Tuesday Tunes - 6/9/09

It's Tuesday!

Steamy: "The Beautiful Ones" by Prince
Heat: "Ring Of Fire" by Johnny Cash
Hot: Susanna Hoffs
Summer: "Summertime" by DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince
Dry: Sorry, I got nothin'
Desert: "Hotel California" by The Eagles
Beach: "Margaritaville" by Jimmy Buffett
Sweat: "Gonna Make You Sweat" by C+C Music Factory (remember that one?)

Take Me Back Tuesday - 9/4/07

Here's a very interesting Take Me Back Tuesday:

Are you a completeist when it comes to your favorite recording artists? (Meaning do you have to have everything they release even if its another best of compilation or something of that nature)

I am most definitely not a completeist in any way. There are certain artists whose entire studio recording catalog I want to buy, but I'll never go so far as to buy every single, compilation, import disc, etc. they ever released. I'm not going to buy a greatest hits just because it has that one unheard song. I can live without it, because I've heard the rest of the songs on the artist's studio albums.

Have you ever bought more than one copy of a certain album? If you did, tell us why.

I have done this before. The first time, I think, was the Legacy Edition of Grace by Jeff Buckley. Of course, I had the original CD version, but I wanted the bonus disc and video clips disc! I kept the original version, by the way.

Second time was Los Lonely Boys' debut album. I already had the first version, and I wanted the new version with videos and bonus tracks. I gave the original version to someone else.

This doesn't count the times I've bought an album I already owned as a gift for someone. One time, I did the reverse and bought a copy of a gifted album for myself!

I'm sure I will be very tempted to buy second copies of the Beatles albums I have once they are re-released.

Which bands make up the majority of your collection? How many CDs, Lps, cassettes etc?

Let me consult with iTunes for this one . . .

BeauSoleil - 10 CDs
Afro Celt Sound System - 6 CDs
Beatles - 6 CDs
Jimi Hendrix - 6 CDs
Smashing Pumpkins - 6 CDs
Elvis Costello - 5 CDs
Jeff Buckley - 5 CDs (if you count both versions of Grace)
Natalie MacMaster - 5 CDs

Obviously, all I have are CDs.

Do you buy an album from a band just because you like them or do you wait until you've heard it before making the purchase?

If it's a band I really like, I will usually buy it whether I've heard it or not. However, I've usually heard at least a few songs and perhaps sample clips of everything. I just can't help myself. But, yes, there are some albums I've bought without hearing more than one or two songs.

Take Me Back Tuesday - 8/14/07

Take Me Back Tuesday has 90s fever today:

What bands from the 90's that have broken up do you miss?

The only one I can think of is Soundgarden. How cool would it be to have them back? I'll also mention Sleater-Kinney, although no one's really sure if they've broken up for good or not.

What was your favorite song from that decade?

I have to pick one? That's when I grew up! I'll check my favorite songs playlist on iTunes to see if something familiar pops up . . .

Ok, I think my favorite song from that decade (but one I hadn't heard until this decade) is "Grace" by Jeff Buckley. Either that, or something by Smashing Pumpkins. In the earlier 90s, I was a huge fan of "Whoomp! There It Is" by Tag Team. I think that was their name.

What was your favorite album?

My favorite album that I actually bought in that decade was One In A Million by Aaliyah. My favorite albums from the 90s that I bought this decade are Grace by Jeff Buckley and Siamese Dream by Smashing Pumpkins.

How did you feel about the whole "grunge" genre that popped up in the early 90's?

I wasn't a huge fan of it, but I didn't hate it either. Coming from the Pacific Northwest, I'm proud that a major music movement came from our part of the world. But let's not forget that another great musical sub-genre came out of the Northwest at that time - Riot Grrl. There were many great girl bands to come out of that era, including my favorite Sleater-Kinney.

I think the whole Grunge label was bunk anyway. It was basically just hard rock done by Seattle bands, not some unique thing.

What was your favorite 1hit wonder of that decade?

I know Eve 6 isn't technically a one-hit wonder, but "Inside Out" was a damn great song. I also like "Six Underground" by Sneaker Pimps. That song always puts me in a good mood.

*addition* Another meme player reminded me of one of my favorite songs - "No Rain" by Blind Melon! Legitimate one-hit wonder!

Take Me Back Tuesday - 8/7/07

Take Me Back Tuesday:

Back in the day before the internet ruled the earth and people went to malls etc...

What was your favorite record store?

My favorite store when I bought cassettes was probably Musicland, which used to be one of the Sam Goody stores. They had everything I needed, because I just listened to what was popular back then (89-95 or so).

