Set list: B. B. King

I saw B. B. King on Friday. The fact that the man can still perform like he does at his age is amazing. I'll be posting his set list, but that only tells a small piece of the story, because so much of the show was listening to him talk, sometimes making serious points, other times with tongue planted firmly in cheek, but always saying something worth hearing. My one regret about the show is, because I chose to buy the cheapest of tickets, I ended up in the very back with some annoying people. First, they tried to evict me from my seat even though I clearly was where I was supposed to be and fairly obviously couldn't have been taking up two spaces. If I were going to steal a seat, would I choose one of the worst ones in the house? Eezus. But as if that wasn't enough, one of the guys refused to shut up during the show, several of them were drunk enough to be annoying... gah. I was kinda pissed off. Oh well. If you get a chance to see B. B. King, definitely take it - the man is still the king of the blues. And bring a friend or two to ensure you're seated in better company.

Oh, and the fact that King performed "How Blue Can You Get" made me really happy. That's the one song I went in really hoping to hear, and he didn't disappoint.

The opening act was Joanna Cotten. I'd heard her song "Funkabilly" like once before, but that was my only real exposure to her. She had some good tunes, though, and she definitely has good stage presence. I wasn't crazy about "Money Train," but from there her set really picked up. If you wanna check her out, I think my favourite was "Easy to Forget."

Cotten's set:
1. The Big Revival
2. Money Train
3. High Maintenance
4. Easy to Forget
5. Keep My Faith
6. Funkabilly
7. Miracle in Lee County

King's set:
Long instrumental jam by the B. B. King band to open
1. Let the Good Times Roll
2. I Need You So
3. Every Day I Have the Blues
4. Blues Man
5. When Love Comes to Town
6. All Over Again
7. Another instrumental of some sort
8. You Are My Sunshine
9. Dirty Old Man
10. Something about "I may not be as good now as I once used to be, but I'm as good once now as I used to be" or something to that effect... it also included mentions of Viagra and Cialis
11. How Blue Can You Get
12. Rock Me Baby
13. The Thrill Is Gone

Song of the Day: "Rooms on Fire"

ARTIST: Stevie Nicks
TITLE: "Rooms on Fire"
YEAR: 1989

"Rooms on Fire" is my favourite Stevie Nicks solo song. In fact, I would rank it up there with a lot of what she did during her Fleetwood Mac days also, and I hold those performances in high regard. But the song is amazing. Her delivery is flawless.

You can hear the song here and purchase it on various Nicks discs.

In Our Bedroom After the War (Stars)

I've been sitting on this one for a while in hopes of having some breakthrough on how to describe it. I picked up Stars' In Our Bedroom After the War at their show. I've finally decided that there's no sense in trying to verbalize my reaction. It leaves me speechless in that I can't put into words what I find so appealing about that, and I suppose that's the most accurate description I can give. But I like it. A lot. "Take Me to the Riot" is an amazing song. Other great ones include "The Night Starts Here," the title track, "My Favourite Book," and "The Ghost of Genova Heights."

Tracks:
1. The Beginning After the End
2. The Night Starts Here
3. Take Me to the Riot
4. My Favourite Book
5. Midnight Coward
6. The Ghost of Genova Heights
7. Personal
8. Barricade
9. Window Bird
10. Bitches in Tokyo
11. Life 2: The Unhappy Ending
12. Today Will Be Better, I Swear!
13. In Our Bedroom After the War

Set list: Stars

Wow! I saw Stars earlier this evening, and they put on an awesome show. Truly great. One interesting thing I hadn't realized is that male lead singer Torquil Campbell also plays the trumpet. Seeing him blow live was pretty amazing.

Opening acts this evening were Pash and Martin Royle (of Washington Social Club). Pash was decent indie pop type stuff. Martin Royle had great strange presence - very amusing. His songs were crafted to entertain, and they succeeded in that respect.

Pash's set:
1. Can't remember the opening song
2. The Best Gun
3. Down

Martin Royle
1. If Time Ran Backwards
2. I Don't Care If I Get Fired
3. Breaking the Dawn
4. Sex With Your Ex
5. "There's nowhere else we'd rather be" is a lyric
6. Charlie the Russian
7. The Breakup

Stars
1. The Night Starts Here
2. Elevator Love Letter
3. Soft Revolution
4. Window Bird
-A chorus of Phil Collins's "One More Night" with the last line changed to "'cause I can't fuck forever"-
5. One More Night
6. Reunion
7. Bitches in Tokyo
8. Heart
9. Going, Going Gone
10. Take Me to the Riot
11. Midnight Coward
12. Your Ex-Lover Is Dead
13. Ageless Beauty
14. In Our Bedroom After the War
Encore
15. My Favourite Book
16. What I'm Trying to Say
17. Calendar Girl
18. The Woods

Song of the Day: "Back Like That"

ARTIST: Ghostface Killah featuring Ne-Yo
TITLE: "Back Like That"
YEAR: 2006

"Back Like That" is a pretty irresistible collaboration between rapper Ghostface Killah and soulster Ne-Yo. It only met with so much chart success when it was released back in '06, likely because it wasn't too crossover-friendly. However, it's a great song that's gotten a few spins from me today.

The song can be heard here and is available on Ghostface Killah's album Fishscale.

The Complete Ella in Berlin: Mack the Knife (Ella Fitzgerald)

Ella Fitzgerald was an amazing woman with a great voice and a true talent. The Complete Ella in Berlin: Mack the Knife is her Grammy-winning 1960 album fleshed out with a few bonus tracks. This is a live album recorded in West Berlin, as it was at the time.

Fitzgerald's song selections are classics, and she gives them masterful performances, complete with great improvisations and impressive scatting. Her renditions of the classics stand up well, and the lyrical improvisation on "Mack the Knife" after she forgets the words is amazing. That selection alone demonstrates that Fitzgerald was not just a pretty face with a passable voice, as so many of today's singers are; rather, she was someone who truly felt the music and was greatly connected to it. Also, she was a creative force with which to reckon.

In short, this record is genius. A must-have for a music collection.

Tracks:
1. (setting up the stage)
2. That Old Black Magic
3. Our Love Is Here to Stay
4. Gone With the Wind
5. Misty
6. (applause and fanfare)
7. The Lady Is a Tramp
8. (fanfare)
9. The Man I Love
10. Love for Sale
11. Just One of Those Things
12. Summertime
13. Too Darn Hot
14. (applause and fanfare)
15. Lorelei
16. Mack the Knife
17. (fanfare)
18. How High the Moon
19. (closing applause and fanfare)

Song of the Day: "Grande, grande, grande"

ARTIST: Mina
TITLE: "Grande, grande, grande"
YEAR: 1972

While I only have a limited knowledge of her music because it's hard to find around here, I very much like and respect Mina. Lately I've been playing "Grande, grande, grande" a lot. I'm not sure why. It's a beautiful song performed by a beautiful lady with a beautiful voice, so that's part of it. Perhaps I feel this way on some level? Or want to? In some odd combo, perhaps it combines with "Make a Move on Me" to illustrate my current emotional muddle? Who knows?

Regardless, it's a beautiful song and I love it. The woman sings with such emotion. Mina is amazing.

The tune was adapted with English lyrics as "Never, Never, Never." This version became a hit as performed by Shirley Bassey. This one is also very good, but for me, Mina's is even better, despite the language barrier.

You can hear Mina performing the song in Italian here and Shirley Bassey's version here. Both are available on various hits compilations by their respective artists. Examples include Mina's The Platinum Collection and Bassey's The Singles.

"Fill My Little World" single (The Feeling)

I still don't have Join With Us, but I did supplement my Feeling collection a bit with the single for "Fill My Little World." It's one of the tracks I really like from Twelve Stops and Home, although I guess that doesn't mean a whole lot since I could say that of most of the album's tracks. "Not Be Turned" is a very good song. "One Thing That I Want" is a bit of an understated track. Also quite good.

Tracks:
1. Fill My Little World
2. Not Be Turned
3. One Thing That I Want

"alt.end" single (The Cure)

I really like everything I've heard by The Cure, but I've never actually purchased any of their music. Shame on me. I need to fix that. I guess I just have trouble knowing where to start with artists who already have such extensive catalogues.

I purchased the "alt.end" single while I was browsing discs at Borders. I had a coupon and didn't see much I really wanted to buy, and I remember hearing "alt.end" and enjoying it when it was a current a few years ago, so I figured I might as well grab it.

