TTT #48 & 49: Essentials For Those That Hate Classical

After last week's migraine debacle I decided to do a mega playlist this week.  Mainly to make up for lost music time.

This list, obviously, is what I believe to be essential songs for people who can't really get into classical music, or orchestral music in general.  Most of these you will recognize, even if you don't know the name.  I hope you enjoy where this takes us.

Thar be epic facial hair ahead...beware...



TTT #48 & 49 Playlist
Twitter for Spotify Playlist



I Can't Do That Dave

Also Sprach Zarathustra - Richard Strauss

If it's good enough for Kubrick to open an classic Science Fiction movie, it's good enough to start this blog.

Good opener, right?


Shall We Dance?

Habanera From Carmen - Georges Bizet

If I ever see a woman in a fancy red dress, odds are this is playing in my mind.  I feel it is your duty, as a fancy dressed woman, to dance to this song when you are fancied up, but only in red.  For more fancy fancy attire...read on...there's a particularly fancy bit in the middle.



The Buildup

In The Hall Of The Mountain King - Edvard Grieg

...and the award from composer who totally doesn't look like Mark Twain at all goes to...not Edvard Grieg.  Sorry Edvard.  Exit stage left please...



Let's do the CANCAN

Can-Can From Orpheus In The Underworld - Jacques Offenbach


You will notice with most of pictures of the composers in this list that they look like American Presidents from the 19th century.  This one of ole Jack here is him lounging.  Though he looks a little old for it, this is actually his High School prom picture.  He dumped his date 3 minutes before taking this picture because she said she thought that Hip-Hop/Country was a really deep genre and had a lot to offer the world of music.

That's why he is smirking.



HI! HO!

William Tell Overture Finale - Gioachino Rossini

His name is Armie Hammer.  I mean come on, that's just fantastic.




Never Been You Say?

Entry of The Gladiators - Julius Fucik

My girlfriend has never been to the Circus.  Her mom boycotted it on animal cruelty grounds, which I can respect.  I probably would have too, as a kid, if I had known such things took place.  A the naivete of youth.  However, the circus was a hell of a lot of fun to me when I was a kid and I always enjoyed it when my dad would take me.  I also enjoyed the time my mother took me to Disney On Ice.  That was pretty epic too.  I still have the Chip (from Beauty & The Beast) SnoCone cup.  Thanks for being cool Mom & Dad.  This is also in no way meant to portray Erin's mother as "uncool" for not letting her go to the circus.  Erin went to Europe, alone, when she was only 13.  So it's not like she was "super strict mom", just no circuses, circusi, circosa...moving on...



Shit's About To Get Fancy

Eine Kleine Nactmusik - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

The name Wolfgang never ceases to remind of the movie Explorers.  The one about the kids that build a spaceship out of a cart from a Tilt-A-Whirl and meet some aliens.  Ahh the plots of the 80's, so grand.  I still want a foot wide NASA sticker, I need that.



Mmmmmm Yeeeeeeeeesssss...

Minuet - Luigi Boccherini

See that fella there?  He's fancy.  If you want to be fancy and throw a fancy dress party like an adult.  Ya know the kind with real glasses, tiny foods and people quietly chattin in the corners of your penthouse.  The next four songs are meant just for that.  Fancy shit.



Out on The Lawn

Spring - Antonio Vivaldi

Is he about to shred on that violin Paganinni style? Hell no!  This is a fancy dress party that has meandered out on to the lawn.  You have lights about, people are wearing really poofy dresses.  Marie Antoinette type stuff.  Horse Duvor?



A Wedding?

Canon In D - Johann Pachelbel

That awkward looking guy there is the one responsible for hearing this song at every damn wedding you go to.  Oddly enough he is also responsible for most of the "sounds the same" type pop you've heard in your life.  Truly.




Bringing It Back Down

Cello Suite No. 1 - Johann Sebastian Bach

Heh.




Fav

Dance of The Reed Flutes - Pyotr Ilvich Tchaikovsky

He totally looks like someone that did a lot of drugs and wrote really deep, philosophical books in his day.  Yet the music for The Nutcracker and Swan Lake is so light and airy.  Weird.




