The Not-Pop Jukebox

Get Over It - Mayday RED

2013-05-18T11:38:00.000-05:00

You've likely read how videos distract me from a song a few times, here on The NPJ, so I thought I'd post a counterpoint today. Mayday RED does mostly creative covers of songs I don't know but they also do original songs. Get Over It comes across as an interesting pop song but the message, in this case, is only strengthened by the video. Have a watch and a listen while I try to list all of the things I need to get over before I finally jump out of a plane.

I Gotta Get Drunk - Willie Nelson

2013-05-15T21:25:00.001-05:00

Only Willie Nelson could convincingly sing a song explaining how he doesn't want to get drunk but that he must. Okay, Albert Collins might have pulled it off as well but the fact of the matter is that he didn't. Mr. Nelson gave us I Gotta Get Drunk and made us want to buy him a beer...or at least I do. Seriously, don't you think a night out with Willie Nelson would be amazing?

Whatever the case, you can't argue with his logic that there are more old drunks than old doctors, can you? And he can't let down all of those folks waiting to party with him, now can he?

I have a hankering to hear this one remixed over more instruments. Have a listen to I Gotta Get Drunk and let me know what you think, particularly if you know of a cover or remix that would make this an even better party song.

I Gotta Get Drunk by Willie Nelson on Grooveshark

Power to the People - Geraldo Pino & the Heartbeats

2013-05-12T11:52:00.002-05:00

I'd like to thank +Jason Meininger for broadening my funk horizons the other day by introducing me to Geraldo Pino & the Heartbeats. I've very much enjoyed exploring their sound and would love to share them with you, too, my dears. To that end, have a listen to Power to the People.

I particularly enjoy how Mr. Pino talked to his band, bringing in various musicians with funk-appropriate comments. He did this on several songs on this album (the only one I could find pretty much anywhere, on-line) and I'd bet it was a staple of his live shows as well. As he passed in late 2008, sadly I'll never get a chance to see him and find out for myself.

On that less-than-cheerful note, I'm going to shush and let you listen. If you're a fan I'd love to hear which song is your favorite and if you're new to The Heartbeats please let me know what you think. You can listen to Heavy, Heavy, Heavy over at the Listening to...music community at G+ if the funk catches your feet, too.

Power to the People by Geraldo Pino on Grooveshark

Jambalaya (On the Bayou) - Various Artists

2013-05-11T19:49:00.001-05:00

Some people might be ready for drinks and a night out, but I'm offering you instead a steaming heap of Jambalaya, chock full of bayou sass and made by everyone from Hank Williams to The Carpenters. Should that not be enough to tempt you I also threw in a crazy helping of Brenda Lee, the essential seasoning of Clifton Chenier with spoons in hand, and the unexpected flavor of Los Felinos.

"But," you say, "what about that well-known Cajun swingster, Harry Connick, Jr.?" He's in there, too, with a side of Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Creedence Clearwater Revival to whet your appetite. Jeff Healey brings the bite of serious boogie and then The Residents balance the recipe with a creepy take on the whole concept.

All together I've assembled fourteen ingredients to make one enormous pot of Jambalaya (On the Bayou). Dip in and have a taste. I won't blame you a bit if you eat the whole thing, though this is one meal that will likely leave you starving when you've finished dancing your way through it. If I've missed your favorite cover, I'd love to know who performed it.

Giant Bowl of Jambalaya by legbamel on Grooveshark

Rocket Packs - Daniel Amos

2013-05-08T17:44:00.001-05:00

With a big thank you to +Kirk Jordan for reintroducing me to Daniel Amos, I bring you the song that made me think, "I loved these guys!" Rocket Packs sadly still resonates as much today as it did in 1984. Why aren't we living in space? Why are we still so far from love?

