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Entries categorized as “Friday MP3 Shuffle” 276 results
Mike Bennett writesFriday iPod/MP3 Shuffle—Happy Birthday Madonna Edition
Her debut album came out 30 years ago, a piece of R & B and dance inflected pop that was diverting. Then her videos hit MTV, and Madonna became a star. But no one anticipated that she would become the best selling female solo artist of the rock era. Today is Madonna’s birthday, and let’s face it, anyone who can stay fairly relevant over three decades in pop music is a formidable talent. She went through as many image changes as any singer since Bowie. She made headlines in the gossip columns and so often shocked sensibilities. More importantly, she wrote and performed scads of great songs. And you can never count her out. Sure, she’s had her share of lackluster releases, but she is capable at any time of putting out something great. Let’s pay tribute of Madonna by grabbing your iPod or MP3 player, hitting shuffle, and sharing the first 10 songs that come up.
Mike Bennett writesFriday iPod/MP3 Shuffle—Happy Birthday Kurtis Blow Edition
Today, let’s pay tribute to one of the pioneers of hip hop, Kurtis Blow. Blow was the first rapper signed to a major label, and the first rapper to have a certified gold single for his classic, “The Breaks”. Blow ended up recording eight albums, racking up hits like “If I Ruled the World” and “Basketball” while influencing many rappers with his flow. For example, Run of Run-D.M.C. early on got the nickname “The Son of Kurtis Blow”, and he has been name checked in numerous hip hop songs as well as artists like They Might Be Giants and, most memorably by Tom Tom Club in their immortal hit “Genius of Love”. In honor of Kurtis Blow, please grab your iPod or MP3 player, hit shuffle and share the first 10 songs that come up.
Mike Bennett writesFriday iPod/MP3 Shuffle—Happy Birthday David Yow Edition
Let’s pay tribute to a leader of a legendary Chicago band. David Yow first came to prominence with the noise rock band Scratch Acid. Scratch Acid quickly built a reputation for its visceral music (one journalist compared them to The Birthday Party) and Yow established himself as one of the most unhinged frontmen anywhere. After Scratch Acid dissolved, Yow and guitarist David Wm. Sims hooked up with Duane Denison to from The Jesus Lizard who came from a similar place, but developed a more sophisticated musical approach, with Yow’s antics contrasting increasing intricate (and somewhat arty) noise. I’ve seen Yow stage dive off the Metro stage with no one to catch him. A July 3 Didjits show at the old Exit found members of the audience wielding protest signs that said F— The Pigs, while Yow came out to introduce the band wearing a Nazi uniform and then gave a speech in convincing German (or something that sounded like German). This same wild man is an accomplished cook, who has worked at restaurants here and in Austin, Texas. Earlier this year, he released a limited edition solo LP of experimental music that was packaged in a concrete monolith. Yow is a true original. Let’s wish him a happy birthday by grabbing your iPod or MP3 player, hitting shuffle and sharing the first 10 songs that come up.
Mike Bennett writesFriday iPod/MP3 Shuffle—Happy Birthday Mick Jagger Edition
Let’s give it up for Mick Jagger on his birthday! The Rolling Stones may have not made any relevant music in ages (and let’s not forget Superheavy...or perhaps we should?), but Mick is still a bundle of energy fronting them on their 50th anniversary tour. Moreover, while the Stones may not have ever been the World’s Greatest Rock ‘n’ Roll Band (in the ears of the beholder), they are pretty darn great. And Mick may not have been the best of the blues obsessed British Invasion singers, but he brought something distinctive to it that allowed the Stones to adapt over the years and make so many great records. Moreover, he seems to have a great sense of humor about the whole thing. In honor of Mr. Jagger, please grab your iPod or MP3 player, hit shuffle and share the first 10 songs that come up.
Mike Bennett writesFriday iPod/MP3 Shuffle—Happy Birthday Brian May Edition
Today let’s give a birthday salute to one of the all-time greatest rock guitarists, Brian May of Queen. The curly haired fretmeister is more than just a guitarist – he has a Ph.D in astrophysics. So it should come as no surprise that not long after his 16th birthday, Brian and dad made the main guitar he has played for almost 50 years, the Red Special. Made primarily out of wood from an 18th Century fireplace with ornate detail, the Mays designed the guitar so it would naturally feedback. This guitar is a large part of May’s distinctive sound, which has so many great Queen songs, including some of his own classic compositions such as “I Want It All”, “Tie Your Mother Down”, “Fat Bottomed Girls” and that sports stadium perennial, “We Will Rock You”. Queen was one of the most musically diverse bands of any era, so in that spirit, grab your iPod or MP3 player, hit shuffle and share the first 10 songs that come up.