"Peter Gunn" - Duane Eddy

Duane Eddy is a goldmine for twangy guitar instrumentals that  borderlines between rock and country but not quite rockabilly. He has done everything that the late 50's and early 60's could offer in the rock world be it the rockabilly side, the soft raining morning guitar slide, or the surfin' wave ride he is the best to do it. Dick Dale (the king of the surf guitar) might be a good rival but even then he comes short when it comes to the variety that Duane Eddy offers. Plus it is all about that twang! One of the best guitar tones and styles out there as far as I am concerned. Today we chose "Peter Gunn" a song originally composed by Henry Mancini for the show Peter Gunn, and if you couldn't guess from the song it is a detective show. I haven't watched the show but I sure do like the opening track and I like Duane Eddy's version even more. I think the whole "spy and detective" music theme in movies and shows from this time is great, it feels stealthy and bombastic at the same time. It also reminds me of the music that fills one of my favorite video game series Sly Cooper since I am sure took some inspiration from "Peter Gunn" and tracks like it. I chose the song while trying to fill the new years eve night with revelry. Me and my girlfriend decided to go see the new Lion King movie Mufasa to kill time before the clock flips over to the new year. It was a decent movie overall, though honestly those "animals talking like humans" movies always make me feel funny. Could be PTSD from the strangely sad Homeward Bound. It was good though and Alesha is a big fan of Lion King so it was fun to take part in something she loves. While trying to find a parking spot in the ever busy parking lot of the shopping district this song was mellowly playing while crawling through rows of cars napping while their humans watched movies. Alesha even said this was the perfect song for creeping through a parking lot and I couldn't agree more. I think the song would be great in most settings especially for something that needs a little extra attention such as not running kids over as they bolt out from behind cars. I have never understood those that drive quickly through parking lots. Do they just not watch or do they not care? Parking lots are one of the most common places for wrecks and there is a reason for that. I also get pissed when you are making your way to the entrance of your local Walmart and the coming car won’t slow down and just goes around you as soon as there is a small gap. Honestly I just don't get some people, and I think it is far too easy to get a drivers license. Suppose it is a good population control but still it bothers the piss out of me. Everyone is always in a rush to nowhere. Maybe they just don't have good music playing. Anyways! While I haven't listened to all of Duane Eddy's albums each time I do I walk away pleased as punch with that twangy guitar. He puts out some really fun stuff that works as a movie soundtrack as much as it works for a pub crawl. Good time music that doesn't force itself down your throat. Give it a swing and you will see what I mean, granted this song isn't quite his known sound but still a stand up place to start and enjoy.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Year Released: 1959
Album: Especially for You (1959)
Genre: Instrumental Rock
Mood: Stealthy
Perfect For: Spy shit, Detective shit, Driving... shit
Where To Next: "Secret Agent Man" - The Ventures
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Rating: 8/10

"Rum and Coca-Cola" - The Andrew Sisters

When it comes to catchy the Andrew Sisters are up there with the best of them, and when it comes to vocal harmonies they cannot be rivaled! Even with them starting their path to immense fame in 1938 they still have an impact on music to this day. Being one of the most respected and highest charting artists coming out of the boogie-woogie and swing era, the Andrew Sisters helped form some of america's popular music and are often considered one of the earliest versions of the jump blues which is a predecessor to rock and roll music and R&B. These ladies really lay it down and the further I get into their work the more impressed I am. No matter which genre they chose to sing in they always left their mark, today's being the damn fun genre of calypso. I hardly need to sell their excellence though, they have been a proven force since their first hit in 1938. "Rum and Coca-Cola" is one of their finest as far as I am concerned, the lyrics came from fellow calypso artist Lord Invader and the melody came from respected calypso compositionist Lionel Belasco. The original lyrics of this song is a little touched up for the Andrew Sisters, they dropped some of the prostitution lines for the most part which is to be expected but there is without a doubt about the prostitution backing in the words. While the song only took the sisters 10 minutes to whip together after being handed the lyrics it still found some trouble getting airtime, not only the sexual alluding but also since it mentions "rum" since people were prudes back then I guess. Not to mention the obvious name brand mentioning of the cola which gives the song a slight advertisement backing, making future artists drop the Coca-Cola for just cola. Honestly though this song does make me want a rum and coke, so maybe they were on to something. The song didn't age the best but it would be hard to perform calypso without the accent, still I know it didn't age the best. I do think it makes for a great drinking song though, how could it not? This kind of music is one of the best to drink to, obviously not shots or cheap beer but fine classic cocktails. I chose the song on our first true snow of the year! I tend to switch my playlist to something sort of dreamy or calming when driving in fresh snow but this time I said "screw it" and just took off. Luckily my truck must have known what I wanted to listen to because there came the Andrew Sisters making for a memorable and chill morning commute with snow a-fallin’ and the fools a-slidin’. A great song and one I was glad to add to this website since even with the Andrew Sisters being a massive name, they could always use more modern fans and secondly because I want you to fall in love with them like I have. Their art obviously. I whip myself daily for taking so long into my life to get more into them and their fellow artists from a grounded time before rock uplifted us all.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Year Released: 1944
Single: Rum and Coca-Cola / One Meat Ball (1944)
Chosen Compilation: Their Greatest Hits and Finest Performances (1996)
Genre: Calypso, Popular Music
Mood: Loose
Perfect For: Sipping a cocktail, Snowy morning drives, Cigarettes & Coffee
Where To Next: "Personality" - Johnny Mercer & the Pied Pipers
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Rating: 8/10

