- which is terrible.
And I realized, I'm not the only hero in this room tonight. I'm not the only one fighting.

It may not feel too classy
Begging just to eat
But you know who does that? Lassie
And she always gets a treat

So you wonder what your part is
Because you’re homeless and depressed
But home is where the heart is
So your real home’s in your chest

Everyone’s a hero in their own way
Everyone’s got villains they must face
They’re not as cool as mine
But folks you know it’s fine to know your place

Everyone’s a hero in their own way
In their own not-that-heroic way

So I thank my girlfriend Penny
Yeah, we totally had sex
She showed me there’s so many
Different muscles I can flex

There’s the deltoids of compassion
There’s the abs of being kind
It’s not enough to bash in heads
You’ve got to bash in minds

Everyone’s a hero in their own way
Everyone’s got something they can do
Get up go out and fly
Especially that guy he smells like poo

Everyone’s a hero in their own way
You and you and mostly me and you

I’m poverty’s new sherriff
And I’m bashing in the slums
A hero doesn’t care if you’re a bunch of scary
Alcoholic bums- Everybody!

Everyone’s a hero in their own way
Everyone can blaze a hero’s trail
Don’t worry if it’s hard,
if you’re not a friggin ‘tard you will prevail

Everyone’s a hero in their own way
Everyone's a hero in their–

Dr. Horrible
"Slipping"
Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog, Act 3

Look at these people, amazing how sheep'll
Show up for the slaughter
No one condemning, you lined up like lemmings
You lead to the water

Why can’t they see what I see Why can’t they hear the lies
Maybe the fee’s too pricey for them to realize
Your disguise is slipping, I think you’re slipping

Now that your savior’s as still as the grave
You’re beginning to fear me
Like cavemen fear thunder, I still have to wonder
Can you really hear me?

I bring you pain, the kind you can’t suffer quietly
Fire up your brain remind you inside you’re rioting
Society is slipping, everythings slipping away, so...

Go ahead- run away! Say it was horrible!
Spread the word- tell a friend! Tell them the tale!
Get a pic- do a blog: Heroes are over with!
Look at him- not a word! Hammer meet nail!

Then I win, then I get everything I ever
All the cash, all the fame and social change
Anarchy that I run- it’s Dr. Horrible’s turn
You people all have to learn
This world is going to burn... burn...
...yeah, it’s two R’s... H-O-R-R then I...
Burn!

No sign of Penny? Good.
I would give anything not to have her see
It’s gonna be bloody- head up, Billy-buddy
There’s no time for mercy

Here goes no mercy–
*sound of machinery dying down*
That’s... not a good sound...
*Thwack!*

Dr. Horrible
"The Finale / Brand New Day (reprise) "
Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog, Act 3

Here lies everything- the world I wanted at my feet
My victory’s complete, so hail to the king
(Everything you ever...)
Arise and see

So your world’s benign, so you think justice has a voice
And we all have a choice- well now your world is mine
(Everything you ever...)
And I am fine...

Now the nightmare’s real
Now Dr. Horrible is here to make you quake with fear!
To make the whole world kneel
(Everything you ever)
And I wont feel … a thing

"Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog" was directed by Joss Whedon. Written by Joss, with brothers Jed and Zack, along with Maurissa Tancharoen. Music by both Joss and Jed. Lyrics by Joss, Jed and Maurissa. Stars Neil Patrick Harris as Dr. Horrible, Nathan Fillion as Captain Hammer, and Felicia Day as Penny.

Sing along to your other favorite Dr. Horrible songs by checking out parts 1 and 2 of my Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog Songbook, right here on my own blog (which you can really, now sing along to as well...), My Thoughts In Stereo.

Check out Part 1 of the Dr. Horrible Sing-Along Blog Songbook here, featuring the songs

"Laundry Day",
"Bad Horse (The Application)",
"Caring Hand", and
"A Man's Gotta Do What a Man's Gotta Do"

Check out Part 2 of the Dr. Horrible Sing-Along Blog Songbook here, featuring the songs

"On The Rise",
"Bad Horse (The Phone Call)",
"Keep Your Head Up", and
"Brand New Day"

Again: don't forget to check out the official Dr. Horrible website, and show your support by downloading your own copy from iTunes.

Cheers, everyone!

The Dr. Horrible Sing-Along Blog Songbook, Part 2 of 3

2008-07-23T22:16:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Part 2 (of 3) of my Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog Songbook- a special series on this blog, My Thoughts In Stereo, paying tribute to the brilliant internet musical directed by Joss Whedon.

In our last post, we took on the first batch of songs from Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog: "My Freeze Ray", "Bad Horse (The Application)", "Penny's Song", and "What A Man's Gotta Do".

In this post, we are providing lyrics you can sing to as you watch Act 2 over and over again:

"On The Rise",
"Bad Horse (The Phone Call)",
"Keep Your Head Up", and
"Brand New Day"

So let's get on with Act 2 shall we? Here we go:

Dr. Horrible & Penny
"On The Rise"
Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog, Act 2

(Dr. Horrible)
Any dolt with half a brain
Can see that humankind has gone insane
To the point where I don’t know
If I’ll upset the status quo
If I throw poison in the water main.

Listen close to everybody’s heart
And hear that breaking sound
Hopes and dreams are shattering apart
And crashing to the ground

I cannot believe my eyes
How the world’s filled with filth and lies
But it’s plain to see evil inside of me
Is on the rise.

(Penny)
Look around
We’re living with the lost and found
Just when you feel you’ve almost drowned
You find yourself on solid ground

And you believe there’s good in everybody’s heart
Keep it safe and sound
With hope you can do your part
To turn a life around

I cannot believe my eyes
Is the world finally growing wise?
Because it seems to me some kind of harmony
Is on the rise

Dr. Horrible: Anyone with half a brain
Penny: Take it slow

Dr. Horrible: Could spend their whole life howling in pain
Penny: He looks at me and seems to know

Dr. Horrible: Because the dark is everywhere and
Penny: The things that I’m afraid to show

Dr. Horrible: Penny doesn’t seem to care that soon the dark in me is all that will remain
Penny: And suddenly I feel this glow

Dr. Horrible: Listen close to everybody’s heart
Penny: And I believe there’s good in everybody’s heart

Dr. Horrible: And hear that breaking sound
Penny: Keep it safe and sound

Dr. Horrible: Hopes and dreams are shattering apart
Penny: With hope you can do your part

Dr. Horrible: And crashing to the ground
Penny: To turn a life around

Dr. Horrible: I cannot believe my eyes
how the world’s filled with filth and lies
Penny: I cannot believe my eyes
how the world’s finally growing wise

Dr. Horrible: But it’s plain to see evil inside of me is on the rise
Penny: And it’s plain to see rapture inside of me is on the rise

The Bad Horse Chorus
"Bad Horse (The Phone Call)"
Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog, Act 2

Dr. Horrible: Not to worry, though, 'coz I'm...
*mobile phone rings*
Dr. Horrible: Uh...one sec

He saw the operation
You tried to pull today
But your humiliation means he still votes “neigh”
And now assassination is just the only way

There will be blood, it might be yours
So go kill someone, signed, Bad Horse

Penny
"Keep Your Head Up"
Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog, Act 2

Here’s a story of a girl
Who grew up lost and lonely
Thinking love was fairy tale
And trouble was made only
For me

Even in the darkness, every color can be found
And every day of rain brings
Water flowing to things
Growing in the ground

Grief replaced with pity
For a city barely copin'
Dreams are easy to achieve
If hope is all I’m hopin' to be

Anytime you’re hurt
There’s one who has it worse around
And every drop of rain will keep you
Growing seeds you’re sowing in the ground

So keep your head up billy buddy

Dr. Horrible
"Brand New Day"
Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog, Act 2

This appeared as a moral dilemma
Cause at first it was weird though
I swore to eliminate the worst of the plague
That devoured humanity,
It’s true I was vague on the ‘How’
So how can it be that you
Have shown me the light?

It’s a brand new day
And the sun is high
All the birds are singing
That you’re gonna die
How I hesitated
Now I wonder why
It’s a brand new day

All the times that you beat me unconscious?
I’ll forgive
All the crimes incomplete?
Listen, honestly, I’ll live
Mr. Cool, Mr. Right, Mr. Know-it-all is through
Now my future’s so bright and
I owe it all to you
Who showed me the light

It’s a brand new me
I’ve got no remorse
Now the water’s rising but I know the course
I’m gonna shock the world
Gonna show Bad Horse
It’s a brand new day

And Penny will see the evil me
Not a joke not a dork not a failure
And she may cry but her tears will dry
When I hand her the keys
To a shiny new Australia.

It’s a brand new day
Yeah the sun is high
All the angels sing
Because you’re gonna die

Go ahead and laugh
Yeah I’m a funny guy
Tell everyone goodbye
It’s a brand new day

"Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog" was directed by Joss Whedon. Written by Joss, with brothers Jed and Zack, along with Maurissa Tancharoen. Music by both Joss and Jed. Lyrics by Joss, Jed and Maurissa. Stars Neil Patrick Harris as Dr. Horrible, Nathan Fillion as Captain Hammer, and Felicia Day as Penny.

Sing along to your other favorite Dr. Horrible songs by checking out parts 1 and 3 of my Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog Songbook, right here on my own blog (which you can really, now sing along to as well...), My Thoughts In Stereo.

Check out Part 1 of the Dr. Horrible Sing-Along Blog Songbook here, featuring the songs

"My Freeze Ray",
"Bad Horse (The Application)",
"Penny's Song", and
"What a Man's Gotta Do"

Check out Part 3 of the Dr. Horrible Sing-Along Blog Songbook here, featuring the songs

"So They Say"
"Everyone's A Hero"
"Slipping" and
"Finale/ Brand New Day (reprise)"

Again: don't forget to check out the official Dr. Horrible website, and show your support by downloading your own copy from iTunes.

Cheers, everyone!

The Dr. Horrible Sing-Along Blog Songbook, Part 1 of 3

2008-07-23T02:09:00.000-07:00

As you probably may have read on another blog of mine, my player has recently been cranking out tunes from the internet phenomenon "Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog".

I know the free viewing on the official website is over- which was why I downloaded my own copies of all three acts on iTunes- so I could watch and listen to it over and over again. Absolutely brilliant!

Heck, Joss Whedon and the crew he put together is surely deserving of a few bucks of our support, right? So download them from iTunes now :D

In the meantime, while you enjoy the brilliant internet musical masterpiece that is Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog, I've put together some lyrics for us all to actually sing-along with. On our blogs, no less!

So, welcome to Part 1 of 3 of The Dr. Horrible Sing-Along Blog Songbook- a special feature on My Thoughts In Stereo. This post featuring the songs from Act 1:

"My Freeze Ray",
"Bad Horse (The Application)",
"Penny's Song", and
"What a Man's Gotta Do"

Cue your players, and start singing. Enjoy!

Dr. Horrible
"My Freeze Ray"
Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog, Act I

Here's one from deadnotsleeping: "...long-time watcher, first time writing... blah, blah, blah, blah...you're always saying on your blog, 'you'll show her the way', 'show her you're a true villain'. Who is 'her'? And... does she even know that... you're..."

Laundry day. See you there.
Under-things tumbling.
Wanna say, "Love your Hair".
Here I go mumbling.

With my Freeze Ray I will stop-
The world
With my Freeze Ray I will find the time
To find the words to-

Tell you how, how you make,
make me feel- what’s the phrase?
Like a fool, kinda sick,
Special needs, anyways...

With my Freeze Ray I will stop-
The pain
It’s not a Death Ray or an Ice Beam
That’s all Johnny Snow
I just think you need time to know

That I’m the guy to make it real,
The feelings you don’t dare to feel
I’ll bend the world to our will
And we’ll make time stand still

That’s the plan. Rule the world.
You and me. Any day.
Love your hair.
(Penny) "What?"
(Dr. Horrible) "No, I… I, uh… Love the air"
Anyway...

With my Freeze Ray I will stop–

Bad Horse Chorus
"Bad Horse (The Application)"
Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog, Act I

Dr. Horrible: Oh my God *tears envelope*
Moist: Is that from the league?
Dr. Horrible: It's from HIM, that's his seal, isn't it?
Moist: Er, leader? Oh my God...
Dr. Horrible: I got a letter from Bad Horse.
Moist: That's so hardcore... Bad Horse is legend,
he rules the league with an iron hoof- are you sure you want to...

Bad Horse, Bad Horse.
Bad Horse, Bad Horse.

He rides across the nation
The thoroughbred of sin
He got the application
That you just sent in

It needs evaluation
So let the games begin
A heinous crime, a show of force
A murder would be nice, of course

Bad Horse, Bad Horse.
Bad Horse, he’s bad!

The Evil League of Evil
Is watching so beware
The grade that you receive
Will be your last we swear

So make the Bad Horse gleeful
Or he’ll make you his mare...
You’re saddled up
There’s no recourse
It’s- Hi-Ho Silver! -signed, Bad Horse

Penny
"Penny's Song"
Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog, Act I

Will you lend a caring hand,
To shelter those who need it?

Only have to sign your name,
Don’t even have to read it.

Would you help...? No?
How about you?

Dr. Horrible, Captain Hammer and Penny
"What a Man's Gotta Do"
Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog, Act I

(Dr. Horrible)
A man’s gotta do
What a man’s gotta do
Don’t plan the plan
If you can’t follow through

All that matter's
Taking matters into your own hands
Soon I’ll control everything
My wish is your comma-

(Captain Hammer)
Stand back, everyone,
Nothin here to see
Just imminent danger
In the middle of it, me

Yes, Captain Hammer’s here
Hair blowing in the breeze
The day needs my saving expertise...

A man’s gotta do
what a man’s gotta do
Seems destiny ends with me saving you
The only doom that’s looming is you loving me to death
So I’ll give you a sec to catch your breath

Dr. Horrible: You idiot!
Captain Hammer: Dr. Horrible, I should have known you were behind this.
Dr. Horrible: You almost killed her-
Captain Hammer: I remember differently
Dr. Horrible: Is she- *nngng*
*Captain Hammer grabs Dr. Horrible by the throat*
Captain Hammer: It's curtains for you, Dr. Horrible. Lacy, gently wafting curtains.
Dr. Horrible: *Glurk*?

(Penny)
Thank you Hammer-man,
I don’t think I can
Explain how important it was
That you stopped the van

I would be splattered
I’d be crushed into debris
Thank you sir, for saving me

(Everyone)
Captain Hammer: Don’t worry about it- A man’s gotta do
what a man’s gotta do
Penny: You came from above...
Dr. Horrible: Are you kidding?!

Captain Hammer: Seems destiny ends with me saving you
Penny: I wonder what you’re captain of?
Dr. Horrible: What heist were you watching? Stop looking at her like that!

Captain Hammer: When you’re the best, you can’t rest, what’s the use?
Penny: My heart is beating like a drum...
Dr. Horrible: Did you notice that he threw you in the garbage?

Captain Hammer: If ass needs kicking, some ticking bomb to defuse...
Penny: Must…. Must be in shock
Dr. Horrible: I stopped the van… The remote control was in my hand

Captain Hammer: The only doom that’s looming is you loving me to death
Penny: ...assuming I’m not loving you to death...
Dr. Horrible: What…ever!

Captain Hammer: So please give me a sec to catch my breath.
Penny: ...please give me a sec to catch my breath.
Dr. Horrible: Balls!

"Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog" was directed by Joss Whedon. Written by Joss, with brothers Jed and Zack, along with Maurissa Tancharoen. Music by both Joss and Jed. Lyrics by Joss, Jed and Maurissa. Stars Neil Patrick Harris as Dr. Horrible, Nathan Fillion as Captain Hammer, and Felicia Day as Penny.

Sing along to your other favorite Dr. Horrible songs by checking out parts 1 and 3 of my Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog Songbook, right here on my own blog (which you can really, now sing along to as well...), My Thoughts In Stereo.

Check out Part 2 of the Dr. Horrible Sing-Along Blog Songbook here, featuring the songs

"On The Rise",
"Bad Horse (The Phone Call)",
"Keep Your Head Up", and
"Brand New Day"

Check out Part 3 of the Dr. Horrible Sing-Along Blog Songbook here, featuring the songs

"So They Say"
"Everyone's A Hero"
"Slipping" and
"Finale/ Brand New Day (reprise)"

Again: don't forget to check out the official Dr. Horrible website, and show your support by downloading your own copy from iTunes.

Cheers, everyone!

20 Must-Download Songs This Month, According To Blender (July 2008)

2008-07-07T06:16:00.000-07:00

Welcome to our very first post of the Must-Download series of blog posts on "My Thoughts In Stereo".

Our goal is to help you filter through all the new music you'd probably be bombarded with through YouTube, Yahoo, Rhapsody, IMeem, MySpace, LastFM, Pandora, or whatever other online source. Not to mention terrestial radio and music video channels on TV.

