Fall, Glimmer, Sparkle and Fade
:: Sunday, November 20, 2005 ::
I Love The 90's:: Tuesday, November 01, 2005 ::
This one is courtesy of the only woman still walking around in ripped jeans and flannel shirt, Phoe:
Okay, to capitalize on the premature 90's nostalgia floating around, what would you say are the best bands of the 90's?
And if they're still together or whatever, or started before the 90's, that's fine. You just have to have a reason why you associate them more with the 90's. And why they're kickass.
Is it just me or is VH1 nuts to be running these I Love the 90's shows? Hey, I really did love the 90's, but that doesn't mean I'm ready to reminisce as if it were 25 years ago. I understand that VH1's original programming isn't exactly lighting the world on fire, but what about an extra version of The Surreal Life instead of these over the top 90's shows? Or hell, bring back Bands Reunited and just bring together bands from the 90's. Who couldn't use a Mr. Big reunion?
I guess if VH1 is allowed to run a whole I Love the 90's series, then I can do a list about the best bands from that decade. If you want to read about Nirvana or Pearl Jam, just head over to Rolling Stone's website to read their weekly tribute to one of the two.
1. Hootie & The Blowfish
- That's right, show some respect to Hootie. Seriously though, is there any band from the 90's that gets less respect? I understand they are the pop band to end all pop bands, but their debut is one of the best selling albums of all time. All time! It seems to me that *N SYNC gets more credit for their achievements and all they did was dance around with strings attached to their arms. You may snicker, but with 15 million copies of Cracked Rear View floating around out there I bet you have one of them.
2. Toad the Wet Sprocket
- Everyone likes to talk about the way Nirvana paved the way for the current crop of rock bands (which is true), but it's rare you hear anyone mention the Toad's of the world that made the mainstream accessible to the likes of John Mayer, Dave Matthews Band and Matchbox Twenty (for better or worse). Never a massively huge band, Toad was popular enough to prove a rock band with a bar band sound could find it's way onto the radio.
3. Gin Blossoms
- Of the five bands that make up this list, it would be a close race between the Gin Blossoms and Hootie for the most songs still being played on the radio. Even before the recent rehashing of the 90's the Gin Blossoms were still a staple of adult contemporary radio stations and of course 'flashback' hours across all formats. The native sons of Tempe have a great story if you've never heard it before. Head here to read it.
4. Marcy Playground
- These guys deserved much more than simply being a one hit wonder. Sure, 'Sex and Candy' was fun, but virtually everything John Wozniak wrote could have been a hit and it would have never surprised me. Unfortunately they were never truly given a shot at a follow up and they have since faded into obscurity although they are still together and making records.
5. The Presidents of the United States of America
- Obviously the Presidents will never have staying power in the pure sense of the phrase, but tell me they didn't have some of the catchiest songs of the 90's? Sure, they played guitars with three strings, drums with four pieces and sang about Peaches. But weren't all those things part of their charm? No, there wasn't any charm? Oh well, at least they were fun.
:: Ryan 1:01 AM [+] ::
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Where In The World:: Friday, October 07, 2005 ::
D keeps on churning out the hits:
No GPS necessary for this list... What are your Top 5 Songs with a geographical location in the title?
Man, my titles for these lists just keep getting worse and worse. Lucky for me, Deirdre keeps bringing her 'A' game when it comes to the actual list suggestions. Geographical location in the title? Brilliance.
I've noticed -- despite the lack of posts -- a nice increase in traffic lately. So I'd like to welcome any new visitors that stumble upon this fine waste of web space.
If you've found this site while looking for transcripts to SNL skits, new pictures of Britney Spears' baby, information about Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, a free download of LimeWire or good 'ole fashioned porn, I'm sorry to disappoint you. But hopefully you'll enjoy the posts anyways. And all are obviously welcome to leave a comment or two.
Don't be a stranger, kids.
1. Jimmy Eat World "Lucky Denver Mint"
- The most underrated song ever? If it isn't, it has to be on the list. The boys of JEW hit it big with "The Middle", but planted their rock star seed with this one. C'mon, haven't you ever thrown a coin into a wishing well?
This time it's on my own
Minutes from somewhere else
Somewhere I made a wish with Lucky Denver Mint
2. Bruce Springsteen "Atlantic City"
- It's a shame I couldn't find any song about my hometown of Middletown, NJ, so this one will have to do. Despite any changes in Bruce's music over the years, the one constant has always been his ability to tell a story. While this is far from his best Jersey song, it still ranks as one of the best overall in his catalog.