I really enjoy the a-side. I believe I remember a lot of Cure fans not being crazy about some of their more recent works, but I think this tune is quite good. I don't think I was as big a fan of "End of the World," but I haven't heard it since it was first out, so I might be remembering that incorrectly.

"Why Can't I Be Me?" is a cool, angsty tune. Definitely worth a listen. "Your God Is Fear" is a heavy track and also pretty cool.

I can't say I would put any of these three songs amongst by top Cure tunes even based on my limited knowledge of their catalogue, but they're still three solid tracks.

Tracks:
1. alt.end
2. Why Can't I Be Me?
3. Your God Is Fear

The Emotional Hooligan (Gary Clail & On-U Sound System)

Gary Clail & On-U Sound System's album The Emotional Hooligan was released in 1991. It spawned the hit single "Human Nature (On the Mix)." After giving the album a first listen, I was left a bit stunned. I wasn't sure why. I usually have some impression after I've listened, even when I have to concede that I'll need further listens to get a better idea. I've finally come to the conclusion that this album is really saying something, but the message is intricate and requires close attention - the sort of attention I can't give it in the wee hours of morning.

All of that said, I did like it. "Human Nature" is an excellent track, and there are many other tracks which I think also are high quality. I'm actually really excited about having further exploration of this album, because I believe it has the potential to become one I really love if I can demystify it a bit.

Failing that, it's still one I like well enough and am glad to have. Tracks that struck me at first listen include "The Emotional Hooligan," "Magic Penny," "Human Nature," and "False Leader."

Tracks:
1. Food, Clothes and Shelter
2. Pt 2 Monk Track
3. Escape
4. The Emotional Hooligan
5. Magic Penny
6. Human Nature (On the Mix) (12" version)
7. Crocodile Eyes
8. Rumours
9. Beef (The Future Mix) (12" version)
10. Temptation (Parts 1 & 2)
11. False Leader (Parts 1 & 2)

Chee-Chee & Peppy

Chee-Chee & Peppy's self-titled 1972 album is fun bubblegum soul. It includes their biggest career hit "I Know I'm in Love." There're also some remakes of familiar tunes: The Drifters' "This Magic Moment," Clyde McPhatter's "A Lover's Question," and Inez and Charlie Foxx's "Mockingbird." Two cute kids with childlike voices makin' some music for the Buddah label - good stuff.

For a more informative look at the duo, visit the Bubblegum Soup blog and look at the entry from January 2008. They did a far better job than I could of gathering the data. Props, Bubblegum Soup!

Tracks:
1. This Magic Moment
2. A Lover's Question
3. Never, Never, Never
4. Mocking Bird
5. Loving You Really Comes Easy
6. Try the Man (Find Peace of Mind)
7. I Know I'm in Love
8. We Belong to Each Other
9. We Call It Love
10. Yaba Daba Do
11. (I'm Not An) Indian Giver
12. My Love Will Never Fade Away

Song of the Day: "Make a Move on Me"

ARTIST: Olivia Newton-John
TITLE: "Make a Move on Me"
YEAR: 1982

"Make a Move on Me" appears on Olivia Newton-John's Physical album. I'm not a fan of the title track at all, but I absolutely love this, the follow-up single. I heard it for the first time earlier this year, and ever since it's been popping back into my head. Really, isn't the mark of a good song when it inspires you to do horrible choreography and lip synching instead of getting any actual work done?

You can attempt your own song and dance by listening here. The song is available on the CD release of the Physical album and on many compilations. One strong one is Gold, which contains most of her hits on two discs.

X2 (Times Two)

Times Two's X2 is a late 80s cheesy-ish pop album. It may not have a lot of depth, but it does have solid pop songs. It scores bonus points for amusing liner notes. Not that it has much to do with the album, but Shanti and Johnny Dollar were pretty cute, too. Anyway, back to the liners, Shanti penned an amusing short piece about their rise to fame, and the dedications also give me a smile or two. Score.

The big hit from the album was "Strange but True." The follow-up single, a remake of Simon and Garfunkel's "Cecilia," features Paul Simon on backing vocals. It's not bad, but they had better tracks on the album they could have released. "3 Into 2 (Don't Go)" features both members getting a crack at lead vocals, and I think it would've made a nice single. "L.O.D. (Love on Delivery)" is a pretty smooth track, as is "Mr. D.J.," and while neither probably could have done a whole lot as singles, they're solid album tracks. "Come Over" is some nice upbeat synthpop, as is "Jet," which is one of the standout tracks. "Only My Pillow Knows (For Sure)" is a very good tune. Sounds like it could have been a hit for someone, if not these guys. "Painted Heart" isn't anything special, but it's nice enough. "I Wantcha" is pretty cool and "Romeo" is a strong album ender. In fact, I love it. Such a fun track.

Overall, this is good.

Tracks:
1. Strange but True
2. Cecilia
3. Mr. D.J.
4. 3 Into 2 (Don't Go)
5. L.O.D. (Love on Delivery)
6. Come Over
7. Jet
8. Only My Pillow Knows (For Sure)
9. Painted Heart
10. I Wantcha
11. Romeo

Notorious

Notorious's 1990 self-titled album isn't groundbreaking, but it's enjoyable enough. The hit single from the album was "The Swalk," and my first impression is that it is indeed the best track on there. The other three tracks that made an impression were "Arianne," "Radio Silence," and "Love Fades." Robin George was a member of Notorious, which is mainly why I was interested in this disc, because his "Heartline" is a kickass track. Alas, nothing on here reaches those heights.

My copy of the disc is promotional. My web research leaves it unclear if any non-promo discs were pressed.

Tracks:
1. The Swalk
2. This Night
3. You Need More
4. Arianne
5. Losing You
6. Radio Silence
7. Eyes of the World
8. Touch
9. Love Fades
10. I Believe in You

The Secret of Life (Gretchen Peters)

Gretchen Peters's album The Secret of Life is a sophisticated country release. It has masterful lyrics (which is only to be expected from Peters, a very accomplished songwriter), which, coupled with her delivery, evoke a range of emotions and give the audience cause to reflect. I'm starting to think country singer-songwriters may just make the most cohesive albums, because they can truly feel their lyrics and know their own intentions. However, that's an oversimplification of the formula, as it takes away from the pure talent of such artists as Peters. Still, I think there may be something in it. Regardless, the important thing to know is that, if you're looking for a solid country album, seek The Secret of Life.

Tracks:
1. Waiting for the Light to Turn Green
2. Border Town
3. I Ain't Ever Satisfied
4. I Was Looking for You
5. On a Bus to St. Cloud
6. Over Africa
7. This Uncivil War
8. The Secret of Life
9. A Room With a View
10. Circus Girl
11. When You Are Old

Boys Club

Boys Club's self-titled album sounds like a Wham! knockoff. For me, that's quite all right. While they aren't a substitute for Wham!, they make a nice supplement. The hit single "I Remember Holding You" is present, as well as many other fun Wham!-ish tracks, like "The Loneliest Heart," "Step by Step," and "The Naked Truth."

Nobody will be nominating this as one of the best albums of all time or anything like that, but it makes for a good listen and gets my seal of approval.

Tracks:
1. Step by Step
2. I Remember Holding You
3. Tell Me
4. At It Again
5. Danglin' on a String
6. The Loneliest Heart
7. When You're Letting Go
8. Victim of the Heart
9. The Naked Truth
10. Time Starts Now

This Fire (Paula Cole)

It's rare that I can't find some way to recommend an album, but in the case of Paula Cole's 1996 album This Fire, I'm afraid that's the case. It's a shame, because two of its first three tracks are enjoyable: "Where Have All the Cowboys Gone" and "Throwing Stones." From there, however, the tracks range from forgettable to misguided. The only other good song comes at the end, as the Dawson's Creek theme "I Don't Want to Wait" closes the album. Those who fondly remember her hits and want them would probably be better off going for her greatest hits than this album. Even the great Peter Gabriel doesn't save it.

Tracks:
1. Tiger
2. Where Have All the Cowboys Gone
3. Throwing Stones
4. Carmen
5. Mississippi
6. Nietzsche's Eyes
7. Road to Dead
8. Me
9. Feelin' Love
10. Hush, Hush, Hush
11. I Don't Want to Wait

Song of the Day: "Something Happened on the Way to Heaven"

ARTIST: Phil Collins
TITLE: "Something Happened on the Way to Heaven"
YEAR: 1990

While Phil Collins's solo work rarely does much for me, "Something Happened on the Way to Heaven" is a song I absolutely love. He needed to do more songs like it! It's fun to sing, it's well-constructed, it's got decent lyrics... it's just good. I haven't heard it in a while, but it popped into my head today and reminded me just how much I enjoy it.