Are there any non-chain stores that you still frequent for your music needs?

CD World is a non-chain. Interestingly, they used to be a chain. They had one more store in Corvallis, but that store is no longer around so they're back to one. Even when they had two stores, though, they kept their independent spirit.

What was your favorite "find" at your favorite store?

I usually plan my CD purchasing, so I don't really have too many "finds." The one that comes to mind, though, is Sgt. Pepper in the used section. Score! I also enjoyed finding the Green Linnet Records 25th Anniversary collection, also in the used section. Two CDs for just $8!

Take Me Back Tuesday - 7/31/07

Hey, it's time to go back!

Are there any bands that you like now that you didn't like when you first heard them?

Pearl Jam comes to mind. I do like their earlier songs, but after their first popular years, I started to get sour on them. Then I heard "Life Wasted," from their latest album, on TV. I loved the song so much that I bought the album.

I didn't exactly hate The Who before I started liking them, but I didn't understand what the big fuss was. I remember the exact moment I began liking them - Live 8 in (I believe) 2005. They rocked harder than most of the younger bands, and I figured a band that can rock that hard after so many years must be good. And they only have two original members left!

Pink Floyd was another band that I didn't "get" at first. I still don't really get them, but I do like some of their songs.

What bands that don't record anymore do you miss the most?

I'm going to assume this question refers to bands whose members are still alive.

I haven't heard any news of a new album from Swedish folksters Groupa. I wish they would record something new, because they are very good at what they do.

No Doubt is apparently working on new music, but Gwen Stefani is too busy to join them! We need a new No Doubt album and quick!

It would be awesome if Soundgarden reunited and recorded again. They'd go toe-to-toe with the newly-reborn Smashing Pumpkins.

Cream is still around, but only doing live shows. I think it's probably best to leave their recording work in the past.

Last, but not least, Elvis Costello and the Attractions. I know, I know, the Imposters are mostly Attractions. But there was something about the particular combination of the Attractions band members that made for really good music.

Did you ever buy an album by an artist you didn't necessarily like but because everyone else had a copy, you had to as well. If so, what was it.

I bought Legend by Bob Marley on reputation alone. I didn't think I'd like it that much, but I ended up loving it.

I think that's it. When I buy music, I generally follow my own path.

Take Me Back Tuesday - 7/17/07

Buy one Take Me Back Tuesday at full price and get 12 more for 1 cent each!

Were you ever a member of any "music clubs"? Which ones? Are you still a member?

I never have been, and I don't think I ever will be. I probably either have or don't like much of the albums they offer anyhow.

Columbia House used to offer 12 CDs for a penny. If you could choose 12 CDs what would they be. (Domestic releases only to make it realistic)

Let me take a look at my wish list and tell you what I desire . . .

Amy Winehouse - Back To Black
Beach Boys - Pet Sounds
Bruce Springsteen - Born To Run
Elvis Costello - My Aim Is True
George Harrison - All Things Must Pass
Green Day - Dookie
KT Tunstall - Eye To The Telescope
Led Zeppelin - Led Zeppelin I
Pink Floyd - Dark Side Of The Moon
The Pretenders - Pretenders I
The Beatles - White Album
The Who - Quadrophenia

What would you change about the music clubs?

Do they even exist anymore? I can't remember seeing an ad for one since high school. I think the only obvious thing to do is to change the size of their selection of albums. We should be able to order ANYthing we want!

Take Me Back Tuesday - 7/10/07

Today's Take Me Back Tuesday topic is guilty pleasures of our youth:

Did you have any bands that you were ashamed of liking in your younger days?

When I was younger, I don't think I had any shame about anything I listened to. I don't think I really made my listening habits too public. I will say, though, that unlike today I would have never been caught listening to rock as a teenager. How silly I was!

Do you look back on some of the things you listened to and groan? If so, what were they?

I groan at pretty much everything I listened to. MC Hammer, Technotronic, Bobby Brown, and so much more. It's scary how far I've come as a music fan.

Up through the 80's there were a lot of music related tv shows did you watch any? (That weren't on Mtv or Vh-1)

I was born in the 80s, so MTV was the only music-related thing I ever watched.

A good many singers/musicians made films that were pretty awful, but have a cult following, which ones do you like?

I don't really understand this one. Next question . . .

Are any of your youthful guilty pleasures still favorites now? Or do you pretend like you never liked them?

I don't think I really listen to any of my guilty pleasures from my childhood on a regular basis. I still have a few guilty pleasure CDs, though. I don't really listen to them anymore, because there is so much else to listen to.