So take an effort to get in on the freshest tracks- thanks to Blender magazine's very own recommendations. Enjoy!

Beck - "Modern Guilt"
Nas - "Be A Nigger Too"
The Ting Tings - "Great DJ"
Wolf Parade - "Language City"
Leona Lewis - "I Will Be"
Lil Wayne - "Lisa Marie"
Hot Chip - "One Pure Thought"
Jim Jones ft Juelz Santana and NOE - "Splash"
Death Cab for Cutie - "Long Division"
Mariah Carey ft T-Pain - "Migrate"
Bobby Creekwater - "Fucking Up My Cool"
Spiritualized - "Soul On Fire"
Usher - "This Ain't Sex"
Coldplay - "Violet Hill"
Katy Perry - "Hot N Cold"
No Age - "Things I Did When I Was Dead"
Discovery - "Orange Shirt"
Love As Laughter - "Crosseyed Beautiful Youngunz"
Busta Rhymes ft T-Pain - "Blown"
Weezer - "Pork and Beans"

So get to it- start downloading!

Cheers, everyone!

Much More Music: KT Tunstall - Suddenly I See (2006)

2008-07-01T20:31:00.000-07:00

Here's a real fun tune to strum along to on guitar. I was getting ready for my flight back to the Philippines when this song started playing on Pandora.

Sorta wished I had my guitar with me at the time so I could've played along with it.

Anyway, here's Scottish singer-songwriter KT Tunstall for ya, who broke into the music scene with "Black Horse and the Cherry Tree" in 2005.

As for this song we have featured today- "Suddenly I See"- it's been featured prominently on film and TV- most notably, on the opening scenes of The Devil Wears Prada, as well as on Grey's Anatomy, The Hills, So You Think You Can Dance, Ugly Betty and even Cold Case.

Personally though, I associate "Suddenly I See" with Grey's Anatomy the most.

Anyway, here we have KT Tunstall, with a very fun video that's posted up on YouTube for you to play along to. Plus some lyrics and chords for your enjoyment. Have fun!

KT Tunstall
"Suddenly I See" (2006)


Intro:
D   C   D   C G
D   C   D   C G
D   C   D   C G

D                    C
Her face is a map of the world
          D        C  G
Is a map of the world
  D                     C
You can see she's a beautiful girl
            D           C  G
She's a beautiful girl
Em          A              F#             D
And everything around her is a silver pool of light
Em           A                   F#         D
The people who surround her feel the benefit of it
       G
It makes you calm
Em             G7           D
She holds you captivated in her palm

---CHORUS---
     B7         F#
Suddenly I see
    (Suddenly I see)
  G            D
This is what I wanna be
     B7         F#
Suddenly I see
    (Suddenly I see)
G               C                B7        F#
Why the hell it means so much to me
                        (Suddenly I see)
  G            D
This is what I wanna be
     B7         F#
Suddenly I see
    (Suddenly I see)
G               C                (D)
Why the hell it means so much to me


C   D   C G
D   C   D   C G

D                     C
I feel like walking the world
           D      C  G
Like walking the world
  D                      C
You can hear she's a beautiful girl
            D     C  G
She's a beautiful girl
Em             A                 F#                D
She fills up every corner like she's born in black and white
Em              A                  F#          D
Makes you fe-el warmer when you're trying to remember
   G
What you heard
Em                 G7           D
She likes to leave you hanging on a wire

CHORUS

D             C
And she's taller than most
D             C          G
And she's looking at me
D                 C                   D             C  G
I can see her eyes looking from a page of a magazine
D                   C                      D         C
Oh she makes me feel like I could be a tower - A big strong tower yeah

|D                      C
|   She got the power to be, the power to give,
|       D                 C           G
|   The power to see yeah yeah (Suddenly I...
---x4

CHORUS x2

Visit KT Tunstall's official website for a lot of great stuff- exclusive pictures, tour schedules, wallpaper, and other fan-friendly downloads, or you could also check out her entry on Wikipedia.

Check out more of the Much More Music Project- this blog's attempt to put together my personal views on favorite songs, along with lyrics to sing by, embedded music videos, and even guitar chords, if you feel like playing along with it.

Cheers, everyone!

33 Most Wanted Songs According to AOL Music (July 2008)

2008-07-01T05:17:00.000-07:00

Need to update what's in your mp3 player? Need some new tunes to spruce up your stale selection of music? Well, you've come to the right place!

Welcome to the maiden post of Most Wanted Music- a new series of updates on this blog, "My Thoughts In Stereo" where we feature a list of songs you probably should be getting into right now.

In fact, here's a list of what America is actually listening to right now for the month of July 2008, based on AoL Music's top searches, downloads and video plays.

Enjoy!

Lil Wayne - "Lollipop"
Danity Kane - "Damaged"
Mariah Carey - "Bye Bye"
Clay Aiken - "On My Way Here"
Vanessa Hudgens - "Sneakernight"
Madonna ft Justin Timberlake and Timbaland - "4 Minutes"
Three 6 Mafia - "Lolli Lolli (Pop That Body)"
Motley Crue - "Saints of Los Angeles"
Chris Brown - "Take You Down"
Taylor Swift - "Picture To Burn"
Usher ft Young Jeezy - "Love In This Club"
Carrie Underwood - "Last Name"
Ray J - "All I Feel"
Rascal Flatts - "Every Day"
Janet Jackson - "Rock With U"
Brad Paisley - "I'm Still A Guy"
R. Kelly - "Hair Braider"
Jonas Brothers - "When You Look Me In The Eyes"
Flo Rida - "Elevator"
Ashanti - "The Way That I Love You"
Drive-by Truckers - "Two Daughters and a Beautiful Wife"
Adele - "Chasing Pavements"
Jamie Lidell - "Another Day"
Cut Copy - "Lights and Music"
Eli "Paperboy" Reed & The True Loves - "Am I Wasting My Time"
Flight of the Conchords - "Ladies of the World"
Yeasayer - "Wait For The Summer"
Russian Circles - "Station"
Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin - "The Beach Song"
Hercules and Love Affair - "Roar"
Jack Peñate - "Torn on the Platform"
Jack Johnson - "Sleep Through The Static"
The Roots - "75 Bars (Black's Reconstruction)"

Fire up your browsers and start downloading!

Cheers, everyone!

Much More Music: Journey - "Don't Stop Believing" (1981)

2008-06-28T11:53:00.000-07:00

My sister and I were out with her friends the other night, at this great place in Burbank called Sardo's (which I should really write about some time). It was a fun night for drinking and karaoke. Just before closing time, what really brought the house down was this one particular song- "Don't Stop Believing" by Journey.

Truly a great song. Everybody had a great time.

Here's a video we can all appreciate, courtesy of the Veoh Video Network. Sing along, play along, hell, have a good time. Ladies and gentlemen, here's probably the best karaoke song of all time- "Don't Stop Believing" by Journey.

Journey
"Don't Stop Believing" (1981)

[Capo 2]
/ D A Bm G / D A F#m G / :

Just a small town girl living in a lonely world
She took the midnight train going anywhere
Just a city boy born and raised in south Detroit
He took the midnight train going anywhere

/ D A Bm G / D A F#m G / :

A singer in a smoky room
A smell of wine and cheap perfume
For a smile they can share the night
It goes on and on and on and on

{Refrain}
Strangers, waiting, up and down the boulevard
Their shadows searching in the night
Streetlight people, living just to find emotion
Hiding somewhere in the night

/ G - D - / / / G - AD ADG

Online Videos by Veoh.com

Working hard to get my fill
Everybody wants a thrill
Paying anything to roll the dice
Just one more time

Some will win, some will lose
Some were born to sing the blues
Oh the movie never ends
It goes on and on and on and on

{Refrain}

Don't stop believing
Hold on to that feeling
Streetlight people
{Repeat}

/ D A / Bm G / D A F#m G /

Check out Journey on their entry on the AllMusicGuide, or read more about the band on their official website, or on their entry on Wikipedia.

Check out more of the Much More Music Project- this blog's attempt to put together my personal views on favorite songs, along with lyrics to sing by, embedded music videos, and even guitar chords, if you feel like playing along with it.

Cheers, everyone!

RIAA Ordered To Pay Up

2008-06-28T11:35:00.000-07:00

Another victory for the underdogs.

Remember the RIAA's lawsuit against Tanya Andersen? Here's a quick review: The Recording Industry Association of America slapped a file-sharing lawsuit against Andersen, a 41 year old disabled single mother living in Oregon, supposedly for downloading songs on her PC using Kazaa.

After a while, Tonya then hit back, countersuing the RIAA for Oregon RICO violations, fraud, invasion of privacy, abuse of process, electronic trespass, violation of the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, negligent misrepresentation, the tort of "outrage", and deceptive business practices.

Here's where we are right now.

U.S. District Judge James A. Redden of Oregon has just awarded Anderson $108,000 in legal fees to compensate for defending herself against the the RIAA. Judge Redden ruled that the RIAA's arguments against legal fees were "misplaced."

Earlier in August, a federal judge already ordered the RIAA to pay $68,685 in litigation costs to two Oklahoma women whose cases were dismissed.

That'll show the RIAA for suing everyone they declare a file-sharer, even without any hard evidence.

According to the Attack of The Show Blog:

The RIAA dropped the case against Andersen last year after concluding “her hard drive didn't contain purloined music tracks. The RIAA initially claimed a Kazaa shared directory that linked to her internet-protocol address was unlawfully distributing thousands of songs.”

In response to the lawsuit against her, Andersen has countersued the RIAA in a case seeking class-action status to represent the thousands of persons she believes have been wrongly sued by the RIAA. That case has been dismissed three times, and its fourth try is pending.

Can't wait to see what happens next.

Sources:
G4TV's Attack of The Show Blog: RIAA Must Pay P2P Legal Fees
Wired.com: Judge Orders Legal Fees in RIAA v Andersen

Last Song Syndrome: Danity Kane - Damaged (2008)

2008-06-27T02:48:00.000-07:00

If there was just one song that I could associate with my recent visit to LA, I'd say it would have to be "Damaged" by Danity Kane.

I already had the song loaded onto my iPod just before leaving Manila, so it was already playing at a fairly hot rotation. I couldn't help but notice it: the damn song was everywhere- radio stations, sports clubs, karaoke bars, restaurants- it was borderline irritating.

My sister even said that it was an anthem of sorts. She had this friend that had an officemate who was singing it all week. I have another friend who was singing it after a bad fight with his boyfriend. Anthem.

Nevertheless, it's makes for great pop tuneage. In the interest of getting said song out of my head, and help getting same song out of other people's heads, we're featuring it here on Last Song Syndrome.

So here we have it, ladies and gentlemen- Danity Kane, with "Damaged". Video courtesy of Diddy's DanityKaneVideos channel on YouTube (Diddy does a fairly extended intro though- you don't see the video until the 2:38 mark). Enjoy!

Danity Kane
"Damaged" (2008)

Do, do you got a first aid kit handy?
Do, do you know how to patch up a wound?
Tell me, are-are-are-are you?
Are you patient, understanding?
'Coz I might need some time to clear the hole in my heart and I...
(I've tried every remedy
And nothing seems to work for me)

Baby (baby),
This situation’s driving me crazy
And I really wanna be your lady
But the one before you left me so

Damaged, damaged
Damaged, damaged
I thought that I should let you know
That my heart is damaged, damaged
So damaged (so damaged)
And you can blame the one before
So how you gonna fix it, fix it, fix it?
(Baby, I gotta know)
How you gonna fix it, fix it, fix it?
(What you are gonna do, baby?)
How you gonna fix it, fix it, fix it?
(Baby, I gotta know)
How you gonna fix it, fix it, fix it?
(What you are gonna do?)

Do, Do you got a first aid kit handy?
Do, Do you know how to patch up a wound?
Tell me, are-are-are-are you?
Are you patient, understanding?
'Coz I might need some time to clear the hole in my heart and I...

You try to gain my trust
Talking is not enough
Actions speak louder than words
You gotta show me something
My heart is missing some pieces
I need this puzzle put together again

Damaged, damaged
Damaged, damaged
I thought that I should let you know
That my heart is damaged, damaged
So damaged (so damaged)
And you can blame the one before
So how you gonna fix it, fix it, fix it?
(Baby, I gotta know)
How you gonna fix it, fix it, fix it?
(What you are gonna do, baby?)
How you gonna fix it, fix it, fix it?
(Baby, I gotta know)
How you gonna fix it, fix it, fix it?
(What you are gonna do?)

Can you fix my h-e-a-r-t?
Cause it d-a-m-a-g-e-d?
Can you fix my h-e-a-r-t?
Tell me are you up for the challenge
Cause my heart is
Damaged, damaged
Damaged, damaged
I thought that I should let you know
That my heart is
Damaged, damaged
So damaged (so damaged)
And you can blame the one before

Damaged, damaged
damaged, damaged
I thought that I should let you know
That my heart is
Damaged, damaged
So Damaged (so damaged)
And you can blame the one before
So how you gonna fix it, fix it, fix it?
How you gonna fix it, fix it, fix it?
How you gonna fix it, fix it, fix it?
How you gonna fix it, fix it, fix it?

My heart is damaged, damaged, damaged
My heart is damaged, damaged, damaged
My heart is damaged, damaged, damaged
My heart is damaged, damaged, damaged

My heart is damaged.

Check out Danity Kane on their official website, or here on Wikipedia, or their entry on the AllMusicGuide.

Can't get that song out of your head? Then check out more of Renzie's Last Song Syndrome Project, the only blog service dedicated to getting that persistent tune out of your system- by giving you lots more of it!

Cheers, everyone!

Gettin' To Know: Tenacious D

2008-06-25T16:58:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite bands of all time- Tenacious D. I discovered them in 2001 or so, when I stumbled upon a couple of tracks and videos on Rhapsody. I immediately set off to find myself a copy of their album- and was inspired to pick up a guitar and get into it all over again.

Here's the Tenacious D write up on the All Music Guide- bio penned by Heather Phares.

Rightfully hailed as "the greatest band on Earth," the super-sized acoustic metal/comedy duo Tenacious D was an unlikely success story. Actually, Tenacious D was probably so successful precisely because they were so unlikely: few people would imagine that two chunky guys bashing on acoustic guitars, singing songs like a tribute to the greatest song in the world (because they forgot how the greatest song in the world went after conquering the Devil with it) became one of the biggest cult bands of the late '90s and 2000s. But the sheer charisma, humor, and energy -- not to mention inspired songwriting -- of singers/guitarists/actors Jack Black and Kyle Gass (aka JB, Jables, KG, and Kage, among other aliases) took them from L.A.'s underground comedy scene to their own series on HBO and a major-label album deal.

The crazed, wide-ranging sense of humor and intensity that Black brought to Tenacious D also made him a sought-after character actor, appearing in films like Bob Roberts, The Cable Guy, and Saving Silverman; Gass' film career includes supporting roles in Jacob's Ladder, Idle Hands, and Evolution. Similarly, the D's act showcased Black's theatrical, versatile vocals and Gass' deft support on the guitar in seemingly stream-of-consciousness songs about smoking pot, the duo's musical and sexual prowess, and subjects straight out of Dungeons & Dragons, as well as in equally absurd and inventive sketches.

The duo met at an acting class and began playing together in 1994, making their live debut later that year at Al's Bar, playing just one number, the aforementioned homage to the world's greatest song, "Tribute." In the audience that night was comedian/actor David Cross, who invited Black and Gass to appear with him and other like-minded performers such as Ben Stiller and Janeane Garofalo in a series of alternative comedy shows. The D soon headlined shows at venues like Pedro's and Largo, planting the seeds of a die-hard cult following; not even their inauspicious film debut in 1996's Bio-Dome slowed their momentum. The following year, their appearances on Bob Odenkirk and Cross' brilliant HBO sketch comedy program Mr. Show With Bob and David and a 1998 performance of "Sex Supreme" -- which sang the praises of a ménage à trois with KG and JB -- on Saturday Night Live hinted at the duo's just-beneath-the surface popularity, which began to rise into the mainstream with the group's 1999 HBO series. Though it lasted just three episodes, Tenacious D included, among other adventures, the group's search for "Inspirato," the cosmic creative force; the love triangle between Black, Gass, and a heavily pierced, Satanic clog dancer who threatened to destroy the group; and the discovery of Lee, Tenacious D's biggest fan. More of the D's brilliantly dumb songs debuted on the show, and fans began trading and auctioning video and audiotapes of Tenacious D. The duo also played opening gigs for friends like Beck, Pearl Jam, and the Foo Fighters and embarked on their first full-fledged tour; Epic won a bidding war to sign the group. In 2000, Black's popularity and prominence as an actor grew with roles in films like Jesus' Son and, especially, High Fidelity, where his turn as the larger-than-life record store clerk Barry made him a bona-fide star. Meanwhile, the group worked on a self-titled debut album with the Dust Brothers, Dave Grohl, Phish's Page McConnell, Redd Kross' Steve McDonald, and other friends.

