Thuper Thong Thurthday #18: Bluegrass!

BLUEGRASS!!! I love Bluegrass.  I really do.  And as SOME people seem to think I play too much Indie I am going to be doing non indie stuff for the next couple of weeks.  So we'll see how that goes.

When I was younger, probably 12 or so, my dad took me to a thing called the Longville Camp N' Jam.  It is essentially what it sounds like.  RV's, RV-ers, banjos, guitar, picking, grinning and campfires.  I didn't play guitar back then but I sure wish we could go back now.  I'd love to sit it and be a part of some of those late night jam sessions.  Just musicians sitting under the stars playing til late in the morning.  Heaven.

I miss it.  Since I miss it, and the Smoky Mountains, I have made this week's list in honor of that longing.  I hope you enjoy it.  It is a fair mix of old time-y stuff and new old time-y stuff and maybe one song of new time-y (if that's such a thing).  So most of these songs remind me of hanging with my Dad.  So I hope he gives the list a listen (Sherry...make him...).

Enough jabber, on with it...

TTT #18 Playlist
TTT Mega Mix Playlist
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Trains are very prevalent in American Roots Music

Wabash Cannonball - Benny Martin

I decided to start with an old bluegrass standard.  This is an old song that has its roots stuck right in 1882.  I think the fiddler Benny Martin did my favorite version.  Plus look at that picture!  If he wasn't singing bluegrass he'd be a Mafia don.  Eating pasta, leaving the gun and taking the canoli.


Sometimes This Feels All Too True

Good Times Are Past & Gone - Lester Flatt

Usually you see Mr. Flatt there teamed up with Earl Scruggs.  Nothing to scoff at.  You should look them up if have never done so.  This is probably my favorite song by Lester Flatt, at least one of.  I like the way it moves rhythmically and the lyrics just resonate with me.


Godfather of Bluegrass

Blue Moon of Kentucky - Bill Monroe

This man.  This man right here... That's Bill Monroe.  He is the father of bluegrass music.  He made it what it is.  You need to listen to him.  Now.  I mean it...


Pigeon Forge, TN

I Want To Go Back To The Mountains - Bill Harrell

I honestly don't know much about Bill Harrell.  I do know however that my Dad showed me this song.  I also really do want to go back to the mountains.  So does my Dad.  I think my whole family belongs in the mountains.  We aren't made for heat 10 months out of the year.  Mountains are nice.  Colorado Springs could work...


The Most Ridiculous Lyrics Ever

Big Rock Candy Mountains - Harry McClintock

My nephew knows all of the words to this song.  By heart.  We play Diablo III online and chat with skype.  He sings this as we kill ghouls.  The fact that he can remember the nonsensical lyrics astounds me.  I know I have listen to this song more than he has.  I remember listening to it before he was even a thing that was around listening to things.  Really let the lyrics sink in and then you will know why playing PC games with my nephew is a uniquely, hilariously, wonderful good time.


O, Brother...

Down To The River To Pray - Alison Krauss

Alison Krauss has one of the best female singing voices I have ever heard.  It's sooo damn soothing.  Absolutely one of the best singer in bluegrass.  Now I must say I didn't put it up there but I wanna give credit to the rest of the folks on the track.  That's not just AK overdubbed a bunch of times.  That's Alison Krauss, Tim O'Brien, Maura O'Connell, Pat Enright, Sam Phillips, Gillian Welch and The First Baptist Church of White House, TN.  Yeah.  All acapella, all harmonious, all wonderful...


Not The Drug

Ecstasy - Crooked Still

This is most definitely one of the most interesting bands I've ever seen.  Mostly due to the antics of cello player Rashad Eggleston.  He wears crazy hats and bounces all over the places.  Definitely a unique way of approaching cello music.  Sadly he left Crooked Still and went out on his own.  This pic of the old band was difficult to find.  Enjoy it.