SneakySneaky

Hungarian Dance No. 5 - Johannes Brahms

I chose this solely because it reminded me of Cronk sneaking in The Emperor's New Groove.  This is just the perfect sneaking music.  Moving slow...then quick...then slow...then quick...



Diamonds Are Forever

Allegretto - Karl Jenkins

I wonder how Captain Kangaroo feels about his music being associated with Diamond commercials.  I wonder how he feels about blood diamonds.  Sierra Leone?



Knock Knock

5th Symphony - Ludwig Van Beethoven

This song is about death knocking on your door and you looking throughout the events of your life.  Brings a new feeling to the song when you listen with that thought.




That's Some Epic Stuff Right There

Intro To 'Carmina Burana' - Carl Orff

Of course the clean shaven one writes the creepiest song on the list.  Never trust men without facial hair.  You could end up in a movie scene where this song is the most apt choice for the events taking place.




Speed!

The Ride Of The Valkyries - Richard Wagner

If you want a reason to speed down the highway, put this song on.  Tell me if you don't start going over the speed limit.  It's almost guaranteed.  You will feel like each car you pass is a persona triumph.

BE the Valkyrie!




Haunting

Toccata & Fugue in D Minor - Johann Sebastian Bach


If you ever get the chance to sit at a pipe organ, play the beginning of this song.  Learn it on the off chance you might, might, sit at a pipe organ.  I did.  It was fantastic.



My Absolute Favorite 'Classical' Song

Adagio For Strings - Samuel Barber

This is the song I want played at my funeral.  I just love this song so much.  It is so very slow.  Put on headphones and get lost in this song.  It's amazing.

So much emotion in so few notes.  Genius.



That's it for this week folks.  Hope this playlist made up for last week!

KKNY signing off...

Tune In Next Week...

Due to, what turned out to be, the worst migraine I have ever had in all of my years, this week's Thuper Thong Thurthday will be pushed back until next week.

I am sorry your ears do not get to hear my sweet, sweet sounds this week.  I apologize.  BUT, next week, ahhhh next week I shall do a double playlist.  It shall be a list for the ages...

In consolation, I give you, Giraffic Park:

Tune in next week for a double episode, same Thuper Time, same Thuper channel...

TTT #47: How I Relax

I in kind of a meh mood this week so I don't know how good this particular blog will be.  I once read that you shouldn't start off something of this nature with a sentence like that.  It gives people the preconceived notion that the blog is not going to be worth reading.  It thus becomes a self fulfilling prophecy, and the blog sucks.  Seeing as I have already typed the sentence, and this explanation defending the sentence, I'll just leave it.  Seems easier...and I'm feeling lazy.


 I wish I had a hammock.


TTT #47 Playlist
Twitter For Spotfiy Playlist



 Shake It Up

Fidelity - Regina Spektor

This is a story about how she got lost in the sounds and eventually started hearing voices.  Fidelity is the story of Regina Spektor's descent into schizophrenia.  It's not plain on the surface but if you dig a little deeper it is plainly obvious.  She talks about what would happen if she started doing things different.  She talks about the voices in her head.

She's either in love or losing her mind.  My money is on the latter.




Mom...Please tell me...

Lullaby - Maria Mena

This song is plainly not about anything happy if you truly listen to the words.  It sounds like she was abandoned by her mom.  That's not happy though.  So we will assume that her mother is, in fact, a super heroin, in the vein of Wonder Woman (Only not DC and way cooler).  Then the song becomes about how her mom comes home late and is under appreciated from the city, and the world as a whole.  A bitter old super heroine is not something you want to see in an old folks home.  Just saying.




The Doors Are Closin'

Comatose (In The Arms Slumber) - Eagle-Eye Cherry


Lawnmower Man.  The movie, not the short story.  I'm not really sure what those two things had to do with each other.  This song is obviously about how Eagle-Eye wants to live his life in a dream world, a la Total Recall.  That's all he wants.  It protects him from depression.  This is the future of the youth of America.  Eventually they will just tap the Internet into their brains Johnny Mnemonic style and will look like zombies on the regular.