Well now everything dies baby that's a fact
But maybe everything that dies someday comes back
Put your makeup on fix your hair up pretty
And meet me tonight in Atlantic City
3. R.E.M. "Radio Free Europe"
- Is it cheating by using Europe? In the end, I make the rules around here so this one is fine by me. Every time R.E.M. puts out a record, I hope it will capture just a little bit of the pop energy this song has. It hasn't happened yet, but there's still time.
Straight off the boat, where to go?
Calling on in transit, calling on in transit
Radio Free Europe, radio
4. Better Than Ezra "King of New Orleans"
- There aren't many things better than the native sons of New Orleans belting this one out in concert.
So set him up
Then let him fall
Turn him over in your hands
God save the king of New Orleans
5. Genesis "Back in N.Y.C."
- One of the few pre-Phil Collins tracks that really grabs me. Much like the pre-Sammy Hagar Van Halen, all the early stuff is cool but the music was simply made for vocalist No. 2. I don't have any problems with Peter Gabriel or David Lee Roth (his new morning show notwithstanding), but both were just keeping the seat warm.
I see faces and traces of home back in New York City
So you think I'm a tough kid?
Is that what you heard?
Well I like to see some action and it gets into my blood
A Bonus Bottom 5!
As shown above, there are some great songs with a geographical location in the title. But what about the God awful ones? Don't worry, we like to look at all the angles here whenever we can.
1. David Lee Roth "Ladies' Nite in Buffalo?"
- Okay, so other than his new morning show and this song I don't have any problems with DLR. Seriously, I don't.
Jazz it up or play it slow
It's still the only song I know
It's 2 a.m. and traffic's slow
Another ladies' night in Buffalo
2. Creed "In America"
- At this point, they had yet to reach full on suck status. Seeing as how they started with a suck factor of 9, it didn't take them long to reach the ceiling of 10. But seeing how this was from their 'better time', that makes this song that much worse.
I am right and you are wrong
No one's right and no one's wrong
In America
3. Weezer "Beverly Hills"
- I don't like Rivers Cuomo. Never have and probably never will. But usually his music is pretty decent. But I'm not quite sure what he was doing here.
Beverly Hills
That's where I want to be
Living in Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills
Rolling like a celebrity
Living in Beverly Hills
4. Charlie Daniels Band "The Devil Went Down To Georgia"
- Do you understand the fascination with this song? I never have and probably never will.
The devil went down to Georgia
He was lookin' for a soul to steal
He was in a bind 'cause he was way behind
And he was willin' to make a deal
5. Murray Head "One Night in Bangkok"
- Does this one really need any explanation?
One night in Bangkok makes a hard man humble
Not much between despair and ecstasy
One night in Bangkok and the tough guys tumble
Can't be too careful with your company
I can feel the devil walking next to me
:: Ryan 6:51 PM [+] ::
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The Name Game:: Wednesday, August 03, 2005 ::
The latest lucky list contributor is Phoe:
Your mission, if you choose to accept it:
Top 5 band names that you wish you had thought up.
If anyone would like to jump into the list suggestion rotation, just throw any ideas into the comment box. This is another solid one, if only because there are so many just plain stupid band names. However, if I had been so lucky to be as stupid as them, I might be a millionaire and they would be here writing about how stupid I am. You get that?
Good.
With the millions of band names out there, here are the few I wish I had thought of first.
1. The Manic Street Preachers
- Not only is this a fantastic name, but the Manic Street Preachers have gone through everything a band could possibly go through. If you aren't familiar with their story, I highly recommend clicking the link and reading up. Unlike the other 4 names on this list, I probably couldn't have ever done this name justice. The manic part? Sure. But certainly not the music behind it.
2. The New Pornographers
- Simply calling your band the Pornographers just wouldn't do it and you obviously aren't going anywhere near the Old Pornographers as that is just super creepy.
3. Butthole Surfers
- Not because I enjoy butthole surfing, because I don't (not that there's anything wrong with that), but because you won't find a more memorable name. The one drawback is that you have are known as the guy from the Butthole Surfers for the rest of your life. You take the good with the bad I suppose. Just ask Gibby Haynes.
4. Weezer
- Just so Rivers Cuomo would have to come up with something else, hopefully as embarrassing as Butthole Surfers.
5. The Smiths
- If only because it would have then allowed me to call my next band The Jones'.
:: Ryan 4:09 PM [+] ::
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When It's Over:: Saturday, June 25, 2005 ::
Hopefully she never has to use these, but this one is for D:
Your list for the Top 5 make-out songs has served me well, here's hoping your next list will do just as well. Top 5 break up songs. You know the ones you listen to when it's all over.