While the Devo-esque sound of Rocket Packs couldn't be more 80s (especially as they keep saying, "It's the 80s") don't let it fool you into thinking this is some flash-in-the-pan band. Daniel Amos got together in 1974 and released their most recent album (as far as I can tell) in 2002. As far as I can tell, their sound covers a wide range of genres, including somewhat rockabilly and folk rock as well as something a bit on the harder side. They also have a religious bent that you don't get at all from this song or many of their others, though they really aren't "beat you over the head" about it even on "Bibleland".

At any rate, give Daniel Amos a listen and let me know if you know what happened to those promised Rocket Packs. Share if you've got a favorite song from the band as well!

Rocket Packs by Daniel Amos on Grooveshark

Sugar Blues - Canadian Brass

2013-05-05T19:23:00.000-05:00

Here a rockin', brass-filled cover of Sugar Blues for you all of an evening. If you're unfamiliar with the song you can find covers by all sorts of folks but this one pushes all my happy buttons so I'm sharing it with you all. If you prefer another (or if you happen to know who recorded the original), please do let me know.

Sugar Blues by Canadian Brass on Grooveshark

Shake Away - Lila Downs

2013-05-04T07:38:00.000-05:00

I'd like to change the lyrics for _My Favorite Things_ to include a song that kicks me in the face on first listen and makes me run over here to share it with you. That's what happened with Lila Downs this morning. I was considering posting what I think is the best cover of La Bamba ever when I tripped over Shake Away. Since I was already chair dancing, I thought I'd keep going and the song gave me plenty to keep my shakin' it.

Then there was the theme, which brought Florence + the Machine to mind, with the bonus image of shaking it off like a rattlesnake. And then...then...well, then, my dears Lila Downs nailed me to my chair, open-mouthed, while she pulled off the same thing Bobby Darin did in Blue Skies, maybe even better. That note, that power, that strength!

Have a listen, my darlings, and see if you're as pleasantly stunned with Shake Away as I have been.

Shake Away by Lila Downs on Grooveshark

True Confessions: Q.U.E.E.N. - Janelle Monae ft. Erykah Badu

2013-05-03T20:17:00.002-05:00

If you've been to The NPJ in the last long while, you might have noticed my adoration of Janelle Monae. Thus I squealed like a little girl getting a pony when +Caren Kelleher pointed me at the video for Q.U.E.E.N., uploaded a whole two days ago.

Why, you may be wondering, am I calling this a True Confession post? Well, with two and a half million views in two days I'm pretty sure she can now be considered popular. But the best part? The song made me dance my booty off, drool over her coat, groove to the horns, and then raise my fist. Keep in mind the message: the booty don't lie.

Sorry, I'm too interested in watching this again to be coherent. Watch, love, and share. Happy Friday!

Songs My Kids Like: I Like Birds - Eels

2013-05-02T20:25:00.001-05:00

In case you were unaware, Eels dropped a new album today--"Wonderful, Glorious". You know what that means: Eels for the evening! I'm sharing Peach Blossom because it's got a great, fuzzy bass line and...well, actually I'm not sharing it with you directly because I can't embed it. You'll have to click over to SoundCloud because the label did not allow embedding.

Instead, have a great older Eels song, one that my kids adore. Maybe it's the line that says "It's alright to act like a turd". Whatever the case, I Like Birds has become not only a family favorite but a bit of a catchphrase when buying time or changing the subject. It's also a great dancing-around-the-living-room song. Until I get my digital hands on a widget for the new stuff, have some older Eels to tide you over.

I like birds.

I Like Birds by Eels on Grooveshark

Bombanaza - Bob Schneider

2013-05-01T20:30:00.001-05:00

A few years ago I posted a song from Bob Schneider and then left you hanging, waiting for more. That wasn't very nice of me, but I bring you a song guaranteed to earn your forgiveness: Bombanaza. It's Latin but Austin white-boy Latin.

Considering Bob Schneider's folky, sometimes-country style on many of his albums, you may not be expecting the boogie-down horns and big sound of Bombanaza. The song is, however, a great deal of fun. If you find yourself looking for something a little more on the acoustic side, I recommend Funky Weather, which will still get your toes tapping and your booty shaking. And if you want something even wilder try Boombox.