"Hey Bulldog" - Fanny

Sometimes I think I like Christmas Eve more than Christmas day. It has the same cheer but less stress, plus it is always a nice feeling knowing you have the next day off. That little bit of freedom that we all crave week by week. As my girlfriend pointed out as we drove around, it is funny that while you are a kid you are excited to get gifts and the older you get the more excited you get to give them. Don't get me wrong, I am always excited to get a bunch of free stuff that is heartfelt even if I don't need another shirt or biography I will always be glad. I like to think I always do a good job at gift giving, I start pretty early though so I have the time to really think it through. This wasn't my strongest Christmas admittedly but what do you do, I still think I did alright. Anyways we can have more Christmas talk in the next post, but for now it is about me trying to convince you to play this great rendition of the Beatles “Hey Bulldog”. I chose this song while driving home after some Christmas Eve festivities with my lady. Fanny is still a pretty new band to me, I discovered them maybe half a year back and was pretty impressed. A bold hard rock sound from an all chick band which is not a common saying in the slightest for the 1970s. They played a role in giving women a voice in rock music, especially the harder variation before the Runaways pulled it off in rock/punk and Girlschool pulled it off in heavy metal. They do it in style too, you can feel the raw rockin' power from these ladies in "Hey Bulldog". They blow the Beatles version out of the water which is another statement that is usually not spoken, but here it is and while they keep the feeling of the Beatles version it is completely theirs and I love the chorus of their version. For a Beatles throw away track "Hey Bulldog" is still great even if it is a little silly and strangely written, but when Fanny takes control of the track it lost all that silliness and their slight alteration of the lyrics really shines the song up. It feels like a strong and confident track. The band didn't gather all too much mainstream attention but their impact was still felt, this is one of their songs that still sometimes gathers some attention. They flew completely under my radar somehow until Spotify was like "dude.. check THIS shit out" and I was pleased to the toenails. After hearing the song play on the way home on Tuesday, I couldn't help but give it another full listen and then one more before bed because it got wedged in my head and I couldn't shake it out which was more than fine with me. So do yourself a favor and give the song a listen especially if you already like the original.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Year Released: 1972
Album: Fanny Hill (1972)
Genre: Hard Rock, Rock
Mood: Confident
Perfect For: Driving around town at night, Casual listening, Working
Where To Next: "Queens of Noise" - the Runaways
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Rating: 8/10

"Bumming Around" - Jimmy Dean

Another one of my favorites to hear covered, each brings a simple beauty and while I chose the original today I think Dean Martin's version is the superior one. Could be that it was the first one I fell in love with before jumping into Jimmy Dean's work. Anyways, a straight forward country tune from 1952 with a lyrical theme I have been obsessed with since the rambling bug bit my behind. I love the traveling songs that came out of country music, no other genre has done it better and I will die on that hill. I chose this song while jumping off the freeway to meet a friend for a beer and some chow. Something about the stress of that ol' rush hour freeway madhouse and the day turning to night left a memorable feeling with me while "Bumming Around" played mellow in the background as I waited for my turn at the light. Jimmy Dean is an interesting musician, he didn't have crazy success in the country world but enough to be a known name at the time. He did have success with film and TV though, hosting the Jimmy Dean Show from 1963-1966 which had many big names come on to play and chat including the man in black, Johnny Cash. He also had a spot in a couple of shows and movies, but none that were sensations aside from maybe Daniel Boone which even had a lot of the filming take place in my home state of Utah. But what really makes Jimmy Dean interesting is that name, not sure if you put two and two together but you probably know Jimmy Dean more than you know. It is the same Jimmy Dean brand you see at your grocery store. I thought that was kick ass the first time I found it out, I have dug their breakfast bowls for a while and never put two and two together. So, while his music career wasn't crazy long (even though there is a ton of quality songs) he left his mark on the music world and the world of sausages as well. "Bumming Around" is a great traveling and relaxing song no matter who puts out a version of it. Be it this version, the smooth Dean Martin version, or the country masterpiece from the underrated T. Texas Tyler.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Year Released: 1952
Single: "Bumming Around" (1952)
Chosen Compilation: Country Spotlight (2010)
Genre: Country
Mood: Mellow
Perfect For: Traveling, Lounging about, Having a beer
Where To Next: "The Wayward Wind" - Eddy Arnold
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Rating: 8/10

