TTT #72: One You Know/One You Don't: Billboard Top 20 Edition

Every once and a while I like to see if I can get people to listen to songs by popular artists that aren't their Top 40 hit.  I have listened to these 4 albums and these are my favorite 2 songs off of these particular albums.  We've got one song that is, at this very moment, chugging along in the Top 20 spots on the Billboard Top 100 chart.   In addition to that I have also included a song from the album that may not be as well know, but deserves just as much attention.

Enjoy, or die.  Seriously.


TTT #72 Playlist
Twitter For Spotify Playlist



Encased in Concrete

OYK: Pompeii - Bastille
OYD: Flaws - Bastille


I still am not completely sure how this song pertains to the fated Roman city that was buried beneath Mt. Vesuvius' angry rant, but I still like it.  Plus if that Lion King-esque choral sequence at the beginning doesn't immediately grab you, you have no soul. 

Once Bastille has to pick a new single I think it will be Flaws.  It just has a really nice groove and it is catchy as hell.  Doodleedoodleedoodleedoodleedoo




A Fatty?  Really?

OYK:  Drunk In Love - Beyonce Feat.  Jay-Z
OYD:  Heaven Beyonce

Now, most everyone I know is listening to this album.  You may or may not "know" the One You Don't.  If you know it already, congrats, you're a hipster, you win life.  If not, I'm glad you came to listen, don't feed the hipsters.  It makes them loiter.

Also, I am still amazed that women, well some women, have accepted that a new slang term for their posterior is their "fatty".  I honestly would never have thought a woman would willingly describe a part of her body as a "fatty".  Are we evolving or devolving?


Surf bort.  Surf bort.  Surf bort.  Grainin on dat wouht...Granin, grainin on dat wouht




*Pulls out soapbox*

OYK:  Say Something - A Great Big World Feat.  Christina Aguilera

OYD:  Rockstar - A Great Big World


*clears throat*  Christina Aguilera doesn't belong in this song.  At all.  She was added to it for marketing purposes.  She was added as a back up singer, X-Tina, a backup singer, as an afterthought to this already beautiful song.  I think the song stood just fine on its own.  I understand that she liked the song and wanted to help.  Still doesn't need to be on the recording.  All she did was essentially celebrity endorse this song. 

It wouldn't be in the Top 40 without her name there.   I think this is a fantastic song and it deserves that spot on the chart AND all the attention & air play it has been getting.  I just think it is sad that we can't appreciate this song for how great it actually is without injecting a pop star into it so it will sell better.  I have nothing against Christina Aguilera, I like some of her music for sure, I have nothing against pure pop music.  However, you don't call Christina Aguilera, one of the most powerful diva-level voices of our generation, to do back up on a song like this.  For that it completely irritates me.

 *steps off soapbox*

Rockstar is proof that they are a great group without needed endorsement deals.




DRAGONS!!!!

OYK:  Demons - Imagine Dragons
OYD:  Round & Round - Imagine Dragons



I think Imagine Dragons is a bad that is extremely consistent across all of its song writing.  All of their songs are equally lyrically beautiful, musically melodic and relateable.  I don't think there is an Imagine Dragons song that I have heard that I don't get mildly, unhealthily, obsessed with for a little while. 

Great band. 



That's it for this week folks.  Leave me comments.  Makes me feel good about myself. 

Now.


KKNY signing off...for now...

TTT #71: Valentine's For The Cheesy Couple

Love.  Love is a many-splendored thing.  Love lifts us up where we belong.  All you need is love.

Right?

I don't know, but this list is for those that don't feel like listening to mellow acoustic love songs this Valentine's Day.  This list is for the cheesy only.  You have been warned.



TTT #71 Playlist
Twitter For Spotify Playlist



NOTHING!

Nothing's Going To Stop Us Now - Starship

If you don't understand why that picture was chosen for this song, you are either young or we shouldn't be friends.

That's it.



Gin

Two of Hearts - Stacey Q

I don't know what I was expecting when I Googled a picture of Stacey Q but that wasn't it.  I didn't expect to find a girl that embodies the 80's so perfectly.  I think every major 80's fashion fad is covered in that picture.  Don't act like you don't like this song.  You know you do...




Bill, Mike & Sam

Crush - Jennifer Paige

While not a love song per se, it just fit too well on this list so I had to keep it here.  That Jennifer Paige was kind of a looker too.  She is not an ugly lady. 