In 2004, Deborah Cox had a hit with her dance version of this song. It was okay, but it really doesn't compare to Collins's original for me.

You can hear the song here. The song is available on various discs, including Hits and The Platinum Collection as well as the album on which it originally appeared, ...But Seriously.

The Valentin Mix radio edit of the Cox version appears on the collection Ultimate Deborah Cox.

Curtis Stigers

Curtis Stigers's self-titled album holds the same sort of appeal to me as Clive Griffin's self-titled album. It's dated '90s adult pop. It would never work today, but it just sounds good to me. My favourite track on the album is its opener, "Sleeping With the Lights On." It's a fairly pleasant listen overall, containing also his other singles "I Wonder Why" and "You're All That Matters to Me." Stigers plays his sax throughout as well.

Tracks:
1. Sleeping With the Lights On
2. I Wonder Why
3. You're All That Matters to Me
4. The Man You're Gonna Fall in Love With
5. People Like Us
6. Never Saw a Miracle
7. I Guess It Wasn't Mine
8. Nobody Loves You Like I Do
9. I Keep Telling Myself
10. Count My Blessings
11. The Last Time I Said Goodbye

Ready to Wear/Pret-a-Porter soundtrack

I'm never really sure what to say about various artists discs like this. I guess I'll say that the music is generally dancy soul, with some other stuff thrown in. I enjoyed listening to it and think it's a pretty cool album.

Tracks:
1. Ini Kamoze: "Here Comes the Hotstepper (Heartical mix)"
2. Supercat: "My Girl Josephine"
3. Salt-N-Pepa: "Here We Come"
4. M People: "Natural Thing"
5. Janet Jackson: "70's Love Groove"
6. The Rolling Stones: "Jump on Top of Me"
7. Sam Phillips: "These Boots Are Made for Walkin'"
8. The Cranberries: "Pretty (Pret a Porter Movie mix)"
9. Deep Forest: "Martha"
10. The Brand New Heavies: "Close to You"
11. Ce Ce Peniston: "Keep Givin' Me Your Love (West End mix)"
12. The New Power Generation: "Get Wild"
13. Terence Trent D'Arby: "Supermodel Sandwich"
14. U2: "Lemon (Perfecto mix)"

He Loves Me...He Loves Me Not (Giggles)

Giggles's 1992 album He Loves Me...He Loves Me Not is apparently the only one she released. It contains her one hit "What Goes Around Comes Around." I wasn't really familiar with Giggles before except in name, but I was interested enough to pick it up and give it a try. The decision didn't prove bad. While I'm usually only so much of a freestyle fan, Giggles is one of the more adept artists I've heard. Her album makes for an enjoyable listen. Freestyle fans should definitely go for this one.

Not related to the music, but her titles sure do look like ten clichés, don't they? We've got some oft-used expressions (tracks 1, 2, 5, 7, 9), some popular song topics (tracks 3, 4, 6, 8), and then end with a medley! This doesn't take away from the music, but I just found it amusing.

Tracks:
1. What Goes Around Comes Around
2. He Said She Said
3. Where Did Your Love
4. Hugs & Kisses
5. Good Things Come to Those Who Wait
6. Memories of Love
7. I Had Enough
8. Love Letter
9. He Loves Me... He Loves Me Not
10. Giggles Medley

Emblems (matt pond PA)

matt pond PA's album Emblems (2004) contains a song I absolutely love in "Bring On the Ending." That strong tune was enough for me to be willing to give the rest a try. Overall, I'm pleased with the album. The music is pleasant and the lyrics are generally strong. I can't pick any standout tracks right now, mainly because these are the sort of songs which I believe require repeated listens to truly reveal themselves meaningfully for their audience. That said, they were all good enough the first time around that I look forward to said repeated plays.

Tracks:
1. KC
2. Closest (Look Out)
3. Lily Two
4. Bring On the Ending
5. The Butcher
6. New Hampshire
7. Claire
8. Summer (Butcher Two)
9. East Coast E.
10. Last Song
11. Grave's Disease
12. Close (KC Two)

"Carry On" single (Donna Summer)

If I see anything remotely interesting by Donna Summer for a good price, I'm gonna buy it. She's definitely one of my favourites. It was therefore an easy choice to buy this "Carry On" single. It was released in 1997 and appears to be promoting the various artists album NRG Unlimited from Interhit Records. Producer Giorgio Moroder also receives credit on the case. I already had the original mix on the excellent Gold compilation, but I'm always up for some good remixes.

I think my favourite mixes are the ones done by Chris Cox. Not only is "Slammin' Cox" a terribly fun mix name, but they just have great energy and really work well. I can't complain about any of the remixes present, however. They're all quite good.

Tracks:
1. Carry On (original mix)
2. Carry On (Outta Control Radio)
3. Carry On (Hysteria Radio)
4. Carry On (Slammin' Cox Radio)
5. Carry On (Outta Control Extended)
6. Carry On (Hysteria Mix)
7. Carry On (Slammin' Cox Mix)
8. Carry On (Hot Tracks Mix)
9. Carry On (Hysteriastrumental)

"Goody Goody" promo CD (Lisette Melendez)

While I don't usually have any special use for promo CDs, when an interesting one pops up in bargain bins, I'm willing to give 'em a go. "Goody Goody" was released in 1993. Here's the promotional bit from the inserts:

"After burning up clubs and Top 40 radio throughout 1991 and 1992, Lisette Melendez returns with 'Goody Goody," the first single from her forthcoming sophomore album True Life. Rolling with the changing musical times, 'Goody Goody' features a variety of mixes ranging from the Greg Nice (of Nice & Smooth) cameo on the Radio Edit and Hip Hop Mix to the Roger Paulette-produced House Mix to the pop-leaning LP version."

Promotional bits aside, that provides a fairly accurate description.

While Greg Nice's rap isn't bad, the radio edits and hip hop mix are a tad boring. The LP version was actually the first to get my attention. My favourite edits, however, are probably the two final ones, which are house-leaning, particularly the House Mix Radio Edit.

Tracks:
1. Goody Goody (radio edit)
2. Goody Goody (hip hop mix)
3. Goody Goody (radio edit no rap)
4. Goody Goody (LP version)
5. Goody Goody (House Mix radio edit)
6. Goody Goody (Mantecka edit)

You can hear some version of the song here.

"Déjà Vu (Uptown Baby)" single (Lord Tariq & Peter Gunz)

A classic rap track from 1997, "Déjà Vu (Uptown Baby)" became Lord Tariq's & Peter Gunz's only hit, but it did go top ten. Despite this, I haven't heard it since it was popular, so it was fun to hear it again. From the opening trumpet flourish which was later heard nearly a decade later in the popular hit "Hips Don't Lie" to the rap over the "Black Cow" sample, "Déjà Vu (Uptown Baby)" is really quite a good track. I don't know that I'd be impressed with it were it released today, but for '97 it was quite solid before this stuff got played out in a major way.

The flip side, "Marmalade," is also a decent rap tune.

Tracks:
1. Déjà Vu (Uptown Baby)
2. Marmalade

"Go Away" single (Gloria Estefan)

Gloria Estefan's "Go Away" is a fun uptempo track. Since I enjoy it so much, I decided I'd give the single a shot to check out the remixes.

The first version is the album version, which is the one I already knew and loved. The second mix, the 12" mix, is decent but nothing special. I did, however, greatly enjoy the Underground Vocal Mix. Good stuff.

Also included is a very pretty live version of "Words Get in the Way." The final track, "Megamix," is exactly what it says, with excerpts from: Dr. Beat/The Conga/Rhythm Is Gonna Get You/1, 2, 3/Get on Your Feet.

Tracks:
1. Go Away
2. Go Away (12" mix)
3. Go Away (Underground Vocal Mix)
4. Words Get in the Way (live)
5. Megamix

At His Best (Peter Allen)

Peter Allen's recordings only found niche markets in the United States. Popular in his native Australia, Allen had very few songs make a significant mainstream impact Stateside, mainly finding success as a songwriter. Still, fans of those who had hits with his material, such as Melissa Manchester and Rita Coolidge, would likely enjoy Allen's own recordings.