"No More No More" - Aerosmith

The day was crammed full of quality choices for my song of the day, I was on the road for most of it going here and there buying presents. Each year I try to do a "Savers run" where I hit as many thrift stores as I can. While I rarely get all too many in, I always enjoy thrifting and driving around. You can tell a shit load about an area from their thrift stores, like what tax bracket a good portion of the people come from and what the general dressing style is. Thrifting in my hometown has a ton of modest clothing since the Mormon population rule this zone of Utah, but then you go to Ogden and you get shirts with mustard stains, cigarette burns and questionable substances on them. Nonetheless I enjoy trying to get some extra gifts for people though honestly I rarely walk away with anything, especially anything for other people. While waiting in front of one of the thrift stores, finishing my conversation with my girlfriend and my super healthy cigarette, on came Aerosmith across the speakers and a quality hard rock Aerosmith track at that. We have talked Aerosmith on this website before, actually just last month if I recall right, so hopefully I don't sound like a broken record but this band is great! No wonder they are one of the most highly respected and known bands in the rock world. "No More No More" is a more deep cut into the band, but the song itself can stand next to their hits like "Crazy", "Walk This Way" and "Jaded" with its head up high. A great straightforward rocker that gets you bomping in your seat as soon as it kicks off with a great guitar intro from the guitar god Joe Perry. A song based around life on the road and selling your soul upon Holiday Inn crusty floors. It has that classic Aerosmith lyricism, can't have an Aerosmith song without a strange mention of fucking but I guess that is what makes them them. This song comes off of their legendary third album Toys in the Attic once the band fully got a grip on the sound that made them a worldwide sensation. I love the first two albums but you can feel the drive, vision, and expertise on this album and the ones that follow. Toys in the Attic is full of memorable tracks, not even a single dull moment or weak song. It holds their iconic "Walk This Way" and "Sweet Emotion" both of which get plenty of love even today. It also has their strange but simply perfect tongue in cheek track "Big Ten Inch Record" and the underrated complex "You See Me Crying". I cannot praise this album enough, one I would want to bring with me if I was to be stranded on an island. A perfect 10/10 album that can live rent free in my heart forever. I am sure you will read these same words time and time again while we slowly compile each track on this album, since all could easily end up on this portion of AintNoisePollution. Give the song a shake and you will understand why, and don't stop there give the album a listen unless you don't like good music then maybe you should move on. From the website. ​

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Year Released: 1975
Album: Toys in the Attic (1975)
Genre: Hard Rock
Mood: Reckless
Perfect For: Driving around, Having a beer, Playing at an arcade, Good times
Where To Next: "Anything That's Rock 'N' Roll" - Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
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Rating: 8/10

"666lb. Bongsession" - Bongzilla

When a mommy stoner metal and a daddy sludge metal reaaally love each other they have a baby Bongzilla. There have been plenty of cannabis obsessed metal bands, some that are plain strange and others that are wickedly good, I mean shit there is a whole genre dedicated to it called "stoner metal". While I consider it a sub-sub-genre to doom metal there is no doubting its lasting appeal. Bands like Bongzilla, Weedeater, and Acid King represent a true sound that is self lubricating, never getting them a spot on broadway but forever giving them a spot for fans  that want to travel through space veeeery slowly and want some straight forward slow and heavily distorted metal music. This style of metal is hypnotizing, you can pass an hour with the same rhythm and not even notice it. Bongzilla keeps you completely locked in your seat up until vocalist Mike "Muleboy" Makela reminds you that this is still sludge metal as soon as his vocals kick off. It goes from being real baked to taking a hit of salvia awfully quick but that is some of the appeal, the song is stressful for no reason. It raises your hairs and kicks in your fight or flight before setting you back down for some slow grooves that melt your insides. This style is heavy as hell and has always been a goal of mine to see live, I bet it is loud as sin. This is also one of my all time favorite styles of music when riding my motorcycle, it feels so perfect feeling all that wind going through your hair while your body can hardly keep holding on to those handlebars with this bombastic of music forcing its way straight to the brain and rattling your skull. I love the stoner culture vibe of their band names and album covers, and honestly there are moments where I think "alright man I get it, you named your song "666lb. Bongsession" and your album cover is the devil holding a kick ass bone bong". Sometimes it feels like it could be trying too hard... but who gives a shit? The song title perfectly explains what is about to play, this is heavy as hell and makes even nuns feel stoned on a Sunday. This side of the metal world can be criminally overlooked, a touch too heavy for those that like desert rock and a bit too slow for those that like heavy metal. It takes a certain kind of person to get behind it, and I am one of those people and I hope you are too. Not everything has to be 3 minutes long and easy to sing along to, sometimes you need a heavy dose of sludge to keep things interesting.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Year Released: 2002
Album: Gateway (2002)
Genre: Stoner Metal, Sludge Metal
Mood: Sludgy
Perfect For: Zoning out, Casual listening, Getting extra stoned, Riding a motorcycle
Where To Next: "Teen Dusthead" - Acid King
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Rating: 7/10

"Break My Mind" - The Box Tops

I have been the worst this month with keeping up on my song of the day posts and for that I apologize. I guess it is the holiday season so you must be busy too but still, I should be as steady as usual with or without the holidays. Well, let's just focus on this song from one of the forgotten bands from the 1960's that have a ton of great material. Everyone knows "The Letter", that song is essential to 1960's rock, but that same album holds so many more great songs including my choice for the 18th "Break My Mind". While the first version from George Hamilton IV is arguably the best version of this song there are so many outstanding versions, one of the finest coming from The Box Tops. I love the 1960's bands that dabbled in country while still keeping their rock roots. "Break My Mind" has a chorus that gets stuck in my head much more than it should and I am also quite fond of that intro. Just a mellow piece about your baby leaving you and breaking your mind, and making you hate the sound of those big jet engines. Like I mentioned previously, this song has plenty of great versions. If you dig this one, I suggest trying out the original and maybe some of my other favorites from Linda Ronstadt, Jerry Lee Lewis, Hank Snow, and The Jayhawks. The Box Tops certainly has one of the best but that isn't too shocking from a band that represented a certain style of blue-eyed soul. I think what helped the band separate themselves from everyone else repping the same sound was their roots in Nashville. Nashville isn't called "music city" for just anything, it is a breeding ground for pure talent especially in terms of country music, soul and blues. So, all those different sounds melding into some of the best American music to date probably rubbed off on The Box Tops. While the band didn't have too long in the limelight, they still put out a handful of good albums especially the album that holds this track right here, The Letter/Neon Rainbow. I would consider it an essential but that is mainly my opinion, but for anyone who wants an easier going 1960's rock sound it is worth every second.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Year Released: 1967
Album: The Letter/Neon Rainbow (1967)
Genre: Country Rock, Blue-eyed Soul
Mood: Downtrodden
Perfect For: Casual listening, Mellow singalongs
Where To Next: "Bring It On Home to Me" - The Animals
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Rating: 8/10

