TTT #39: Hit Songs Against Hit Songs

I haven't been listening to much music this week.  They have banned headphones at work.  They do this many times a year and it will only last a week, two tops.  So for the time being I have been stewing about the crap they constantly play over the speakers at work.  I have also been thinking about the soulless devils that put that stuff out for profit alone.  That led to this week's playlist.

I have heard more music industry horror stories than I care to count.  If you have ever met someone that actually signed to a label,  and talked to them about it at length, the deals they get are frightening.

I recently saw a post on Reddit from an artist, I forget the actual artist, it's irrelevant.  He posted his royalties from his plays on different Internet radio networks.  He had over 1,000,000 plays on Pandora.  That equaled exactly $16.43.  That is sad.  Almost all of the money an artist makes is playing live shows.  

Even if you don't like Macklemore, or rap in general, listen to the last minute of Jimmy Iovine.  He talks about his "deal".  You quickly start to realize why he went Independent.

On to the meat...


TTT #39 Playlist
Twitter for Spotify Playlist 







Taking It

Jimmy Iovine (Feat. Ab-Soul) - Macklemore & Ryan Lewis


I have always sort of thought Jimmy Iovine is kind of a douche.  I don't know him personally (obviously), he could be a fairly nice guy.  His business and outward persona on television and the like:  douche.   His the "mentor" on American Idol.  He usually gives his opinion, which I personally usually disagree with.    

Also, if you don't know who Jimmy Iovine is, he is the co-founder of Interscope Records and chairman of Interscope Geffen A&M.  So there ya go...

As a result of their meetings with record execs Macklemore & Ryan Lewis decided to go independent.  I'm sure that has resulted in them keeping a much, much larger portion of the money their number one record is making.



What Made The Pan Refuse To Grow Was...

Hook - Blues Traveler

I think this song is a little bit about the music industry and a lotta bit about people's taste in music in general.  While I am a full believer in liking what you like and owning your shit there are some people in the world that just listen to stuff that is just...bad.  Just bad.   Now some of the songs he vaguely references in the bridge I actually like.  You shouldn't stop listening to your music because I, or John Popper, don't like it.  That would be silly.  If you like One Direction, own that shit.

Also you should listen to this song with a copy of the lyrics open, here ya go.  It helps.



Schmoke & A Pancake?

Have A Cigar - Pink Floyd

I have noticed there seems to be a lot of bands saying that music execs just talk out of their asses and don't actually like music.  "I wonder if that is prevalent in the industry?" he asked already knowing the answer.



Elba

Napoleon - Ani Difranco

I really like Ani Difranco.  Though I am generally not allowed to like her too much.  Ya see my ex was a HUGE fan of Ani Difranco.  Tattoos and child named after level.  Like Epic fan.  My ex and my current don't exactly get along.  Therefore I have to like Ani on the sly (sorry dear).  I still dig her stuff.  She puts on a great show and is a hell of a guitar player.  My rhythm idol.  Great lyricist.

I just like her in solitude out of respect for my lady.  I just wish I could get her to do the same with celebrity gossip.  It reminds me of...something I don't like.  So stop it...now.  Ya know I love ya...



Candy Pork

Pork & Beans - Weezer

It's true Rivers Cuomo has a bald spot.  It's true they would probably be more popular if  Timbaland remixed one of their tracks.  All of these things do not make me like Weezer and more, or less.   I don't need them to be more popular.  I just want Rivers writing the stuff that makes me like Weezer.

I am glad he is snarky and decided to write this when his record company asked him to write a hit single.



Fry Suit

 

Sell Out - Reel Big Fish

I think this is one of the quintessential "make money by signing your money away" songs.  Plus, I think it really adds something to a song about catchy music and doing your own thing when the song itself is really catchy.

It's like...serendipity.



One Of The First Songs I Learned On Guitar

Life's Been Good - Joe Walsh

That's the lead guitarist for The Eagles.  He's serious.  His Maserati goes 185.

Don't mess with Joe Walsh.  Ever.  <--period



Pinnacle of an Artist's Career?

The Cover of The Rolling Stone - Dr. Hook & The Medicine Show


If I am ever famous (which I won't be) I will have a girl named Cocaine Katie that will embroider my stuff.  I don't like bedazzled stuff though.