Take Me Back Tuesday - 6/26/07

Get out your lighters and listen to the Take Me Back Tuesday:

Are there any bands that you've seen live that didn't impress you, or that sounded better on CD?

The only one I can remember is Annbjorg Lien in 2000. Her band was really, REALLY loud. You have to remember, though, that I wasn't used to going to concerts back then.

Live albums? Love em or hate em? Why?

I generally love them, just because they're different from a regular studio album. Sometimes they can get close to the sound of a real, live concert, but most of them fall short of the real deal.

Mtv started the "Unplugged" concept...do you have any favorites and what are your feelings on the "Unplugged" series.

True story - I had an "Arrested Development" Unplugged album. The thing is, Arrested Development Unplugged is about the same as Arrested Development plugged. Now I'm ashamed that I owned any of their albums at all, except perhaps for their debut and the wonderful "Tennessee" and "Mr. Wendel."

I've heard bits and pieces of other Unplugged albums (the classics - Eric Clapton and Nirvana), but never a full Unplugged album. I do think the Unplugged series is cool, just for something different. However, MTV rarely makes them anymore. Not that I want to hear Three Six Mafia or Fall Out Boy unplugged in the first place.

What is your favorite live act?

It has to be a tie between BeauSoleil and Natalie MacMaster. I've seen BeauSoleil twice and Natalie thrice. If I'd seen the Afro Celt Sound System live yet, they'd be my favorite.

Regionally, I'm a big fan of Taarka. I always try to see them when they come to town.

Take Me Back Tuesday - 6/19/07

Here's another edition of Take Me Back Tuesday:

A day at the beach....

What's the best music to chill out to for a day at the beach or the pool?

Ska or reggae music for me. Hello, it comes from a tropical island!

Do you have any favorite summer/beach themed songs?

"Soak Up The Sun" by Sheryl Crow
"Surfin' USA" by The Beach Boys
"On The Boardwalk" by (?)
Any surf guitar music

What's the best place to turn up the "Heat" for summer music in your area or somewhere you've vacationed? (ie concert venues, clubs what have you)

Summer around here means the Cuthbert Ampitheater. It's the largest outdoor venue in the area. You can bring chairs or blankets, have a picnic, eat Ben and Jerry's ice cream, and take in some great music in the evening sunshine!

What song best epitomizes a day at the beach for you.

Around here, the most descriptive beach song would be "Cold Water" by Damien Rice.

Take Me Back Tuesday

Here's the Take Me Back Tuesday:

What sound (genre) defined the 80's for you?

New wave, of course! I remember listening to a lot of that stuff on MTV when I was a young'n.

What band best defines the 80's?

No single band defines the 80s, because there were so many styles. The music of the early 80s was very different from what was happening in the late 80s. So I give you three bands that best define the 80s.

Duran Duran
Run-DMC
Motley Crue

Which 80's artists/bands do you like the most?

Blondie, The Pretenders, INXS, Billy Idol, Prince, The Bangles, U2. I really hope I'm not leaving anyone out.

Bonus question

Duran Duran or Wham! (for the ladies)

Debbie Gibson or Tiffany (for the guys)

I'm going to choose Tiffany. Even though she's on Celebrity Fit Club, she's still looking good!

Take Me Back Tuesday

We're going way back today on TMBT - all the way back to 1967!

What albums would you be spinning...or did you spin (depending on your age)

If I had been around in 1967, I'm sure I would have listened to Are You Experienced by the Jimi Hendrix Experience, Disreali Gears by Cream, and, of course, Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band by you-know-who.

The Monkees or The Beatles...which would be..or which was your favorite band or do you like them both.

I don't really know much about The Monkees, and I love the Beatles, so I choose The Beatles.

What song do you think sums up the feeling of the Summer Of Love the best?

"All You Need Is Love" by The Beatles. That was released in 1967, right? Turns out, even if all you need is love, it's hard to get everyone in a loving mood what with all the wars and crime going on since '67.

Take Me Back Tuesday - 5/29/07

Take me back!

1. What music do you associate with vacations?

Me? Go on vacations? Hahaha! Well, the one vacation I remember was our trip to Maui in 1998 (oh my, that's almost ten years ago!) The hot song back then was "That Girl" by Maxi Priest and Shaggy. There was also a song out by a girl who used to be on the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. I don't even remember her name now, nor do I remember the name of the song. Radio stations on Maui seem to play a lot of relaxed, smooth, party music.

2. Are there any albums that you seem to listen to more in the summer than the other seasons? If so what are they?

I think I probably listen to the Afro Celt Sound System more in the summer because their music reminds me of nature and the beautiful earth. I think I reach for the more upbeat stuff during summer, like my Zydeco albums (all two of them). I don't know what I'll listen to this summer, but Last.fm will be able to show us just that.