"Why Bother?" - Weezer

"Why Bother?" comes from the infamous album Pinkerton, an album I have always had a love hate relationship with. On some tracks I ponder if I could ask for better and on other tracks I know for a fact I could ask for better. Though the album has a unique enough history in the Weezer world and it isn't all too shocking with how the record came to be. To follow up such an instant classic like their debut (Blue Album) is not an easy task, I have covered many bands that slip right at that moment and others that one up their groundbreaking debut. As for Weezer they really didn't do one or the other, they switched their sound for a darker and heavier one only giving a small handful of songs that are reminiscent of their original sound, one of which is the song we have here today. The follow up was meant to be a more rock opera forward vision from vocalist and front man Rivers Cuomo under the name Songs from the Black Hole, while that never came to be the inspiration he gathered for that project still shows itself in some of the lyricism and the overall motivation to put out something unlike the album that came before. In the end we ended up with an album that reeks of desperation, frustration, inspiration, and a strange amount of sexual tension. The band succeeded in putting out an album that influenced a good portion of people, an album that really is pretty far from their first album with a more homegrown dirtiness which showed off the bands more live sound. I have listened through the album countless times and sometimes I walk away feeling like I just listened to an essential piece of art and other times I feel like I had a vending machine eat my dollar. Though one thing is for certain, I full heartedly appreciate this album and recognize it as one of Weezer's best for better or worse. "Why Bother?" has been a long time favorite of mine from a band that can't seem to make up their mind album to album but still keeps true to their core sound and vision. There really isn't another band quite like Weezer.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Year Released: 1996
Album: Pinkerton (1996)
Genre: Alternative Rock
Mood: Forceful
Perfect For: Casual listening, Errands, Autumn drives around a quiet neighborhood 
Where To Next: "All the Kids Are Right" - Local H
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Rating: 8/10​

"Your House" - Steel Pulse

I really don't get enough reggae onto this website which breaks my heart since it is one of my favorite genres. One of those sounds you know you are always in for a good time, a genre built literally all around a good time. "Your House" shows that off wonderfully with its spry and energetic reggae style that has you getting down within the first 20 seconds. Steel Pulse is one of the best reggae groups to come out of the 1980's if you ask me, the further I get into their work the more I find to cherish. "Your House" is their most successful song and while listening to it you will see why, it is a perfect reggae track that is easy to get into even if you aren't a fan of the sound. Each time I hear this song it steals the room, one of those songs that you cannot help but to get completely hooked by. I chose the song while just playing some video games and it left a serious enough moment in my brain to be chosen that night with a smile and an excitement to bring it to the light on the website! Not that this song needed my help to get the word out, this is a huge song and a classic from the genre as is a lot more of Steel Pulse. Still though, the amount of reggae fans being as low as it is always blows me away aside from those that like Bob Marley or Sublime I rarely meet others that can name some other groups. Guess that is some of the appeal of the culture of reggae music (so far as my side of the United States that is). Aside from Bob Marley and a song here or there reggae hasn't had their shining throne in the music world in the same way as the other genres, though maybe that day will come. Doesn't everyone just want to have a good time? Then look no further than reggae and Steel Pulse.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Year Released: 1982
Album: True Democracy (1982)
Genre: Reggae
Mood: Laid-Back
Perfect For: Relaxing, Summer drives, Good time nights 
Where To Next: "Night Nurse" - Gregory Isaacs
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Rating: 9/10