Standing At Your Door

Songs That Say Goodbye - Schuyler Fisk

Yes, that is Sissy Spacek's daughter.  More importantly I want to know why she thinks songs are sentient and capable of expressing their inability to say goodbye.  I think it's impressive that her songs are tangible, number one.  Then not only are her songs tangible BUT they talk as well.  It's kind of crazy if you think about it. 

Staring contest.


Why Are Hiding From Me

Ready For Love - Indie Arie

This song sounds to me like she is trying to take Love hostage.  Love is trying to get away and she is creepily stalking Love.  This definitely sounds like a song someone would sing to Love as Love was on his/her way to work.  Love forgot their keys and went back inside to grab their keys, grabbed a protein bar because Love is on a diet.  Indie Arie just sits and watches Love get in their car and, uh oh, it won't start.  Love looks panicked.  This is Love's new job.  Love doesn't want to be late.  Indie Arie just sits there and watches Love start to descend into a panic as she fingers a fuse from Love's car.  Indie is ready...ready for love...




Side by Side

Pretty Face - Soley


She totally doesn't look like she sings that way.  Huh, weird.



One Autumn...

Liquefy - The Servant

Not near enough people in this country have ever heard of The Servant.  Great band.  You should look them up.  This is their classic song about him and his girlfriend devolving into a gelatinous state and go back home to Atlantis, wherein there is a large sing along to welcome them home.   Love exists in all states of matter.




Nothing To Do

Heaving Coming Down - Tea Party


This song was given to me by a Canadian I met on the Internet who was appalled that I had never heard of Tea Party.  This is still the only song I know by them.  I really like it.  I have no idea where I met the Canadian.  No clue what her name is.  I am, however, thankful that she gave me this song.

Thank you random Internet Canadian.




That's it this week folks.  Sorry for the weirdness.  It's a weird kind of day...

KKNY signing off.

TTT #46: 80's Montage (and My Birthday)

In the year of our Lord, the year 1982, on the 18th day in the month of Auguest, a Leo, Rawr, I was born.  You're welcome.  I assume you would like to thank my mother personally, I understand.  You wouldn't be reading this here if she hadn't done what she did that fateful day almost 31 years ago. 

In honor of my mother's valiant birthing I have put forth a list.  A list of such epic proportions so as to show my mother appreciation, gratitude and reverence.  I have made my mother...an 80's montage playlist, which symbolizes my transition from babyhood to what could be called manhood but is somewhere more in the line with large child. 

Thank you mother, I owe you 31...


TTT #46 Playlist
Twitter for Spotify Playlist



More Than Meets The Eye

The Touch - Stan Bush

While I am not sure what "The Touch" is, I am sure as a 31 year old man with a beard I will not go around telling people I've got it.  I feel like that would lead entirely too many awkward conversations and explanations and it just wouldn't work out in my favor in the end.




Europa

The Final Countdown - Europe

That picture is just for Ms. Evans, if you please...



Do or...no...Wax...no...Sanda fleur...there we go

You're The Best Around - Joe Esposito

Like many kids after seeing this movie, The Karate Kid for the uninitiated, I wanted to know how to do Karate.  Like many kids after seeing this movie I got a "hiya suit", as I called it.  Like many kids it turns out I was, in fact, not the best around.  Learning once again that my dream of becoming a ninja was just outside my grasp once again. 

This fact mixed with learning that Storm Shadow, the ninja in white, was a bad guy and Snake Eyes, the ninja in black, was a good guy, my world was turned upside down many times in the 80's.  It was a rough decade.




Tiny Pickles

Number One - Chaz Jankel

Another movie my siblings and I can quote more than I believe is entirely healthy is Real Genius.  It amazes me when people say they have never seen it.  I think it is one of my absolute favorite movies of all time.  I have seen it more times that I care to think about. 

I need a shirt that says Laslow is my homeboy.  I love Toxic waste.




Aaaaaadriaaaa...nevermind...

Gonna Fly Now - Billy Conti

Would any such list be complete without this song? I think not.  One day I need to run up those steps and do this.  I would, of course, have to find a day where everyone else wasn't doing the same exact thing.  I assume it would be like that picture of people holding up the Tower of Pisa.  Not original, not exciting at all. 