The first time I ever heard this song was one of the first times I went to a bar after turning 18.  I was playing pool and a band with the ingenious name of Bill, Mike & Sam, yes they were a three piece, played this song.  It was a fantastic cover and every time I hear it I am reminded of just how much I suck at pool.



Asked and Answered

Love Will Keep Us Together - Captain & Tenille

I told Erin that I wouldn't get out of my chair unless she gave me a cheesy love song for this playlist.  She immediately came up with The Captain & Tenille.

I'll give you 3 guesses as to which one is the Captain.



Erin Made Me Think Of This One

You've Got It (The Right Stuff) - The New Kids on The Block

I was thinking to my self, what would a song that Erin loves be that is completely cheesy.  This is what instantly came to mind.

I love you dear, I truly do, but maybe not as much as you will always love Joey McIntyre.



*Fist*

We Belong - Pat Benetar

Again, not super love-y at first.  But the overall message stands.  I think this is the song that John Cusack should have played at the end of Say Anything.  It would have been interesting.




No, Really, I do...

 

Damn, I Wish I Was Your Lover - Sophie B. Hawkins

I'd like to think that picture was taken on the word 'daaaaamn', that would just be phenomenal.




Heh

Be My Lover - La Bouche

I love 90's dance music.  Why?  I'm honestly not sure.  It's all pretty much the same.  I think there is just enough of that 90's awkward fat kid left in there for me to still appreciate stuff like this and Rhythm is a Dancer.

It is by the way.  A Dancer, I mean.  Rhythm?  Ya know, he dances, just sayin'.





Sorry for the shortness of this week's blog.  I am tired and technically speaking it is now Friday.  I had a bunch of stuff to do today and I almost got some of it done. 

Hope you have a Happy Valentine's Day! 

KKNY signing off.

TTT #70: Covers That Give Me Hope For The Future Of Music

It's been a nice week.  Not working has afforded me the opportunity to see, and actually hang out with, people I haven't seen in years, which is nice.  I also got to play some board games with new friends and old this week.  I also, randomly, got asked to join a band.  Things are looking up.  Moving on.

I have recently become aware of a British and Australian radio channel on YouTube, BBC 1 and TripleJTV respectively, they have artists that come on their stations cover songs.

This is a playlist of my favorite across the two channels.  They have tons and you should go subscribe, listen and watch.  Great stuff.

On with it.

TTT # 70 Playlist



Daaaaaaaaamn

Wrecking Ball - James Arthur

James Arthur was the 2012 X-Factor UK winner.  I can understand why they chose him to win because he sings the shit out of this Miley Cyrus song.  No matter your opinion of Ms. Cyrus, this song is amazing.



Speaking of Different Style

Little Lion Man - Chance Waters

Little Lion Man was the first song I ever heard by Mumford & Sons.  It was in the wee hours of the night when it came on as I was falling asleep.  I am thankful for finding Mumford & Sons.  This cover is quite far removed from the original.  There is an original rap instead of the verse.  Very worth it though.  If you are going to cover a song, change it.  These guys perfected that.



Δ

Tessellate - Mumford & Sons

If you haven't heard of the band Δ (Alt-J), two things:

1.  You don't read this blog enough.
2.  You are really doing a disservice to your musical ear holes.

This cover of an amazing Alt-J song by a band you probably know should cure that.  After this listen to Breezeblocks by Alt-J.  You'll thank me.



HupHup

Rhiannon - Sticky Fingers

This classic Fleetwood Mac song is giving an amazing face lift from these Aussie guys.  You wouldn't think this would come out of that group, but it is amazing none the less.



Not Enya

Ready or Not - Rudimental

A head bouncing cover of The Fugees quintessential 90's classic.  I don't even think Wyclef himself could do it as good.



This One Tricked Me

We Can't Stop - Bastille

At first, for obvious reasons, I thought this was going to be an Eminem cover.  It starts off as an interesting mash up.  This is the second Miley Cyrus song on this list.  Completely unintentional.  It shows me that pop music isn't so bad, when executed properly.

Truth.



Just Because

Rhythm of The Night - Elizabeth Rose

Yeah the one by Corona.  It is that song.  You know you love it.  Just turn it up and enjoy it.  I won't tell anyone.



I Am Ready For Friday

Friday On My Mind - The Rubens

It seems that not many people around my age know this song by The Easybeats, which is a shame.  I think these guys did a great job of slowing it down and giving it a groovy little feel.  People need to dive deeper into the British invasion.

I am very ready for Friday, also.  Seriously.


That's it for this week folks, hope you liked it.

KKNY signing off.