"Colored Sea" - Velvet Meadow

I am so damn stoked to show off another Velvet Meadow song to all of you. One of the best modern artists I have found and one of my favorite to spread the word about, this guy is just waiting to blow up and with our help that could be a reality. I have stayed loyal for each release that comes out since I first discovered him a couple years back and for the most part each release I find more and more to love. I am a massive fan of their more psychedelic tracks and songs like "Colored Sea" really keep me hooked. This was actually the first song I listened to by him and the rest is history, wonder if it will grab you in the same way. This song is perfect and matches so many different activities wonderfully. I chose this song while on a mini adventure with my wonderful girlfriend. We drove an hour and a half-ish out to the more rural side of Utah, which is easy to find since all of Utah's main population is in a vertical line in the center. We went to go see a mural of a dragon that resides under a little overpass in Gunnison, UT. Legend goes that when cars pass over it wakes the dragon which bellows in anger (much like my girlfriend). And I was shocked to hear it myself when we went, I thought it was going to just be the sound of tires overhead but nope it made this strange sound each time a car went over it, sounded nothing like the typical overpass sound under there. The art is silly and the dragon was cute, overall a worthwhile expedition. On the drive up we mainly listened to country from the 1920's & 1930's and when the drive back rolled around I figured I would spare her and switch it to a more normal playlist. An assortment of many styles served us well first giving us some classic country, naturally a boat load of quality rock n roll, some Gorguts which I thought Alesha would poke her eyes out while it played, and then finally I heard the intro to "Colored Sea" and instantly started floating away. Things always look so pretty when this song plays. The same ol aggressive highway that I have known for years and years suddenly turned into a peaceful place with pretty clouds. Most of that stress faded when trying to make it through lanes of fools and tools. I am blown away each time this song plays, it always feels like the first time. It fills me with such a mellow feeling, more than most of my songs. There was some steep competition that day for who to choose for the song of the day but Velvet Meadow won once again. Check them out man, I promise you that you will find something you will dig. If you don't then you really gotta get those ol' ears checked or maybe skip that and get that brain checked out. Quality music that really deserves more love than some strange dude typing about it after eating some Jimmy John's. Someday I hope to be eating some Jimmy John's while reading about the new sensation called Velvet Meadow. And we will be some of the first fans! Jump on board while the gettin' is good!

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Year Released: 2020
Album: Colored Seas (2020)
Genre: Neo-Psychedelia, Psychedelic Indie
Mood: Floaty, Relaxing
Perfect For: Going for a drive, Getting a buzz, Relaxing, Pretty well anything positive
Where To Next: "Dream, Ivory" - Dream, Ivory
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Rating: 10/10

"Silenced" - Mudvayne

The intro track from Mudvayne's sophomore album The End of All Things to Come comes in hot and god damn heavy. There I was just trying to make it through my work day when the songs kicked off and I instantly pissed blood. Couldn't help but restart the song a couple of times because it was really hitting right and it hit right the multiple times I listened through the song that day. Their follow up to 2000's L.D. 50 took all the heavy notes and then powdered on a more competent and lasting sound. Still them, through and through, still keeping to the nu metal sound that gave them a voice but adding in more intricacy and frills which compliments that original heavy sound they kicked the door down with on their debut. I don't think it beats that wonderful debut but it sure comes close, you can just tell overall the band was more mature and ready to give it their all this album. Though we are here to talk of the heavy intro to the album "Silenced" which really kicks your ears into gear as soon as the song kicks off. It has that pure anger that you would expect from Mudvayne with the lyricism to match. A song giving the middle finger to censorship always flies right in my books. One thing I am damn glad has chilled out in music for my time, seems all those parents associations went into hiding after failing for over 50 years and the government started putting more time into creating a ton of fake information instead of trying to ban the words in other forms of media such as music. Now we just gotta watch out for those that take both freedom of speech too far and those that use that speech to put down whatever they don't agree with. So fuck censorship. It sounds waaaay better when Mudvayne says it though so I will just let you listen to them instead. While you are at it check some of their other work out, most of it is a great time from their mainstream sound on "Happy?" to the balls to the wall heavy as sin "Cradle".

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Year Released: 2002
Album: The End of All Things to Come (2002)
Genre: Nu Metal, Alternative Metal
Mood: Intense
Perfect For: Catching up on work, Driving fast, Being pissed
Where To Next: "The Dying Song (Time to Sing)" - Slipknot
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Rating: 7/10​

"The Pretender" - Jackson Browne

"Say a prayer for the pretender, who started out so young and strong only to surrender". This is Jackson Browne's finest song and that is saying something since from 1972 up until 1983 he released only solid gold, even the stuff after that is worth your time so long as you're in a mellow kind of mood. "The Pretender" is one of my favorite songs lyrically to come out of the 1970's and it has a pretty heavy meaning in my life especially my adult life. Jackson Browne always shakes me with how good of lyrics he puts out and it’s the cherry on top when those lyrics are often from great songs like this one here. A perfect song for the final years of the 1970's, a song about the loss of dreams and the loading of the lunch pail each morning which seems to have gotten worse with each passing decade. Being a working stiff myself and someone who kisses my societal masks each night "The Pretender" speaks to me more than it should. I am like you and have had my dreams rise up just to get stamped down time and time again, yet when the morning light comes streaming in I get up and do it again. This is one of those albums that is always worth your time, it holds this song (which could almost sell the whole album) but also his big hit "Here Comes Those Tears Again" and another favorite of mine from him "The Only Child". Though all his other songs don't hold a candle to this song, a song that has me transfixed each time it comes streaming out of my speakers. I love a song that has the power to have you dreaming in your work boots within the first few seconds. I love songs that are wonderfully written and composed. It is in songs like this that I find the inspiration to do this website right here, to be able to say "look here look here listen to this" because it is a great time and a song that means a ton to me. In a world where it seems dreams are traded for the newest iPhone and time with loved ones is traded for our bosses, we are all the pretender. If I had only known growing up that dreams were so dangerous. All those motivational movies and little sayings can stick it, I honestly don't think most dreams do come true. I am not even talking for myself, I have seen countless shells of humans that are just going through the motions day by day. Everything is a scheme and in recent years it seems that the price of dreaming has gone up dramatically, it became a rich man's game aside from the few that push through it either with intense willpower or pure luck. For the rest of us we just push and push each day to no avail, we simply roll the stone up the hill to watch it go right back down until it inevitably crushes us. So I will say it again, say a prayer for the pretender.... and listen to this song! In the end music is one of the main things nothing can take away from us, it is built into the soul of man.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Year Released: 1976
Album: The Pretender (1976)
Genre: Soft Rock, Rock
Mood: Mellow
Perfect For: Thinking, Dreaming, Self pity, Inward thought, Casual listening
Where To Next: "4+20" - Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
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Rating: 10/10