3. What music do you like to listen to when your sitting out in the sun catching the rays (or just relaxing in the outdoors)

I'm not outdoors as much as I should be, but when I am I listen to loud, energetic stuff that puts me in a good mood. If I'm just sitting around on the grass, I also like to listen to peaceful, beautiful music.

Take Me Back Tuesday - 5/22/07

Let's go back!

Musical Recall 5, 10 & 15

What were your favorite songs albums or artists or all three....5 years ago....10 years ago.....15 years ago.....

(for those of you that don't like counting backwards the years in question are 2002, 1997 and 1992)

5 years ago (2002): I was into artists like BeauSoleil, Natalie MacMaster and Afro Celt Sound System. Basically, I was really into world music in those days. I think I started listening to Jeff Buckley that year too. Albums I enjoyed included "Looking Back Tomorrow" by BeauSoleil, "Volume 2: Release" by Afro Celt Sound System and "Nickel Creek" by Nickel Creek. At least, I think so, my memory might be a little off.

10 years ago (1997): I think I mostly listened to the radio back then. I can't remember all of what was playing back then, but I think I was probably listening to Will Smith and Aaliyah and people like that.

15 years ago (1992): I was really into rap at this point. I remember listening to DJ Magic Mike a lot, and I really enjoyed Weird Al's new album back then too. I can't remember any albums or songs, but I was a big rap-listener at this point.

Take Me Back Tuesday - 5/15/07

Hey, it's Take Me Back Tuesday!

What musical formats do you remember (CD, Cassette, LP etc)?

I remember L.P.s from way back in my youth. I never had any, but my parents did and I remember them being played. If I had any childrens' albums, they were all on L.P.

I also remember cassettes, because I used to own a whole bunch of them in my youth. I'd even buy blank cassettes and make copies of songs from the radio and such. Ahh, those were the days!

I obviously remember CDs, because I use them now. In my youth, I remember thinking they were the coolest thing and wishing I could have them. How great it would be to not have to rewind things and change sides, and listen to whichever song you want when you want! I take it all for granted now.

What was your favorite format 5 years ago? 10? What is it now?

Ten years ago was 1997, and I was using CDs by then. So everything after that is CDs, and my current preferred format is CDs, supplemented with mp3s on my iPod.

What was your first portable music player? What is your current portable music player?

I don't remember my first portable music player, but I can be certain it was a portable cassette player. In 1996, I finally acquired a portable CD player, which I thought was just awesome. My current portables are a CD Walkman (which will be rarely used now), and an iPod Nano.

Take Me Back Tuesday (on a Wednesday)

I forgot to do Take Me Back Tuesday yesterday! Oops! That shall be remedied immediately.

What is your favorite record/CD shop? Is it still in existence?

I have two favorites - one still around and one not. The existing one is CD World in West Eugene. Perhaps they should change their name, because now they sell DVDs and Vinyl too. I find their selection and service to be very good, and they have frequent sales!

The record shop no longer around was Face The Music, near the University of Oregon campus. Their selection was smaller, but I could usually find what I needed. If I couldn't, they would special order it for me! Half their stock was used CDs, and their used selection was much better than CD World's. I really miss that - I could have bought so many albums for half price!

Do you still buy most of your CDs in stores or do you purchase music online?

I still buy CDs, and I will for a long while. I like having a physical copy of my music. If something is deleted from your computer, it's gone!

What music store do you consider the world's best kept secret. (Meaning you can find anything there)?

I don't buy music from too many stores, so for now I suppose my best kept secret is CD World. I hope they're not a secret for long, because I want them to stay in business.

What was one "hidden treasure" you found while shopping for music?

I was shopping for a gift for a friend when I found "Her Infinite Variety," a compilation of Celtic music done by women. I bought that for my friend because I thought she'd enjoy it. Months later, I saw it again during a sale and bought it for myself. I'm glad I did, because it's very good!

Take Me Back Tuesday - 4/17/07

We're doing word association on Take Me Back Tuesday:

The weather: "Let It Rain" by Keri Noble

Your state of mind: "Paranoid" by Black Sabbath (just kidding!)

Cheese: "C'mon Get Happy" by the Brady Bunch (right? This is a song before my time.)

Wine: "Red Red Wine" by UB40

Sports: "The Heart Of Rock and Roll" by Huey Lewis and the News. I'm not sure if this is from the Sports album, but that's the first Huey Lewis song that came to mind.