Also how crazy is it to hear that Ten Thousand dollars a show was a lot?  And Christina Aguilera got paid 1.2 million dollars to sing three songs at a wedding. Crazy...




Well that's it this week folks.  It has been an extremely annoying blog to write as my keyboard is going out.  Well at least my left shift isn't working on SOME of the letters, go figure.  Also I lost the ability to use my symbols.  I had to copy and paste the pound and dollar sign.  *sigh*

Anyway, until next week.  FORTY?! How crazy is that?  Pretty soon we will be doing 52!  Which will mark (roughly) 1 years worth of playlists.  Nuts.  Gonna have to do somethin special for that.  Hmmmm...

KKNY signing off...

TTT #38: Synth-tastic Epic 80's Songs

This is just an 80's synth kind of day.  I have no other explanation other than that.  If you need an explanation other than that...get your own blog.  Do your own stuff...Geez...

Anyway...short and sweet...on to it...


TTT #38 Playlist
Twitter For Spotify Playlist



We Can Dance If We Want To...

 

 The Safety Dance - Men Without Hats

This song will forever remind me of Bio Dome.  Bio Dome (and most Pauly Shore movies) define my high school years.  I think we should all befriend a bunch of little people and dance around a RenFair somewhere.   Anyone in?

Not Marilyn Manson

Sweet Dreams - Eurythmics

This is just a given to be included.on this list.  This is one of the quintessential synth riffs.  You can never go wrong with this song.  You can always turn it up, roll the windows down and let the sweet, sweet sound of Annie Lennox's voice take you to another world.  Sort of like Into the West, but with less Hobbits and Dwarves.



Might As Well...

Jump - Van Halen

I liked Van Hagar.  But Diva Lee Roth IS the lead singer of Van Halen.  This is a fun song to bust out on a keyboard to pretend like you know how to play keys.  That's what we fake 80's band mates call piano or keyboards, Keys.  I'm a key player...



Shades...in the shade...

Sunglasses At Night - Corey Hart


I remember this one dude that I used to work with.  Him name escapes me right now.  He loved gangsta rap.  He rapped almost the entirety of his time at work.  He liked screwed and chopped and other words I don't understand.  He loved the most ghetto of ghetto rap...and this song.  It would come on at work and he would sing the shit out of it.  It was hilarious...I kind of miss him...




GTA:  Vice City

Japanese Boy - Aneka

I don't really have a lot to say about this one.  That picture up there is kind of freaking me out. 

This song just reminds me of blasting through police barricades in Vice City.  I could play Grand Theft Auto for days.  I used to blast this game on the station that played this song.  I had loud speakers and would blast them in my face.  I miss those days...



Rick Ocasek Will Give You Babies

Hello Again - The Cars

One of the many wonders of rock stardom is a singer's ability to nab the ladies.  Rick Ocasek was once married to Paulina Porizkova.  Check her out.  It's crazy.  What do you ladies think of R.O.?




Digital Getdown

Together In Electric Dreams - Giorgio Moroder

I was going to put a movie poster of Electric Dreams, the epic movie about a computer that falls in love with a guy and when he then falls in love with a real life girl, the computer goes all 2001 HAL on his ass.  It's pretty great.  I couldn't post it once I saw a picture of Giorgio Moroder.  Look. At. That. Mustache.  Damn...he looks like a coke snortin Mario.



Long Version

Tainted Love + - Soft Cell

Ya know I tried to find a picture that was a little less...80's.  It didn't seem to want to come together for Soft Cell.  It seems like their image is one of a gay bar in the 80's that focuses on BDSM and weird leather parties.  Either way, this cover, that's right cover, is a classic 80's song that doesn't remind me of Coneheads at all.



Just To Mellow It All Out

Valley Of The Mind's Eye - Thomas Dolby

I could have ended this playlist with Thomas Dolby's classic hit 'She Blinded Me With Science'.  This song, however, always touched me a little more.  I like the vibe it gives.  He should be more popular I think.  I decided that the last song should just be a little more mellow because I like to mellow out after I get to dancing, which synth always does to me.  Especially bitchin playlists like this one...



That's it for this week folks be sure to tune in next week.  Same Kenny Time.  Same Kenny Channel.

KKNY signing off...

TTT #37: F-Bombs In 30 Seconds Or Less...