In 2001, the D's momentum hit critical mass: The group set out on their second nationwide tour, playing significantly larger venues than before and selling out many of their dates. And, despite an attempt to recall Tenacious D at the last moment because of its back cover, which depicted two babies chained to an altar, their debut entered the charts at a surprisingly strong number 33. Meanwhile, Spumco, the production company of Ren & Stimpy mastermind John K., crafted an appropriately witty and raunchy video for the single "Fuck Her Gently," and, last but not least, the duo continued work on a Tenacious D movie.

Need to know your favorite artists a little bit more? My Thoughts In Stereo brings you Gettin' To Know- featuring some of the most remembered and most iconic music acts of all time. Write-ups from the All-Music Guide.

Cheers, everyone!

So Did Coldplay Really Steal From The Creaky Boards and Joe Satriani?

2008-06-21T23:41:00.000-07:00

You've probably heard the news by now- that Coldplay's massive iTunes hit, "Viva La Vida" might have been ripped off from the work of some more obscure band.

They're called The Creaky Boards, and this Brooklyn-based rock band have put up a video on YouTube- a side-by-side comparison of their song- which was written more than a year before "Viva La Vida" came out- with Coldplay's hit single. The irony of it? The title of the Creaky Boards song is... "The Songs I Didn't Write."

Anyway, you be the judge, check out the video comparison for yourself:

Okay, so maybe it's hard to tell for sure, but here comes another claim that the same song- "Viva La Vida" might have come from another piece of work- this time from Joe Satriani's "If I Could Fly". Listen closely and take a look at this video:

Now even the tempo seems to match. But can we really be so sure?

According to the news story from AoL music,

The YouTube "my tiny band's song and your big song side-by-side" defense has been a recurring event lately. Avril Lavigne was the first major act to get the treatment on YouTube, as her hit 'Girlfriend' was supposedly stolen from The Rubinoos' 'I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend.' Since Lavigne, Miley Cyrus and Jessica Simpson both faced the same critiques.

So what do you think?

Cheers, everyone!

Chicks In Music: Carrie Underwood

2008-06-21T21:48:00.000-07:00

In a recent news bit on AoL Music, American Idol Carrie Underwood tells Cosmopolitan: "I don't consider myself sexy ... I'm kind of a nervous person in general. I'm socially awkward. I'm not tall and sensuous. I usually wear sweats everywhere I go. Oh, and I burp a lot,"

Now ain't that cute? All the more reason for us to give props to Miss Underwood, and even more reason to include her here, on this blog's tribute to the finest ladies in the industry- Chicks In Music!

Stuff you probably listened to from Carrie Underwood: "Jesus Take the Wheel", from her debut album Some Hearts, and straight out of her American Idol victory. From that same album you also had "Wasted", and probably her biggest hit yet, "Before He Cheats".

She also had that charity single, "I'll Stand By You" and her version of the Christmas classic "Do You Hear What I Hear?".

Her second album, Carnival Ride, was released late last year, and has thus far, spawned three hits- "So Small", "All-American Girl" and "Last Name"- that song she performed on the American Idol Season 7 finale.

So it's only been three years since Carrie bagged the American Idol, and you can see that she's a bon afide superstar- with three Grammys to her credit, millions of albums sold, and a solid career as a singer/songwriter.

Most of her fans love her because she's so innocent and wholesome- but as you can see on her performance on the results show of the American Idol Season 7 finale, she's definitely all woman- slinky, sassy, and a truly a joy to watch. Video courtesy of louisejenny84 on YouTube. Enjoy!

What I'm Listening To From Carrie Underwood Now

Definitely "Last Name"- it's been in my player since I saw her perform the song on American Idol. "Before He Cheats" seems to be a staple at many karaoke joints- and is apparently a great song with women on alcohol :)

Check out Carrie Underwood on her Wikipedia entry, or visit her official website here.

Cheers, everyone.

Chicks In Music is a regular feature on My Thoughts In Stereo. We pay tribute to the hottest ladies in the music industry- with updates, trivia, video clips and links to their websites and social media. Checking out your favorite females in rock, pop and R&B online has never been so gratifying- Chicks in Music!

Chicks In Music: Katy Perry

2008-06-18T14:40:00.000-07:00

Dammit, I couldn't get "I Kissed A Girl" out of my head.

In fact, the song's playing right now as I bang out this blog entry from my PC at home.

"I Kissed A Girl" might be a song that has riled up conservatives- but hey, it's great power pop. Great narrative element, catchy tune, and quite well-produced- real tight. Take it easy on Katy Perry, people. And try to take that stick from out of your asses while your at it.

All that buzz has only fueled Katy Perry's rise to the top. See, before all this, Katy was once a gospel singer (she had gone by the name of Katy Hudson), and already had a foothold in the music industry singing backup, appearing in the occasional music video, etc. Madonna also mentioned in a couple of radio shows earlier this year that her other song "Ur So Gay" was on her player, and one of her favorites at the time.

Blam! Overnight success right there, man.

I discovered her over at iTunes, when her song was one of the most downloaded tunes that week. Went over to YouTube, checked out the video, and fell in love with the song- fell in love enough to download it, and put it on high rotation on my player all the way to the airport. That was three weeks ago. And I'm still digging "I Kissed A Girl" now.

As I write this entry, she's pretty much the talk of the town: she's got her songs playing on the radio and on MTV, downloaded on iTunes, and her video slapped on just about every video service there is out there.

Now that she has the public's attention, she has even been praised for her style and fashion, with the media checking out what she's wearing and what accessories she's sporting, etc. Let's leave all that to them. As far as I'm concerned, she's cute, and a joy to listen to. Totally deserving of my support.

Good luck to you , Katy. You got my ear. Here's the video to "I Kissed A Girl", courtesy of AoL Music. Enjoy!

What I'm Listening To From Katy Perry Now

Aside from "I Kissed A Girl" and "Ur So Gay"? Watch out for "Hot N Cold"- should be a hit in a few months. Love it. The album just dropped today, but you can check it out on her MySpace playlist. Did I mention I love "Hot N Cold"?

Check out Katy Perry on her official MySpace page, or you can read her Wikipedia entry, or visit her official website here.

Cheers, everyone.

Chicks In Music is a regular feature on My Thoughts In Stereo. We pay tribute to the hottest ladies in the music industry- with updates, trivia, video clips and links to their websites and social media. Checking out your favorite females in rock, pop and R&B online has never been so gratifying- Chicks in Music!

Chicks In Music: Nelly Furtado

2008-05-22T00:21:00.000-07:00

She first hit the scene in 2001 with "I'm Like A Bird", and even won a Grammy for it. And even if her 2003 releases weren't so huge, she more than made up for it with the 2006 album Loose- which cranked out "Promiscuous", "Maneater", "Say It Right" and "All Good Things (Come To an End)".

So yeah, unless you've been living in a cave these past couple of years, then you must have heard of Nelly Furtado. She's pop all the way through- and I like it that she experiments with all kinds of sounds and genres.

Yeah so some people bring her down saying how she's sold out, got all sexed up, and abandoned her more folksy roots- I say, hey, with 8 million units in sales worldwide, who the frack cares? After all, she did manage to get it all- sales, downloads, massive airplay, endorsements, awards, and the public attention.

On a personal note, I have to admit that I wasn't a huge fan of Nelly Furtado before. Her collaboration with Timbaland on Loose was a brilliant move. I only started digging her with "Say It Right", really. "Promiscuous Girl" I dug a little later on.

In fact, here's a video of an unplugged Nelly Furtado performance of "Promiscuous Boy" which I saw a little more than a year ago. This was what made me appreciate her even more. Check it out.

So cool. Gotta appreciate her skills.

What I'm Listening To From Nelly Furtado Now:

"Say It Right" and "Promiscuous Girl" are still playing a lot on my iPod and my Creative Vision M. Also that Timbaland track which featured her and Justin Timberlake, "Give It To Me".

No word yet on a new album or a new single up for release, but you can always check out Nelly Furtado on her Wikipedia entry, on MySpace, or visit her official website here.

Cheers, everyone.

Chicks In Music is a regular feature on My Thoughts In Stereo. We pay tribute to the hottest ladies in the music industry- with updates, trivia, video clips and links to their websites and social media. Checking out your favorite females in rock, pop and R&B online has never been so gratifying- Chicks in Music!

So Much for Web Radio?

2008-05-09T01:45:00.000-07:00

ASCAP scores another legal victory. The American Society of Composers, Artists and Performers, or ASCAP now stands to collect some US$100 million from Webcasters like Yahoo, AoL and Real Networks for streaming their music online.

ASCAP- the largest union of musicians and composers in the USA- has been hounding the online groups for paying them for the music streaming. The courts have now to award them said payment from 2002 to today.

Last year, webcasters were already ordered by courts to cough up cash to pay recording companies, so this development is really just bad news for anyone running an internet radio station.

Well at least those playing commercial music. I say it's time we check out the thousands of other great independent artists out there, and look into the more interesting podcasts.

What do you think?

Last Song Syndrome: Andy Taylor - "Take It Easy" (1986)

2008-04-20T13:11:00.000-07:00

Probably one of the most underappreciated pop-rock songs of the 1980's, "Take It Easy" is arguably Andy Taylor's best work outside The Power Station and Duran Duran.

The song was featured on the OST of the 1986 movie American Anthem (which I never got to see- but still probably worth checking out), and featured Andy's preference for a more rock-oriented sound, versus the more synth-pop sound of Duran Duran at the height of their popularity- one of the reasons he left the band just after laying down some guitar tracks for the 1987 album Notorious.

In any case, he was able to take some time off his gig with The Power Station to work on this particular solo project, something he'd work on with ex-Missing Persons drummer Terry Bozzio and bassist Patrick O'Hearn, and ex-Sex Pistols guitarist Steve Jones.

Found this music video the other day on YouTube- definitely something worth listening to and watching after a long time.

Andy Taylor
"Take It Easy" (1986)

People say I'm crazy, just a fool
But I'm the pigeon and baby, you're the stool

I always dug the color your hair
I always loved the clothes you wear
I can't say that you turn me on
But why'd I stay all night long

Take it easy - on yourself
Take it easy - there ain't no one else
Don't give me reasons
And I won't ask for nothin'

Take it easy - on yourself
Take it easy - there ain't no one else
Don't give me reasons
And I won't ask for nothin'

Rich girls, they run after me
They break my heart, you know I fall in love so easily
I always dug the color your hair
I always loved the clothes you wear
I can't say that you turn me on
But why'd I stay all night long

Take it easy - on yourself
Take it easy - there ain't no one else
Don't give me reasons
And I won't ask for nothin'

Take it easy - on yourself
Take it easy - there ain't no one else
Don't give me reasons
And I won't ask for nothin'
Yeah!

Take it easy - on yourself
Take it easy - there ain't no one else
Don't give me reasons
And I won't ask for nothin'

Check out Andy Taylor's official website here, or his entry on Wikipedia, here.

Can't get that song out of your head? Then check out more of Renzie's Last Song Syndrome Project, the only blog service dedicated to getting that persistent tune out of your system- by giving you lots more of it!

Cheers, everyone!

Last Song Syndrome: Boy Meets Girl - "Bring Down The Moon" (1988)

2008-04-20T12:44:00.000-07:00

The pop duo of Boy Meets Girl- keyboardist and vocalist George Merrill, and singer Sharon Rubicam- is actually best known for their hit song "Waiting For A Star To Fall" in 1989 (a song featured on the OST of the movie Three Men and a Little Lady), but is also known for their song-writing creds- most notably for Whitney Houston on her hits "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" and "How Will I Know?".

Oh, and they also did backing vocals for Deniece Williams' 1985 hit, "Let's Hear It For The Boy", as well as other collaborative efforts with other artists.

"Bring Down The Moon" is the second single off their Reel Life album (same one that had "Waiting For A Star To Fall"), and was a modest Billboard hit in 1989. But I fell in love with the song when I first heard it on a countdown show back then, and Sharon Rubicam's vocals continue to give me goosebumps to this day.

Even better was that I found a video of the song on YouTube, so here we have it along with some lyrics for you to sing to. Enjoy!

Boy Meets Girl
"Bring Down The Moon" (1988)

I'm walking in darkness with no shadows
Tears fall in silence with no sound
I've got to let go of visions I've outgrown
Even I know, so let the rain come down

Bring down the moon
The mythic and mighty that fall when you lean
Bring down the moon
Building love on thin air and dreams
Perfect love is a desperate creed
And one that we all try to believe
So bring down the moon

I'm finding some comfort in closing the distance
Between my life and my dreams
Ooh if love's not forever I need to discover
The spirit of romance and magic
In living from day to day

Bring down the moon
The mythic and mighty that fall when you lean
Bring down the moon
Building love on thin air and dreams
Perfect love has no guarantee
Still we keep trying to believe
So bring down the moon, yeah yeah
Bring down the moon

Well, there's no guarantee
That there ever will be perfect love
(Perfect love)
(So let the rain come down)
I know that it hurts 'cause I used to believe
(So let the rain come down)
I know how it hurts, yeah!

Bring down the moon
The mythic and mighty that fall when you lean
Bring down the moon
Building love on thin air and dreams
Perfect love, there's no guarantee
(Perfect love, perfect love, perfect love)
And still we believe
(Perfect love, perfect love, perfect love)

Bring down the moon
So bring down the moon
Bring down the moon
So bring down the moon

Boy Meets Girl's official website is right here, and you can check out their Wikipedia entry here, and an informative interview on Songfacts, here.

Can't get that song out of your head? Then check out more of Renzie's Last Song Syndrome Project, the only blog service dedicated to getting that persistent tune out of your system- by giving you lots more of it!

Cheers, everyone!

Much More Music: Icehouse - "Electric Blue" (1987)

2008-04-20T12:07:00.000-07:00

Did you know that Icehouse's biggest hit, "Electric Blue" was co-written by John Oates of Hall and Oates?

Yes, he did. It was also written by Icehouse's lead singer Iva Davies. It came from the 1987 album Man of Colours, which also spawned another great Icehouse song, "Crazy".

Even if the band would never surpass the commercial success or the popularity the enjoyed with Man of Colours, both songs- "Crazy" and "Electric Blue" would continue on as favorites for Icehouse fans everywhere, including myself.

And to everyone who's enjoyed the music of Icehouse, here's something you can check out. We found a video on YouTube, chords from Arabella Clauson, and lyrics to sing to. Enjoy!

Icehouse
"Electric Blue" (1987)

  Dm
If a boy had a chance
                       G        C      Dm
A chance with someone like you
          F                G
Are you gonna break his heart?
                       Dm
Let him cry for the moon?
            F                     Bb
Are you hiding somewhere behind those eyes?


(I just freeze)
F                     Bb
I just freeze every time you see through me
    F               Bb
And it's all over you, electric blue
   F
(On my knees)  On my knees
Bb                    Dm          Eb
Help me baby tell me what can I do?  Electric blue


 Dm
Oh I had a dream
                           G       C      Dm
For a moment I believed it was true
              F          G
Oh, I'd have given anything
                       Dm
Just to be there with you
            F                     Bb
Are you hiding somewhere behind those eyes?


(I just freeze)
F                     Bb
I just freeze every time you see through me
    F               Bb
And it's all over you, electric blue
   F
(In too deep)  In too deep
Bb                             Dm                Bb
Standin' here, waiting as I'm broken in two, electric blue
  F
(I can see)  I can see, can
Bb                        F                Bb
See that it may be just a vision of you, electric blue.
    F
(On my knees)  On my knees,
Bb                    Dm            Eb
Help me baby, tell me what can I do?  Electric blue


Cm  Ab  Cm  Gm


Dm               F                     Bb
Are you hiding somewhere behind those eyes?
     F
(In those eyes)
F                     Bb
I just freeze every time you see through me
    F               Bb
And it's all over you, electric blue
   F
(In too deep)  In too deep
Bb                             Dm                Bb
Standin' here, waiting as I'm broken in two, electric blue
  F
(I can see)  I can see, can
Bb                        F                Bb
See that it may be just a vision of you, electric blue.
    F
(On my knees)  On my knees.
Bb                    Dm            Eb
Help me baby, tell me what can I do?  electric blue

(In those eyes)
F                     Bb
I just freeze every time you see through me
    F               Bb
And it's all over you, electric blue
   F
(In too deep)  In too deep
Bb                             Dm                Bb
Standin' here, waiting as I'm broken in two, electric blue
  F
(I can see)  I can see, can
Bb                        F                Bb
See that it may be just a vision of you, electric blue.
    F
(On my knees)  On my knees,
Bb                    Dm            Eb
Help me baby, tell me what can I do?  electric blue

You may want to visit Icehouse's official website here, or check out their entry on Wikipedia here.

Check out more of the Much More Music Project- this blog's attempt to put together my personal views on favorite songs, along with lyrics to sing by, an embedded music video
from YouTube, and even guitar chords, if you feel like playing along with it.