As far as At His Best goes, I give the material a high rating. Allen executes well and the songs here make for enjoyable listens. The collection itself, however, could be better. While his popular "I Go to Rio" is included, it is a live version from the 1977 album Is It Time for Peter Allen. This version is cool, but it would be nice to also have the studio version. While his big hit "Fly Away" is present, one of his earlier U.S. hits, a rendition of "The More I See You," is not. More forgivable is the absence of his popular Arista material, which would have required label cooperation but can be found on other discs. A collection that corrects some of these problems is The Very Best of Peter Allen: The Boy from Down Under, which contains the studio versions of "I Go to Rio" and "Tenterfield Saddler" and doesn't omit "The More I See You." I would probably recommend that disc over this one, although this disc is still certainly better than not having one, and I can't complain about the $2 purchase price. The tracks included on At His Best that do not appear on the other disc are the aforementioned pair of live versions and two studio tracks: "If You Were Wondering" and "Just a Gigolo (Schöner Gigolo)," both of which are nice tracks and worth having around, but neither of which would be deal breakers should you be choosing between the two compilations.

In conclusion, the music is good, but the selection could be better.

Tracks:
1. One Step Over the Borderline
2. If You Were Wondering
3. I Honestly Love You
4. Just Ask Me I've Been There
5. She Loves to Hear the Music
6. Just a Gigolo (Schöner Gigolo)
7. I Don't Go Shopping
8. I'd Rather Leave While I'm in Love
9. Everything Old Is New Again
10. Bi-Coastal
11. Don't Cry Out Loud
12. Quiet Please, There's a Lady on Stage
13. I Could Have Been a Sailor
14. Don't Wish Too Hard
15. Tenterfield Saddler (live)
16. Fly Away
17. I Go to Rio (live)

Call Me Irresponsible (Michael Bublé)

Michael Bublé is one of the few modern adult contemporary/easy listening singers I enjoy. I like plenty of the older ones, so I'm not sure why the newer crop rarely connects with me, but there you have it. I finally got around to picking up the standards singer's latest album, Call Me Irresponsible, at the merch table at his show.

It's another very solid album from Bublé. Two original songs are included, "Everything" and "Lost." One song he does I like a lot is "It Had Better Be Tonight," which is adapted from "Meglio stasera" from The Pink Panther. I first became familiar with this song in a version by John Gary and fell in love with it. Really, I can't complain about the way he does any of the songs present on this album. High quality renditions, one and all.

Tracks:
1. The Best Is Yet to Come
2. It Had Better Be Tonight (Meglio stasera)
3. Me and Mrs. Jones
4. I'm Your Man
5. Comin' Home Baby (with Boyz II Men)
6. Lost
7. Call Me Irresponsible
8. Wonderful Tonight (with Ivan Lins)
9. Everything
10. I've Got the World on a String
11. Always on My Mind
12. That's Life (Siedah Garrett is among the folks providing additional vocals on this one)
13. Dream

Laughter (The Mighty Lemon Drops)

Laughter is a 1989 album by The Mighty Lemon Drops. This is a group in which I've been interested ever since I heard two of the big singles off the album, "Where Do We Go From Heaven" and especially "Into the Heart of Love." I like both of these songs a good deal. I was excited, therefore, to actually find this album in stores. I'd still love their greatest hits collection, but this album proved a nice start. Besides the aforementioned singles, it also includes some other cool modern rock tracks in the form of such tunes as "One in a Million" and "Second Time Around."

I would definitely recommend checking out The Mighty Lemon Drops if you're not familiar with them.

Tracks:
1. At Midnight
2. Into the Heart of Love
3. Where Do We Go From Heaven
4. The Heartbreak Thing
5. One in a Million
6. Written in Fiction
7. The Real World
8. All That I Can Do
9. Second Time Around
10. Beautiful Shame
11. Rumbletrain?

This Ain't No Disco: New Wave Dance Hits

I saw the collection This Ain't No Disco: New Wave Dance Hits while I was Half Priced Books-ing it up. With collections like this, my usual method of choosing if they're worthwhile is by looking at the track list, seeing what I don't have, seeing which tracks I wouldn't be likely to buy in another form (e.g., a collection of songs by the artist), and then seeing if it's worth the price.

In this case, at $1.00, this was a fairly easy choice. The inclusion of such tracks as Pylon's "Volume," Mi-Sex's "Computer Games," and Fishbone's "Party at Ground Zero," selections which were new to me, make this is a fairly nice collection. Bigger hits on the album include Romeo Void's "A Girl in Trouble (Is a Temporary Thing)," Nena's "99 Red Balloons," and After The Fire's "Der Kommissar."

While some of these selections are definitely songs I'd be interested in buying on collections by their respective artists (like Haircut 100, represented here by "Favourite Shirts (Boy Meets Girl), or Adam Ant, present with "Goody Two Shoes"), this is overall a nice compilation of songs in a style I very much enjoy. Viva new wave!

Tracks:
1. After the Fire: "Der Kommissar"
2. Haircut 100: "Favourite Shirts (Boy Meets Girl)"
3. Nena: "99 Red Balloons" (incorrectly identified as "99 Luftballons" on the track list ... gotta say, I was slightly disappointed not to get the original German)
4. The Thompson Twins: "Lies" (this may be an extended version or 12" or album version or something. It clocks in at 5:21. It's cool, just not the one I'm used to hearing. I think the video I've linked to is the same as the included version.)
5. Romeo Void: "A Girl in Trouble (Is a Temporary Thing)"
6. Pylon: "Volume"
7. Modern English: "I Melt With You"
8. Adam Ant: "Goody Two Shoes"
9. Dead or Alive: "You Spin Me 'Round (Like a Record)"
10. Mi-Sex: "Computer Games"
11. Ultravox: "Sleepwalk"
12. Fishbone: "Party at Grand Zero"

Song of the Day: "I Couldn't Leave You If I Tried"

ARTIST: Rodney Crowell
TITLE: "I Couldn't Leave You If I Tried"
YEAR: 1988

While singer-songwriter Rodney Crowell continues to make some damn good music to this day, he doesn't get the mainstream attention he deserves. However, back in the late 1980s, Crowell was having a hot streak at country radio, and "I Couldn't Leave You If I Tried" was part of that, hitting #1 on the country charts. Normally I would probably say I prefer "She's Crazy for Leaving" to this song as far as that period of Crowell's career goes, but it's a tough choice as "I Couldn't" is also a very strong song. Perhaps it's a tie. Regardless, this is the one that's been in my head of late.

The song can be heard here and can be purchased on the album Diamonds & Dirt or on the compilation The Essential Rodney Crowell.

Set list: Michael Bublé

Michael Bublé, without a doubt, put on one of the best shows I've ever seen. The man is an amazing vocalist and entertainer. I can't even begin to describe just how awesome he was live, but I would love another chance to see him.

The opening act was an a cappella group called Naturally Seven. Their set list, perhaps minus a song or two since I was a tad late to be seated (merch table trip):
1. Broken Wings
2. Say You Love Me
3. Sounds of Silence / Scarborough Fair / April Come She Will
4. In the Air Tonight

And Bublé's set:
1. I'm Your Man
2. It Had Better Be Tonight
3. Me and Mrs. Jones
4. Friends in Low Places chorus / Fever
5. A line from Rehab intro'ed Call Me Irresponsible
6. Try a Little Tenderness ... only he pretended to play trombone while the actual trombonist, Nick, did the song
7. I've Got the World on a String
8. You'll Never Know
9. You're Nobody Till Somebody Loves You (which will be on his new album)
10. Lost
11. Feelin' Good
12. Home ... as a duet with Blake Shelton
13. Everything
14. That's All Right (Mama)
15. YMCA
16. Save the Last Dance for Me
17. How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)
18. That's Life (with Naturally Seven)
Encore
19. Crazy Little Thing Called Love
20. A Song for You

Song of the Day: "Secret Separation"

ARTIST: The Fixx
TITLE: Secret Separation
YEAR: 1986

"Secret Separation" is my favourite Fixx song. Great tune! It's one that seems to pop into my mind a lot. In fact, it's getting to the point where any time I'm in class and somebody uses either the word "isolation" or the word "separation," I'll start thinking of this tune. Scary. However, as I said, it's a great song, so I suppose there could be worse things being triggered!

The song can be heard here. The song can be purchased on various Fixx compilations, but I've not seriously examined any to be able to recommend one.

Ultimate High (Carly Hennessy)

I originally purchased this album as an investment. Carly Hennessy is a current contestant on American Idol, now using her married name of Carly Smithson. Her 2001 album Ultimate High failed to find any kind of success upon release, as documented in this interesting Wall Street Journal article.