I really don't have an explanation for why this playlist happened.  It just did.  I don't have much to say today.  I am going to see Man Of Steel in a little under 5 hours, so that's awesome.

It should go without saying, but I'll say it anyway.  This playlist and blog are NSFW.  If you don't know what that means, learn to Internet.   Any offense given (or taken) is not intended.  I love everyone.  Especially people that read the blog.  So enjoy...or don't...it's cool either way...



On with it =)


TTT #37 Playlist
Twitter For Spotify Playlist



How Could I Not Start Here...

Fuck You - Cee Lo


I don't think there is any way I could have started the list off with any other song.  It just feels right.  Plus, look at that grin!  He is obviously about to school somebody on something.  That's the face he makes right after he drops every F-Bomb.

I'm not more Xbox or Atari, I'm more NES...



Gypsy Punk Is Alive

Think Locally, Fuck Globally - Gogol Bordello

While I totally agree with the title of this song, I won't go there.  I will however say that it is cool to be of Gypsy heritage and know that there are Gypsy punk bands.  Or at least one...

I think I'll start wearing purple...



8th Grade

Vietnow - Rage Against The Machine

This is a CD I bought when I was in 8th grade.  Listening to this song in my headphones made me feel like a bad ass.  I was obviously not a bad ass, but I felt like one.   It was also the song I had to make sure my mother never heard (sorry Mom, for that and this playlist =) )



Summer 2000

The Next Episode - Dr. Dre & Snoop Dog, Kurupt & Nate Dogg

This was the summer right after I graduated.   Again, white kids jamming rap doth not a bad ass make.  I still jam to this song.  I also play it on guitar.  It's easy but fun.  Turn it up...go ahead...I won't tell...



I Tried Not To Include It...

Last Resort - Papa Roach

I refer to my Papa Roach days as my douche music phase (sorry PR).  No offense.  Truly.  I loved that CD.  But I was into Staind and all the music that kind of taste came with.  I don't really like it now, my tastes have changed, I think for the better (sorry again).  I have deep respect for any band that can play their instruments with talent.  Which I believe these guys to do.  It's just the fans man, the fans.  I couldn't do it anymore.  This song still jams though.



Audience Participation

Army (Live) - Ben Folds

I love Ben Folds.  If you ever get the chance to see him live, you should.  At the very least you should listen to 2 minutes in.  That's when he turns the crowd into his own personal choir.  It's just fantastic.  I was a member of a chorus like that myself at one of his shows.  Really makes you feel like you're doing something.


...God please spare me more rejection...



No Offense NSA Peeps

Fuck The Police - NWA

I don't hate cops.  I say I hate cops a lot.  I don't.  I hate assholes.  It just so happens that the asshole cop ratio is...weighted to one side to say the least.  I won't get into all of that.  I understand if you skip this.  The next play is little lighter...



'Murica

America - Team America

This should be our secondary National Anthem.  Oooh...or maybe our fight song!  It would be great.


Books!




That's it for this week.  I had a couple of songs I wanted to add, but didn't for one reason or another.  Tim Minchin's - Pope Song is one.  It has loads of F-Bombs.  It will almost surely offend you though.  So click with precaution.  I neither agree, nor disagree with everything he is saying, but you will probably be offended.  You have been warned.  Also this one because it's hilarious but it's censored.   It is an all star show though...and way less offensive. 


See you next week!

KKNY signing off...

TTT #36: Quasi Slow Jamz

I have been toying with the playlist for a while.  It's been a *bleck* kind of week.  So I decided that this list, this list right here, is gonna be slow jams.  Well sort of.  I don't really like classic R&B slow jams all that much.  Like your Ginuwine, R. Kelly kind of slow jam isn't really my thing.  So I decided to make a list of what I think some good slow jams are. 

This is list is in no way comprehensive.  But I still feel like taking a bubble bath listenin to it...what you do with it is your business...

On to it...

TTT #36 Playlist
Twitter for Spotify Playlist



Umpph...right out of the gate...

Until The End Of Time - Justin Timberlake

I have also decided to put relatively sexy pictures, when possible.  I don't need my woman gettin' all hot and bothered so you get a sexy stare from JT.  It's just the way it's got to be.  If she wants half naked pics of JT she can google it.  I refuse to be her supplier.  I'm no enabler, dammit.