Cheers, everyone!

Last Song Syndrome: Neneh Cherry - "Buffalo Stance" (1989)

2008-04-20T11:33:00.000-07:00

This was one of the most fun songs of the eighties for me. It was 1989, and at a point when I was into New Wave and Pop all at the same time- New Wave I got from listening to the likes of NU107, and Pop listening to 99.5RT.

Neneh Cherry exploded onto the music scene with this catchy pop tune that really got my attention. Mostly because it took a while for you to sing (or rap) along to the lyrics, and well, it was a fun, danceable track.

Years later, I would find out that "Buffalo Stance" was an effort from Cameron McVey- who at the time, had gone by the name of "Booga Bear", and was also Neneh Cherry's boyfriend- and later on- husband. This would be the same Cameron McVey that would go on to produce for All Saints and the Sugababes, and some early Massive Attack.

So here we have it- off the Raw Like Sushi album, Neneh Cherry's "Buffalo Stance", with an accompanying video from YouTube, and lyrics for you to sing to. Enjoy!

Neneh Cherry
"Buffalo Stance" (1989)

Gigolo
Tell me about it!

Who's that gigolo on the street?
With his hands in his pockets and his crocodile feet
Hanging off the curb, looking all disturbed
At the boys from home. they all came runnin'
They were makin' noise, manhandling toys
Thats the girls on the block with the nasty curls
Wearing padded bras sucking beers through straws
Dropping down their drawers, where did you get yours?

Gigolo... Huh, sucka?
Gigolo... gigolo... Huh, sucka?

Who's looking good today?
Who's looking good in every way?
No style rookie
You better watch don't mess with me

No moneyman can win my love
It's sweetness that I'm thinking of.
We always hang in a buffalo stance
We do the dive every time we dance
I give you love, baby, not romance
I'll make a move, nothing left to chance
So don't you get fresh with me

Get funky. Yeah, Timmy.

So you say you wanted money but you know its never funny
When your shoes worn through and theres a rumble in your tummy
But you had to have style get a gold tooth smile
Put a girl on the corner so you can make a pile

Committed a crime and went inside
It was comin' your way but you had to survive
When you lost your babe, you lost the race
Now you're lookin' at me to take her place.

Who's looking good today?
Who's looking good in every way?
No style rookie
You better watch don't mess with me

No moneyman can win my love
It's sweetness that I'm thinking of.
We always hang in a buffalo stance
We do the dive every time we dance
I give you love, baby, not romance
I'll make a move, nothing left to chance
So don't you get fresh with me

Smokin'. Not cokin'. Get funky sax.

Looking good, hanging with the wild bunch.
Looking good in a buffalo stance.
Looking good when it comes to the crunch
Looking good's a state of mind

State of mind don't look behind you
State of mind or youll be dead
State of mind may I remind you
Bomb the bass...rock this place!

What is he like? what's he like anway?
Yo man what do you expect the guy's a gigolo man
You know I mean?

No moneyman can win my love
It's sweetness that I'm thinking of.
We always hang in a buffalo stance
We do the dive every time we dance
I give you love, baby, not romance
I'll make a move, nothing left to chance
So don't you get fresh with me

Wind on my face, sound in my ears
Water from my eyes, and you on my mind
As I sink, divin' down deep...deeper into your soul.

No moneyman can win my love
It's sweetness that I'm thinking of
No moneyman can win my love
It's sweetness that I'm thinking of

No moneyman can win my love
No moneyman can win my love

Couldn't find a Neneh Cherry website, but she does have an entry on Wikipedia right here.

Can't get that song out of your head? Then check out more of Renzie's Last Song Syndrome Project, the only blog service dedicated to getting that persistent tune out of your system- by giving you lots more of it!

Cheers, everyone!

Last Song Syndrome: The Police - "Don't Stand So Close To Me '86" (1986)

2008-04-20T10:54:00.000-07:00

1986 was a very good year- I was just starting high school, and music video shows were pretty much the coolest thing around at the time. The Philippines didn't have MTV at the time, just various one-hour shows featuring videos which I assume came straight from the recording companies.

In any case, "Don't Stand So Close To Me '86" by The Police, if I could remember it right, was one of those videos that was different from the others at the time. Watching it again now, I think it was because it made more use of computer graphics.

It was definitely one of those songs that got me into The Police, and it was much much later that I discovered that there was an earlier version of the song- one that came out in 1980, which helped introduce The Police in the US. That's Sting, Andy Summers and Stewart Copeland to the right.

"Don't Stand So Close To Me '86" might very well be my most favorite song from The Police- mostly because it made me a fan of the band, and well, because it's a pretty good song.

Here's a video I found on YouTube, and some lyrics you can sing to. Enjoy!

The Police
"Don't Stand So Close To Me '86" (1986)

Young teacher, the subject
Of schoolgirl fantasy
She wants him so badly
Knows what she wants to be
Inside her there's no room
This girl's an open page
Book marking she's so close now
This girl is half his age

Don't stand so close to me
Don't stand so close to me

Her friends are so jealous
You know how bad girls get
Sometimes it's not so easy
To be the teacher's pet
Temptation, frustration
So bad it makes him cry
Wet bus stop, she's waiting
His car is warm and dry

Don't stand so close to me
Don't stand so close to me

Don't stand so close to me
Don't stand so close to me

Loose talk in the classroom
Too hurt they try and try
Strong words in the staffroom
The accusations fly
It's no use
He sees her
He starts to shake he starts to cough
Just like the old man in
That famous book by Nabokov

Don't stand so close to me
Don't stand so close to me
Don't stand so close to me
Don't stand so close to me

Check out The Police's official website here, or their Wikipedia entry here.

Can't get that song out of your head? Then check out more of Renzie's Last Song Syndrome Project, the only blog service dedicated to getting that persistent tune out of your system- by giving you lots more of it!

Cheers, everyone!

Last Song Syndrome: Lou Gramm - "Just Between You and Me" (1989)

2008-04-20T10:04:00.000-07:00

Again, this is one of my favorites from the old days of radio. Lou Gramm is one of the main creative forces behind the 70's/80's rock band Foreigner- that's him to the right with Mick Jones, Rick Willis and Dennis Elliott. In fact, we already wrote a post on one of my all-time favorite Foreigner songs, "Hot Blooded", on this particular blog.

The year was 1989, and by that time, Foreigner was one of the biggest rock bands around. Not only were they huge in the late 70's, they were continuing to churn out hits well into the late 80's.

As the band's lead singer, Gramm can be heard distinctly on a lot of their hit songs, including "Feels Like The First Time", "Cold As Ice", the aforementioned "Hot Blooded", "Urgent", "Double Vision", "Juke Box Hero", "Head Games", "Dirty White Boy" and "Say You Will". Of course, their two biggest hits were the synth-ballads "Waiting For A Girl Like You" in 1981, and "I Want To Know What Love Is" in 1984.

Now Lou Gramm and Mick Jones weren't exactly seeing each other eye-to-eye at this time; Jones wanted to keep doing the more commercial (and more lucrative) synth-ballad sound, while Gramm wanted to go back to a more solid rock-n-roll structure.

Lou did get to do what he wanted through a couple of solo projects, the Ready or Not album of 1987, and the Long Hard Look album of 1989, which had the single "Just Between You and Me".

The song's almost 20 years old, but it's still one of my most favorite songs. Been singing to it over the weekend- so check it out here, with a video I found on YouTube, and lyrics to sing to. Enjoy!

Lou Gramm
"Just Between You and Me" (1989)

Staring at each other with accusing eyes
Keep our voices low, and don't act surprised
If the word gets out, yeah, that's alright

I know you're just looking for some sympathy
But listen you don't know how it gets back to me
You're getting reckless, girl, but that's alright

Now don't you know that one cold word's
gonna lead to another
And then we'll have nowhere to go

Chorus:
Even if heaven and earth collide tonight
We'll be all alone in a different light
I don't care what the world can't see
It's just between you and me, you and me.

I see telltale signs of a love in decline
There should be something to say, but we don't take the time
And I don't understand, but that's alright

Now you can turn the page or you can tear me apart
Don't make an open book out of my private heart
You should know better now, but that's alright

Don't you know that one cold word's gonna lead to another
And then we'll have nowhere to go

Chorus:
Even if heaven and earth collide tonight
We'll be all alone in a different light
I don't care what the world can see
It's just between you and me
I say it's just between you and me

If we don't work this out we won't recover
We'll lose this soulful love for one another
But with all I've heard and all I seen
I'm still lost in your mystery

And don't you know that one cold word's gonna lead to another
And then we'll have nowhere to go

Chorus
Even if heaven and earth collide tonight
We'll be all alone in a different light
I don't care what the world can see
It's just between you and me

Even if heaven and earth collide tonight
We'll be all alone in a different light
Now I don't care what the world can see
When it's just between you and me
It's just between you and me
You and me

Heaven and earth
I don't understand

You can check out Lou Gramm's official website here, or his Wikipedia entry here.

Can't get that song out of your head? Then check out more of Renzie's Last Song Syndrome Project, the only blog service dedicated to getting that persistent tune out of your system- by giving you lots more of it!

Cheers, everyone!

Last Song Syndrome: Christine McVie - "Got A Hold On Me" (1984)

2008-04-18T20:10:00.000-07:00

Another one of my most favorite songs is Christine McVie's "Got A Hold On Me", which came out in 1984.

In case you didn't know, Christine McVie is one of the creative forces behind one of the best bands ever- Fleetwood Mac. Right up there with Peter Green, Mick Fleetwood, John McVie, Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham. We'll discuss the band's material on another bunch of entries.

Christine joined Fleetwood Mac in 1970, shortly after marrying John. Since then, she'd been writing some of the bands' biggest hits including "You Make Loving Fun", "Don't Stop", "Hold Me" and "Little Lies".

In any case, "Got A Hold On Me" has always been a staple on my player even to this day. In my opinion, it's one of the best songs ever made.

So I hope you enjoy this one. Found a video on YouTube, but the audio seems to be a little low. Also got some lyrics for you to sing along if you feel like it. Cheers!

Christine McVie
"Got A Hold On Me" (1984)

You're liftin' me up
Never let me down
And I smile
Whenever you're around
Ooh, and I've got a feeling
It'll work out right
Can't stop thinking about you
Every day and night

Ooooh, I got a love (I got somebody)
This love (got a hold on me)
Yeah, I got a love (I got somebody)
This love (got a hold on me)

Well, I've been in love
And I've lost
I can count the tears
But I can't count the cost
Ooooh, I've been down
I've been used
Now I know, I know, I know
That I just can't lose

Ooh, I got a love (I got somebody)
This love (got a hold on me)
Ooooh, I got a love (I got somebody)
This love (got a hold on me)
Yeah, I got a love (I got somebody)
This love (got a hold on me)
Ooooh, I got a love (I got somebody)
This love (got a hold on me)

(Instrumental Interlude)

Yeah, I got a love (I got somebody)
This love (got a hold on me)
Ooooh, I got a love (I got somebody)
This love (got a hold on me)
I got a love (I got somebody)
This love (got a hold on me)
I got a love (I got somebody)
This love (got a hold on me)
Ooooh, I got a love (I got somebody)
This love (got a hold on me)
I got a love (I got somebody)
This love (got a hold on me)

Can't get that song out of your head? Then check out more of Renzie's Last Song Syndrome Project, the only blog service dedicated to getting that persistent tune out of your system- by giving you lots more of it!

Cheers, everyone!

Last Song Syndrome: 38 Special - "Back Where You Belong" (1983)

2008-04-18T19:44:00.000-07:00

I have to admit- my appreciation for 38 Special came rather late. I first noticed the band in 1989, when I was in high school- and at the time, "Second Chance" was already getting massive airplay on the radio.

I remember having the hardest time getting a copy of the album- until a couple of years later when an aunt of mine sent me a copy of the album Bone Against Steel (nope, no "Second Chance" there, either).

It wasn't until a few years later when I started working for a radio station that I was able to unearth all those great 38 Special singles and albums I missed out on in the eighties. And yes, eventually I was able to get me a CD of "Second Chance", as well as other 38 Special favorites of mine, including this oldie from 1983- a cool track you might remember called "Back Where You Belong".

38 Special
"Back Where You Belong" (1983)

I heard you're askin' how I'm feelin'
I guess I'll play it day by day
I'm still around now, my heart is healin'
But some things never gonna change

'Cause now I know love ain't easy to find
I let you go, now I'm changin' my mind

Chorus:

I know that love, it don't come easy
It took so long, it's been hard to find
So love, you must believe me
Ain't gonna let it slip away- I know I was wrong
I want you back where you belong
Want you back where you belong
Back where you belong

I played around now, I've done some dealin'
I found that love should be with you
And so you're gone now, my head is reelin'
Don't wanna be with someone new

And so I go, with a feeling inside me
'Cause I know what I'm leaving behind

(Chorus)

I guess in time I stop and think it over
Everything that we've been through
This heart of mine may never find another
Who loves me just the way you do
Hey girl!

I heard you're askin' how I'm feelin'
I guess I'll play it day by day
I'm still around now, my heart is healin'
But some things never gonna change

'Cause now I know love ain't easy to find
I let you go, now I'm changin' my mind

(Chorus)

Back where you belong, hey, hey
I know that love, it don't come easy
It took so long, it's been hard to find
And so love, you must believe me
Ain't gonna let it slip away, baby

Check out 38 Special's official website here, or their entry on Wikipedia here.

Can't get that song out of your head? Then check out more of Renzie's Last Song Syndrome Project, the only blog service dedicated to getting that persistent tune out of your system- by giving you lots more of it!

Cheers, everyone!

Much More Music: Jude Cole - Baby, It's Tonight (1990)

2008-04-18T19:13:00.000-07:00

I was tidying up the house to some great oldies I burned on a CD- and this one really brought back memories of some good times.

"Baby, It's Tonight" was a hit from Jude Cole back in 1990. And we played this song a lot back at the old radio station, 99.5 RT. That was probably his most memorable song. Years later, though, he'd move on to do more session work, production, singing and songwriting with the likes of Jewel and Beth Orton.

Now, he manages the rock band Lifehouse- same guys who did "Hanging By A Moment", "Take Me Away" and "You and Me".

Other useless bits of info: Jude Cole is married to Michelle Pfeiffer's sister, Lori (since '93!). Kiefer Sutherland is not only one of his closest buds- they also co-own a recording studio called Ironworks.

In any case, here's some of Jude Cole for you- "Baby, It's Tonight". And you can check out the vid right here, along with some lyrics and chords if you feel like playing along. Enjoy!

Jude Cole
"Baby, It's Tonight" (1990)

Chords & tab pattern by Rick Andrews and Kevin Ross. Updated by Chris Nastally. YouTube video by Vaquero1977. Thanks, guys!


INTRO

e---------------|--------------------------
B---------------|--------------------------
G---7----7--7---|--------------------------
D---4h5--4--0---|---9-9-9-9--9-7-9-7-------
A---------------|---7-7-7-7--7-7-7-7-------
E---------------|---0-0-0-0--0-0-0-0-------
 |                                etc.
 plucked w/
 pick & middle finger

Figure 1   No chord…………1)  0xx22x
                    2)  0xx44x
                    3)  0xx45x

Play Figure 1 until otherwise noted

Won’t you pick up the phone
‘Cause I know that you’re home
Too many words have not been said
For us to be living alone

             (x07650)…(x05430)              (x0523x)….(x04230)
Now all of the fighting           and all of the tears
 (Figure 1)
They don’t matter now

F#m
Another night falls dark and lonely
A          /B          /C#     /D#
You’re the only one that I can turn to

CHORUS:
E    D           A
If I ever needed your arms to hold me
(Figure 1)
Baby it’s tonight
E        D            A
And if I ever needed your eyes to heal me
(Figure 1)
Baby it’s tonight


So come hold me close
And show me that you still care
Let’s take it to where it all began
And start again from there
                  (x5503x)...(x5403x)
‘Cause there’s no way out
(Figure 1)
As far as I can tell

I’m walking in a world of strangers
You’re the only one who really knows me

CHORUS 2x

C D E
              C    D                    E
Oh won’t you please, please pick up the phone, yeah

C D  E (Figure 1)
C                  D              E
Don’t leave me to face this world all alone……take some time

CHORUS OUT

You may want to visit Jude Cole's official website here, or his entry on Wikipedia.

Check out more of the Much More Music Project- this blog's attempt to put together my personal views on favorite songs, along with lyrics to sing by, an embedded music video
from YouTube, and even guitar chords, if you feel like playing along with it.

Cheers, everyone!

Chicks In Music: Rihanna

2008-03-18T15:49:00.000-07:00

Oh how I love Rihanna.

Rihanna first grabbed my attention back in 2006, with her single "SOS". It was catchy and upbeat- I had a music sampler one of the recording companies gave me at the time, and I found out that she had an earlier release (from her very first album) "Pon de Replay"- and also loved the song.