Maybe I need to fill someone's house with a giant Jiffy Pop and see if the gub'ment could hit it with a laser for me...hmmm...

Not LSU...Seriously...No...

Eye Of The Tiger - Survivor

Again, quintessential.  I am from Louisiana and I will not comment on tigers.  I get really sick of tigers.  Hats, cups, jackets, neon signs, pens, pencils.  No.  No more...please...

I bet that pic hurt Dolph Lundgren's face...can't fake that...



Say Hello To Vice City

Scarface (Push It To The Limit) - Paul Engemann

I like how in this song Paul takes it to the limit, welcomes you to the limit and then says 'maybe take it one step more'.  You just can't please some people.

Obligatory mountain of cocaine joke.  Little friend.  Cubans.  Grand Theft Auto is the shit.




HOW!?  How have you never seen Top Gun?

Danger Zone - Kenny Loggins

I think everyone should have seen this movie by now.  I mean really.  It's been out a while.

[Spoilers]
Goose dies in the middle.  Maverick is the Top Gun.  Tom Skerritt is the real winner. 



BONUS!:

 

 Montage - Matt Stone & Trey Parker

This isn't from that movie above.  It's actually the guys from South Park, but that picture is one of the most painful montages in all of cinema.  At least for a guy.

I'm gonna make my family play board games, muahahaha...

Happy B-day Future me!!  

KKNY signing off...for now...

TTT #45: Game Night

I have joined a new group called the Louisiana Open Boardgamers Association.  It is a group of people that meet once a month and play all manner of board games.  I'm not talking your Monopoly-s and Scrabbles mind you, games you've probably never even heard of.  Unless you are one of the lucky ones.  Go here...it will change your life...


Sometimes when you are sitting around playing a nice RPG or have a board game night you need a little background music.  This list is mostly fantasy based.  So I would say it would go well with games like Dungeons & Dragons, Lords of Waterdeep and anything having to do with wizards, rogues and ne'er-do-well highwaymen.  Enjoy.



TTT #45 Playlist
Twitter for Spotify Playlist



At Dawn...We Ride

Magika - Two Steps From Hell


Every single time I heard this song all I can think of is...

That flute though?

Dreaming of Bag End & A Very Respectable Hobbit - Howard Shore

This is the genius behind the Lord of the Rings Trilogy and The Hobbit Soundtrack.  He is definitely one of the greats in the movie score arena.  If you don't listen to movie scores, you should.  There are many nuances to the music that you don't get when they are played under the movie.  All of the LOTR soundtracks are amazing.  You should also check out the Tron: Legacy soundtrack, totally different vibe to the music, but absolutely worth checking out.



You Know Nothing Jon Snow...

Mother Of Dragons - Ramin Djawadi

If you don't watch Game Of Thrones, you are severely missing out my friend.  George R. R. Martin has crafted a narrative that leaves no character, big or small, safe from death.  One moment everything could be going find for Character X.  Character X could be a main character.  There for all of the major moments of the series.  You think, they would never kill Character X.  How could they?  Then all of a sudden, Character X thinks "hmm a peach would be really bitchin right now..." *coughcoughcough*  Dead.  Chokes on a peach pit.  It's insane. 

It is, by far, one of my favorite stories (you should read the books).   There are so many characters he will kill of half of them and there are still too many to remember.  It's insane.  Watch it, you'll thank me.  The third season just ended, I am almost done with the 5th book (I'm cheap, and waited a long time to buy it). 

I am almost out of Game of Thrones....

So 3 Marys walked into a bar...

 
Keening of The Three Marys - William Coulter


Supposedly that guy up there is responsible for this song.  You wouldn't think so judging from the picture, but there it is...



Sally has what?

Down By Sally Gardens - Joanie Madden


I think this woman plays the flute just magically.  Since it's magic, it's fantasy.  <--Period




Godly Gibberish

Now We Are Free - Lisa Gerrard & Hans Zimmer

Many people on the internet have sought out the language of this song.  Turns out, when Lisa Gerrard was younger she would pray in her own language.  It is the language she used to speak to God.  That is the language she uses in this song.  What if this is the language of the heavens?  I would like that very much.