Spring: "Ayub's Song/As You Were" by Afro Celt Sound System

Road Trip: "Born To Be Wild" by Steppenwolf

Radio: "Radio Radio" by Elvis Costello

Yawn: "I'm Only Sleeping" by The Beatles

Your favorite movie: "Rock and Roll Creation" by Spinal Tap

TV: "I Lost On Jeopardy" by Weird Al Yankovic

Take Me Back Tuesday - 4/10/07

Take Me Back Tuesday is getting friendly today:

Do you have any friends online or otherwise that you share similar musical tastes with?

Yes, I do! My online friend Beth shares many of my musical tastes; there's not much that I like that she doesn't (not quite true the other way around, though). My online friend Jess shares some of my musical tastes, but not as many as Beth. My not-online friend Mike shares a lot of my tastes too. I don't think there are too many bands or musicians I've played for him that he didn't like.

Have you ever made a new friend because of a band that you both like?

I don't think I ever have! I'm sure the people who listen to the bands I like are cool, though.

What's the best musical gift you were ever given by a friend and in return...what is the best musical gift (IYO) that you've given a friend.

It wasn't a gift, but my friend Jess allowed me to purchase a bunch of CDs that she didn't want. These included The Beatles, Fiona Apple and Dido.

The best musical gift I've ever given a friend was a copy of Volume 3: Further In Time by Afro Celt Sound System to Beth. She loved it, as I knew she would.

Pick one of your friends...and tell us a few songs that remind you of them...and tell us why you picked those songs.

I pick Beth.

"Once I Was" by Tim Buckley, because she absolutely loves this song and it has meaning for her.

"Hallelujah" by Jeff Buckley. Beth recommended this song to me, and now I'm a big fan of Jeff.

"Changes" by David Bowie because she's a huge Bowie fan.

"Shine" by David Gray because that's another of her favorite songs.

I could go on and on, but I won't.

Take Me Back Tuesday - 4/3/07

We're going back 40 years at Take Me Back Tuesday!

It's 1967.....

What albums would you be spinning on your turntable?

Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band and Magical Mystery Tour by The Beatles
Are You Experienced? by The Jimi Hendrix Experience
Temptations Live! by The Temptations
Disreali Gears by Cream
The Who Sell Out by The Who

Isn't it amazing that some bands released not one but TWO albums in 1967? Would any musical acts even attempt that now, aside from indie bands?

What bands would you be dying to see in concert?

Cream, the Hendrix Experience, the Doors, The Who, maybe Jefferson Airplane.

What part of the world would the best music be coming from?

Need you ask? It's coming from Britain, of course!

Take Me Back Tuesday - 3/20/07

Here's the Take Me Back Tuesday for this week:

What was the first musical movie you saw (not necessarily broadway related)

The first one I can remember seeing, and the one I'm guessing is the first I saw, is The Wizard Of Oz.

What was the most recent musical movie you saw?

I watched "Ray" last night and this morning. That's a really good movie - great acting and it makes you want to listen to Ray Charles!

Have you ever seen a movie because of the music that was in it?

I really don't remember ever doing that. There is a new movie coming out sometime this year that includes a lot of Beatles songs (I saw a trailer for it online once), but I'm not sure if I'll see it or not.

What is your favorite musical (Movie and Broadway show if you have one)

I think my favorite, even though I don't own it yet, is The Blues Brothers. There are some wonderful songs in that one, especially the number by Aretha Franklin!

Take Me Back Tuesday - 3/6/07

It's time to party and do the Take Me Back Tuesday:

What songs make you want to party?

"Ain't Nothing Wrong With That" by Robert Randolph and the Family Band
"I Need More Love" by Robert Randolph and the Family Band
"Dancing With Myself" by Billy Idol
"Let's Go Crazy" by Prince and the Revolution
"Dhol Dogs" by Afro Celt Sound System
"Jig Party" by Natalie MacMaster

What was your favorite album that was given to you as a gift?

Nickel Creek by Nickel Creek is one of my favorites. That was given to me as a Christmas gift in, I believe, 2002.

Are there any albums or bands that you associate with one of your own b-days or parties, if so, which ones?

I associate any of the albums I've bought for my birthday with my birthday. Those include:

Blues by Jimi Hendrix
Forty Licks by Rolling Stones
La Danse De La Vie by BeauSoleil
American Idiot by Green Day
Under The Table and Dreaming by Dave Matthews Band
The Legend of Johnny Cash by Johnny Cash
The Very Best of Roy Orbison by Roy Orbison
Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness by Smashing Pumpkins

And that's just the last two birthdays!

I should also add that I share a birthday with Roy Orbison! April 23.