Bombanaza by Bob Schneider on Grooveshark

Mullensburg Joys - Del McCoury Band and Preservation Hall Jazz Band

2013-04-30T21:15:00.001-05:00

Many moons ago, when the Del McCoury Band and the Perservation Hall Jazz Band released their album "American Legacies", I posted the only song I could find on-line at the time, Jambalaya. Mullensburg Joys, however, was the song that I desperately wanted to share with you.

Even if you're a fan of neither bluegrass nor Dixieland jazz, you have to be amazed at how the two styles merge into one fantastic, enormous band of awesome. Now, it just so happens that part of the reason I wanted to share this song was the whole reason that they recorded it in the first place: it's known by nearly identical names in either genre and is a standard in both. That's your daily dose of music education and horns, all in one post. Happy Tuesday!

Mullensburg Joys by Del McCoury Band and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band on Grooveshark

You Pick the Winner: Los Fabulosos Cadillacs vs. Paul Simon

2013-04-29T20:03:00.000-05:00

I came upon a pair of songs today that have identical beginnings and then veer off in wildly different directions. One was Los Fabulosos Cadillacs with El Matador and the other Paul Simon's The Obvious Child. Now, "Rhythm of the Saints" was released in 1990 and "Vasos Vacíos" in 1993 so I think it's safe to guess that the former influenced the latter rather than the other way around. Given Paul Simon's searching out of global music influences, however, and the fact that Los Fabulosos Cadillacs has been around since 1985, however, I don't know that the two didn't cross-pollinate at some point.

Whether they did or not, have a listen to both songs and let me know which one you like better. Personally, The Obvious Child has long been a favorite of mine but I've enjoyed El Matador a whole lot in the short time I've known about it. Cast your vote and, if you have some insider knowledge, let me know if Paul Simon spent some time in Argentina in the late 80s.

Los Fabulosos Paul Simon by legbamel on Grooveshark

The Legend of the Last of the Outlaw Truckers - The Dandy Warhols

2013-04-27T11:25:00.002-05:00

Be thankful I left off the subtitle, my dears, as The Legend of the Last of the Outlaw Truckers is already vying for "longest post title ever". You should, however, know that this song is The Ballad of Sheriff Shorty. That's not why I'm posting it, however.

The Dandy Warhols do a bunch of dreamy, wandering, syth-heavy pop but, at least once on every album, they nail me with their ability to force me to dance. On their Vonnegut-themed album, it was I Am a Scientist and on "...Earth to the Dandy Warhols..." it's Last of the Outlaw Truckers.

Actually, they scored two in a row on this album, with Mis Amigos actually getting me moving before Sheriff Shorty got me out of my seat. As with a lot of Dandy Warhols songs, this one doesn't make a lot of sense if you just read the lyrics. You need the energy of the song (and their great storytelling) to get the real feel of it. Have a listen to The Legend of the Last of the Outlaw Truckers a.k.a The Ballad of Sheriff Shorty and, if you like the way it hearkens back to the trucker/country songs of old while still being a total jam, do let me know.

The Legend of the Last of the Outlaw Truckers a.k.a. the Ballad of Sheriff Shorty by The Dandy Warhols on Grooveshark

Freak Out - Tapes n' Tapes

2013-04-26T19:05:00.001-05:00

I'm not sure why I waited so long to post Freak Out after my last Tapes n' Tapes post. Happily, I'm told that #fridayfreakout is a thing so I have an excuse to share it with you today. As spring has finally arrived, complete with flood, it seems a fitting song filled with rock riffs and and eminently dance-able beat...and freaking out, of course.

Freak Out by Tapes 'n Tapes on Grooveshark

Merry Go Round - The Lolligags

2013-04-25T20:04:00.001-05:00

On this Merry Go Round you get freaky carnival music with catchy lyrics, like the line that gave The Lolligags's album its name: “Out of perversity we join hands.” I’m not sure in what way they find themselves perverse but it definitely gives you something to ponder while you’re enjoying the song. (No, not perverts, silly, perverse. They’re different—look it up.)