TTT #69: I Quit My Job.

That's right folks, I quit my job.  Why you ask?  Because my girlfriend tried very hard to convince it was something that we could & should do.  I will get to spend more time with her, with people that I haven't seen in a very long time, and with things that used to make me happy.  Working overnights will take over your life in severely negative ways.

Working overnights has been part of my routine for over 6 years.  It will be strange to do something different.  The fact that I have quit hasn't actually clicked yet.  I am usually off on these days, so I am just doing the normal stuff.  I have DnD tonight, I need to clean the house.  Feed the cats.  All that jazz.

I do hope that this was the right decision.  I have a good feeling about it.  I think I will finally start working towards something that makes me happy.  I made this playlist as a I'm-glad-I-quit-and-I-look-forward-to-things-to-come kind of playlist.  So some of the songs express what it feels like to finally get away from that environment and some reflect what I hope the future is like.

All that being said I will truly miss the people that worked with.  Eating lunch at "The Table" was definitely never boring and I will truly miss it.  I didn't realize how many people I knew at Walmart until I quit.  I had people wishing me well and hugging me that I hardly spoke to in that time.  Definitely made me feel the feels.  Although there were a lot of rough times, I think I may actually look back on my time there as positive.  In the very least I hope to keep the friends I have made there.  I will truly miss you guys.  No homo. (Except for you CJ ;)) <--on purpose double parantheticalness.


Anyway, on to it...


TTT #69 Playlist
Twitter for Spotify Playlist


NaNaNaNaaa

Pursuit Of Happiness - KiD CuDi

I don't crush a bit and roll it.  I don't drink and drive. I don't know anything about the night terrors every night.   I also don't live missing bullets.  I will, however, sing this song at the top of my lungs when I am alone.  It has just the right groove.

I am now on the pursuit of happiness. 


Queen of Soul

Think - Aretha Franklin

Freedom.  'Murica?  Not really, free from the daily grind of retail.  I know what this song is actually about, however, that chorus is the perfect exclamation of how I felt walking out for the last time!

Freeeeedom.  Freeeeeeedom.  FREEEEEEEDOM....




It's not called The Days Go By

Once In A Lifetime - The Talking Heads

I remember this video from when I was a kid.  It was my first introduction to the Talking Heads.  I remember being really fascinated with the music video.  It was perfectly 80's and it was perfect for a kid who wasn't allowed to watch MTV.  MTV used to be awesome.  Now it's just Bravo...with douche -bags, and Ridiculousness.



In Your Eyes...

Solsbury Hill - Peter Gabriel

You need to watch this live performance of this song, it is required to be my friend:

In fact the whole end of the concert is fantastic.

After watching this I have decided that I really need to see Peter Gabriel live.



Because It Feels So Good

Feeling Good - Nina Simone

...and I'm feeling good...

Bonus:

Completely Unrelated



I think I miss the old TTT

Free Fallin' (Live) - John Mayer

I really miss being able to put video seamlessly in the blog.  It really is a great part of the experience sometimes, especially with live videos.

Here is another...



Chris McCandless 

Guaranteed - Eddie Vedder

Eddie Vedder did the soundtrack to the movie Into The Wild.  It was a true story about a rich college kid named Christopher McCandless that gave away his $25k savings and just left his life of privilege  to go backpacking around the country.  He adventures took him all the way from the Eastern United States to Alaska.  Definitely a book (oh yeah, the book is better) to read if you have a case of the Wanderlust.

I want to wander lustily...



That's it this week folks.  I don't really know what else to say.  Let's hope I make it!  (I've been assured that I'll make it.) 

Thanks for reading/listening,
KKNY signing off.

We interrupt our regularly scheduled programming...

I just wanted to tell you that I hadn't planned on doing a bunch of two week combined blogs.  I had a great one for this week and I have decided to hold off til next week (for reason's that will soon be clear).

It's gonna be a good one.

In the meantime laugh over one brother's graduation note to his brother:

KKNY signing off.

TTT #67 & 68: Damn, It's Been A Week!

DAMN!  It's been a week.

That really is the only way I can describe this past couple of weeks.  Just ugh.

I bet you are asking yourself, why did he choose a picture of bacteria as the cover picture?  Well that's because I have strep throat.  I have heard many horror stories of strep.  I can honestly say it isn't at all comfortable.  I had to go to the doctor, which I loathe.  I had to have shots, which ya know, who likes shots?  On the upside though the migraines have upped my pain tolerance.  Strep is nothing compared to a migraine.  So that's nice...