Don't Worry, Be Happy

Keep On The Sunny Side - The Whites

I chose this song for the closing track because I don't know about you, but I can get caught up in how horrible things seem sometimes.  Shootings.  War.  Gun control.  Hatefulness.  Just general grumpiness.  I think it is important to truly think about the people in the world that are ACTUALLY less fortunate.  If you have money to pay the bills, a roof over your head and food in your belly you are doing better than a good portion of the population of the planet.  Just remember to try and focus on the good stuff, at least as much as the bad stuff.  It's better than not at all.  *steps off soapbox*


That is all for the playlist.  You'll notice there are no videos this week.  That is because most of these songs don't have decent videos attached to them.  So I am not going to post any sub par nonsense here, at least not when I don't mean to.  I am, however, going to add a couple of videos here of a little group called the Sleepy Man Banjo Boys.  Just a couple of under 15 kids (banjo player is 8) that I thought you should hear.  This should more than make up for it.

Dueling Banjos
Pretty Polly Practice
Flint Hill Special

This is a picture of what I miss...while you listen to 8 year-olds.

If you haven't already seen those kids I bet you didn't expect that did ya?  That blew my mind the first time I saw it.  Whew...anyway...

Anyway I hope you enjoyed this week's list.  Until next week...KKNY signing off...

Thuper Thong Thurthday #17: I Do What I Want!

I was told by my girlfriend today, in so many words, I play too much indie on this playlist blog of mine.  This statement has spawned two events.  One: this playlist.  I do what I want.  Because I do.  This music is proof.  Two:  She (and hopefully some others) will be doing guest playlists.  So look forward to that.  I usually hang out with people with good musical taste so we'll see what they cook up.  On with it!!

I should also say that this week's list has some explicit language in it.  So if that offends you I'd skip this one...Not a lot...but it's there...

TTT #17 Playlist
TTT Mega Mix Playlist
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Slow Jam-esque

So Many Details - Toro Y Moi

I do what I want.  This week I wanted to start off with this slow jam by Toro Y Moi.  You can tell it's a slow jam because slow jams hide behind ferns.  That's fact.  If you saw all of his face at once you wouldn't be able to emotionally, or physically, handle it.  You die of slow jam.  Speaking of which...


Yeah...I played that...

 

Bump N' Grind - R. Kelly

Ya know what's more slow jam than a fern?  Sunglasses, Dracula collars and black & white photography.  Awwww yeah.  Just let the sweet thought of that scene where Shaggy, Scott Evil and that guy from Punk'd cuddle up in Without A Puddle.  Mmmmm...


Can't Let Em Get Cocky...

Roses - Outkast

Gotta keep em in check sometimes.  By "em" I mean those significant others.  Sometimes you gots to make em bounce and smell the roses.  But not the good roses, Outkast roses.  Go on, get close...smell em...


Why?  Because I do what I want.

Your Woman - White Town

What? Why?  This isn't even remotely related to the three previous songs, you say.  You'd be right.  I don't give a damn.  I do what I want.  Right now I want slightly forgotten 90's quasi club rock songs.  Yeah.  That's what I do.


21

I Found A Boy - Adele

Because I wanted to bring it down.  Set the mood for the next couple of songs.  I thought Adele did that perfectly.  Hot picture right?  I thought so.  She's got some pipes on her.  This is just a guitar and her voice.  Mmmmm...nice...


Where ARE We Gonna Go?

Where We Gonna Go From Here - Mat Kearney

I know what you're thinking.  I like Mat Keer-Knee.  You'd be wrong if you thought that.  You, in fact, like Mat Car-Knee.  Just blew your mind didn't I?  It's cool.  Where ARE we gonna go from here you ask?  Apparently a party with the rat pack with that thing tie and a hat...


I LOVE YOU DAMMIT!

Stubborn Love - The Lumineers

This is just my favorite song off that damn album.  That's a great picture too.  They really look like depression era folks.  If you haven't been listening to The Lumineers you are missing out on music (and previous blog posts).  That's right I featured their single Ho Hey way back in TTT #4.  But this song.  This song right here.  THIS song...is my shit...


Really Doesn't Belong On This List

Daughter - Loudon Wainwright III

Yep that's the LB/GYN from Knocked Up.  Yes, he HAS fathered a bunch of Wainwright children that sing.  Indeed he too sings.  This song I like.  I included it because I like it.  So deal.


Know Why?

I'm On A Boat - The Lonely Island

I. Do. What. I. Want.


That's it this week folks.  I am not sure if next week will be the guest play list.  I'll let ya know.  Call me sometime...I have slow jams...you never call...=(

Anyway that's it this week. KKNY signing off...

Thuper Thong Thurthday #16: Apartment Dancing!