When poking around online, I noticed a lot of people attempting to sell this album for a fair deal of money now that Hennessy is getting her Idol stardom. Months earlier, I'd seen a used copy of this album in a record store near me, so I decided to go over there and see if it was still in stock. Sure enough, a copy of Ultimate High soon became mine for about three and a half dollars.

My original plan was to find a good way to resell it and turn a quick profit. However, out of sheer curiosity, I popped the album into my player. The results are surprisingly decent. Perhaps not so surprising, however, if one considers that former New Radicals Gregg Alexander and Danielle Brisebois were involved in the project. I enjoyed the Maybe You've Been Brainwashed Too album, and a lot of these songs are in that style. I think the problem with this album, as detailed in the article above, is that a few minor alterations would have made this a solid adult-oriented pop album, but the label was intent on marketing it as teen pop.

While "You'll Never Meet God (If You Break My Heart)" seems a bit like the bastard child of "You'll Never Get to Heaven (If You Break My Heart)" (thematically) and "Take Your Time (Do It Right)" (musically), many other tracks show a bit of spark and make for enjoyable listens, including "Just Missed the Train," "Beautiful You," "Surface Wound," and "Get You Off."

The album is surprisingly good enough that I'm considering actually keeping it in my collection. So much for my business sense!

Tracks:
1. Beautiful You
2. I'm Gonna Blow Your Mind
3. Surface Wound
4. You'll Never Meet God (If You Break My Heart)
5. No One's Safe from Goodbye
6. Young Love
7. I Need a Little Love
8. Get You Off
9. Rip in Heaven
10. All Kinds of People
11. Just Missed the Train
12. What I've Found

Shangri-La (Bardeux)

Bardeux's second of two albums, Shangri-La (1989), seems to be generally viewed as far weaker than their first, based on what I've read on the Internet. It couldn't have done them too many favors since they didn't have any subsequent releases. Not having heard their first album, however, I can't weigh in on this debate.

Shangri-La is a decent dance-pop album with some freestyle leanings. The standout track is undoubtedly the single "I Love to Bass," which was also the biggest hit from the album. Still, there are others that make for good listens, such as "Now or Never," "Thumbs Up," "Just Say the Word," and "Now I've Got Your Number." "One Last Kiss" is also a nice track that seems like it could have been a hit, but I suppose the generally underwhelming response to this album did in its singles.

While Shangri-La is neither mind-blowing nor earth-shattering, it is a pleasant freestyle album.

Tracks:
1. Nervous
2. Now or Never
3. Thumbs Up
4. Just Say the Word
5. You Can Rock My Body
6. I Love to Bass
7. One Last Kiss
8. Shangri-La
9. Now I've Got Your Number
10. Hardline

Freak Show (Silverchair)

Silverchair's 1997 album Freak Show is a good demonstration of the influence Nirvana had on alternative music. This is pretty much what one could point to as a textbook post-grunge album. That's not to say it's bad, as it isn't. It is, however, unexceptional. There are a very high quality tracks, such as the hit single "Abuse Me" and the album track "No Association," but for the most part, there's not much here to wow the listener. That said, not every album packs a wow, and fans of post-grunge alternative rock likely won't be disappointed, either. Perhaps some of my criticism of this album comes with the benefit of being over ten years removed from its initial release and having heard the ways in which Silverchair has evolved, for their music since this, their second album, has grown much in its sophistication.

Tracks:
1. Slave
2. Freak
3. Abuse Me
4. Lie to Me
5. No Association
6. Cemetery
7. The Door
8. Pop Song for Us Rejects
9. Learn to Hate
10. Petrol & Chlorine
11. Roses
12. Nobody Came
13. The Closing

Song of the Day: "That's How People Grow Up"

ARTIST: Morrissey
TITLE: "That's How People Grow Up"
YEAR: 2008

Morrissey's lyrics always kick ass. His voice is so damn expressive. His music sounds good. It's really just a killer combination.

"That's How People Grow Up" is his latest single, and I can't stop spinning it. It meets the high standards Moz has set for himself. I can't even offer much further explanation. It's just great, and that's all there is to that.

The song can be heard here. It is available for purchase on a two-track single (b/w a live version of "The Last of the Famous International Playboys") or on the album Greatest Hits.

Christmas Through Your Eyes (Gloria Estefan)

Gloria Estefan's Christmas Through Your Eyes makes a nice addition for a holiday album collection. It includes many lovely renditions of holiday classics, including some Spanish language on "Silent Night" and "Arbolito de Navidad." It also includes the title track, which might be considered a modern Christmas classic.

While this does have the aforementioned partially or wholly Spanish tracks, I wouldn't characterize it as a very Latin Christmas album, although "Arbolito de Navidad" is one of the strongest tracks included. For those who would like more Spanish-language versions of holiday songs, consider picking up Luis Miguel's Navidades album, which features many great renditions. However, for those who are looking for a nice stylistic blend of holiday tunes, Estefan delivers with this album, which I imagine pops up in stores seasonally.

Tracks:
1. Overture: Silver Bells
2. The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)
3. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
4. Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow
5. This Christmas
6. I'll Be Home for Christmas
7. White Christmas
8. Silent Night
9. Christmas Through Your Eyes
10. Arbolito de Navidad
11. Christmas Auld Lang Syne

Song of the Day: "How Many Words"

ARTIST: Blake Lewis
TITLE: "How Many Words"
YEAR: 2008

Released on his album last year and as a single this one, former American Idol contestant Blake Lewis's "How Many Words" has surprised me by being ... well, likable. Granted, it's not perfect. I could do with a better intro, for example. Still, after being utterly turned off by his lead single, "Break Anotha," I certainly did not expect to find myself liking his second. Not only have I found myself enjoying it, but now it's been in my head enough that it's garnered some repeated listens. Go figure. Perhaps some of the appeal lies in the Sting-like vibes I get from the song, especially the bridge.

The song can be heard here and is available for purchase on Lewis's 2007 release Audio Day Dream.

Become What You Are (The Juliana Hatfield Three)

My interest in The Juliana Hatfield Three's Become What You Are (1993) lay in the classic hit "My Sister." Awesome song, that, and one I love. While not all of the other songs on this album reach the heights of that one, it is overall a very good listen. The other hit from the album, "Spin the Bottle," is one of the more memorable tracks, as are "Supermodel" and "Feelin' Massachusetts."

Tracks:
1. Supermodel
2. My Sister
3. This Is the Sound
4. For the Birds
5. Mabel
6. A Dame with a Rod
7. Addicted
8. Feelin' Massachusetts
9. Spin the Bottle
10. President Garfield
11. Little Pieces
12. I Got No Idols

Teen Spirit (A*Teens)

If you tend to hold your music to high standards and resent all manufactured pop, then no A*Teens album is for you. However, while I appreciate the artfulness that goes into crafting "real music," I have to say that I find Teen Spirit to be a poptastic treat. It contains a song of which I never seem to tire, "Bouncing Off the Ceiling (Upside Down)." Other treats include "Halfway Around the World," "Rockin'," "Slammin' Kinda Love," "All My Love," "For All That I Am," and "Morning Light."

In general, group sounds like: An attempt to recreate ABBA for modern teens with passably talented individuals
Still haven't actually heard their ABBA remakes album, though. I'm a bit scared.

Tracks:
1. Bouncing Off the Ceiling (Upside Down)
2. ...To the Music
3. Halfway Around the World
4. Firefly
5. Sugar Rush
6. Rockin'
7. Around the Corner of Your Eye
8. Slammin' Kinda Love
9. All My Love
10. For All That I Am
11. That's What (It's All About)
12. Morning Light
13. Back for More
14. Don't Even Know Your Name

Deep (Peter Murphy)

Peter Murphy's Deep contains the biggest mainstream hit he had, "Cuts You Up." This song, and as I found out, the album as a whole, were proof that gothic rock's father was still at the top of his game at this time. The album is largely accessible and includes some great tunes in the form of "Shy," "Seven Veils," "The Line Between the Devils Teeth (And That Which Cannot Be Repeat," and "Cuts You Up." Overall, it's a success.

Tracks:
1. Deep Ocean Vast Sea
2. Shy
3. Crystal Wrists
4. Marlene Dietrich's Favourite Poem
5. Seven Veils
6. The Line Between the Devils Teeth (And That Which Cannot Be Repeat
7. Cuts You Up
8. A Strange Kind of Love
9. Roll Call
10. Roll Call (reprise)

Homebrew (Neneh Cherry)

Neneh Cherry's Homebrew (1992) is a decent album. There are some decent tracks, some very good tracks, and one standout excellent one. The track which wows is "Trout," a duet with R.E.M.'s Michael Stipe. Some of the very good ones include "Twisted," "Somedays," and "Red Paint." Overall, it's a nice album, and while it likely won't show up on any lists of the greatest albums of all time, it's worth hearing.