Anyway, it's been a meh week so I decided to make a playlist of music I like to listen to when I just need to chill.  Which I do.  So here goes...


TTT #67 & 68
Twitter For Spotify Playlist


It's Not Lupus

Teardrop - Massive Attack

You might recognize this song as the theme song to a popular show about a medical prodigy.  You should listen to the whole song, it's a calming chill song.  I found this week that I like Trip Hop more than I realized.

I may be incorporating it into the daily plays more often.



Steal Me Baby

Lebanese Blonde - Thievery Corporation

I can't recall exactly where I heard this song.  For some reason I had it in my head that The Eldest posted it in one her past music posts.  I couldn't seem to find it though. 

Eldest, art thou the one that bestowed this gift upon us?




2-For-1

StarShine & Dracula - The Gorillaz

These 2 tracks are off of the Gorillaz first album.  They have always stuck out as some of my favorite by the group.   They are creepy and droning, which I believe is perfect for music to chill to. 

Agree?



Give It A Chance

Angel - Massive Attack

Now you have to give this song a chance.  It can take a while to get into it but if you let it wash over you, you reap the rewards. 

Neat fact:  That is actually a guy singing.



Chino

Change (In The House Of Flies) - The Deftones


Obviously this song is a bit...heavier than the other songs I have played so far.  No matter how much the chorus and bit before the chorus pick it up it has always stuck with me as a very calming song.  This song was really big whenever I was first starting to play guitar.  Everyone wanted to know how to play it.  So I have heard it a great number of times.  It has been with me through thick and thin.

While I never got super heavy into The Deftones, I've always respected them as a group, especially this song.


Just Cause

Heart's A Mess - Gotye

Just cause.



What if Sade's love were ordinary?

No Ordinary Love - Sade

Let's not be ridiculous, look at those lips.  How could her love be ordinary.  She's obviously hiding something.  Like a love bomb.  Yeah.



The Ultimate Sad Song

Breathe Me - Sia

I think this is the ultimate sad song.  However, I do not only listen to it when I am sad.  It is such a great song.  The music break about half way through is my favorite part.  When the drums come back in the song just builds to this emotional epic masterpiece.  One of my definite favorites.



That's it for this week folks.  Stay tuned for a whopper of a list next week!

That's all I can say.

KKNY signing off.

TTT #65 & 66: t(-_-t)

I almost quit doing the blog today.  I am not entirely certain why I decided to go on.  This blog is sort of my therapy in a way I think.

Here it is, either way.


TTT #65 & 66
Twitter For Spotify Playlist


No

Primadonna - Marina & The Diamonds

I don't really like primadonnas.  I do, however, like that the group Marina & The Diamonds is one girl named Marina Diamandis.  There is just something overly poetic about that.

Plus this song is damn catchy.



Damaged

24 Hours - Sky Ferreira

Aren't we all a little damaged?  In some way?  I think so.  What does this have to do with anything?

Good question.




New Favorite

Snow - Frida Sundemo

I never get tired of a chick with a pixie cut, or a boy cut, or whatever you call that up there.

Great song.  I wish I were surrounded by the snow.  Alone.  Truly.



Again, No

Journal Of Ardency - Class Actress

I had the hardest time figuring out if the name of the band was Journal of Ardency or Class Actress.  It can get quite annoying when bands name songs and themselves in such a way it can make telling them apart difficult.

I think I got it right.  I really can't be sure.



Why?

Ooh La La - Goldfrapp

Because.


Curls.



Ya know what?

Settle Down - Kimbra

I never get tired of a girl in a bob.  I think I am really attracted to hair.

You will know Kimbra as the other half of the Somebody I Used To Know craze.  She was the girl, if that wasn't already obvious.



Scratch That...Reverse it.

Boyfriend - Best Coast

Hey Erin, doesn't that guy kind of look like Jay?



I refuse

Get Better - Mates of State

I really don't have anything to say about this.  I just like this song.  Yeah.



HupHupHup

Sleep - I Will, I Swear

"Sleep is for the weak they said..."

I am starting to forget what sleep feels like.



Just Because

Walking In Memphis - Juri

I honestly thought this was a raspy voiced woman at first.  I think it is a great cover, except for when he says "Walking with my feet 10 feet off the Beale."  The lyric is "Walking with my feet 10 off Beale" for some reason that extra "the" just drives me crazy.  That and just a few lyrical inconsistencies.

Still a great cover though.



That's really all I have to say.  I can't honestly say that I will do one next week.  We'll see how I feel.