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Violent Femmes - “American Music”
Since today is Memorial Day, I wanted to find an “American” song. Why? Who really knows…but this song is great, and has “American” in the title. Do the two go hand in hand? No, not really.
Anyway, I love this song. I think its kind of hilarious and really catchy. Plain and simple.
[Flash 9 is required to listen to audio.]
Joy Division - “Disorder”
With two documentaries released about this band within the last year, it’s time to acknowledge the long-standing influence of the English rock band Joy Division. Unfortunately, they never toured the US together as the suicide of lead singer Ian Curtis marked the end of the band and the beginning of New Order. This track is from Joy Division’s 1979 album, Unknown Pleasures, which was the first of only two studio albums. Listening to this track makes many values we seek in several modern rock genres seem old; at least 30 years old anyway.
[Flash 9 is required to listen to audio.]
The Kills - “What New York Used to Be”
The Kills’ latest album Midnight Boom sounds like the late-night primal chantings of disaffected and world-weary lovers holed up in a seedy basement somewhere. For a minimalist band, guitarist Jamie “Hotel” Hince and vocalist Alison “VV” Mosshart provide a rather full and specific sound that speaks not only to jaded, well-dressed urbanites but to anyone that considers themselves a lover of rock-n-roll at its purest, its dirtiest. The band’s Big Apple eulogy, “What New York Used to Be” is a dark thrill-ride through the city’s romanticized and sordid past. The Kills conjure up some of the magic of “what used to be” while retaining their sharp, modern aesthetic.
[Flash 9 is required to listen to audio.]
Altered Images - Don’t Talk to Me About Love
I find this confection by 80s new wavers, Altered Images, near irresistible. Maybe you will too.
Lead vocalist Clare Grogan sounds like she’s on helium at a high school dance that is equal parts disco and doo-wop. When I hear this song, I feel like my whole world should be colored in shades of glaring neon pink.
Sometimes your world needs a little neon and helium because, really, what’s a party without them?