It wasn't long until my girlfriend asked me to make her ringtones of those two songs- which I did.

Her album "A Girl Like Me" yielded three more radio-friendly hits: "We Ride", "Break It Off" (featuring Sean Paul) and "Unfaithful".

Probably her biggest album so far was the 2007 release, "Good Girl Gone Bad". The album sold a whole shitload of units, downloaded like crazy, and earned Rihanna a slew of nominations and awards. You know the hit songs: the dance anthem "Don't Stop The Music", "Shut Up and Drive", the duet with Ne-Yo "Hate That I Love You", and probably the biggest summer song of that year, "Umbrella" with Jay-Z.

True story: I was actually writing for a pet supplies distribution company at the time "Umbrella" came out. Part of my job was researching and coming up with pet-related articles, so I decided to write one up about Rihanna and her pet Pomeranian, "Marley".

She's supposed to be coming out with another album soon enough, but in the meantime, here's a video I snagged from AoL Music- "Hate That I Love You" featuring a smoking-hot Rihanna, and the incredibly talented Ne-Yo. Enjoy.

What I'm Listening To From Rihanna Now.

Aside from "Hate That I Love You"? Her songs "Umbrella", "Shut Up and Drive", "Cry", "Pon De Replay", "SOS" and "We Ride" are regulars on my mp3 player.

Wanna check out more Rihanna? Visit the official Rihanna website here, check out her Wikipedia entry, or even add her up as a friend on MySpace.

Chicks In Music is a regular feature on My Thoughts In Stereo. We pay tribute to the hottest ladies in the music industry- with updates, trivia, video clips and links to their websites and social media. Checking out your favorite females in rock, pop and R&B online has never been so gratifying- Chicks in Music!

Much More Music: Kansas - "Carry On Wayward Son" (1977)

2008-03-02T21:05:00.000-08:00

You have to thank the CW hit series Supernatural for reviving interest in this song. According to Wikipedia,

"Carry On Wayward Son" has been used... in the opening moments of "Salvation" (Season 1, Episode 21) and "All Hell Breaks Loose, Part 2" (Season 2, Episode 22) when they summarized the story so far. Fans commonly link the show to the song now, due to its use and lyrics.

Besides the association with Supernatural, "Carry On Wayward Son" (at least an edit of it) has also been a staple on Guitar Hero 2 on the XBox 360 and the Playstation II. Recently, Amanda Overmyer performed the song on Season 7 of American Idol, as her choice on 70's night (which really wasn't a good performance- sorry, Amanda).

A number of acts have already covered "Carry On Wayward Son", including Yngwie Malmsteen, Critical Mass and The Oak Ridge Boys. The song was also featured in The Office, South Park, King of the Hill and probably in a lot of other TV shows. It was also used on "Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy" as the end credits were rolling.

Several videos are available on YouTube, but this one we're featuring was uploaded by BrianBoyce. The chords and tabs are by JP Leong on AZChords.co m. So here we go...

Kansas "Carry On Wayward Son" (1977)


Carry on my wayward son
There'll be peace when you are done
Lay your weary head to rest
Don't you cry no more

{riff} [clean distortion (if there is such a thing) effect]  
e-|--------------|--------------|--------------|--------------|
B-|--------------|--------------|--------------|--------------|
G-|--------------|--------------|--4--7--4-----|--------------|
D-|-----------5--|-----------7--|----------7-5-|--7-----7-----|
A-|--7--5--7-----|--7--5--7-----|--------------|-----5-----4--|
E-|--------------|--------------|--------------|--------------|
{repeat once each time played}

Em     D              C         D
Once I rose above the noise and confusion
Em      D             C           D
Just to get a glimpse beyond this illusion
Am    G            F        F G
I was soaring ever higher
Am    G        D
But I flew too high
Em        D                C           D
Though my eyes could see I still was a blind man
Em        D                  C           D
Though my mind could think I still was a mad man
Am         G               F           F G
I hear the voices when I'm dreaming
Am    G         D
I can hear them say

Em    G     D       C
Carry on my wayward son
Em          G          D
There'll be peace when you are done
Em       G     D       C
Lay your weary head to rest
(N.C.)
Don't you cry no more

{riff}


Em    D           C          D
Masquerading as a man with a reason
Em    D           C            D
My charade is the event of the season
Am       G             F           F G
And if I claim to be a wise man
Am        G                  D
It surely means that I don't know
Em   D             C      D
On a stormy sea of moving emotion
Em     D                C           D
Tossed about I'm like a ship on the ocean
Am    G                 F         F G
I set sail for winds of fortune
Am    G               D
But I hear the voices say

Em    G     D       C
Carry on my wayward son
Em          G          D
There'll be peace when you are done
Em       G     D       C
Lay your weary head to rest
(N.C.)
Don't you cry no more

{riff}

Em (mute)
Carry on
      D      C
You will always remember
Em (mute)
Carry on
     D          C
Nothing equals the splendor
Am       G                F
Now your life's no longer empty
Am     G                D
Surely Heaven waits for you

Em    G     D       C
Carry on my wayward son
Em          G          D
There'll be peace when you are done
Em       G     D       C
Lay your weary head to rest
(N.C.)                                       Bm7
Don't you cry {vocal echo: Don't you cry} no more

You may want to visit Kansas' official website her e, or on Wikipedia, here.

Check out more of the Much More Music Project- this blog's attempt to put together my personal views on favorite songs, along with lyrics to sing by, an embedded music video
from YouTube, and even guitar chords, if you feel like playing alongwith it.

Cheers, everyone!

Much More Music - Foreigner - "Hot Blooded" (1978)

2008-03-02T19:55:00.000-08:00

I think it was in 1989 or 1990 when I first heard Tone Loc's "Funky Cold Medina" on a countdown program. As it was rising up the charts, following the success of "Wild Thing", it was revealed that it contained a sample of another song- which as it turns out was Foreigner's "Hot Blooded".

It wasn't several years later that I actually found a copy of the album Double Vision- I just started working for a radio station (99.5RT) in late 1994. One of the other jocks had a classic rock show, and I recognized "Hot Blooded" when they played it this one particular time, and then looked it up in the music library a few days after. To this day, the song is still on heavy rotation on my personal player.

There's been a renewed interest in the song because of this season's American Idol. In season 7, contestant Robbie Carrico chose this song for his performance on 70's night (unfortunately, he got cut on Results Night that same week).

"Hot Blooded" was also featured on an episode of Aqua Teen Hunger Force, where the Mooninites were toying around with a Foreigner belt that granted the wearer super-powers based on their songs (the belt was later acquired by Carl).

The song was also featured prominently on other TV shows (on episodes of The Simpsons, Bones, Supernatural and WKRP in Cincinatti) as well as in movies ("Blades of Glory") and various commercials.

I couldn't find a video of "Hot Blooded", but there are several tribute vids on YouTube including one from ArmoredPanther, which is what we have featured on this entry.

Foreigner
"Hot Blooded" (1978)

Well, I'm hot blooded, check it and see
I got a fever of a hundred and three
Come on baby, do you do more than dance?
I'm hot blooded, I'm hot blooded

You don't have to read my mind, to know what I have in mind
Honey you ought know
Now you move so fine, let me lay it on the line
I wanna know what you're doing after the show

Now its up to you, we can make a secret rendezvous
Just me and you, Ill show you loving like you never knew

That's why, I'm hot blooded, check it and see
I got a fever of a hundred and three
Come on baby, do you do more than dance?
I'm hot blooded, hot blooded

If it feels alright, maybe you can stay all night
Shall I leave you my key?
But you've got to give me a sign, come on girl, some kind of sign
Tell me, are you hot mama? you sure look that way to me

Are you old enough? will you be ready when I call you bluff?
Is my timing right? did you save your love for me tonight?

Yeah I'm hot blooded, check it and see
Feel the fever burning inside of me
Come on baby, do you do more than dance?
I'm hot blooded, I'm hot blooded, I'm hot

Now its up to you, can we make a secret rendezvous?
Oh, before we do, you'll have to get away from you know who

Well, I'm hot blooded, check it and see
I got a fever of a hundred and three
Come on baby, do you do more than dance?
I'm hot blooded, I'm hot blooded

Hot blooded, every night
Hot blooded, you're looking so tight
Hot blooded, now you're driving me wild
Hot blooded, I'm so hot for you, child
Hot blooded, I'm a little bit high
Hot blooded, you're a little bit shy
Hot blooded, you're making me sing
Hot blooded, for your sweet sweet thing

Tabs

Here are the tab patterns to "Hot Blooded" in case you feel like rocking out to it. Cheers to Steve Throne who put this all together on Ultimate-Guitar.com!


Here's the main sections of Foreigner's "Hot Blooded"
It's not much but I'm pretty sure what's here is correct.
It's a pretty simple song but it absolutely rocks!
The main riff is just  Gsus4, G, C, Csus4

Intro and Chorus

hot blooded     check it & see
Gsus4  G            C     Csus4
E---3----3--3----------------------
B---3----3--3---------5--5----6----
G---5----5--4---------5--5----5----
D---5----5--5---------5--5----5----
A---5----5--5---------3--3----3----
E---3----3--3----------------------

I play it as barre chords, but after seeing the band in concert
(from lousy seats, mind you), I believe they play it in the open position,
which would look something like below.

E---3----3--3--------0--0----1---
B---1----1--0--------1--1----1---
G---0----0--0--------0--0----0---
D---0----0--0--------2--2----2---
A---X----X--2--------3--3----3---
E---3----3--3--------------------

The verse is a nice simple power chord progression - G,F,C
G             F        C        G
E--------------------------------------
B--------------------------5--5--------
G---------4--4----2--2-----5--5--------
D---5-----5--5----3--3-----5--5-----5--
A---5-----5--5----3--3-----3--3-----5--
E---3-----3--3----1--1--------------3--

Then, before the chorus is something like this, played a few times.
The last time it's played, there is a fast little riff which I don't have.

it's up to you    we can make a secret
rendezvous
D     C D      Em        C
E-----------------------------------
B---7-7-7-5-7------8--8------5--5---
G---7-7-7-5-7------9--9------5--5---
D---7-7-7-5-7------9--9------5--5---
A---5-5-5-3-5------7--7------3--3---
E-----------------------------------

That's all I have, although there isn't much else.  I used to see
a lot of people requesting this song so I hope someone can make use of it.
Also, I'm working from the live version of the song off the
"Records" greatest hits album, so there may be some differences.
Comments/suggestions are welcome.  Enjoy!

Check out more of Foreigner on their official website her e, or on Wikipedia, here.

Check out more of the Much More Music Project- this blog's attempt to put together my personal views on favorite songs, along with lyrics to sing by, an embedded music video from YouTube, and even guitar chords, if you feel like playing along with it.

Cheers, everyone!

Top Recurrents This Week - 29 Feb 2008

2008-02-27T23:24:00.000-08:00

This Weeks' Top Recurrents
According to Radio and Records
29 Feb 2008

CHR/Pop Recurrents

1. Rihanna feat. Ne-Yo - Hate That I Love You
2. Timbaland feat. Keri Hilson - The Way I Are
3. Colbie Caillat - Bubbly
4. Kanye West - Stronger
5. Daughtry - Over You

6. Baby Bash feat. T-Pain - Cyclone
7. Pink - Who Knew
8. Good Charlotte - I Don't Wanna Be In Love (Dance Floor Anthem)
9. Fergie - Big Girls Don't Cry
10. Pink - U + Ur Hand

11. Nickelback - Rockstar
12. Justin Timberlake - Lovestoned
13. Fall Out Boy - Thnks Fr Th Mmrs
14. Maroon 5 - Wake Up Call
15. Rihanna feat. Jay-Z - Umbrella

16. Soulja Boy Tell'em - Crank That (Soulja Boy)
17. Nelly Furtado - Say It Right
18. Maroon 5 - Makes Me Wonder
19. Timbaland feat. Nelly Furtado & Justin Timberlake - Give It To Me
20. T-Pain feat. Yung Joc - Buy U A Drank (Shawty Snappin')

AC Recurrents

1. Bon Jovi - (You Want To) Make A Memory
2. Gwen Stefani feat. Akon - The Sweet Escape
3. John Mayer - Waiting On The World To Change
4. Natasha Bedingfield - Unwritten
5. Fray - How To Save A Life

6. Carrie Underwood - Before He Cheats
7. Daniel Powter - Bad Day
8. James Blunt - You're Beautiful
9. Snow Patrol - Chasing Cars
10. Eagles - How Long

11. Kelly Clarkson - Because Of You
12. Michael Buble - Everything
13. KT Tunstall - Black Horse & The Cherry Tree
14. Kelly Clarkson - Breakaway
15. Los Lonely Boys - Heaven/Cielo

16. Lifehouse - You And Me
17. Rascal Flatts - What Hurts The Most
18. Nickelback - Far Away
19. Kimberley Locke - Band Of Gold
20. Maroon 5 - She Will Be Loved

Urban AC Recurrents

1. Ledisi - Alright
2. Robin Thicke - Lost Without U
3. Jill Scott - Hate On Me
4. Angie Stone feat. - Betty Wright Baby
5. Aretha Franklin With Fantasia - Put You Up On Game

6. Tank - Please Don't Go
7. Robin Thicke - Can U Believe
8. Fantasia - When I See U
9. Mary J. Blige - Be Without You
10. Gerald Levert - In My Songs

11. Brian Mcknight - Find Myself In You
12. Tank - Heartbreaker
13. Luther Vandross - Think About You
14. Chrisette Michele - If I Have My Way
15. Anthony Hamilton - Can't Let Go

16. Will Downing - After Tonight
17. Kirk Franklin - Looking For You
18. Joe - If I Was Your Man
19. Kirk Franklin - Imagine Me
20. Tamia - Me

Triple A Recurrents

1. Eddie Vedder - Hard Sun
2. Snow Patrol - Shut Your Eyes
3. Robert Plant / Alison Krauss - Gone, Gone, Gone (Done Moved On)
4. Matchbox Twenty - How Far We've Come
5. Spoon - The Underdog

6. Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals - In The Colors
7. Gomez - See The World
8. Killers - Read My Mind
9. Snow Patrol - Chasing Cars
10. Amy Winehouse - You Know I'm No Good

11. Paolo Nutini - New Shoes
12. Bruce Springsteen - Radio Nowhere
13. Plain White T's - Hey There Delilah
14. Modest Mouse - Missed The Boat
15. Kooks - She Moves In Her Own Way

16. Paolo Nutini - Last Request
17. Colbie Caillat - Bubbly
18. Fray - How To Save A Life
19. Lifehouse - First Time
20. Fray - Over My Head (Cable Car)

Smooth Jazz Recurrents

1. Brian Simpson - What Cha Gonna Do?
2. Najee - Come What May
3. Jeff Golub feat. Richard Elliot - Ain't No Woman (Like The One I Got)
4. Paul Taylor - Ladies' Choice
5. Keiko Matsui - Black River

6. Down To The Bone - Parkside Shuffle
7. Four80east - Noodle Soup
8. Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds - Fire And Rain
9. Rick Braun & Richard Elliot - R N R
10. Brian Bromberg - Cantaloupe Island

11. Norman Brown - Let's Take A Ride
12. Marion Meadows - Remember Me
13. Kim Waters - Got To Give It Up
14. U-Nam - Street Life
15. Corinne Bailey Rae - Trouble Sleeping

16. John Legend - Save Room
17. Euge Groove - Born 2 Groove
18. Robin Thicke - Lost Without U
19. Paul Brown - Rhythm Method
20. Chaka Khan feat. Michael Mcdonald - You Belong To Me

Check out the charts in full on Radio and Records' official website. According to R&R, recurrents are titles that have appeared on the chart for 20 or more weeks and have fallen below the top 20.

Also, browse through other music charts on "My Thoughts In Stereo".