I do rather want to take a ride on the Zipper now, though Merry Go Round seems a bit tame for this great mood-setter. Indeed, they rather remind me of the 80s Siouxsie and the Banshees. You can’t help but tap those toes and do some quality chair dancing while The Lolligags tell you how much they want to go to the spooky-sounding carnival. Let me know if it makes you wish for fried food on a stick and creepy carnies, too.

Yes, Yes, Yes - Calypso Mama

2013-04-23T20:35:00.001-05:00

Here's a delightful song from one of Putomayo's great compilation albums (this would be the Calypso record, natch). This one is Calypso Mama coming up with several creative ways to use yes as a euphemism for...hindquarters. Sorry for the brief post but I'd hate to spoil the song for you all. Have a listen and I'll be blabbier tomorrow, I promise.

Yes, yes, yes by Calypso Mama on Grooveshark

Kill of the Night - Gin Wigmore

2013-04-22T20:44:00.001-05:00

I promised you all more Gin Wigmore and today I intend to deliver. Kill of the Night gives you a perfect taste of her: part rockabilly, part Eartha Kitt, part Amy Winehouse, all attitude. In addition, the song gives new meaning to the term "maneater". Have a listen and let me know if you're ready for more!

Kill of the Night by Gin Wigmore on Grooveshark

Mashup of the Month: Rolling in the Mashups

2013-04-19T19:41:00.002-05:00

From time to time it amuses me to realize that there are pop songs out there that I know thought I’ve never heard the original. When I think of Adele, for instance, I think of her as re-imagined by Marc Johnce (with all sorts of pop music) and DJs from Mars (with Robin S). I’ve heard her over thrash metal and slowed down to a lady Barry White. I have no idea how the song is “supposed” to sound.

Daft Beatles mashed Rolling in the Deep with Sweet Dreams. DJ Maya Jakobson added some classical and some Britney Spears to make ‘Til the Swan Lose Deep Control. Dan Mei chose to lay Adele over Fire and Flames to give her that 200-bpm, flame-broiled bite. ShyBoy slowed her and rolled her with Underworld to make Born in the Deep (Rolling Slippy).

Then there's Ryan Nellis, who rolled Adele through the Eye of the Tiger and the one that slew me, the piece de resistance, Wick-it the Instigator's Rolling in the Fire, which takes Rolling in the Deep and gives it some deep funk.

Naturally, you can download all of these for free. Just click the links above. I've got a set at SoundCloud so that you can hear them but Dan Mei's track isn't there so you get that one on a separate player. Have a listen and let me know which you like best, or if you're true to the original.

Sh-Boom - The Crew Cuts

2013-04-18T21:03:00.000-05:00

Sh-Boom is one of those songs that I've known since I was a kid, though I haven't the faintest idea from where. It's long been an earworm and I've spent more than my fair share of time trying to emulate the "yaddadadadadadadada" part at speed. Just so you know, I still can't do it as well as The Crew Cuts.

Imagine my delight at hearing the song when watching Cars with my kids. I was sad it was so short but I've made up for it by making them listening to it fully many times since then. I'd like to think some day they'll have it stuck in their heads and will play it for their little ones, too. Until then, I want to share it with you.

Sh Boom by The Crew Cuts on Grooveshark

Hey Little Kitty - The Peekers

2013-04-17T19:20:00.001-05:00

I need some cheering up, what with all the stupid snow this week, so I turned to the utterly cheerful pop sensibilities of The Peekers. I defy you not to be perked up by Hey Little Kitty and to avoid having it stuck in your head for days.

The song is pretty much the perfect introduction to The Peekers, as well. It's this perky pile of pop of yesteryear (because, really, pop today is more about bass and computer-enhanced voices) that turns into a couple of different songs along the way to its abrupt conclusion. It also gives you a healthy dose of their sweet harmony, something else you don't much find in pop these days but should.