See Thursday is the first day of my weekend.  So on Thursdays, more often than not, I will put on some music and just release some energy.  Bouncing.  Dancing.  Whatever.  This week's list is a direct reflection of that need.  Sometimes you just need to get down, ya know?

Anyway this list is crafted (yes, crafted) to get you up, up, up!  These are songs that I like to move around to!

TTT#16 Playlist
TTT Mega Mix Playlist
Twitter for Spotify Playlist


BEAT!

Lucky Today - Cloud Cult

Dammit if this isn't just the perfect song to start off with.  You might be a little skeptical in the first few seconds but once the drums come in it's a jumpy jaunt.  Yeah that sounds lame but I don't like erasing stuff so the review stands. *dances*


It Means Tired of Being Sexy

Music Is My Hot, Hot Sex - Cansei de Ser Sexy

Now I know the title may be a little off putting.   The beat may seem a little too mainstream poppy for some.  But that chorus.  Music is my boyfriend... I dare you not to bounce your head to that going down the road, or doing taxes, or scoring studies... There is even a bunch of Portuguese at the end.

Stay For The Bonus (There's Nudity (sort of))

Good 'Ol Fashioned Nightmare - Matt & Kim

Two things, one:  How do you like that double parenthetical going on in that title?, two I realize that is another slightly off putting song title.  However, if you have never heard of Matt & Kim you, my friend, are in for a treat.  They are a catchy little duo.  Great music.  Great hooks.  Just good clean all American fun.  

I'm not sure if they are American.  I assume they are, but that is also a very American thing to do.  I am not opening up a new tab to find out...do your own searching...  

Casper Meets The Fonze?

Schizophrenia - Jukebox The Ghost

I decided to put this after Matt & Kim because they both feature the piano prominently and I thought it was a nice flow.  See what thought and care goes into these playlists for you?  I once thought of doing a playlist of songs where there was a direct yes/no contradiction in the song lyrics.  I could only think of a couple.  This was one of my favorites for that list.  It may still happen in the future just because I think it is a wonderfully ridiculous theme for a playlist, that speaks to me on a deep level...like...really deep...

500 Days...

Sweet Disposition - Temper Trap

I know this one is a little over played in certain circles but dammit if I don't still love it.  I think it is a wonderfully poppy tune that has just the right amount of drums and delay.  I love a good guitar delay riff.  Welcome to the Jungle.  Everything Angels & Airwaves does.  It's good stuff...

...Of Summer

She's Got You High - Mumm-Ra

Now there are a couple of obvious things we need to get out of the way.  First, I do realize both of the last songs were on a popular movie soundtrack, I like them both and here they are.  So deal.  B.  The bands name is Mumm-Ra.  As I am sure you  know, Mumm-Ra was the villain in Thundercats.  Giant mummy man, afraid of cats, wants em dead, typical 80's fare.  When you hear a band name like MUUUUUMMMM-RRRRAAAAA.  You think metal.  At least I do.  Like Atreyu (Still crying for you Artex).  Not metal.  Mellow, but dancy.  You'll like it.  British too, which is always nice.  Doctor Who!

Male Specimen

Boy - Ra Ra Riot

Don't they look they are having a ra-ra-riot? Huh?  Eh?  Alright fine.  Another song that just comes in right out of the gate with the drums.  Drums starting off a song always gets me going, but once that bass comes in, awww yeah, then it's on. Get the shoulders into that typing...head bobbin... He almost sounds like a higher pitched voice Ben Gibbard...almost...

Marsupial Judiciary Hearing

Kangaroo Court - Capital Cities

I have no earthly idea what the hell this song is really about.  But that picture is awesome as hell.  Giant glasses.  Fog.  A beard.  I'm sure there is some sort of slang I am not getting here though.  I'm gonna UrbanDictionary it.  I may be showing my ignorance but I had never heard the term.  Now I know.  If you followed the link you know as well.  Now we know together. Also, if you haven't played around on the aforementioned website, you are missing out bro...  

That's it for this week folks.  I do however want to see if people generally listen or watch the videos.  I am going to post a video down here for the Eldest.  You should reenact this video, You and the hubby.  Y'all are in the right city already...halfway there Bonus!

KKNY Signing off...till next week...