Smooth Jazz This Week - 29 Feb 2008

2008-02-27T23:17:00.000-08:00

Smooth Jazz Charts
Radio and Records US National Airplay
29 February 2008

1. Paul Hardcastle - Lucky Star --> 3 weeks at number 1
2. Boney James - Let It Go
3. Eric Marienthal - Blue Water
4. Kenny G - Sax-O-Loco
5. Candy Dulfer - L.A. City Lights

6. Chris Botti - Venice
7. Euge Groove - Mr. Groove
8. Everette Harp - Old School
9. Jessy J - Tequila Moon
10. Chuck Loeb - Window Of The Soul --> most added

11. Jay Soto - Slammin
12. Paul Brown - Ol' Skoolin'
13. Queen Latifah - Poetry Man
14. Nyee Moses - Between Us
15. Chris Standring - Love & Paragraphs --> most added

16. Michael Mcdonald - (Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher And Higher
17. Alicia Keys - No One
18. Walter Beasley - Why Not You
19. Jimmy Sommers - Happy Hour
20. Rick Braun & Richard Elliot - Better Times

21. Norman Brown - Pop's Cool Groove --> most added
22. Simply Red - Stay
23. Michael Manson - Coming Right At Ya
24. Marcus Miller Feat. Corinne Bailey Rae - Free
25. Blake Aaron - Bumpin' On The Wes Side

26. Nils - Dreamin' --> re-entry
27. Michael Mcdonald - Walk On By
28. Joyce Cooling - Cool Of The Night
29. Marc Antoine - Spooky --> new
30. Angie Stone Feat. Pauletta Washington - Happy Being Me

Smooth Jazz Most Added

Chuck Loeb - Window of the Soul
Chris Standring - Love & Paragraphs
Norman Brown - Pop's Cool Groove
Sax Pack - Fallin' For You
Kenny G - Sax-o-Loco
Jessy J - Tequila Moon
Steve Oliver feat. Warren Hill - On The Upside

Smooth Jazz Most Increased Plays

Kenny G - Sax-o-Loco
Jessy J - Tequila Moon
Boney James - Let It Go
Alicia Keys - No One
Paul Brown - Ol' Skoolin'

This Smooth Jazz/NAC chart may be seen in full on the Radio and Records website. Check out other music charts on "My Thoughts In Stereo".

Coffeehouse This Week - 29 Feb 2008

2008-02-27T23:08:00.000-08:00

Triple A Charts
Radio and Records US National Airplay
29 February 2008

1. Jack Johnson - If I Had Eyes --> 7 weeks at number 1
2. Ingrid Michaelson - The Way I Am
3. R.E.M. - Supernatural Superserious
4. Sara Bareilles - Love Song
5. Sheryl Crow - Love Is Free

6. KT Tunstall - Saving My Face
7. Counting Crows - You Can't Count On Me
8. Feist - My Moon My Man
9. Ryan Adams - Everybody Knows
10. Bruce Springsteen - Girls In Their Summer Clothes

11. David Gray - You're The World To Me
12. Mike Doughty - 27 Jennifers
13. Colbie Caillat - Realize
14. Mat Kearney - Breathe In Breathe Out
15. Radiohead - Jigsaw Falling Into Place

16. B-52s - Funplex
17. Brandi Carlile - Turpentine
18. John Mayer - Say
19. Lenny Kravitz - I'll Be Waiting
20. OneRepublic - Stop And Stare

21. Shawn Mullins - All In My Head
22. Spoon - Don't You Evah
23. Augustana - Sweet And Low
24. Robert Plant / Alison Krauss - Please Read The Letter
25. Black Crowes - Goodbye Daughters Of The Revolution

26. Ben's Brother - Kiss Me Again (Stuttering) --> re-entry
27. Foo Fighters - Long Road To Ruin
28. Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals - Fight Outta You
29. Landon Pigg - Falling In Love At A Coffee Shop --> new
30. Paolo Nutini - Jenny Don't Be Hasty

Triple A Most Added This Week

Steve Winwood f Eric Clapton - Dirty City
Van Morrison - That's Entertainment
Jason Mraz - I'm Yours
Yael Naim - New Soul
Counting Crows - You Can't Count On Me
Augustana - Sweet and Low
Matt Nathanson - Come On Get Higher
Needtobreathe - More Time
X Levitation Cult - Habit Forming
Feist - I Feel It All
Amy Winehouse - Love Is A Losing Game

Triple A Most Increased Plays

Van Morrison - That's Entertainment
R.E.M. - Supernatural Superserious
Jason Mraz - I'm Yours
Augustana - Sweet and Low
B-52s - Funplex

This Adult Album Alternative chart may be seen in full on the Radio and Records website. Check out other music charts on "My Thoughts In Stereo".

Neo-Soul This Week - 29 Feb 2008

2008-02-27T23:01:00.000-08:00

Urban AC Charts
Radio and Records US National Airplay
29 February 2008

1. Alicia Keys - Like You'll Never See Me Again --> 7 weeks at number 1
2. Keyshia Cole - I Remember
3. Jaheim - Never
4. Mary J. Blige - Just Fine
5. Raheem Devaughn - Woman

6. Erykah Badu - Honey
7. Musiq Soulchild - Teachme
8. Joe - My Love
9. Alicia Keys - No One
10. Justin Timberlake duet with Beyonce - Until The End Of Time

11. Angie Stone - Sometimes
12. Chaka Khan - Angel
13. Chaka Khan - One For All Time
14. Keith Sweat feat. Paisley Bettis - Suga Suga Suga
15. Jill Scott - My Love

16. Kirk Franklin - Declaration (This Is It!)
17. Mariah Carey - Touch My Body --> most increased plays
18. Ledisi - In The Morning
19. Mary J. Blige - Work That
20. J. Holiday - Suffocate

21. Charlie Wilson feat. T-Pain - Supa Sexxy
22. Chrisette Michele - Be OK
23. Tamia - Almost
24. Cheri Dennis feat. Yung Joc & Gorilla Zoe - Portrait Of Love
25. Marvin Winans - Just Don't Wanna Know

26. Anthony Hamilton - Do You Feel Me
27. Michael Mcdonald - Love TKO
28. Marvin Sapp - Never Would Have Made It
29. Johnta Austin - The One That Got Away
30. Trey Songz - Can't Help But Wait

31. Emily King - U & I
32. Mary J. Blige - Hurt Again
33. Lyfe Jennings - Never Never Land
34. Yolanda Adams - Hold On
35. Willie Clayton - A Woman Knows

36. Keyshia Cole introducing Amina Shoulda - Let You Go
37. Mint Condition - Baby Boy Baby Girl --> new
38. Boyz II Men - Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me) --> new
39. Marcus Miller feat. Corinne Bailey Rae - Free --> most added; new
40. Noel Gourdin - The River --> new

Urban AC Most Added This Week

Marcus Miller feat. Corinne Bailey Rae - Free
Mariah Carey - Touch My Body
Alice Smith - Dream
Keith Sweat feat. Paisley Bettis - Suga Suga Suga
Livin Out Loud - Lately

Urban AC Most Increased Plays

Mariah Carey - Touch My Body
Keith Sweat feat. Paisley Bettis - Suga Suga Suga
Keyshia Cole - I Remember
Raheem Devaughn - Woman
Jaheim - Never

This Urban AC chart may be seen in full on the Radio and Records website. Check out other music charts on "My Thoughts In Stereo".

Easy Listening This Week - 29 Feb 2008

2008-02-27T22:55:00.000-08:00

AC Charts
Radio and Records US National Airplay
29 February 2008

1. Colbie Caillat - Bubbly --> 9 weeks at number 1
2. Fergie - Big Girls Don't Cry --> most increased plays
3. Daughtry - Home
4. Plain White T's - Hey There Delilah
5. Pink - Who Knew

6. Elliott Yamin - Wait For You
7. Celine Dion - Taking Chances
8. Michael Buble - Lost
9. Timbaland Feat. OneRepublic - Apologize
10. Michael Mcdonald - (Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher And Higher

11. Taylor Swift - Teardrops On My Guitar
12. Alicia Keys - No One
13. Sara Bareilles - Love Song --> most added
14. Jordin Sparks - Tattoo
15. Faith Hill - Lost

16. John Mayer - Dreaming With A Broken Heart
17. Lifehouse - First Time
18. Plumb - In My Arms
19. Daughtry - Over You
20. Ingrid Michaelson - The Way I Am

21. Idina Menzel - Brave
22. Eagles - Busy Being Fabulous
23. Landon Pigg - Falling In Love At A Coffee Shop
24. Santana Feat. Chad Kroeger - Into The Night
25. Dana Parish - Not My Problem

26. Maroon 5 - Wake Up Call
27. Taylor Dayne - Beautiful
28. Kelly Sweet - Dream On
29. C Note - Forgive Me
30. Queen Latifah - Poetry Man

AC Most Added This Week

Sara Bareilles - Love Song
Kimberley Locke - Fall
Jordin Sparks - Tattoo
Taylor Swift - Teardrops On My Guitar
Sugarland - Stay

AC Most Increased Plays This Week

Fergie - Big Girls Don't Cry
Michael Buble - Lost
Taylor Swift - Teardrops On My Guitar
Celine Dion - Taking Chances
Pink - Who Knew

This AC chart may be seen in full on the Radio and Records website. Check out other music charts on "My Thoughts In Stereo".

Pop Music This Week - 29 February 2008

2008-02-27T22:41:00.000-08:00

CHR/POP Charts
Radio and Records US National Airplay
29 February 2008

1. Flo Rida feat. T-Pain - Low --> 4 week(s) at number 1
2. Chris Brown - With You
3. Rihanna - Don't Stop The Music
4. Timbaland feat. OneRepublic - Apologize
5. Sean Kingston - Take You There

6. Sara Bareilles - Love Song
7. Alicia Keys - No One
8. Buckcherry - Sorry
9. Fergie - Clumsy
10. Linkin Park - Shadow Of The Day

11. Taylor Swift - Teardrops On My Guitar
12. Wyclef Jean feat. Akon, Lil Wayne & Niia - Sweetest Girl (Dollar Bill)
13. Jordin Sparks - Tattoo
14. Miley Cyrus - See You Again
15. Finger Eleven - Paralyzer

16. OneRepublic - Stop And Stare
17. Jordin Sparks duet with Chris Brown - No Air
18. Three Days Grace - Never Too Late
19. Snoop Dogg - Sensual Seduction
20. Daughtry - Feels Like Tonight

21. Chris Brown feat. T-Pain - Kiss Kiss
22. Boys Like Girls - Hero/Heroine
23. Mariah Carey - Touch My Body --> most increased plays; most added
24. Jonas Brothers - When You Look Me In The Eyes
25. Paramore - Misery Business

26. Natasha Bedingfield feat. Sean Kingston - Love Like This
27. Lupe Fiasco feat. Matthew Santos - Superstar
28. Plies feat. Akon - Hypnotized
29. Enur feat. Natasja - Calabria 2008
30. Santana feat. Chad Kroeger - Into The Night

31. Lifehouse - Whatever It Takes
32. Usher feat. Young Jeezy - Love In This Club
33. Cascada - What Hurts The Most
34. Leona Lewis - Bleeding Love
35. Alicia Keys - Like You'll Never See Me Again

36. Blue October - Calling You
37. Cherish Feat. Yung Joc - Killa
38. Colbie Caillat - Realize
39. Britney Spears - Piece Of Me
40. Baby Bash feat. Sean Kingston - What Is It

CHR/Top 40 Most Added This Week:

Mariah Carey - Touch My Body
Usher feat. Young Jeezy - Love In This Club
Fergie - Finally
Leona Lewis - Bleeding Love
Lupe Fiasco feat. Matthew Santos - Superstar
Ferras - Hollywood's Not America

CHR/Top 40 Most Increased Plays This Week:

Mariah Carey - Touch My Body
Sara Bareilles - Love Song
Chris Brown - With You
Usher feat. Young Jeezy - Love In This Club
Buckcherry - Sorry

This CHR/POP chart may be seen in full on the Radio and Records website. Check out other music charts on "My Thoughts In Stereo".

Music Charts on "My Thoughts In Stereo"

2008-02-27T21:50:00.000-08:00

Starting this week, I have decided to keep track of specific music charts by way of this blog. Partially for work, and partially for personal purposes, I've always referred to music charts as a gauge of what's going on in the international music scene.

I suppose it started with my fixation on those old chart shows from Casey Kasem (which was on RT and on KC for a time) and Rick Dees (which was on RT for the most part). As I joined the radio industry, the music being played on radio became very diverse- and so you now have different charts tracking airplay and record sales for different radio formats.

Radio and Records or R&R is an industry magazine I've been reading up on (at least as much as I can, anyway) since my early radio days at 99.5 RT. Even to this day, it has always been an invaluable tool to any radio or record industry executive. I've always had it bookmarked, and I continue to refer to their charts on a weekly basis.

I thought I might as well do all that via this blog- check out the pertinent music activity for my current line of work. And so with that, I'll be tracking the following music charts:

1. CHR/Pop - Contemporary Hit Radio or Top 40, is the most popular of all these music charts, hence the term 'pop'. It gives anyone at the very least a reference point of the general feel of the music atmosphere at a particular point in time. Then again, pop music doesn't appeal to everybody, and so you have a wide variety of other 'alternative' formats.

2. AC - The Adult Contemporary format is essentially pop music for a more mature audience; it's CHR radio that's generally devoid of hard rock, hip-hop, teen pop and dance tracks.

3. Urban AC- more like a personal preference, really. Urban AC is mostly soul and R&B music- music that typically caters to an African-American audience, but without the rap or heavy hip-hop.

4. Triple A- is your Adult Album Alternative radio format. Some call it 'underground' , others would refer to it as 'progressive'. It caters (again) to a more mature market, but it differs from regular AC in that it has more a diverse sound- drawing from alternative rock, alternative country, blues, jazz, folk, even world music, but tends to stay away from heavy rock and rap.

5. Smooth Jazz - is also known as new adult contemporary (or NAC). It draws more from pop jazz than it does traditional jazz, but also has R&B, soul and funk elements.

I like keeping track of music so I have an idea who to keep my eyes and ears on- whether looking out for a particular CD, or knowing what song gets used in the soundtrack for certain songs and movies, or just watching out for bits on music and entertainment news.

I'll also be keeping track of the most popular recurrents every week. Recurrents are songs still frequently aired on a radio station even several months after the initial debut. According to Radio and Records, recurrents are:

"...titles that have appeared on the chart for 20 or more weeks and have fallen below the top 20."

The way I see it, recurrents are your more popular songs which have somehow managed to maintain a sizeable (and seemingly sustaining) amount of airplay and sales, and therefore, a persistent deal of likeability. For many radio stations, these songs are 'defining' titles that pretty much make up a signature sound.

So watch out for these charts. I'll try to keep em as regular as possible.

Cheers, everyone!

Can EMI's New CEO Change the Game?

2008-02-26T02:07:00.000-08:00

I recently read an article on Rolling Stone about EMI's new CEO, Guy Hands, and his bold new plans to breathe new life into the music company he bought last May for US$4.7 billion.

We all know that the recording industry is desperately fighting for life, especially for the past 7 or 8 years, and EMI- the smallest of the four major labels (the other three being Sony-BMG, Warner Music and Universal-MCA) was a complete mess.

But how bad was bad? EMI had already lost US$500 million in a year, it's market share dipped to under ten percent, and two of its biggest artists- Coldplay and Paul McCartney- have jumped ship.

Last January 15, Hands had announced a total overhaul of EMI, hoping not just to stop hemorrhaging vast amounts of money, but to make it profitable once again- and everyone's eyes are on them now, including the other record labels.

The Action Plan.

The first logical move is to lower overhead. Which means cutting costs. And Hands had a lot of shaking to do.

1. No more expensive gifts to artists and multimillion-dollar severance packages for EMI execs.
2. Centralize whatever functions you can- in this case- marketing, promotion and distribution.
3. Lop off redundant departments, trim down everything else to manageable proportions. Not too long ago, we've seen some 2,000 EMI employees lose their jobs. A necessary evil if you want to stay afloat.

With that messy bit of business done, the next move is to defray costs somehow. His move: use more corporate sponsors. And now you have Nordstrom, Victoria's Secret and the New York Daily News co-branding efforts with The Spice Girls and Joss Stone and others.

The Future of the Recording Industry?

All the recording companies have already laid employees off, cut back on budgets and signed fewer artists. So what's going to be new this time around?

Whatever it is, it has to happen fast. Since 2000, sales for the recording industry has been down thirty-six percent. The business model simply isn't working anymore, and everyone is watching EMI to see if Hands has the answer.

I say more power to Guy Hands. Anyone who's shaking up the system this much, all in the interest of adapting to these changing times is definitely deserving of support. And just like everyone in the industry- I'd like to see what else he has in store for EMI.

Cheers, everyone!

Did You Know? Michael Jackson - Human Nature (1983)

2008-02-22T22:06:00.000-08:00

We all know "Human Nature" as one of the most beautiful songs on the Thriller album of 1982- at least, that's what I think. Did you know though, that the song was written by a dude from Toto, and lyrics from the same guy that would later write Madonna's hit song "Crazy For You"?

It's true. Steve Porcaro of Toto- (one of the Porcaro brothers of Toto, anyway) is the band's resident keyboardist, and one of it's composers. Later on, he'd compose "Lea" which became a Toto hit in 1985. Supposedly, the 1982 Toto hit "Rosanna" was written about him and his "it's-rather-complicated" then-relationship with Patricia Arquette.

John Bettis, on the other hand provided the lyrics for "Human Nature"- and was the same dude who came up with the lyrics for The Carpenters' "Top of the World" (among others), and later on after "Human Nature", came up with the words for Madonna's "Crazy For You", Whitney Houston's "One Moment In Time", and Christopher Cross' "Swept Away".