Keepin' It Smooth

So Many Details - Toro Y Moi

That is the sexiest picture I could find of Toro Y Moi.  You can see a little chest hair there.  So there's that.  The sun rays, that's sexy right?

Honestly I think he kind of looks like the boyfriend from The Cosby Show.  Ya know, Elvin? Just me?  OK...




Awwww yeah It's getting good...

I Belong To You - Lenny Kravitz

I am not attracted to guys, so I hope these pics are working for ya.  I chose this one because it's him with dreads, and his penis isn't visible.  Those pics are surprisingly easy to find.  Either way, Lenny with dreads is always how I want to remember him.  Jammin out to Are You Gonna Go My Way.  I wanna see mid 90's Kravitz.  *dances a little to the slow jam*



This Works For Me...I don't care about you...

The Game Of Love - Daft Punk

Awww yeah...Look at that sultry look on...left's...face.  He knows what's up. 

Seriously though how can you have a sexy pic of guys in robot helmets?  So I went dapper.  Dapper robots rolling out the slow jams.  Mmmmmm...



A Repeat...but soooo good...

Open - Rhye

Black and white is sexy.  Ask anyone.  Deal with it.



Ya know...I've been Thinking...

Handsome Boy Modeling School - I've Been Thinking & Cat Power

I just noticed in posting that picture of Cat Power that this list is heavily weighted to the male slow jam.  Weird.  I like mostly female singers, until it comes to sexy slow music, then I guess I prefer men?  Does that make me gay?  Nah.  Boobs.  Mmmmm.  Anyway...

I really hope there is a school out there named HBMS.



1 of 2 Ultimate Slow Jamz

No Ordinary Love - Sade

Sade is the Queen of the slow jam.  She is just good mellow music for when you just wanna lay back and...relax.  See black and white = sexy.  This is just a good subtle song that I think is the perfect example of a nice slow jam. 

Awwww yeah




2 of 2 Ultimate Slow Jamz

 

Purple Rain - Prince


Ya know, I'm not a big fan of Prince.  Just not.  He has a bad attitude about his music.  I realize he has lots of fans.  He has some songs he likes.  This is mainly here because I feel it should be included because, honestly, who doesn't like this song?

Plus Erin loves him...I offset it with that sexy ass pic up there.  I think I win.



That's it for this week.  It was rather curt, but I am kind of out of it.    Hopefully next week will be better.  As usual keep business hour open...

KKNY signing off...

TTT #35: No Theme...Just Good Music...

I thought about different themes this week.  I have a couple of back logged that I could have pulled out.  I don't think those are necessarily ready yet.  So I chose to just do a playlist of songs I am really digging right now.  Some have good meaning.  Some are so new to me I only heard them less the 4 hours ago, but they made the list (I'm looking at you Bernhoft).  That's sort of why there are two of his songs on this list.  He's new and I've been jamming and dancing...with cats...

I am Kenny Tarver.  This is my life.


TTT #35 Playlist
Twitter for Spotify Playlist



Let the Dancing Begin...

How You Like Me Now - The Heavy

I think I heard this song for the first time playing Borderlands.  Possibly a commercial.  Not really sure.  But it is the perfect song to start out my list.  I need a little upbeat today.   Plus this is just a good song for shoving in some one's face.

Let's say you were just walking down the road, and group of hooligans were watching you from the shadows.  You are walking with your brand new laptop in a really fashionable bag you go got a great deal on.  You are just strutting down the road like you own the damn world.  Not giving a shit.  Then BAM the hooligans jump out and try and grab your bag.  Then you hit em with a well placed Judo chop your cousin in West Virginia taught you.  They run screaming.  This is the song over the top of that scene.  Now your ego is really inflated...calm down, they were just teenagers...



Say it People...

People Say - Portugal. The Man

This band is fairly new to me.  I learned about them from a friend that is staying with us.  So far I am really digging them.  I do have a question about their name though.  It's Portugal. The Man.  Not Portugal The Man.  Portugal. (<--note the period) The Man.  I feel like there is probably a good story behind that, one that I would like to know.

I am, however, not interested enough to go delving through pages on the Internet to find out.  I'm sure it won't be hard to find but meh.  First world problems...



These Gvys Are Jvst Wonderfvl...