Thuper Thong Thurthday #15: Covers Down?

Part 2 of our little jaunt into some of my favorite covers.  This week it is mellow stuff.  Really mellow, sometimes the song is strange but we're gonna go with it.

I will also suggest you open Rainymood.com or play this in a separate window while you play the playlist.  It is rain sounds.  Sets the mood.  Brew some tea.  Lay back and listen with your eyes closed...

TTT #15 Playlist
TTT Mega Mix Playlist
Twitter for Spotify Playlist


Down...doooown...

Love Song - 311

I think this is just a good opener.  Gets people listening.  Let's people know what we are in for.  This is mellow at its best.  This is 311 covering The Cure.  Sad, I know...but here we go...




Female Dog

Bitch - Room Eleven


This is a Meredith Brooks cover.  Bet ya didn't think you'd ever read those particular words did ya?  Yeah Room Eleven, a little jazz group, cover Bitch by Meredith Brooks.  I know, I know, I don't understand it either...but it worked out...

Ravi Shankar...really?

Cold Cold Heart - Norah Jones

Hank Williams meets the sultry singing of the newly bobbed, bobs are the hottest haircuts ever, Norah Jones.  She may not be newly bobbed but it's new to me. Cold Cold Heart.  Love...or lack thereof...well...just...*waves hand*


And the last know survivor...

Eye of the Tiger - Kiernan McMullan

I thought about putting the LSU tiger up there just to lampoon the hardcore LSU fans that are in this here state of Louisiana.  I thought better of it though because I bet they wouldn't get the joke.  No LSU.  Just Kiernan McMullan (heh...Sherry, know em?)  and Survivor meeting in acoustic glory...



Who ya gonna Call?

Higher Love - James Vincent McMorrow

I had a very hard time finding a picture I liked for Higher Love.  I'm not sure I even like that picture there.  It's just a high up heart...



Liam Need Not Apply

Wonderwall - Ryan Adams

I think Ryan Adams' version of Wonderwall by Oasis is a fantastic cover.  The way he sings the chorus is haunting and almost creepy.



1 down...3 to go...

The Freshman - Jay Brannan

A little remembered 90's band named Verve Pipe released this little gem originally.  Jay Brannan did a very mellow version that adds a little more weight to the words.  I like the chess kid.  He seems like the epitome of freshman senior fodder.



360?

With or Without You - Keane

I would like to thank my grillfriend Erin for showing me that pic.  I think it is perfect for this version.  Plus she is some who it is impossible to live with and impossible to live without...dilemma...first world problems...oh yeah.  This is Keane covering U2.



Not Leo 

Hallelujah - Jeff Buckley

There isn't much I can say for this song.  It is one of those covers that is more popular, and in my opinion, just better, than the original.  It has more soul and more feeling than Leonard Cohen's version.




Gone Too Soon

Somewhere Over The Rainbow - Eva Cassidy

I think this is the most beautiful version of this song in existence.  Yes, more than the original.  Yes, more than the ukulele Hawaiian guy (his name is Israel 'Bruddah Iz' Kamakawiwo'ole btw).  I just think the fact that Eva Cassidy is no longer with us adds something to this.  Just the simple guitar and her voice, mmmph.  Just does it for me.  Love her...



Big list this week.  I couldn't whittle it down any more than that.  10 it had to be.  Tell me what you thought.  See you guys next week with...well I don't know yet...gimme some suggestions...have a good one =)

KKNY signing off...

More tunes..Monday

I thought I'd pull a page from KKNY and give you guys a sample of what's ringing my bell these days.

It's getting a smidge warmer here this week. The high temps will be jumping into the 40's (one day almost 50, yippee) It's damn near summer time up here. It's got me in a good mood. Actually walked outside this weekend for more than a minute.

I'm still in alternative mode so that's the vibe of tunes I'm sending ya.

Crystalised by The xx

I don't remember if this is one Kenny told me about or not...it's all starting to blend together.

Falling Slowly by Glen Hansard

The musical Once is playing right now in the city, I want desperately to go, I don't know if John will do it. GOD, I wish he would. I would love love love it.



 Blommorna by Jonathon Johansson

I just love the groovy sound of this tune. Found it on spotify radio I think.