Both were tapped by Quincy Jones to help out on the Thriller project in 1982, particularly for the song "Human Nature"

What's The Song All About?

"Human Nature" is supposedly one of Michael Jackson's songs that never quite had a clear-cut meaning. In fact, even today, everyone might very well have a different interpretation of the song. According to Wikipedia:

While talking about Thriller in his 1988 autobiography Moonwalk, Jackson mentions that "Human Nature" is "music with wings". It is also mentioned that people asked him frequently about the real meaning of the lyrics. Jackson replied with "People often think the lyrics have some special personal significance...which often isn't true...it's important to reach people, to move them...sometimes one can do this with the mosaic of the music melody arrangement and lyrics...sometimes it is the intellectual context of the lyrics".

Additionally, both Jackson and "Q" (how Jackson refers to Quincy Jones in the book) believed that "Human Nature" had the "prettiest melody that they had heard by far".

How Human Nature Got Included in the Thriller Album:

The following is taken from the special edition of Thriller, where Quincy Jones talks in the album's extra tracks. Again, this was taken from Wikipedia:

"Human Nature" would not have been included on Thriller if it weren't for forgetfulness. While producing Thriller in 1982, both Jackson and Quincy Jones had planned to include the song "Carousel" (now an outtake) on the album, as there was room for just one more "mood-like" song, as Jones puts it. However, Jones believed that "Carousel" had to be taken out and replaced. During this time, Toto sent Jones two demo tapes that they thought would be suitable for Michael.

The first two songs on the demo tape did not impress Jones. After the first two samples, Jones forgot to turn the tape off. It was at this moment, as Jones describes it on the special edition of Thriller, that "...and all of a sudden there was all this silence, and then it went "why? why?...da da da da da da da da...why? why?". While talking about it, Jones mentions that he gets "goosebumps from just talking about it".

It was this demo, written by Porcaro, that Jones decided to take Carousel out of the album, and was then replaced by "Human Nature", partly due to its "wonderful flavour". Jones then contacted Bettis to write a lyric to the song.

Lyrics, which are now immortalized, in my opinion, in probably one of the best ballads of all time. So everybody sing along now to "Human Nature". Video by Stacey of tinaandstacey on YouTube :)

Michael Jackson
"Human Nature" (1983)

Looking out
Across the night-time
The city winks a sleepless eye
Hear her voice
Shake my window
Sweet seducing sighs

Get me out
Into the night-time
Four walls won’t hold me tonight
If this town
Is just an apple
Then let me take a bite

If they say -
"Why? Why?" Tell ‘em that it's human nature
"Why, why does he do me that way?"
If they say -
"Why? Why?" Tell ‘em that it's human nature
"Why, why does he do me that way?"

Reaching out
To touch a stranger
Electric eyes are ev’rywhere
See that girl
She knows I’m watching
She likes the way I stare

If they say -
"Why? Why?" Tell ‘em that it's human nature
"Why, why does he do me that way?"
If they say -
"Why? Why?" Tell ‘em that it's human nature
"Why, why does he do me that way?"
I like livin’ this way
I like livin’ this way

Lookin' out
Across the morning
The city’s heart begins to beat
Reaching out
I touch her shoulder
I’m dreaming of the street

If they say -
"Why? Why?" Tell ‘em that it's human nature
"Why, why does he do me that way?"
If they say -
"Why? Why?" Tell ‘em that it's human nature
"Why, why does he do me that way?"
I like livin’ this way

Did You Know? is a continuing project of "My Thoughts In Stereo" to educate the music-listening radio audience. There's a lot more to your songs than you might actually know. And with more stories about your favorite songs, you might actually appreciate them more.

Cheers once again!

Last Song Syndrome: Michael Jackson - P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)

2008-02-22T19:43:00.000-08:00

Right at the top of my head, I'd have to say my most favorite songs from the Thriller album of 1982 would have to be "Human Nature", and this song right here, "P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)".

"P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)" was originally written by Michael and buddy Greg Phillinganes (who at the time, had finished working on one of Stevie Wonder's greatest albums of all time- Songs In The Key of Life)- and was written as a more mid-tempo R&B jam.

When tracks were being laid down, Quincy Jones (who was producing the Thriller album) wanted this particular song to be more upbeat- so he re-wrote it and so it was Jones' version that appeared on the first commercial Thriller release. Dude, whatever Quincy says, goes, I suppose.

In any case, MJ's original version of "P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)" can also be heard on disc 2 of Michael Jackson: The Ultimate Collection. In Thriller 25, the original demo is remixed as "P.Y.T. 2008", but this time featuring will.i.am.

A search on YouTube reveals that perhaps no video was made of "P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)", unlike the bigger hits "Billie Jean", "Beat It" and "Thriller". You do have a number of tribute videos that use clips from other Michael Jackson vids.

In any case, I did find an interesting piece of work here from YouTube user tinaandstacey- which is what I'm putting on this entry, together with lyrics. Here we go!

Michael Jackson
P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing) (1982)

You know you make me feel so good inside...
I've always wanted a girl just like you...
Such a pretty, pretty young thing... ooh!

Where did you come from, lady?
And ooh won’t you take me there
Right away, won’t you, baby
Tendoroni you’ve got to be
Spark my nature, sugar fly with me

Don’t you know now
Is the perfect time?
We can make it right
Hit the city lights
Then tonight ease the lovin’ pain
Let me take you to the max

I want to love you (P.Y.T.)
Pretty Young Thing
You need some lovin’ (T.L.C.)
Tender Lovin’ Care
And I’ll take you there, girl- ooh!
I want to love you (P.Y.T.)
Pretty Young Thing
You need some lovin’ (T.L.C.)
Tender Lovin’ Care
I’ll shake you there

(Anywhere you wanna go)
Yes I will, ooh

Nothin’ can stop this burnin’
Desire to be with you
Gotta get to you baby
Won’t you come, it’s emergency
Cool my fire yearnin’
Honey, come set me free

Don’t you know now is the perfect time?
We can dim the lights
Just to make it right
In the night
Hit the lovin’ spot
I’ll give you all that I’ve got

I want to love you (P.Y.T.)
Pretty Young Thing
You need some lovin’ (T.L.C.)
Tender Lovin’ Care
And I’ll take you there, yes I will, girl
I want to love you (P.Y.T.)
Pretty Young Thing
You need some lovin’ (T.L.C.)
Tender Lovin’ Care
I’ll take you there, yes I will, hee-ee!

Pretty Young Things, repeat after me
Sing "Na na na" ("Na na na")
"Na na na na" ("Na na na na")
"Na na na" ("Na na na")
I Said "Na na na na na" ("Na na na na na")
I’ll take you there, take you there

I want to love you (P.Y.T.)
Pretty Young Thing
You need some lovin’ (T.L.C.)
Tender Lovin’ Care
And I’ll take you there, take you there
I want to love you (P.Y.T.)
Pretty Young Thing
You need some lovin’ (T.L.C.)
Tender Lovin’ Care
I’ll take you there, take you there

Here's some Trivia on Michael Jackson's P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing):

So we know Quincy Jones produced the album, right? But do you know which popular Quincy Jones protege also did work on the portasound keyboard for this particular song, as well as laid down background vocals and the handclaps?

The dude is James Ingram, ladies and gentlemen. Dude was busy building up an impressive resume before working on his solo career. Way to go, James!

Can't get that song out of your head? Then check out more of Renzie's Last Song Syndrome Project, the only blog service dedicated to getting that persistent tune out of your system- by giving you lots more of it!

Cheers, everyone!

What Are Your Favorite Songs of 2007?

2008-02-19T10:00:00.000-08:00

I get completely obsessive-compulsive about my music collection. In this particular case, I like organizing my songs according to year and genre. It's my way of helping me keep track of the music I have stored in any given hard disk at any given time.

So while I was stashing away all the songs from last year into a '2007' folder, I remembered getting this list from RadioandRecords.com- a list of the Top 100 songs of 2007. I thought I'd share it with you guys, just so you could see what the world was listening to last year (and no, it's not that Papaya crap those noontime shows try forcibly shove down your throat).

Also gives you a chance to make sure you get your collection right. Here we go...

TOP 100 SONGS of 2007 (ALL FORMATS)

1 Beyonce - IRREPLACEABLE
2 T-Pain Featuring Yung Joc - BUY U A DRANK (SHAWTY SNAPPIN')
3 Fergie - BIG GIRLS DON'T CRY
4 Nelly Furtado - SAY IT RIGHT
5 Rihanna Featuring Jay-Z - UMBRELLA

6 Gwen Stefani Featuring Akon - THE SWEET ESCAPE
7 The Fray - HOW TO SAVE A LIFE
8 Daughtry - IT'S NOT OVER
9 Plain White T's - HEY THERE DELILAH
10 Daughtry - HOME

11 Akon - DON'T MATTER
12 Timbaland Featuring Keri Hilson - THE WAY I ARE
13 Maroon 5 - MAKES ME WONDER
14 Akon Featuring Snoop Dogg - I WANNA LUV U
15 Pink - U + UR HAND

16 Sean Kingston - BEAUTIFUL GIRLS
17 Timbaland Featuring Nelly Furtado & Justin Timberlake - GIVE IT TO ME
18 Carrie Underwood - BEFORE HE CHEATS
19 Fergie Featuring Ludacris - GLAMOROUS
20 Justin Timberlake Featuring T.I. - MY LOVE

21 Justin Timberlake - WHAT GOES AROUND...COMES AROUND
22 Elliott Yamin - WAIT FOR YOU
23 Shop Boyz - PARTY LIKE A ROCKSTAR
24 T-Pain Featuring Akon - BARTENDER
25 Lloyd Featuring Lil' Wayne - YOU

26 Mims - THIS IS WHY I'M HOT
27 Soulja Boy Tell'em - CRANK THAT (SOULJA BOY)
28 Fabolous Featuring Ne-Yo - MAKE ME BETTER
29 Pink - WHO KNEW
30 Justin Timberlake - SUMMER LOVE

31 Robin Thicke - LOST WITHOUT U
32 Plies Featuring T-Pain - SHAWTY
33 Ludacris Featuring Mary J. Blige - RUNAWAY LOVE
34 Snow Patrol - CHASING CARS
35 Kanye West - STRONGER

36 John Mayer - WAITING ON THE WORLD TO CHANGE
37 Nickelback - IF EVERYONE CARED
38 Nickelback - ROCKSTAR
39 Gym Class Heroes Featuring Patrick Stump - CUPID'S CHOKEHOLD/BREAKFAST IN AMERICA
40 Finger Eleven - PARALYZER

41 Keyshia Cole Featuring Missy Elliott & Lil Kim - LET IT GO
42 Linkin Park - WHAT I'VE DONE
43 Diddy Featuring Keyshia Cole - LAST NIGHT
44 Bow Wow Featuring Chris Brown & Johnta Austin - SHORTIE LIKE MINE
45 J. Holiday - BED

46 Akon Featuring Eminem - SMACK THAT
47 Nickelback - FAR AWAY
48 Omarion - ICE BOX
49 Lloyd - GET IT SHAWTY
50 Avril Lavigne - GIRLFRIEND

51 Ne-Yo - BECAUSE OF YOU
52 The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus - FACE DOWN
53 Hinder - LIPS OF AN ANGEL
54 Fergie - FERGALICIOUS
55 Paula DeAnda Featuring The DEY - WALK AWAY (REMEMBER ME)

56 Lifehouse - FIRST TIME
57 Ciara - LIKE A BOY
58 Pretty Ricky - ON THE HOTLINE
59 Hurricane Chris - A BAY BAY
60 Ciara - PROMISE

61 Fantasia - WHEN I SEE U
62 Huey - POP, LOCK & DROP IT
63 Jim Jones - WE FLY HIGH
64 Justin Timberlake - LOVESTONED
65 Tank - PLEASE DON'T GO

66 Rihanna & Sean Paul - BREAK IT OFF
67 Hinder - BETTER THAN ME
68 Bone Thugs-N-Harmony Featuring Akon - I TRIED
69 R. Kelly Featuring T.I. & T-Pain - I'M A FLIRT
70 Bow Wow Featuring T-Pain & Johnta Austin - OUTTA MY SYSTEM

71 Fall Out Boy - THNKS FR TH MMRS
72 Colbie Caillat - BUBBLY
73 Papa Roach - FOREVER
74 Daughtry - OVER YOU
75 Avril Lavigne - WHEN YOU'RE GONE

76 Justin Timberlake and Beyonce - UNTIL THE END OF TIME
77 Unk - WALK IT OUT
78 The All-American Rejects - IT ENDS TONIGHT
79 Crime Mob Featuring Lil Scrappy - ROCK YO HIPS
80 Musiq Soulchild – TEACH ME

81 My Chemical Romance - WELCOME TO THE BLACK PARADE
82 Baby Boy Da Prince Featuring Lil Boosie - THE WAY I LIVE
83 Alicia Keys - NO ONE
84 Boys Like Girls - THE GREAT ESCAPE
85 Breaking Benjamin - BREATH

86 Rich Boy Featuring Polow Da Don - THROW SOME D'S
87 Baby Bash Featuring T-Pain - CYCLONE
88 Three Days Grace - PAIN
89 Fall Out Boy - THIS AIN'T A SCENE, IT'S AN ARMS RACE
90 Yung Berg Featuring Junior - SEXY LADY

91 Fat Joe Featuring Lil Wayne - MAKE IT RAIN
92 Ludacris Featuring Pharrell - MONEY MAKER
93 T.I - BIG THINGS POPPIN' (DO IT)
94 Christina Aguilera - HURT
95 Chris Brown Featuring Jay Biz - POPPIN'

96 Stone Sour - THROUGH GLASS
97 Maroon 5 - WAKE UP CALL
98 Billy Currington - GOOD DIRECTIONS
99 Martina McBride - ANYWAY
100 Rihanna Featuring Ne-Yo - HATE THAT I LOVE YOU

Last Song Syndrome: Mo Thugs Family - "All Good" (1998)

2008-02-19T08:56:00.000-08:00

Now here's a cool track. While I was going through my music files, I just discovered an alternate, more laid-back mix of the Mo Thugs 1998 hit, "All Good", which featured Krayzie Bone (of Bone Thugs N Harmony) and Felecia Lindsey-Howse on vocals.

I just realized that I hardly knew the lyrics and all I was singing to was the "It's all G-double O-D, good for me..." part. Which was pathetic.

So I thought I'd do everyone a favor and provide a copy of the lyrics right here, just so we can get it right when we feel like groovin' to this song- which I am right now.

The vid right here features the regular, radio-played version. The alternate, laid-back version will be played on my station, of course.

In the meantime, here they are: Mo Thugs featuring Krayzie Bone and Felecia Lindsey-Howse with "All Good".

Mo Thugs featuring Krayzie Bone
and Felecia Lindsey-Howse
"All Good" 1997

Krayzie:
Mo, Mo, Mo, Mo, Mo . . .
Mo Thug, Mo Thug, Mo Thug, and we are Mo Thugs, Mo Thugs, Mo Thugs.

Felecia:
It's all good. My lovin's all good.

Felecia:
Lately, you've been stressin' me about when I'm a give you some
Callin' me, jockin' me, sweatin' me, gonna rush me none,
'Coz when the time is right I'm gonna let you know, and that's for sure
So wait on me patiently and see what I got in store, 'coz

I'm gonna represent to the fullest, I'll be there
And I promise you no regrets
Just put your trust in me, and baby,
I promise this shit is legit (legit, legit, legit . . )

Felecia:
It's all good. My lovin' is, my lovin' is, all good, all good, all good...
You know it's all good, all good, all good...

Krayzie:
Yep, yep, yep. It's all G-double O-D, good, good, good...
Yep, yep, yep. It's all G-double O-D, good with me, with me, with me...

Felecia:
If I told you once, then I told you twice- you gotta get to know me
There's more to a relationship then jumpin' in the sheets
And if that's all you want, then you better go, 'coz that ain't me
I don't give my love to just anybody.

If I'm not correct, then prove me wrong, and just hold on
Gradually, you will see, just how good it'll be
When the time is right, I'll ease your mind with a little bump and grind
Fantasies full of ecstasy: we'll have a real good time.

Felecia:
It's all good. My lovin' is, my lovin' is, all good, all good, all good...
You know it's all good, all good, all good...

Krayzie:
Yep, yep, yep. It's all G-double O-D, good, good, good...
Yep, yep, yep. It's all G-double O-D, good with me, with me, with me...

Krayzie:
Since it's all good, baby, we can get it on- hey, you wanna ride?
Krayzie Bone. Come and jump in the Benz and tell your friends you will get with them later.
Come and let me take ya- got a couple things I wanna show ya.
I'm really tryin' to know ya- I'm just curious: is it really all good? You serious?
(I'm serious. ..)