The Mother We Share - Chvrches

Any long reader of the blog will know that I like a good electronic pop song.   I really dig these guys.  There is a nice little groove to it.  The only problem I have is when I go to type out Chvrches my brain stalls for half a second on that V.  I know it's coming.  I know it's there.  My brain goes NOOOO IT'S A U!!!! Every.  Single.  Time.  Chvrches.  The only time it doesn't if my brain lets me have it quick but it comes out Chvurches.  Either way, great band.




I Need A Loop Pedal

C'mon Talk - Bernhoft

I only heard this song this morning.   I knew that I was going to love it from the first few seconds.  Once you hear that "Re-Re-Re-Meh-Meh-Meh" I was sold.  Erin likes him because he has a Justin Timberlake like "flava".  She didn't use "flava" but she would, so I used it here.  It is just a jamming song.  Makes me move my shoulders...




Here Comes The Smolder

Heart's A Mess - Gotye

Yep that's Gotye of "You didn't have to cut meeee oooooff" fame.  This song and the next are both from The Great Gatsby soundtrack.  If you haven't listened to that soundtrack yet, or seen the movie for that matter, you should go do it now.  Stop reading and go.  It's great.  Great music.  Great movie.  Great everything.

That pic reminds of the scene in Tangled when the main guy character was like "ok...I didn't wanna do it...her comes the smolder..."

An off day indeed. 




My Aching Soul

Young & Beautiful - Lana Del Rey

I have told at least 5 people that I like Lana Del Rey and I have gotten flak for it 4 times.  I don't know why everyone has a hatred for her.  This song though.  This. Song.

Every once in a while a song comes into your life that you don't understand how you were able to live without it.  It just clicks in all of the notches you have allotted for great music.   It's like a key to a lock you didn't even know you wanted open.  That's how I feel about this song.  It's a beautiful song, with beautiful lyrics and a great musical track.

I think she's gorgeous, especially in that picture up there (I love the 60's and she is sporting early 60's hard).  This song is a 10/10 for me.  I don't care what anyone says.  I get me.




Just A Good Damn Song

Stay With Me - Bernhoft

This song is even newer to me than the last Bernhoft song.  I heard it for the first time about 20 minutes ago.   I don't want to say much in the even that you are listening to this song and reading at the same time.

You need to watch the video though.  Go...I understand...




This May Be Where I Lose Some Of You...

Same Love - Macklemore & Ryan Lewis

I am going to do my best to not get preachy right here.  I don't want to try and shove my views of the world on you, quite the opposite actually.   This song though, I think this song has a good message.  I actually ended up hearing this song over a year ago.  Then much later Macklemore & Ryan Lewis hit it big and then I was like "I think I recognize that name..."  I didn't make the connection until I reheard this song.

I realize that living in Louisiana there are a lot of anti Gay people.  I know that there are a lot of people that I know personally that don't agree with it.  I don't think it is something that you should disagree or agree with.  Just like I don't think anyone should tell you how to live your life, I don't think you should tell anyone how to live theirs.  Who am I to say two people aren't in love?  I am almost certain I am losing a lot of people on this one.  Ya know though, I really don't care.

I have friends who are gay.  They are good people.  I wouldn't talk to them if I didn't think they were.   Some of my best friends from high school are gay.  Some of my best friends now are gay.  I don't see anything wrong with it because it doesn't affect me in any way.  I don't think gay marriage has any affect on my life.  I don't think it has any affect on yours.  I realize that the bible says what it says.  I also realize that the bible says a lot of other rules we don't follow.  I am not knocking any one's religion, but I don't think any hate is good.  I don't care what anyone says.

I choose my friends based on their character and how we get along as people.  Not whom they hold hands and kiss.  I think we will look back at this much like people looked at the 60's and the civil rights movement.   You can't force people to act one way or the other.  It's ridiculous to think that you can make people believe what you believe.  Just believe what you believe and leave the rest of the world alone.  If you don't like people for themselves, move.

I have long hair and a beard.  I get looked at like I'm a drug addict.  Women with kids look at me like I'm a pedophile.  People who know me know that I am none of these things.  I do my best to respect everyone.  I am not trying to compare what gay people have to go through with what I have to go through but judging me based on my outward appearance is just as bad as saying all gay people are sinners and bad people.