If all you do is wallow in self pity after a break up, then this list obviously isn't for you. However, if you can mix in some therapeutic screaming and laughing along with the self pity, then boy do I have a list for you! This should serve you well, no matter if you are the dumper or the dumpee.
1. Ben Folds Five "Song For The Dumped"
- Is this too obvious? Oh well. Where a song like "Evaporated" would make you want to slit your wrists, this gives you something to scream along too. That's right, not sing -- scream. And no matter how things ended, this will help you believe that you weren't the asshole.
Give me my money back
Give me my money back, you bitch
2. Jude "The Asshole Song"
- Speaking of being the asshole. You probably were. And even if you weren't, someone thinks you were. I'm sorry, but it's true. Deal with it.
But there are some reasons
And also some pictures
Which if you saw they would rip you apart
And I won't watch you cry
Goodbye, I'm an asshole
3. Marc Broussard "Let Me Leave"
- Sometimes it's just time to go. Unfortunately it isn't always that easy. This song, from Top 5 virgin Broussard, is a striking ballad about asking out of a relationship that was over long ago.
How have you never quite realized
That this will be nothing more than what it's been
4. Matchbox Twenty "Bed of Lies"
-If this doesn't give you closure than I don't know what will. Given, it's super slow and won't put you in the same frame of mind as say Ben Folds, but it's the perfect way to turn the page.
No I would not sleep in this bed of lies
So toss me out and turn in
And they'll be no rest for these tired eyes
I'm marking it down to learning
5. 2gether The Hardest Part of Breaking Up (Is Getting Back Your Stuff)
- Okay, time to stop the sulking. If you listen to this and still find yourself falling over yourself, then you obviously have issues that are much deeper than you are willing to face. C'mon, it's 2gether! 2GETHER!
I really miss, the feel of your kiss
But can I have back my things before I get really pissed?
You had my heart, my soul, my attention
But you walked out my life with my CD collection
We're Breaking Up!
:: Ryan 9:01 PM [+] ::
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It's Been A While:: Saturday, January 15, 2005 ::
After a long layoff, I'm happy to finally address Phoe's list:
I know you told me I should name my blog, "Blog This Bitch," after Ben Folds. And your blog is named Fall, Glimmer, Sparkle, and Fade after Everclear. So your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to come up with a "top five song quotes that would make good blog names" list, excluding the two aforementioned :P
I'm sorry to disappoint, but this site isn't quite dead yet. I was ready to put this fine site to bed, but after hurting my wrist (fractured, ouch), I seem to have free time that I haven't had in quite some time.
Choosing a title to your blog should be easier than most people make it out to be. Most times you can tell the person is trying a bit too hard to be clever. I obviously don't have the ability to be clever and went for something super easy, thus "Fall, Glimmer, Sparkle and Fade". If you happen to need a new title for your site, look no further. Enjoy.
1. "Damn it feels good to be a gangsta." -- Geto Boys 'Damn it Feels Good to be a Gangsta'
- Are you a gangsta? No? Well, odds are you can still use this quote as the new name of your blog and no one will know the difference. Just being associated with Office Space should earn you some points.
2. "...and I was waiting over here for life to begin" -- Pete Yorn 'Life on a Chain'
- Aren't we all waiting for life to begin? Okay, maybe that's a bit dramatic but it seems that most of the blogs I come across, their authors feel that way.
3. "They say I talk a 'lil fast, but if you listen a 'lil faster I ain't got to slow down for you to catch up, bitch." -- 50 Cent 'P.I.M.P.'
- The kids, they like the fitty. So if you want your blog to be 'hip', then you should go the way of fitty.
4. "Baby, please don't rock me tonight" -- Fountains of Wayne 'Please Don't Rock Me Tonight'
- This hopefully wouldn't sum up the content of someone's site, but it is catchy.
5. "Ready? Let's roll onto something new" -- The Killers 'Somebody Told Me'
- If you aren't rolling onto something new than your blog is obviously not worth reading. Not that I'm one to talk about having an interesting site, but harping on the same thing over and over again gets old quickly. Sort of like tons of Top 5 lists. Oops.
:: Ryan 12:12 AM [+] ::
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Top 20 of 2004
No story, just the list. Enjoy!
1. Jimmy Eat World 'Futures'
- The last album from Jimmy Eat World, 'Bleed American', accomplished two things. It alienated some long time fans who felt it was too "pop" and at the same time it exposed the band to millions who had never heard of them before. This time around, both the old time fans and those who just jumped on the Jimmy bandwagon will no doubt walk away happy after one listen of 'Futures'. If you were to mix their best album 'Clarity' with the aforementioned 'Bleed American', this is what you would get.