Tracks:
1. Sassy (featuring Guru from Gangstarr)
2. Money Love (samples "For the Love of Money")
3. Move With Me
4. I Ain't Gone Under Yet
5. Twisted
6. Buddy X
7. Somedays
8. Trout (with Michael Stipe)
9. Peace in Mind
10. Red Paint

Electronic

Electronic's self-titled 1991 album is, in a word, great. Sometimes supergroups are a bad idea, but in the case of Electronic (which involved New Order's Bernard Sumner pairing up with The Smiths' Johnny Marr and, at least on this album, getting some contributions from PSB), it worked terribly well. Any fan of New Order and similar acts would enjoy this. I snapped up the album because it contains one of my early '90s classics, "Getting Away With It," but there are many other tracks on there which are also awesome, including "Tighten Up," "The Patience of a Saint," and "Get the Message."

Tracks:
1. Idiot Country
2. Reality
3. Tighten Up
4. The Patience of a Saint
5. Getting Away With It
6. Gangster
7. Soviet
8. Get the Message
9. Try All You Want
10. Some Distant Memory
11. Feel Every Beat

Witchdoctor (The Sidewinders)

The Sidewinders' 1989 album Witchdoctor produced the modern rock hit of the same name. The album isn't consistent, but at its high points, it demonstrates just what was good about alternative rock radio during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Highlights for me include the hit "Witchdoctor," "Love '88," and an interesting take on Neil Diamond's "Solitary Man." While I wouldn't say this offering from the Arizona band is a must-own, it does make a nice addition to the collections of those who enjoy college rock.

Tracks:
1. Witchdoctor
2. Cigarette
3. Bad, Crazy Sun
4. Love '88
5. Solitary Man
6. What Am I Supposed to Do?
7. Tears Like Flesh
8. Before Our Time
9. What She Said
10. Worlds Apart

Highly Evolved (The Vines)

Australian rockers The Vines' debut album Highly Evolved (2002) is a cool stylistic mix. Individually, the songs work very well. Collectively, they don't feel so much like a cohesive album. Therefore, while Highly Evolved isn't perfect, it's still worthwhile for the good tunage included.

Tracks:
1. Highly Evolved
2. Autumn Shade
3. Outtatheway
4. Sunshin'
5. Homesick
6. Get Free
7. Country Yard
8. Factory
9. In the Jungle
10. Mary Jane
11. Ain't No Room
12. 1969

From Monday to Sunday (Nick Heyward)

I got Nick Heyward's From Monday to Sunday on the strength of the single "Kite," which I love. I didn't know any of the other tracks, so I am pleased to report that many others are also highly enjoyable alternative pop selections. Lead track "He Doesn't Love You Like I Do" is a bit infectious. Other standouts include "Ordinary People," "Into Your Life," and "All I Want You to Know." Overall, the album made for a fine listen. Recommended.

Tracks:
1. He Doesn't Love You Like I Do
2. Kite
3. Into Your Life
4. Caravan
5. Ordinary People
6. How Do You Live Without Sunshine
7. January Man
8. Mr. Plain
9. These Words
10. All I Want You to Know
11. Diary
12. Everytime

Ring (The Connells)

The Connells are a "college rock" group from North Carolina. They managed some rock radio hit in the 1980s and 1990s, back when alternative radio knew how to play good music. I've actually seen a few of their albums around used before, but for whatever reason, I decided I would only put down the dough if I found the album containing the hit "Slackjawed." Well, Ring, their 1993 release, is that album.

Upon poking around for info online, this disc seems surprisingly hard to find now, at least at a decent price. I was lucky it was in the used shop. It's really quite a good disc. I'd love to find something insightful to say, but the Connells' legions of fans (I didn't realize they existed, either) have already said anything I could, so if you're interested in further commentary on the album, I would direct you to the reviews on its page at amazon.com.

If The Connells interest you and you don't want to shell out the cash for their catalogue, take heart. Wikipedia claims there is a compilation of their material in the works. Watch for it.

Tracks:
1. Slackjawed
2. Carry My Picture
3. '74-'75
4. Doin' You
5. Find Out
6. Eyes on the Ground
7. Spiral
8. Hey You
9. New Boy
10. Disappointed
11. Burden
12. Any Day Now
13. Running Mary

"New Age Girl" single (Deadeye Dick)

"She don't eat meat but she sure likes the bone." This lyric from Deadeye Dick's 1994 single "New Age Girl" still makes me smile, which proves that I haven't matured at all since that time, when my age hadn't even reached double digits. "New Age Girl" is just a fun rock tune, and really, who doesn't like having a good excuse to discuss Deadeye Dick? The included remix is also cool. Second track "Si certo que si non sapere niente" is also cool, although I have no idea why it's titled as such. Third track "Sentimental Crap" also appears on the Deadeye Dick album A Different Story, the same one which contains "New Age Girl." It's a decent tune.

Tracks:
1. New Age Girl
2. Si certo que si non sapere niente
3. Sentimental Crap
4. New Age Girl (dervish mix)
5. New Age Girl (instrumental)

"Now That You've Gone" single (Mike + The Mechanics)

"Now That You've Gone" is the 1999 lead single from Mike + The Mechanics' second self-titled album. It's a cool, modern song with a good beat and great Paul Carrack vocals. The second track on this single is a live remake of Stevie Wonder's "I Believe (When I Fall in Love It Will Be Forever)," and it's actually quite a nice rendition. The final track is a live version of their own "Word of Mouth," the lead single from the 1991 album of the same title.

Tracks:
1. Now That You've Gone
2. I Believe (When I Fall in Love It Will Be Forever) (live)
3. Word of Mouth (live)

"Lazy Lover" single (Brazilian Girls)

I vaguely remembered having heard praise for Brazilian Girls, so I figured I'd give this one a shot. "Lazy Lover" has a retro-meets-modern feel, incorporating the chanson style into their electronic music. It's a cool, atmospheric listen. "Sirènes de la fête" has some similar stylistic blending going on and is also a cool tune, although I can't say I really understand its French lyrics. "Pussy" builds on this style, but also adds some more Latin-sounding horn arrangements. A nice touch. The remixes of "Lazy Lover" are nice too.

None of this makes for your ordinary, average sort of listening, but it all works quite well. I'm left rather intrigued and hope to hear more.

Tracks:
1. Lazy Lover
2. Sirènes de la fête
3. Pussy
4. Lazy Lover (Brazilian Girls' Free Mix)
5. Lazy Lover (Herbert's Busy Lover Mix)

"Inside Your Heaven" single (Bo Bice)

I'll say it right now: American Idol winners' initial singles tend to suck. Bice was second place, but "Inside Your Heaven" was the same song they gave the winner to sing that year, and her version was indeed pretty sucky. So how did I end up liking Bice's? I have no idea. But I do. I may be a few years late actually getting it, but hey, better late than never.

The b-side is a remake of Ides of March's "Vehicle" featuring Richie Sambora.

Tracks:
1. Inside Your Heaven
2. Vehicle (featuring Richie Sambora)

Mouthful of Love EP (Young Heart Attack)

Young Heart Attack is a rock band from Texas. I'd never heard of them, but I thought this EP looked interesting, so I gave it a shot. This is certainly energetic rock music! It's got some cool arrangements, but I'm not sure how I feel about the lead singer's delivery.

All of these tracks ended up on the band's 2004 album Mouthful of Love.

Tracks:
1. Mouthful of Love
2. Over and Over
3. Tommy Shots
4. To the Teeth

The lead singer of Young Heart Attack is named Chris Hodge, but I can only assume this isn't the same fellow of "We're on Our Way" fame.

"Getting Better" single (Shed Seven)

"Getting Better" is the only Shed Seven song I'd ever heard. I rather like it, and so I seized the opportunity to own it. Both of the b-sides are also solid rock tunes and make for good listens. Overall, this is a solid single.

Tracks:
1. Getting Better
2. Only Dreaming
3. Song Seven

"Here to Stay" single (New Order)

New Order's "Here to Stay" was featured in the film 24 Hour Party People. It's a great song. Two versions are included on this single - the radio edit and the full length vocal. Both great. The final track is entitled "Player in the League" and it's also a very good song. Definitely worth a listen.