Hell On Wheels

The Butlers Of Glen Avenue/Sliabh Russell/Cathal McConnell's - Lunasa


Songs like this one always remind me of the scene from Titanic where Rose goes down into Steerage and they go to "a real party".  If they remake the Titanic, I want to be in steerage with an old irish band and a bunch of drunks guys fighting and dancing.  It would just be fantastic...

They could even drop me off at Ellis Island and I could fight The Butcher for a place in the 5 burrows, I'd vote for Tammany Hall and everything...



Civilization

Baba Yetu - Christopher Tin

Just a South African Gospel Choir joining a Chinese decent American on an American game about all the civilizations of the world, move along...

Just sayin...

KKNY signing off...

TTT #44: Cliff Diving

Today's playlist is a little late.  I have been thinking of cliff diving all night.  Why?  No clue.  I am not even remotely located anywhere within 12 hours drive of a decent cliff for cliff diving.  I also cannot swim.  I am probably not a good candidate for cliff diving.

I still want to stand to the edge of a cliff...listening to this playlist...



TTT #44 Playlist
Twitter For Spotify Playlist




That Bassline To Work Up The Nerve

Q.U.E.E.N. - Janelle Monae & Erykah Badu

Ya know I was going to comment on her poofy hair and how much I like poofy hair but I suddenly realized I don't know what the acronym Q.U.E.E.N. stand for.  Imma Google it.  Brb...

How did your “Q.U.E.E.N.” collaboration with Erykah Badu come about?
Well, “Q.U.E.E.N.” is an acronym and I can’t reveal too much about it except for, it is inspired by private conversations that she and I had. We’re really close, so it’s a lot of private conversations that we’ve had.


The world may never know...bass line still jams though.



Chickened Out.  Backed Away From The Edge...Gonna Try Again...

Burn It Down - AWOLNATION

This song for me is all about the drums and the little riff right after the chorus.  That little pill-harpsichord-esque thing.  Just gets me pumped.  Pumped enough to jump off a cliff...who knows...



Approached The Edge of The Cliff...Not Enjoying The Synergy of The Playlist

Cracks (Flux Pavilion Remix)- Freestylers

I looked up the original Cracks.  I don't like it.  This version I like.  Always listen to this version.

Always.  I am normally a huge proponent of original over remix, not this time.  That's even though the original band has a guy that from far away probably gets confused for Jon Lovitz a lot.

Was Able To Stay At The Edge Even Though The Previous Song Was About Cracks

Firefly - The White Panda


Keeping in the vein of remix-y type stuff, I give you The White Panda.  This song is a mash up of four different songs.  Ellie Goulding - "Anything Could Happen", A$AP Rocky ft Kendrick Lamar - "F*ckin' Problems", Red Hot Chili Peppers - "Snow (Hey Oh)", Lumineers - "Ho Hey".  I think all of these songs, while completely different, come together wonderfully. Showing that electronic musicians do, in fact, have talent.




The Jump...The Water Below...

The Wave - Miike Snow

Not really sure what is going on in that picture up there.  As I look at it though I have a flood of quotes from Office Space.  A truly good movie.  If you have never seen it you owe it to yourself to see it...

See?



The Fall...Be Straight...Hold Head...

This Head I Hold - Electric Guest

*dances* I go higher...



Splash Down...Weightlessness...

Space Travel - Savoir Adore

Here is a band I think I need to see live.  I just really wish I didn't have to drive for 3 hours to go see a decent band.  Yeah, the Party By The Pool concert series here in town is nice, but they will never anything like this.

I wanna see The Weepies again =-(


Swim To Safety...Bones Intact...

Your Bones - Of Monsters & Men

I just really love this song.  I can't say that enough, honestly.  It just has a really mellow groove that clicks with me.  The harmonies.  It has a large band sound while still sounding intimate.

I. Love. This. Song.




Alas, that is it for this week folks.  Thanks for going cliff diving with me.  I had fun.

Until next time,
KKNY signing off...