You are a Tourist by Death Cab for Cutie

I am in love with the opening guitar riff on this song. I can't get enough, makes me want to learn to play it so I can hear it anytime I want. Kenny you need to learn this please.


Orbiting by the Wheepies

The Wheepies....a no brainer.



Where are you by Kate Tucker

I am really digging this song. I have a few of her songs. Dreamy haunting voice. Love the emotion she shows in the video.



Well that's it for now, I've got to let King Cooper in so he can go back out for the 52nd time today.

This is him....He's driving me nutz. I think he's tunneling to China out there. I'll keep you posted.

Love to all!

Thuper Thong Thurthday #14: Covers Up!

As I said last week (and have been planning on doing for months) this is going to be my cover playlist.  At least this is the upbeat cover list.  Next week I'm going to do a mellow music cover playlist.  I had too many songs that I wanted to include so I've decided to split em.

As I said this is the upbeat playlist.  I have tried to keep it kind of head-bobbing-bouncy kinda stuff.  Hope I succeeded.  I've been awake for too long so I'm not sure what will happen today.  Let's see shall we?

TTT #14 Playlist
TTT Mega Mix Playlist

Twitter for Spotify Playlist

This is not my beautiful house...

I know this is an old song.  I know everyone (mostly) knows it, BUT it's still awesome.  Plus it opens up with drums which is just a good start to a playlist.  Suck em right in.  This is the Talking Heads covering Take Me To The River by Al Green.

Take Me To The River - Talking Heads


I Yam What I Yam...

Dammit I love that movie.  It's not that great, but I still love it.  Anyway this song is in no way related to Popeye starring Robin Williams & Shelley Duvall, at all.  It IS, however, Marty Dread covering What I Am by Edie Brickell & The New Bohemians.  I just dig it because who doesn't like reggae?

What I Am - Marty Dread


Bueller...Bueller...Bueller...

Ya know they were talking about remaking Ferris Bueller's Day Off??  How crazy is that?  How about you guys remake some movies that sucked the first go around.  Just a thought.  Dexy & The Midnight Runner's.  Save Ferris.  Good stuff.  Skank away.  And that is punk skanking not scantily clad ladies...

Come On Eileen - Save Ferris


Nena Don't Need Ya

This may be a subtle joke lost on most.  So I will just explain it.  This is a cover of both the English AND German version (2 for the price of 1!) Nena's hit 99 Luftballoons, which is 99 Red Balloons in English.  The band that cover it is named Goldfinger.  That picture up there is a pic of Shirley Eaton from the James Bond movie Goldfinger. See?  Complicated.  Anyway, cool version.

99 Red Balloons - Goldfinger


Hammer of the Gods...

This was the theme from the movie The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo.  The one with James Bond in it.  Not the one in a language I personally don't speak.  I fell in love with this version of the Led Zeppelin classic instantly.  Nine Inch Nails front man (and sort of only man) Trent Reznor has never let me down.   For this cover Trent 'NIN' Reznor teamed up with Karen 'Yeah Yeah Yeahs' O.  An unlikely team, but an awesome as you will now hear...

Immigrant Song - Trent Reznor & Karen O


Everybody Supernova...

I actually almost prefer this song to the original.  It's hard for me to choose.  I can blast either one at full volume and really jam out.  The original was by The Buggles.  Stupid Fact:  Video Killed The Radio Star by The Buggles was the first video to ever air on MTV.  There ya go, now you're learning AND getting music.  Eat that!

Video Killed The Radio Star - Presidents of the United States of America


Dustin Hoffman is a hot piece...

If you don't get that picture.  I weep for you.  It's very simple.  Of course you might not be American or have access to that particular candy soooo... they're lemon heads.  The name of this bands cover-er is The Lemonheads.  Not very creative but they do a great version of this classic by Simon & Garfunkel.

Mrs. Robinson - The Lemonheads


Second Star on The Right...

Nothing says Smooth Criminal like a young chimp on your lap whilst you sit upon a sequined glove chair.  Is there anything that makes you more awesome?  Blue leather jacket, uh yes!  Michael Jackson.  Alien Ant Farm.  Go.


Smooth Criminal - Alien Ant Farm



That's it for this week.  Next week we will be doing slowed down, not quite slow jams, but mellow, mellow music.  I like a good mellow song, as I am sure you know.  That's it for this week however.

KKNY signing off...