An old band member of mine is a lesbian women with a great wife.  They have kids, they fight, they argue, they make up.  They go to practices, work, recitals.  Who are you to say their love isn't real?

I am sorry if I lost some of you on that one but I had to get it off my chest.   I just read this story.  A girl's life could be ruined because of intolerance.  Change is coming people.  Accept it.

 *steps down off the soap box*



Til next week...
KKNY signing off... 

TTT #34: Forgotten Songs of the 90's

This week I has been kind of a getting back in the swing of things kind of week for me.  So this blog may go off the rails a little bit.  I'll try and be brief.

Sometimes when you hear a song you go "Oh my god!  I forgot all about that song!!!"  Then you proceed to sing it word by word as if you were listening to it yesterday.  This week's playlist is dedicated to that feeling.  Since my formative years were in the mid to late 90's.  That's where we will be heading.  Deal? Deal.


TTT #34 Playlist
Twitter for Spotify Playlist



A Seriously Long Title & B.B. King

Standing Outside A Broken Phone Booth With Money In My Hand - Primitive Radio Gods


Wow.  I may be more tired than I realized because that took a lot longer to write out than I feel it should.   I really like this song.  The B.B. King sample.  It's mellow vibe.  I don't think I have ever heard another song by these guys.  The sad thing about a lot of bands in the 90's is they would release an album with a radio single and the rest of the music would be absolutely nothing like the popular song.   So you were left with a CD of mediocre music and one song you liked.  This led to iTunes and people not buying the deeper cuts.  It really is a sad cycle...

I'm not saying that's what these guys did...but this is the only song I have ever heard...



I Am Not A Beautfiul Freak

Novocaine For The Soul - The Eels

I can't explain why, but I always felt this guy looked like he had a lisp.  Great song either way...



A Girl Like Me?

A Girl Like You - Edwyn Collins

When I hear this song the first thing I think of is Rex Manning Day and Navy Blue underwear...




Jean Luc Picard

Banditos - The Refreshments

I'm not going to lie.  The reason I first liked this song was because he got into Mexico using a fake ID that said he was Jean Luc Picard of The United Federation of Planets.  That is just great.  Plus it's a heist.  Who doesn't love a heist?  It's also a damn fun song to play on guitar.

These guys also did the theme song to King of the Hill.  I like this much better.  And Girly.



Call back to Liv Tyler in Empire Records

In The Mean Time - Spacehog

Royston Langdon is the bass player for Spacehog.
He was married to Liv Tyler.
Who was in Super with Kevin Bacon.

BOOM! Bacon Number 2...



Sexy? Deadly...

Angry Johnny - Poe

Ya know I used to think that girl was extremely hot.  Now?  Eh.  I think now that I have more years under the belt I understand the true crazy that emanates off this song.  Now she is not sexy.  She's scary.  At a bare listen you  might think the song is kind of kinky and yeeeeeeeah.  No.  It's not.  She's going to kill him will various implements and items.  Run Johnny.  She's mad.  Real mad.  Like, calm mad.

Run.  Now.



Ahh 1 2...1 2...1 2

Six Underground - The Sneaker Pimps

I also though this girl was excessively nice looking when I was younger.  I realize that I was 14 in 1996.  That could explain for the large number of women I found attractive from the mid 90's.  This one I still find hot.  At least in that pic.  I also like the guy in the upper right, but only for comedic 90's purposes.



Clothed Eye

Naked Eye - Luscious Jackson

I think of Luscious Jackson as one of those girl empowering type bands from the 90's.  Not really like Spice Girls girl power.  More like Liz Phair.  Ya know?  Either way.  Found them all attractive.  I think I may have had too much testosterone as a youth...



Curveball

The Way - Fastball

Wheeeeere were they going without ever knowing the WAY...

Always have to accentuate the Way.  The WAY....




Challenge What The Future Holds

You Gotta Be - Des'ree

There is a lot of good advice in this song.  I was going to say you should always trust someone with an apostrophe in their name.  This would have been bad advice.  Don't do that.  Trust Des'ree.  Apostrophe's do not a good person make...




That's all for my trip back to high school and late night teenage lust.  Sorry.  I hope you liked this weeks' list.  It is going to be hard to top last week.  We had over 4,500 plays in just 7 days.  Let's see if this one will surpass that.  KKNY signing off until next week...