Tracks:
1. Here to Stay (radio edit)
2. Here to Stay (full length vocal)
3. Player in the League

"Bailamos" single (Enrique Iglesias)

I must admit to owning a couple of Enrique Iglesias's albums; however, Enrique is not one of them. Had I seen that album today, I probably would have gotten it, but for now I just have this huge hit single it spawned, "Bailamos." It's a two-track single. The first is the familiar album version, which brought a smile and a few memories. The second is the Latin radio mix, which I don't recall hearing before. It's got quite a bit more Latin flavour, and it's really quite good. Makes me wish I could dance.

Tracks:
1. Bailamos (album version)
2. Bailamos (Latin radio mix)

"Here's to the Night" single (Eve 6)

I have three of Eve 6's albums, so when I saw this single at the store, I was mainly looking to see if there was an interesting b-side or two included. The first track is "Here's to the Night," and it appears in the same version was included on Eve 6's Horrorscope album. That's a pretty good album, but as I already own it, that particular track wasn't an incentive to get the single. The second track is "Inside Out," which is a song I love from Eve 6's self-titled album. However, great as it is, I already own it on said album. Also from Eve 6's self-titled album is the third track, "Tongue Tied," which is also a good song. Having gotten that far, I was ready to put this disc down until I caught the last track's title, "Waterfalls." I couldn't place that as a track on either album, so I opened up the case to see if it had anything to say about it. I saw Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes in the writing credits, which was enough of a clue for me to grasp that this is a remake of TLC's hit song. I'm always a sucker for an interesting remake, and $0.50 was certainly a reasonable price, so this became mine.

I played the first three tracks first since I knew I enjoyed them. They made me want to revisit Eve 6's albums, which I haven't played in a while. Apparently this is going to be a trend as I listen to music. As for the "Waterfalls" remake, it's pretty rockin'. Brings rather a different feel to the song. I approve.

Tracks:
1. Here's to the Night
2. Inside Out
3. Tongue Tied
4. Waterfalls

"Crazy" single (Gnarls Barkley)

I visited Half Price Books today, and I always lose self-control in that store. My purchases from there will be appearing here as I listen to them, starting with this, the single for Gnarls Barkley's worldwide smash hit "Crazy" from 2006. The duo are back now with "Run," the lead single from their second album, but this was the song that started it all. I have the St. Elsewhere album, but for some cool single art and an alternate version of "Just a Thought," I figured I'd go ahead and pick this up too. Two good tunes. I haven't listened to St. Elsewhere in a while - I should rectify that at some point.

Tracks:
1. Crazy
2. Just a Thought (Edit)

Song of the Day: "I Try"

ARTIST: RedBoxBlue
TITLE: "I Try"
YEAR: 2008

I've just discovered this tune today, but I rather like it. RedBoxBlue is a London band with a soft rock sort of sound. I've not had much sleep, so at the moment I'm having trouble finding words to describe just what I like about this song. However, if you'd like to learn about RedBoxBlue, you can check out their website here. You can hear some of their music there, or at their MySpace. I would definitely recommend checking out "I Try" if not any of the other tunes.

"I Try" will get a physical release 11 May.

Spotlight: Version (Mark Ronson)

One of my favourite albums of 2007 was Mark Ronson's Version. It's got to be one of the best cover albums ever made. Some of the songs are reinvented more dramatically than others, but all make for enjoyable listens.

Tracks:
1. God Put a Smile Upon Your Face (feat. The Daptone Horns)
Here we get a peppy instrumental remake of the Coldplay tune. The Daptone Horns also supplied some instrumentation for Amy Winehouse's Back to Black and I believe are part of The Dap-King which back Sharon Jones. This is a great album opener, but just a taste of what's to come.

2. Oh My God (featuring Lily Allen)
Songstress Lily Allen does good work with her vocals on this remake of the Kaiser Chiefs' song from their excellent album Employment. It's not better than the original, but it's still damned good.

3. Stop Me (featuring Daniel Merriweather)
This one is amazing. It's a remake of The Smiths' "Stop Me If You Think You've Heard This One Before" with a bit of "You Keep Me Hanging On" thrown in at the end. The arrangement is quite different, but it's frickin' awesome. As great as the original is, this one rivals it. One of the best singles released in 2007, easily. Daniel Merriweather's vocals are perfect for this song.

4. Toxic (featuring Tiggers)
This track isn't one of my favourites. It's a remake of the Britney Spears song and it's okay, better than the original but still not a wonderful listen. Still, I wouldn't call it bad either. It's just not too exciting compared to most of the other tracks, which are of extremely high quality.

5. Valerie (featuring Amy Winehouse)
This is another one that rivals the original, which was performed by The Zutons. It's hard to pick one over the other, but at the moment I'm writing this I would lean toward the Ronson and Winehouse version. Truly a wonderful listen, this!

6. Apply Some Pressure (featuring Paul Smith)
The Maxïmo Park vocalist helps remake his own song here. This is one that I don't find too different from the original, but as that is a highly enjoyable listen, so is this.

7. Inversion
A nice instrumental interlude here

8. Pretty Green (featuring SantoGold)
A remake of The Jam with a unique but in the end highly enjoyable sound. This one is a bit addictive.

9. Just (featuring Phantom Planet)
Not thrilled that this saw a single re-release over some of the great unreleased tracks, but I do still very much like it. It's a remake of the Radiohead tune.

10. Amy (featuring Kenna)
This is definitely my favourite track on the album that hasn't seen single release. Truly amazing work here. It's a remake of the Ryan Adams track.

11. The Only One I Know (featuring Robbie Williams)
I really like Robbie Williams, but when I saw that he was the vocalist on a Charlatans remake, I couldn't help but wonder if it turned out all that well. However, I think it ended up top notch. I never should've doubted Mr. Williams.

12. Diversion
Another cool instrumental interlude

13. L.S.F. (featuring Kasabian)
This one is also not amongst my top tracks from the album, but it's still a good listen. The original was by Kasabian, and here they remake themselves with Ronson. I don't believe I've heard the original, so I can't compare the two.

14. Outversion
And with this brief bit, it ends.

Listen to a tune or two, and if you like what you hear, then trust that the rest of the album is just as good.

The Singles Collection '94-'99 (Boyzone)

I'm sitting in my bedroom jamming to boy band music. I feel like I'm a young lad again. Ah, the days...

The acquisition that led to this state of events is The Singles Collection '94-'99, a box collecting 16 Boyzone singles from that period. You probably already have your own opinion of boy band music in general, if not Boyzone specifically, so I won't go too deep into evaluating the music, but I'm enjoying it, anyway. Many try to bash the Boyzone boys, but I'd say Ronan Keating's solo career has proven that he's a respectable artist, and they did contribute to the writing on some of their hits, so say what you will about the music, but there's at least some evidence that the guys have some talent.

Pity I'll be missing out on the Boyzone reunion, since they're not coming over to the States. Grrrr!

Anyway, included within the box is:

Love Me for a Reason
1. Love Me for a Reason
2. Daydream Believer

"Love Me for a Reason" is a decent remake of the Osmonds hit. "Daydream Believer" is a fun remake of the Monkees hit.

Key to My Life
1. Key to My Life (radio edit)
2. Key to My Life (Unlocked mix)
3. When Will You Understand

"Key to My Life" is an original song. Good tune, and the Unlocked mix is pretty cool. "When Will You Understand" reminds me of the kind of song Ronan Keating would go on to perform during his solo career.

So Good
1. So Good (radio edit)
2. Here to Eternity
3. So Good (The 'Deadly' Mix)

"So Good" is pop fun at its best. Don't know why I like it so much. The 'Deadly' mix is also cool. "Here to Eternity" is also a pretty cool tune. Both are original compositions.

Father and Son
1. Father and Son (radio edit)
2. Should Be Missing You Now
3. Father and Son (live)

"Father and Son" is the Cat Stevens song. It's not that the song isn't good, but for whatever reason, listening to it always depresses me, regardless of the version (Cat Stevens's original and the Ronan Keating/Cat Stevens duet are the two versions I'd previously known.) I listened through to this just to hear it, and it's a perfectly good version of the song, but again... depressing. I don't know why this particularly song affects me that way. Most other songs that I find depressing aren't to the point where I have trouble listening to them (e.g., "Alone Again (Naturally)"), but there you have it. "Should Be Missing You Now" is an original composition. It's pretty. I like it.

Coming Home Now
1. Coming Home Now (radio edit)
2. Close to You
3. Coming Home Now (Steve Jervier mix)

"Coming Home Now" is an original composition. It's not as strong as some of their other songs, but it's not bad. "Close to You" is also an original. I think I prefer it slightly to the A-side.