"In the Meantime" - Spacehog

Spacehog is a strange band, one of those bands that seemed so  able to take over the world... if they could just one up their main hit. "In the Meantime" is as classic as classic can be for 1990's alternative rock, a song that I have dug for a long long time and one that no matter how much I try to get further into the band I keep coming back to no matter what. I mean if you have heard this tune you would know why, the song is addictive and fun! A perfect dose of energy to give you a mood boost but not so much energy it leaves you vibrating for more after. I remember the first time I heard this song as a kid I instantly fell in love, sometimes a song takes a couple listens to find its way into my heart but "In the Meantime" was almost instantaneous. Even now I get a little bit excited when I hear the intro kick off, mainly because I know I am about to be in for a great time. I chose the song during the first morning of realizing I am sick as a motherfucker. I had the same playlist playing all day, a playlist that is roughly 3 hours long which must have matched up with when I dozed off since each time I woke back up it seemed this song was taking off again. Talk about a trip. My head was already in the clouds from the sickness so it was extra confusing in my blacked out room when it felt like I was just repeatedly falling asleep and waking up within the minute when in all actuality it has been a couple of hours. Still, I didn't reach over to my phone to throw it out the window. I just sat there in the darkness and gave the song another listen. Granted, by about the fifth time I repeated waking up and hearing the song again I got a touch annoyed, though once again (either out of sickness or laziness) I didn't reach over to turn it off. I just thought it was crazy the damn song played almost on queue for me to wake up to. I really wish Spacehog had more tracks at the same power as "In the Meantime", they still have a couple other good songs but nothing that matches this one. Another case of setting your own bar too high, better that than never having a hit at all though if you ask me. Especially a track that is one of the most essential hits to come out of a decade, the band will forever be immortalized by this song right here and unless my website takes off that is more than I can ever say. Don't take my word for it though, go listen to some of their other tracks and tell me what you think. I really dig "Starside", "Almond Kisses" and "Space is the Place" but still even with all of them combined it can't even get close to "In the Meantime". Maybe I just love the song too much.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Year Released: 1995
Album: Resident Alien (1995)
Genre: Alternative Rock
Mood: Energetic
Perfect For: Casual listening, Singing along, Train rides
Where To Next: "Possum Kingdom" - Toadies
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Rating: 9/10

"You Keep Me Hangin' On" - The Supremes

Sorry for not posting all week, I came down with a lovely sickness. One I am still not over, so we shall see how this post goes, if it sucks or I cannot get words out of this clouded brain then I will finish this one and pick up the rest next chance I get. I always want to bring quality tracks and quality random ramblings to you all. So, let's talk of The Supremes, one of the biggest names on Motown Records and one of the biggest names in all of R&B and soul music history. They are the ones that opened the door to many musicians to walk through and see their own names shining in bright lights. An early love of mine and a group I still can never get enough of, they have been there for many great times in my life and the dark moments. What started it all was this song right here, since I first heard this song, I have been hooked on the Supremes. This is one of those songs that I love multiple versions of and they all are strangely equally good be it the heavy psychedelic version from Vanilla Fudge to the soul kick from Wilson Pickett to the strangely "eighties-ified" Kim Wilde version. The all have so much damn emotion though none sell that emotion better than The Supremes, I mean if you have a singer like Diana Ross what do you expect? Can't undersell the soothing and pretty backing singers Mary Wilson and Florence Ballard either. I have always figured if there is a heaven with angels this is what they would sound like. If I die and see those pearly gates and don't hear the singing of the Supremes I'm stealing Saint Peters robes and making a run for it. That is assuming I even make it to heaven... ever hear that Ian Gillan track "No Laughing in Heaven"? Anyways, "You Keep Me Hangin' On" is such a pretty song! It came around perfectly during their peak career in 1967. Perfect pushing rhythm and a steady singing that keeps you sucked in for its playtime. A sad tale of a sad relationship, which we have heard a million of by this point but there really aren't many that can sell it as well as this song. It isn't shocking how much impact The Supremes had when songs like this exist, how could you not fall in love with it? I chose the song while trying to fight off a hangover. I hate being that guy that bitches about their hangover but it has been a long while since I had one. So I figured the best bet would be to go to my favorite coffee joint and trade my headache for an anxiety attack. I was staring off at nothing appreciating this great song when one of the baristas approached my window out of nowhere which admittedly made me jump out of my seat and fumble my still half drunk words like a fool. I got my order out and she awkwardly shuffled away, which I don't blame her since I probably looked fairly rough, and I got back to enjoyin the song. By the time I got my coffee and cookie (man those cookies are so good! and I hardly ever crave cookies) I drove away and gave the song another go. Even while feeling like crap this song came through like it has a hundred times before and will a hundred times more. I am sure you know this song but give it another listen, can't hurt I can promise you that, unless you still have fresh love wounds.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Year Released: 1966
Album: The Supremes Sing Holland-Dozier-Holland (1967)
Genre: Soul, R&B
Mood: Serious
Perfect For: Casual listening, Relaxing, Getting over a breakup, Getting a coffee
Where To Next: "Wild One" - Martha Reeves & the Vandellas
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Rating: 9/10