Standout Track: Kill
2. Green Day 'American Idiot'
- By my count, it's been since 1997's 'Nimrod' that the boys of Green Day have pumped out a Top 20 caliber album. Not only is this their best album to date, but it's not even close.
Standout Track: Whatsername
3. Avion 'Avion'
- After making the rounds at college radio with The Tories, lead singer Steve Bertrand decided to go after commercial radio this time around. He independently recorded the album, took his band to stations around the country and showed the decisions makers Avion was for real. After getting a ton of airplay, Columbia Records picked up the album and re-released it as 'Seven Days Without You', the title of their first single. It's the best pure pop you'll find from 2004.
Standout Track: Beautiful
4. U2 'How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb'
- Remember when Bono couldn't write bad music? Well, I'm happy to report that we might be on our way back to those times. 2000's 'All That You Can't Leave Behind' was their best record in years and 'HTDAAB' is an even stronger offering. Too many bands that have been around as long as U2 has, tend to over produce their records and forget about letting the songs tell a story. Bono and Co. have apparently learned from their mistakes (Pop) and made sure not to litter this album with too many overdubs or fancy effects.
Standout Track: Sometimes You Can't Make It on Your Own
5. Roger Clyne And The Peacemakers '¡Americano!'
- Still the best band in America that not enough people know about. Roger's previous band, The Refreshments, has sold over 500,000 records and there's no reason why The Peacemakers shouldn't be able to do the same thing. In an age where the term "singer-songwriter" is given to anyone with an acoustic guitar, Roger Clyne shows what it truly means to be one.
Standout Track: Leave An Open Door
6. Sugarcult 'Palm Trees & Power Lines'
- I'm well aware this one will shake the most heads, but this isn't your list, it's mine. If you need a little driving, contagious rock in your life, than Sugarcult is just what you're looking for.
Standout Track: Worst December
8. Joseph Arthur 'Our Shadows Will Remain'
- Certainly not your average singer-songwriter, Joseph Arthur finally captured the energy and depth of his live show. The album ranges from straightforward rock to borderline folk without anything seeming out of place.
Standout Track: Can't Exist
9. Franz Ferdinand 'Franz Ferdinand'
- I understand these kids have garnered plenty of critical acclaim, but I will never understand how The Strokes are the saviors of rock & roll, but Franz Ferdinand are just a good little band. To me, this is the type of album I expected to hear from those darling Strokes.
Standout Track: Darts of Pleasure
10. Snow Patrol 'Final Straw'
- For those of you looking for the best Pop album of the year and are unwilling to give Avion a chance, here is what you've been looking for.
Standout Track: Splitting Games
11. R.E.M. 'Around the Sun'
Standout Track: The Worst Joke Ever
13. Jamie Cullum 'Twentysomething'
Standout Track: High and Dry
14. The Killers 'Hot Fuss'
Standout Track: Change Your Mind
15. Interpol 'Antics'
Standout Track: C'mere
16. Ryan Adams 'Love Is Hell'
Standout Track: Avalanche
17. The Music 'Welcome to the North'
Standout Track: Cessation
18. Butterfly Boucher 'Flutterby'
Standout Track: Another White Dash
19. Straylight Run 'Straylight Run'
Standout Track: Your Name Here (Sunrise Highway)
20. Phantom Planet 'Phantom Planet'
Standout Track: Big Brat
Top 20 of 2003
1. Fountains of Wayne 'Welcome Interstate Managers'
2. Vendetta Red 'Between The Never And The Now'
3. Everclear 'Slowmotion Daydream'
4. Jude 'Sarah'
5. Ben Folds 'Speed Graphic' and 'Sunny 16' EPs
6. John Mayer 'Heavier Things'
7. Howie Day 'Stop All The World Now'
8. Third Eye Blind 'Out of the Vein'
9. Brand New 'Deja Entendu'
10. Blink 182 'Blink 182'
11. The Ataris 'So Long Astoria'
12. Pete Yorn 'Day I Forgot'
13. Travis '12 Memories'
14. Something Corporate 'North'
15. Dashboard Confessional 'A Mark, A Mission, A Brand, A Scar'
16. Hootie and the Blowfish 'Hootie and the Blowfish'
17. Sarah McLachlan 'Afterglow'
18. Fuel 'Natural Selection'
19. Train 'My Private Nation'
20. Maroon 5 'Songs About Jane'
:: Ryan 8:25 PM [+] ::
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