If it is, then I gotta jump on it, ride it- ghetto cowboy.
Surprise, you thought I was quiet- I never was shy, baby, niggas just act like that.
Lay back, but don't let that fool ya, rule ya.
Really give that the nigga the bag, 'cause we won't have time to talk.
I've been peepin' for a minute now (Yep, yep, yep . . .),
And I know just where I'ma start.

Let me listen to your heartbeat. Boomp, boomp,
Racin' into the situation.
Is it gettin' kind of hot in here? Naw, that's you.
Temperature's risin', so am I.

Felecia:
It's all good. My lovin' is, my lovin' is, all good, all good, all good...
You know it's all good, all good, all good...

Krayzie:
Yep, yep, yep. It's all G-double O-D, good, good, good...
Yep, yep, yep. It's all G-double O-D, good with me, with me, with me...

Can't get that song out of your head? Then check out more of Renzie's Last Song Syndrome Project, the only blog service dedicated to getting that persistent tune out of your system- by giving you lots more of it!

Cheers, everyone!

Last Song Syndrome: Annie Lennox - "No More I Love You's" (1995)

2008-02-19T08:18:00.000-08:00

I was sorting out some songs at the station earlier on, and my player had this particular song on. I vividly remember way back in 1995 when we first played this song on 99.5RT- it was the same week when we introduced three other songs I fell in love with when I first heard them: Sophie B. Hawkins' "As I Lay Me Down", Samples' "Weight of the World", and Jun Lopito's "Pure Souls".

I've always been a huge Annie Lennox fans, especially during her days with The Eurythmics. She also had some very interesting solo projects, including this one- "No More I Love You's".

While there is a freakish quality to the video- including a rather vampire-esque Annie Lennox- it did leave a very lasting impression. Nevertheless, I'd say the imagery fits the song quite well.

Totally adore the song.

So I hope you guys enjoy this one as well: "No More I Love You's" by Annie Lennox.

Annie Lennox
"No More I Love You's" (1995)

I used to be lunatic from the gracious days
I used to be woebegone and so restless nights
My aching heart would bleed for you to see
Oh but now...
(I don't find myself bouncing round whistling
and fortunes to make me cry)

No more "I love you's"
The language is leaving me
No more "I love you's"
Changes are shifting outside the word
(The lover speaks about the monsters)

I used to have demons in my room at night
Desire, despair, desire, so many monsters
Oh but now...
(I don't find myself bouncing round whistling
and fortunes to make me cry)

No more "I love you's"
The language is leaving me
No more "I love you's"
The language is leaving me in silence
No more "I love you's"
Changes are shifting outside the word

They were being really crazy They were on the come. And you know what mammy? Everybody was being really crazy. Uh huh. The monsters are crazy. There are monsters outsides.
No more "I love you's"
The language is leaving me
No more "I love you's"
The language is leaving me in silence
No more "I love you's"
Changes are shifting outside the word

Outside the word.

Can't get that song out of your head? Then check out more of Renzie's Last Song Syndrome Project, the only blog service dedicated to getting that persistent tune out of your system- by giving you lots more of it!

Cheers, everyone!

Last Song Syndrome: Peter, Bjorn and John - "Young Folks" (2006)

2008-02-19T07:43:00.000-08:00

Frack it. Couldn't get the damn thing out of my head. See, my girlfriend and I have been catching up on our Gossip Girl episodes. Which is a really swell show- it's like this season's The O.C., Dawson's Creek, Beverly Hills 90210, Dynasty or Falcon Crest, depending on what year you were born.

In fact, TV.com hailed it as 2007's Best Guilty Pleasure- and, yeah, the title seems very deserving. In any case, I've recently compiled some songs from a soundtrack listing I posted another time, and loaded it into my player. And this song just goes on and on in my head.

I've been whistling the damn thing all week, and I hope I can get it out of my system by blogging about it. Not that it's a bad song- it's actually a very cool song- it's just that it drives some people crazy because some of my colleagues are now whistling the thing without even knowing the song.

Yeah, it's that catchy.

"Young Folks" was the very first song used on the very first Gossip Girl episode- where it sets the scene in the Upper East Side train station and Serena comes back into town, and Dan and her sister meets up with their Dad, etc. I didn't care much for the lyrics until about my third listen- and then everything just made sense for the whole show- the song being so appropriate just made it all the more cool.

So here we are, from me to all you fellow Gossip Girl fans: Peter, Bjorn and John's "Young Folks", plus the accompanying YouTube vid from not too long ago (2006).

Peter, Bjorn and John
featuring Victoria Bergsman of The Concretes.
"Young Folks" (2006)

If I told you things I did before
Told you how I used to be
Would you go along with someone like me ?
If you knew my story word for word
Had all of my history
Would you go along with someone like me?

I did before and had my share
It didn't lead nowhere
I would go along with someone like you
It doesn't matter what you did
Who you were hanging with
We could stick around and see this night through

And we don't care about the young folks
Talkin' bout the young style
And we don't care about the old folks
Talkin' 'bout the old style too
And we don't care about our own folks
Talkin' 'bout our own stuff
All we care about is talking
Talking only me and you

Usually when things has gone this far
People tend to disappear
No one would surprise me unless you do
I can tell there's something goin' on
Hours seem to disappear
Everyone is leaving I'm still with you

It doesn't matter what we do
Where we are going to
We can stick around and see this night through

And we don't care about the young folks
Talkin' bout the young style
And we don't care about the old folks
Talkin' 'bout the old style too
And we don't care about our own folks
Talkin' 'bout our own stuff
All we care about is talking
Talking only me and you

And we don't care about the young folks
Talkin' bout the young style
And we don't care about the old folks
Talkin' 'bout the old style too
And we don't care about our own folks
Talkin' 'bout our own stuff
All we care about is talking
Talking only me and you

(repeat)

Talking only me and you

Talking only me and you
Talking only me and you

Can't get that song out of your head? Then check out more of Renzie's Last Song Syndrome Project, the only blog service dedicated to getting that persistent tune out of your system- by giving you lots more of it!

Cheers, everyone!

Was Your Favorite Tune Played on Gossip Girl?

2008-02-17T17:09:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone.

Just thought I'd do just another bit of public service. You see, since my last post on Gossip Girl (on another blog, "Too Much TV"), I've actually received quite a number of requests for help: mostly asking me if I knew which song played on what scene, and so on so forth.

So I've actually gone one step further to give you all a listing of the songs featured on the hit CW drama. Ah, so much drama. And in case you didn't know- they'll be back on April 25 with 5 new episodes!

Until then, you can watch your 13 episodes over and over again with your Gossip Girl-lovin' buddies. And work on getting your favorite songs together- here's the listing without any further ado. Enjoy!

Episode 1: Pilot

- "Young Folks" by Peter, Bjorn and John
- "If It's Lovin' That You Want" by Rihanna
- "What Goes Around...Comes Around" by Justin Timberlake
- "Diamond Hipster Boy" by Washington Social Club
- "Concerto in G" by Antonio Vivaldi & Brian Reitzell
- "99%" by The Mooney Suzuki
- "Bounce With Me" by Kreesha Turner
- "Back to Black" by Amy Winehouse
- "Space For Rent" by WhoMadeWho
- "Send You Back" by Matthew Dear
- "Photograph" by Air
- "Joyful Waltz" by Zdenek Bartak
- "Hang Me Up to Dry" by Cold War Kids
- "Time Won't Let Me Go" by The Bravery
- "Hard to Live in the City" by Albert Hammond Jr.
- "The Way I Are" by Timbaland Feat. Keri Hilson and D.O.E.
- "Go" by Hanson
- "Don't Matter" by Akon
- "Knock Knock" by Lyrics Born
- "The Gift" by Angels & Airwaves

Episode 2: The Wild Brunch

- "Hit Me Up" by Gia Farell
- "Shut Up And Drive" by Rihanna
- "When Did Your Heart Go Missing" by Rooney
- "Ballad of Gus and Sam" by Ferraby Lionheart
- "Tell Me About It" by Joss Stone
- "The Queen And I" by Gym Class Heroes
- "Believe" by The Bravery

Episode 3: Poison Ivy

- "Glamorous" Constance Billard Choir
- "I Got It From My Momma" by Will.I.Am
- "Can't Be Happening" by The Marlows
- "Raise Your Hand" by The Lights
- "I Feel It All" by Feist
- "Dusk Till Dawn" by Ladyhawke

Episode 4: Bad News Blair

- "Moon River" by Henry Mancini
- "Make It Bounce" by Invisible Men
- "The Focus" by X5
- "Tambourine" by Eve
- "Candy Store" by Miss Eighty 6
- "Till The Sun Comes Up" by Miss Eighty6
- "Until You Can't" by Alana D
- "Bounce Back" by Miss Eighty 6
- "Beautiful Girls" by Sean Kingston

Episode 5: Dare Devil

- "There's a Pot Brewin" by Little Ones
- "Rockstar LP" by Prima J
- "Came to Dance" by Candence Blaze
- "Ringing in my Ears" by Two Hours Traffic
- "Whine Up" by Kat Deluna
- "I'm doing it Again" by All Wrong and the Plans Change
- "Mama I'm Comin' Home" by Ozzy Osbourne
- "Get Ur Party On" by Zooland

Episode 6: The Handmaiden's Tale

- "Timebomb" by Beck
- "Happy Ending" by Mika
- "Guess Who (Parov Stelar Remix)" by Nekta
- "Kiss, Kiss" by Yeah Yeah Yeahs
- "Take It to the Top" by 5 Alarm Music
- "A Taste" by Sofia J
- "Nasty Funky Crazy" by Becca Styles
- "Ring A Ling" by Miss Eighty 6

Episode 7: Victor, Victrola

- "Stripper" By Soho Dolls
- "So the say" By Classic
- "Ballad of an easy..." By David McConnel
- "Release" By Miss Eighty 6
- "Second Hand Lovers" By John Ralston
- "Just Love" By Warren
- "Photograph" By Air
- "Girl I Told Ya" By Valeria ft Aria
- "Whatever" by Elliot Smith
- "With Me" By Sum 41

Episode 8: Seventeen Candles

- "One Week of Danger" by The Virgins
- "Your Birthday" by The Shapes
- "Love is Colder Than..." by The Virgins
- "Rich Girls" by The Virgins
- "Feathers" by Two Hours Traffic
- "Nice Buddy" by Puffy Ami Yumi
- "How We Breathe" by Pinback
- "Fernando Pando" by The Virgins
- "Freebird" by CAST
- "Inside Out" by Miss Eighy 6
- "How Does it Feel" by Eskimo Joe
- "Kissing Song" by Dawn Landes
- "Radio Christine" by The Virgins

Episode 9: Blair Waldorf Must Pie!

- "Grand Opening" by Will Dailey
- "Promiscuous" by Nelly Furtado
- "Here It Goes Again" by Ok Go
- "La Ritournelle" by Sebastian Tellier
- "Nolita Fairytale" by Vanessa Carlton
- "Recurring" by Bonobo
- "Today" by Stickboy

Episode 10: Hi, Society
- "Comin' Home Baby" by The Torme
- "Secret (Piano Version)" by The Pierces
- "You're A Wolf" by Sea Wolf (not High Society)
- "Pretty Please" by Lissa
- "What For" by Rooney
- "Secret" by The Pierces
- "Three Wishes" by The Pierces
- "Apologize" by One Republic ft. Timbaland

Episode 11: Roman Holiday

- "Santa Baby" by The Constance Billard Choir
- "O Come All Ye Faithful" (jazzy instrumental)
- "O Christmas Tree" by The Plush Interiors
- "Stuck For The Summer" by Two Hours - Traffic
- "Christmas Alphabet" by The McGuire Sisters
- "Christmakwanzakah" by The Dan Band
- "Deck The Halls" by The Republic Tigers
- "Jingle Bells" (instrumental)
- "Joy To The World" (instrumental)
- "The General Specific" by Band Of Horses
- "All That I Want" by The Weepies

Episode 12: School Lies

- "Last Night (Oh Yeah)" by Moby
- "Someone Great" by LCD Soundsystem
- "Come Flash All Your Ladies" by The Filthy Youth
- "Orange" by The Filthy Youth
- "Autumn Pink" by Harry Warren
- "Breakfast In NYC" by Oppenheimer
- "Come Home" by One Republic
- "Four Romantic Pieces, Opus 75" by Dvorak
- "Piano Quartet in G Minor" by Mozart
- "Cross The River" by La Rocca

Episode 13: A Thin Line Between Chuck and Nate
- "Got Ur Number" by Nadia Oh
- "The Dark Side Of Indoor Track Meets" by Falling Up
- "You'll Change" by Machine Translations
- "Where There's Gold" by Dashboard Confessional
- "The Air We Breathe" by Figurines
- "Goodbye" by Dan Cray Trio
- "Happily Never After" by Nicole Scherzinger

So go check em out while the new episodes aren't out yet: Gossip Girl- Mondays 8/7 Central on The CW. Head on over to the official website here.

Much More Music: Whitesnake - "Here I Go Again" (1987)

2008-01-26T15:55:00.000-08:00

"This is just like in the Whitesnake video!" - Ricky Bobby, "Talladega Nights", 2006.

It wasn't the first time "Here I Go Again" was referenced in a Will Ferrell movie. The first time, if you would recall, was in the 2003 comedy "Old School".

"Here I Go Again" was a massive hit for Whitesnake in 1987. It was first released in the UK in 1982- David Coverdale just left Deep Purple at the time, and decided to form the band (while he was still popular, I suppose- and it did make a lot of sense). As opposed to the original release, the 1987 US version sounded more slick- mixed with better production elements and backing vocals, giving it that more radio-friendly sound.

The video was particularly memorable because it featured a rather scantily-clad (well, for its time, at least anyway) Tawny Kitaen prancing on the hood, and inside two Jaguars (one belonged to David, and the other belonged to director Marty Callner). It was a huge hit for the MTV-viewing audience, and somehow set the trend for rock bands to use more sexy women in their videos from that point onwards.

Aside from the two Will Ferrell movies, "Here I Go Again" was also referenced in an episode of "American Dad", the "1985" music video of Bowling For Soup, alluded to in "Death Proof", and more recently, in the modern-warfare-themed PC real-time strategy game, "World In Conflict".

Here's Whitesnake with "Here I Go Again". Enjoy!


Whitesnake
"Here I Go Again" (1987)

Intro  :        G   D   C       G   D   C


G       D              C     D
I don't know where I'm going,
G       D                    C    D
but I sure know where I've been.
G                D           C                    G Am
Hanging on the promises in songs of yesterday.
                  D
And I've made up my mind.
Am                        D
I ain't wasting no more time,
         Em
here I go again.
Am            G     Em Am C D
Here I go again.

G             D                C       D
Though I keep searching for an answer,
G                  D                     C   D
I never seem to find what I'm looking for.
G           D                 C                    G Am
Oh Lord I pray you give me strength to carry on,
                     D
'cause I know what it means,
Am                                       D   C   D
to walk along the lonely streets of dreams.

                  G          C           D   C   D
CHORUS :        And here I go again on my own,
                    G              C               D   C   D
              going down the only road I've ever known.
                       G             C           D     C 
              Like a drifter I was born to walk alone.
            Am7                     D 
              And I've made up my mind,
            Am7                         D    C    D
              I ain't wasting no more time.


    G                  D                C        D
      I'm just another heart in need of rescue,
    G            D                 C      D
      waiting on love's sweet charity.
    G               D               C                  G  Am7
      And I'm gonna hold on for the rest of my days,
                              D
      'cause I know what it means,
         Am7                                D       C   D
      to walk along the lonely street of dreams.

                
                  G          C           D   C   D
CHORUS :        And here I go again on my own,
                    G              C               D   C   D
              going down the only road I've ever known.
                       G             C           D   C 
              Like a drifter I was born to walk alone.
            Am7                     D 
              And I've made up my mind,
            Am7                         D
              I ain't wasting no more time.
                  C      D   Em  Am             Em
              but here I go again,  here I go again.
           Am             Em  Am           Em   Am  C  D
              Here I go again,  here I go.


REPEAT AND FADE:
                  G          C           D   C   D
CHORUS :        And here I go again on my own,
                    G              C               D   C   D
              going down the only road I've ever known.
                       G             C           D   C 
              Like a drifter I was born to walk alone.
            Am7                     D 
              And I've made up my mind,
            Am7                         D
              I ain't wasting no more time.

I hope you liked this one. Here are a couple of factoids about Whitesnake:

Did You Know?

1. Whitesnake featured an ever-changing roster of musicians ever since they started out in 1977, but the one constant in the line-up to this day has been lead singer David Coverdale himself.

2. Tawny Kitaen appeared in at least three other Whitesnake videos, including "Is This Love" in 1987.

3. David Coverdale and Tawny Kitaen actually ended up getting married in 1989, but divorced two years later in 1991.

4. The name "Whitesnake" was actually a euphemism for male genitalia.

So there you have it. Also cool from Whitesnake: "Is This Love" (1987). Check out the band's official website here.

Cheers!