"Dancing Queen" - ABBA
 
Truth be told I have never been too into ABBA aside from a couple of songs, I like the bands that are often placed next to them though ABBA has always been a hard sell for me. Especially some of their crazy big hits, not because I am that cool guy that spits on the mainstream, but for some reason I cannot get fully sold, but I always have respected them. Though here I am saying this and BAM here comes ABBA and makes my song of the day. It was a Saturday night of drunken revelry, it has been awhile since I hit the town and even longer since I have tried out a new bar. Me and my buddy Nic started off with my favorite bar in Downtown SLC but it got damn busy so we moved on to see what the eye could see and that brought us to a bar I’ve been wanting to try called Sayonara. With its Asian theme and emphasis on Japanese whiskies and spirits I was already impressed with the joint. Their house old-fashioned was honestly not my favorite, not out of lack of quality, mainly just the bold  ingredients, it is my favorite cocktail and is always the first thing I get if I try a new cocktail bar. Anyways, I got done taking a piss after waiting in line and I was waiting for Nic to finish up his turn so we could head out and the DJ there was playing "Dancing Queen". A foolproof plan in a joint mainly full of white chicks is to play some ABBA, it makes them lose their damn minds! Granted I aint a white girl but it still left a big enough impression on me within that 30 seconds of waiting right in front of the speaker to make it my song of the day to mark the fun night I had. It is also a great choice for a night of drinking, it has a great atmosphere and a well known chorus so nobody feels left out. Some songs hold such a place of legend that everyone knows it no matter your background. At that moment the song was sold for me, now that I got grabbed I have to take the energy and try gathering more of their songs. I had to use "Superstar" to get into the Carpenters and out of nowhere I understood their fame, same goes with bands like the Bee Gees and musicians like Lionel Richie. Sometimes it takes a little kick in the bum to get into a band. I have loved "Waterloo" & "Lay All Your Love on Me" for a good while from ABBA but for some reason couldn't get past those songs to gather more. All it took was having it blaring in my damned drunken ear to get it. To see it for its glimmering light atmosphere and feel it's fun yet serious mood. For a moment.... I was the dancing queen... young and sweet and only 17. Then as soon as I left the building I was back to this shell of man that found youth and excitement for a second behind the amber veil of a drunken stupor and ABBA.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Year Released: 1976
Album: Arrival (1976)
Genre: Disco, Europop
Mood: Lively
Perfect For: Dancing, Good times, Nightlife, City lights
Where To Next: "More Than a Woman " - Bee Gees
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Rating: 8/10

"Pledge Your Allegiance" - Suicidal Tendencies

I could have sworn we were just talking about Suicidal Tendencies the other day. Is it all that shocking though? I cannot express my love for the band enough, one of my all time favorites and one of those bands that helped craft the hand that is typing this out for you today. The band is great! A fun band that can sometimes be comical and sometimes be heavy as hell that makes you wanna get up and rage. So what better song to choose to show my love for the band than the fittingly named "Pledge Your Allegiance" which I am stating here and now my allegiance to being cyco for life. ST is the band I have seen live the most and each time they played this song live it got the crowd going, it was really cool to hear everyone shout "ST" when the chorus came around. Always damn good shows even with the punks showing up and kicking in the mosh like assholes, who the hell kicks? I hate dicks in shows that just want to hurt people, and hurt people they did. Saw this poor dude on the floor in the mosh and his leg was bent the wrong way, luckily though a group got together and went to search for the goon that thought breaking a dude's leg was a good time. I am not fool enough to get involved with either side, but it was entertaining enough. Nothing like chaos, aren't us humans odd? Anyways, a great song from a great band though it is a little odd to write a song about the band in this way, but I won't lie it is great for the fanbase and inclusion. Another I chose at work, I couldn't hold myself back from giving it multiple listens in a row because it is such a damn fun song. Perfect rhythm that makes you wanna head bang, it worked well for me since I needed a little kick in the ass to get some extra stuff done at work. It got pretty wild there for a while. You will see Suicidal Tendencies a bunch on this website, and I won't even feel bad for the overkill ST, I will post them loud and proud time and time again. This album is damn near perfect, one of the essentials from Suicidal Tendencies impressive collection of metal and punk classics. If you aren't familiar with the band I suggest stopping what you are doing and listen to some damn good music. If you are at work just quit and go home and listen to the band. Same goes for school or even if you are taking care of your dear sick little brother just drop him off at the doctor and jam out on your way home. Few bands make me feel better than Suicidal Tendencies which is odd knowing their band name, guess like calls to like. As long as your heart beats, pledge your allegiance!

