Mike Bennett writesFriday iPod/MP3 Shuffle—Happy Birthday Colin Newman Edition

They started out with limited abilities and those limitations led them to creating a minimalist style that ranks amongst the most influential of all of the bands of the post-punk era. Wire combined clipped rhythms and basic chords with aggressive lyrics and an ever developing melodic sense to create a truly distinctive sound. Frontman Colin Newman was primarily responsible for those melodies and his voice had a tonal range — he could sneer with the best of them, but could also lay back when necessary. Newman and Wire have gone through three (and perhaps four, with the current lineup) of iterations with the band, and he’s also done interesting work on solo projects and Githead. If there were a credible Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame, Wire would be in for sure. Let’s celebrate Colin’s birthday by grabbing the ol’ iPod or MP3 player, hitting shuffle and sharing the first ten songs that come up.

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Mike Bennett writesFriday iPod/MP3 Shuffle—Happy Birthday Otis Redding Edition

When it comes to sheer passion and intensity, very few soul singers could equal the great Otis Redding. Backed by the great Bar-Kays, he testified and pleaded and shouted, taking his songs to another level. As some of his live covers, such as his take on The Beatles’ “Day Tripper”, show, he didn’t even have to know the words to make a song his own. And who else could Duckie have lip synced to in Pretty In Pink, but Mr. Redding. The man is a legend, so let’s wish Otis a happy birthday by grabbing your iPod or MP3 player, hitting shuffle and sharing the first ten songs that come up.

1. Kid Creole and the Coconuts — He’s Takin’ The Rap (Private Water in the Great Divide): After the Kid left Sire/ZE, his work with Columbia had a slightly harder edge, chasing that elusive U.S. airplay. This is a fine funk-pop tune, in the tradition of “Stool Pigeon”, with just a bit more percussive punch and general forcefulness.
2. Eurythmics — Thorn In My Side (Revenge): The second single off the band’s 1986 album, this is a wonderful ’60s kissed jangle popper that sounds like it might have been penned for Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart’s first band, The Tourists. This has a killer chorus.
3. Dappled Cities — The Price (Zounds): I love this Aussie band. They mix in bits of ’80s Brit indie pop, Flying Nun, and shoegazing sounds with a persistence and energy that is winning. This song is typical, with creative drumming and a great textured arrangement.
4. The Golliwogs — You Better Get It Before It Gets You (Creedence Clearwater Revival box set): The Golliwogs were the pre-CCR band fronted by Tom Fogerty…until little John Fogerty began to assert himself as a great singer and songwriter. This is a slow R & B cooker, with just a little hint of John’s swamp guitar picking. The song then morphs into a fuzz guitar breakdown and becomes more of a stomper. The latter Golliwogs songs are very good, and this is no exception.
5. Steely Dan — Night By Night (Showbiz Kids): Other than Aja, I don’t really know Steely Dan’s albums very well, so I live off this two CD comp. I really should get the individual albums. This song is a mid-tempo funk edged R & B number with horns and some tasty licks, as they would have said back in the day.
6. Robot Monster Weekend — I’m Your Davy Jones (Funeral Candy): Mild garage pop from some of the wiseacres behind the similarly slanted American Werewolf Academy. The music is bouncy, the vocals are shaggy and charming, and the song is stupid fun.
7. Soft Cell — Bedsitter (Non-Stop Erotic Cabaret): Marc Almond’s off-key overly dramatic vocals were perfect for his decadent melodramas, and Dave Ball conjured up just the right musical settings. If anything, it would be weird to here these songs with a regular band, as the electronic settings fit the clubland that would spawn such dissatisfied hedonists.
8. Starflyer 59 — Give Up The War (Leave Here A Stranger): I love the mellower side of this band. This song has a spacious desert rock feel, with warm vocals and echoing guitars. While not as lyrically stimulating as Pernice Brothers, musically this covers some similar territory, but with extra luster.
9. Sweet — Getting In the Mood For Love (Waters Edge): The second Sweet album after lead singer Brian Connolly was booted from the band found the remaining trio focusing on tighter pop songs, perhaps seeing what was going on with the success of new wave music. Of course, this stiffed commercially, but there are plenty of fun little songs, like this peppy number with a spirited vocal by Steve Priest.
10. Shoes — Girls Of Today (Tongue Twister): A rare Shoes number on which Gary Klebe, John and Jeff Murphy share a writing credit. This song has a pulsing rhythm, which is Klebe’s bread and butter with an energetic yet wistful chorus and a effects heavy lead guitar part that sounds like it came from one of their living room recordings. Superb power pop.

Mike Bennett writesFriday iPod/MP3 Shuffle—Happy Birthday John Zorn

With the Jazzfest going on this weekend, let’s give a birthday shout out to a major figure in the world of avant-garde jazz. John Zorn has constantly pushed the boundaries in jazz, whether it involves going to the outer limits of free jazz and improvisation or exploring other genres, from hardcore punk to klezmer. In addition to his inventive approach, Zorn can kill with his saxophone and he has done his part as a producer and band leader to foster other creative minds. In honor of Mr. Zorn, please grab your iPod or MP3 player, hit shuffle and share the first 10 songs that come up.

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