Should you be able to tear yourself away from Hey Little Kitty, do have a listen to Sweet Potato. You can't beat an opening line like "My words are like potatoes flying through the window." I think The Peekers would have been an enormous hit in the Sixties, but happily we're around to hear whatever they finally come up with next, if they ever do. It's been four years, Peekers. How's that next album coming?

Hey Little Kitty by The Peekers on Grooveshark

Oops Upside Your Head - The Gap Band

2013-04-14T09:59:00.001-05:00

Clearly, I'm feeling funky this weekend. I blame the snow that was promised and which keeps threatening but not happening. Either way, I'd like to go upside the head of Mother Nature and remind her that it's the middle of April.

In that mood, I'm jamming to The Gap Band and dancing to Oops Upside Your Head. The song has a lengthy subtitle: I Don't Believe You Want to Get Up and Dance. The Gap Band certainly does, however. Have a listen! Don't make me to upside your head...or make you listen to what Snoop Dogg did to the song.

Oops Upside Your Head by The Gap Band on Grooveshark

El Hambre - Cuñao

2013-04-13T09:06:00.001-05:00

I got an e-mail that Cuñao had released a new album but, as I'd never listened before, I got sidetracked by the one before it. Once I listened to it, I knew I had to bring you all a taste, just to get you interested.

Now, if you don't speak Spanish (as I do not) you can still settle into the grooves. As a bonus, El Hambre starts in English to give you a sense of the song. The it grabs a hold of your hips and starts to move you. Someday soon I'll have a listen to the new album but, for how, I'm enjoying "Trabajo y Ron". I hope you do, too!

El hambre by Cuñao"

Too Hot to Stop - The Bar-Kays

2013-04-12T19:37:00.001-05:00

I'm hungry, and there's only one thing that will do: funk so thick you can eat it with a spoon. To that end, find out what makes The Bar-Kays Too Hot to Stop. It's a full meal of funk, with a side of love song and a big helping of horns to make you drool.

Dang, I really am hungry now. Get your groove on to work up your own appetites, my darlings, and let me know if you think there's a funkier Bar-Kays song that Too Hot to Stop.

Too Hot To Stop by The Bar-Kays on Grooveshark

Mando Diao Three-Pack

2013-04-11T20:44:00.001-05:00

A few months ago I whined about how Sweden gets pop like Mando Diao. Since then, I've listened to a fair number of their songs and I really can't believe where they went over a mere decade, musically.

To demonstrate, I've selected three songs. Sweet Ride comes from their 2002 full debut album. Then Mexican Hardcore, in which the grungy and the garage has been taken out of their sound, from 2007. Last, I've included Go out Tonight, which I actually love but which sounds like an entirely different band. That one was released in 2009. I've chosen to spare you the dragging, depressing "Infruset" from 2012. Suffice it to say I shan't be seeking out any new albums from the band.

Have a listen to their transformation and let me know what you think. Do you like them better at their roots or in full flower? If you're a fan and you think I'm off the mark with my opinion of their latest, I'm happy to be proven wrong. Point me at the good stuff!

Mando Diao Three-Fer by legbamel on Grooveshark

Proper Cup of Coffee - Trout Fishing in America

2013-04-10T19:28:00.000-05:00

While Trout Fishing in America has more in common with Flight of the Conchords than they do Simon and Garfunkel, they did improve upon a wonderfully fun song that I thought I ought to share with you all. It's one of the few coffee songs I haven't posted.

I like this version better than the album version because they're not trying to get the audience to sing along. I would like them to keep going faster and faster at the end until they trip over their own tongues, though. That would be wildly entertaining.

At any rate, have a Proper Cup of Coffee with Trout Fishing in America. Whatever you do don't listen to the Andrews Sisters version of the song. It's dreadful. One would have thought they didn't have a copper pot between them!