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Year Released: 1988
Album: How Will I Laugh Tomorrow When I Can't Even Smile Today (1988)
Genre: Crossover Trash
Mood: Proud
Perfect For: High energy activities, Driving in medium traffic, Headbanging
Where To Next: "Give a Hoot" - D.R.I.
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Rating: 9/10

"Bloodshot Eyes" - Hank Penny

Man, early country had so many Hanks it is hard to keep them all straight. Still, I have found that if a country musician comes along with the name Hank I am in for some damn good tunes even if you kept the first and last name for 3 generations (I am looking at you Hank Williams III). Now for a hidden gem of classic country and a musician that got buried by time we look towards Hank Penny today. "Bloodshot Eyes" is one of the best songs from 1949 & 1950 and while there is some crude lyricism I dig the imagery. A much better take on the "drunken hard luck woman" lyrics that country music has always loved. Instead of plainly saying "you better stop your runnin' around" he goes further to tell her to stop rolling those bloodshot eyes or she will bleed out from it. This certain version I picked also has "Get Yourself a Read Head" another song that is great though we are focusing mainly on "Bloodshot Eyes" today. I love the country musicians that held true to the polkas and those classic steel guitars and fiddle western plains type of country music even when it was starting to fade out. Music like this has a great atmosphere that seems to work for practically anything you are doing. I chose this song while working but it could have worked as great while having a beer in a seedy joint or driving around town. This is for sure a hidden gem much like most of Hank Penny's work, at the time it was mighty popular though in years it got buried with no plaque. I will say it once and I will say it again, country music sure dropped the ball on keeping most of their musicians legacies alive. Though I suppose if you have been around for a damn long time and have had so many musicians that have a hit here and there it would be hard to keep everything in the light. Especially since country has never fully taken over the world like rock music did, while it is damn popular in the United States and will never truly fade away it also doesn't have the same passionate following as most other genres, there are more that dislike it than love it I swear. Those same people can never back up their claim on disliking it, "all they talk about is trucks and tractors", while modern country especially 2000's country certainly had a hard on for that topic it is such a small group that it is hardly a reason. "It is music for hillbillies", nah man that is Bluegrass and also a good majority of classic country musicians came from bigger cities, sure they were in Tennessee or Texas but still bigger than most places and those places bred pure talent. Anyways I digress, just always bugs me when people put down what they don't understand, they heard one Kenny Chesney song and think Willie Nelson sings about tractors. Annnyways I am glad for games and movies that bring some of the old old country music back to life, honestly if it wasn't for the Fallout franchise I think a lot of this style would have never been brought to minor fame again. It is so damn important to keep the legacy and notes of your favorite genres up to date, if not it leads to great songs like "Bloodshot Eyes" to fade away when it deserves so much better. So if you are reading this Bethesda please let me choose the songs for Fallout 5! I call first dibs! You all read it here first!

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Year Released: 1949
Single: Bloodshot Eyes / I Was Satisfied (1949)
Chosen Compilation: 28 Big Ones (2015)
Genre: Country
Mood: Mellow
Perfect For: Casual listening, Having a beer, Sunday morning cigarettes
Where To Next: "I'm Wastin' My Tears On You" - Tex Ritter
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Rating: 8/10

"Blasphemy" - Morbid Angel

If you came to this website to find the perfect death metal album (as I am sure plenty of you must have... right?) then look no further! You have found the holy grail! The essential death metal album of the 1980's and in my opinion one of the most essential of all time! Morbid Angel's Altars of Madness is perfect all the way through and through all the way down to its kick ass album cover (especially the secondary cover). While the album is an old classic from the earlier days of death metal it aged like the finest of wine and the stinkiest of cheese! It will break your neck well before its first toot of the morning, pure unrelenting speed! I chose the song while having my final cigarette of the night, my apartments don't allow you to smoke on the property so I typically go for a circle around the neighborhood. Just to show off how damn quick and brutal this song is I had to pause it like 3 times since it sounded like my truck was making some crazy thumping noise. Perfectly on rhythm, metallic, and fast as hell but each time I paused it there was no sound. So I turned my subs up more and I found the noise, the steady and heavy as sin drums, so I chuckled and didn't even think about turning those subs down as my brain got throttled into mush (more than it already is!). There are better tracks on this album but that is like saying you like Led Zeppelin II more than Led Zeppelin III, it's just comparing two perfect things and comes down to preference. I honestly find the lyricism and mental imagery not only kick ass but also strangely comical, "we curse the holy ghost, enslaver of the weak". Not only is that straight to the point and metal as fuck it really changes my mental imagery of the holy ghost. Now, note dear reader, that I am not a religious man, I love the Christian mythology like I dig Greek and Norse, so if I insult you I am sorry but I honestly don't think you would have read this far if you aren't of the same mind. Anyways, Morbid Angel is full of blasphemy and misotheism and that is why I love them. The first time I gave this album a spin I swear my nipples were hard for over a week! I knew I found another pure full frontal assault of a metal album for me to cherish and praise its name. This album set the path for death metal, while there were death metal albums that came before this album is the one that drew the line in the sand. This is true death metal, no thrash punches or speed metal blitzkrieg, just pure unrelenting death. Even if extreme metal isn’t your taste I suggest at least trying the band, maybe start with "Chapel of Ghouls" or the ever popular "Immortal Rites".
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​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Year Released: 1989
Album: Altars of Madness (1989)
Genre: Death Metal
Mood: Evil
Perfect For: Playing loud on some good speakers
Where To Next: "Neolithic" - Nocturnus
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Rating: 7/10