Words
1. Words (radio edit)
2. The Price of Love
3. Words (alternative mix)

"Words" is the oft-remade Bee Gees song. I was familiar of the Boyzone arrangement of it (which differs from the traditional structure) first by hearing Ronan Keating's solo version. Anyway, Boyzone does a respectable job on the song. "The Price of Love" is an original song and it's quite good.

Isn't It a Wonder
1. Isn't It a Wonder
2. Experiencia religiosa
3. Get Up and Get Over

"Isn't It a Wonder" is an original tune. It's a not too bad ballad. "Experiencia religiosa" is a remake of the Enrique Iglesias hit. It's actually a really good version of it. "Get Up and Get Over" is an original tune and it's quite good. The verses have some cool house-ish music under them.

A Different Beat
1. A Different Beat (radio edit)
2. Angel
3. A Different Beat (remix)

Another pair of original tunes. "A Different Beat" kind of reminds me of 911's "Wonderland" slowed down. I guess this song predates that one. Both "A Different Beat" and "Angel" are nice enough, but nothing too special. "A Different Beat" has a nice message and all, but musically it's not the boys at their best.

Picture of You
1. Picture of You
2. Let the Message Run Free
3. Words (Spanglish version)

"Picture of You" is a great tune. I believe it's an original. The inlay notes it's from Bean - The Ultimate Disaster Movie. That explains the cover artwork. "Let the Message Run Free" is also an original song, and it's a strong one. This is probably the sort of song that translates very well into live performance. The Spanglish version of "Words" is interesting. I can't figure out the reasoning behind the lines that are in Spanish and the ones that stay in English. Seems like they were chosen a bit randomly. Still, it works well enough and it sounds good. I'm guessing it was made to follow up on the Spanish-speaking popularity they'd gained with their remake of "Experiencia religiosa."

Baby Can I Hold You
1. Baby Can I Hold You (7" edit)
2. Shooting Star
3. Mystical Experience
4. Mystical Experience (remix)

"Baby Can I Hold You" is a remake of Tracy Chapman's hit. I first heard this song in its Ronan Keating solo version. Great lyrics on this one. The Boyzone rendition is also nice, though I think Keating's solo performance is my favourite. "Shooting Star" comes from the Disney film Hercules. It sounds somewhat Disney and somewhat musical theatre, but it's actually not a bad song for what it is. "Mystical Experience" is an English version of Enrique Iglesias's hit "Experiencia religiosa," and the phrasing on it very much sounds Spanish-accented. It's an enjoyable cut. The remix has a good beat. It's the version I prefer.

All That I Need
1. All That I Need (7" edit)
2. Never Easy
3. Paradise
4. Workin' My Way Back to You (featuring Alliage)

"All That I Need" is a good song, but I actually prefer "Never Easy." That one is a very good song. "Paradise" is also nice enough. From what I can find, Alliage is a French band, and this version of "Workin' My Way Back to You" (originally by The Four Seasons, although here performed in the style of The Spinners with the "Forgive Me Girl" bit also present) was a collaboration for the French market. I suppose that's why it's in both French and English. It's actually quite a fun listen. Apparently, a solo version of this by Boyzone was released in Ireland only as their debut single, but I can't find any evidence of the single being available anywhere, nor has the song appeared on any of their albums or compilations. Guess the Boyzone boys aren't fans! Not really sure why, actually - it's nothing great, but not bad either. Makes for a fun listen, nothing about which to be embarrassed, except perhaps the video which accompanied it.

No Matter What
1. No Matter What
2. Where Have You Been?
3. All That I Need (Phil Da Costa's Oxygen Edit)

"No Matter What" comes from Andrew Lloyd Webber's production Whistle Down the Wind and has lyrics by the great Jim Steinman. It's a nice adult contemporary type song. "Where Have You Been?" is an original song, and it's pretty awesome. The "All That I Need" remix is quite good. I think it's an upgrade from the original single edit.

I Love the Way You Love Me
1. I Love the Way You Love Me
2. Waiting for You
3. Let the Message Run Free

"I Love the Way You Love Me" is a remake of John Michael Montgomery's big country hit from 1993. It's a very good version. "Waiting for You" is a nice enough tune. "Let the Message Run Free" had also been a B-side on the "Picture of You" single, so I'm not exactly sure why they chose to stick it on here too, but it's still a good song.

When the Going Gets Tough
1. When the Going Gets Tough (Boyzone)
2. What a Wonderful World (Alison Moyet with the London Symphony Orchestra)
3. Love Can Build a Bridge (documentary track) (Chrissie Hynde, Cher, and Neneh Cherry)

This single was released for the Comic Relief charity in 1999. Boyzone's take on "When the Going Gets Tough," a hit for Billy Ocean, is quite good. Alison Moyet's version of "What a Wonderful World" is beautiful. The documentary track is just that, a track offering documentary information about some of what the charity is fighting, spoken over a past Comic Relief single, an all-star remake of The Judds' "Love Can Build a Bridge."

You Needed Me
1. You Needed Me
2. Words Can't Describe
3. Megamix (Love to Infinity)

"You Needed Me" is a pretty remake of the old Anne Murray hit. "Words Can't Describe" is a cool song with Gately doing the vocals. "Megamix" is just that.

Every Day I Love You
1. Every Day I Love You
2. No Matter
3. Will I Ever See You

"Every Day I Love You" is another pretty-ish tune. "No Matter" is decent enough tune, a bit generic. "Will I Ever See You" is my favourite of the three tracks. Very good.

Shooting Straight in the Dark (Mary Chapin Carpenter)

My latest MCC acquisition is her third album, Shooting Straight in the Dark (1990). It's another solid album that displays Carpenter's craft for both singing and songwriting, with the only track on the album on which she doesn't have a songwriting credit being "Right Now." Hits from this album include "Right Now," the Cajun-inspired romp "Down at the Twist and Shout," "Going Out Tonight," and one of my favourites, "You Win Again." As usual, several of the album tracks, including "When She's Gone," "Middle Ground," and "Halley Came to Jackson," are also high quality. Overall, it's another enjoyable experience, listening to this album.

Tracks:
1. Going Out Tonight
2. Right Now
3. The More Things Change
4. When She's Gone
5. Middle Ground
6. Can't Take Love for Granted
7. Down at the Twist and Shout
8. Halley Came to Jackson
9. What You Didn't Say
10. You Win Again
11. The Moon and St. Christopher

"Sewn" single (The Feeling)

Continuing my collection of singles by The Feeling, I got a copy of "Sewn." "Sewn" isn't one of my favourite tracks on the album, but it has grown on me.

The b-sides are "Sun Is Shining" and "When I Return." "Sun Is Shining" is a great track. Very enjoyable pop number. "When I Return" is decent, nothing great but it's listenable. It, too, might have to grow on me.

Tracks:
1. Sewn
2. Sun Is Shining
3. When I Return

Hometown Girl & State of the Heart (Mary Chapin Carpenter)

Still on my Mary Chapin Carpenter kick, I saw a budget priced compilation that grouped these two albums, her first two, for pretty cheap. They're each on a separate disc, but housed in one CD case and without the original (or much of any) liner notes. Still, it was an easy way to get two albums I wanted.

Hometown Girl was her debut album from her 1987. It's quite good and it's interesting to hear her direction early on. Most of the tracks were penned by her. There's also a very nice version of Tom Waits's "Downtown Train," which would be a huge hit for Rod Stewart only about three years after this one was released.

State of the Heart (1989) contains her first big chart successes, including "How Do," "Never Had It So Good," and "Quittin' Time." "Quittin' Time" is the only track that doesn't feature a writing credit for MCC. It's another solid album that hangs together well. Based on the albums I have so far, I have to imagine that Carpenter takes great care in crafting all of her albums, and that's a kind of artistry that deserves respect.

Tracks on Hometown Girl:
1. A Lot Like Me
2. Other Street and Other Towns
3. Hometown Girl
4. Downtown Train
5. Family Hands
6. A Road Is Just a Road
7. Come On Home
8. Waltz
9. Just Because
10. Heroes and Heroines

Tracks on State of the Heart:
1. How Do
2. Something of a Dreamer
3. Never Had It So Good
4. Read My Lips
5. This Shirt
6. Quittin' Time
7. Down in Mary's Land
8. Goodbye Again
9. Too Tired
10. Slow Country Dance
11. It Don't Bring You