Mike’s July 2020 Playlist – The Dangerous Ones

1. American Skin by Bruce Springsteen (youtube)
2. Redemption Song by Macy Gray (youtube)
3. Just to See Love by Foundation (youtube)
4. Pick Myself Up by Peter Tosh (youtube)
5. Equal Rights by Peter Tosh (youtube)
6. Marcus Garvey by Sinead O’Connor (youtube)
7. The Beigeness by Kate Tempest (youtube)
8. Political World (Alternate Take) by Bob Dylan (youtube)
9. The Ghost of Tom Joad (Electric Version) by Bruce Springsteen (youtube)
10. The Dangerous Ones by Hawks and Doves (youtube)
11. Your Life Is Now by John Mellancamp (youtube)
12. Man at the Top by Bruce Springsteen (youtube)
13. Changing of the Guard by Gaslight Anthem (youtube)
14. Revolution Blues by Israel Nash (youtube)
15. Sail Away by Randy Newman (youtube)
    Listener feedback opportunity: here's a link to Linda Ronstadt’s cover version, send me your vote on which one you prefer. (youtube)
    There’s also a Ray Charles version (youtube)
16. Running on Faith by Eric Clapton (youtube)

Play all - including alternate tracks (on youtube (with ads))

Mike’s May 2020 Playlist – I Wanna Be Sedated

1. I Wanna Be Sedated by Imaginary Future (youtube)
2. I Can’t Help Myself by Clementine Duo (youtube)
3. The Chain by Toothgrinder (youtube)
   Listener feedback opportunity: here's a video of the other version of The Chain I was considering; which one do you prefer? (youtube)
4. 500 Miles by Down By Law (youtube)
5. Luka by Lee Avril (youtube)
6. Psycho by Michael Ray (youtube)
7. Eminence Front by Milow the Girl (youtube)
8. Call Me by In This Moment (youtube)
9. Dreaming by Katy Goodman & Greta Morgan (youtube)
10. Brown Eyed Girl by Faith Vegas (youtube)
11. Heroes by Hollywood Vampires (youtube)
12. China Girl by Pete Yorn (youtube)
13. Let It Be by Chrissie Hynde (youtube)
    Listener feedback opportunity: here's a video of the other version of Let It Be I was considering; which one do you prefer? (youtube)
14. Say My Name by Hozier (youtube)
15. Turn the Page by Metallica (youtube)
16. Losing My Religion by Dia Frampton (youtube)
17. Born to Be Wild (Acoustic) by Vinyl Hotel (youtube)
18. Lola by The Raincoats (youtube)
    
    Bonus: Jimmy Fallon & mystery guest performing Gov Christie Traffic Jam. (youtube)

Play on youtube - Main tracks (may have ads)

Mike’s May 2020 Playlist – Left of the Dial

1. Sweet Home Alabama (Acoustic) by Lynyrd Skynyrd (youtube)
2. Rebels (Alternate 1985) by Tom Petty (youtube)
3. Dancing with the Women at the Bar by Whiskeytown (youtube)
4. Miniskirt (Alternate) by The Sleepy Jackson (youtube)
5. You Don’t Love Me Yet by The Vulgar Boatmen (youtube)
6. The Cowboy Song by Sad Bastards of Brooklyn (youtube)
7. Here Comes a Regular by Sad Bastards of Brooklyn (youtube)
8. Left of the Dial by Seventeen Excuses (youtube)
9. Left of the Dial by I Like Dinner (youtube)
10. Achin’ to Be by Todd Thibaud (youtube)
11. Bastards of Young by Katy Goodman & Greta Morgan (youtube)
12. Dark Angel by GospelbeacH (youtube)
13. Jennifer Save Me by Golden Smog (youtube)
14. Until You Came Along by Golden Smog (youtube)
15. Speed of the Sound of Loneliness by Nanci Griffith (youtube)
16. Dead On by Jesse Malin & Lucinda Williams (youtube)

Play all on YouTube (may get ads)

Mike’s May 2020 Playlist – Passionate Kisses

1. It’s So Easy by Zooey Deschanel (youtube)
2. Mary Jane (Acoustic) by The Vulgar Boatmen (youtube)
3. Oh Canada by Nadia Reid (youtube)
4. Passionate Kisses by Lucinda Williams (youtube)
5. Arkadelphia by Waxahatchee (youtube)
6. Can’t Do Much by Waxahatchee (youtube)
7. Open Your Eyes (Reworked) by Snow Patrol (youtube)
8. Nothing To Be Done by The Pastels (youtube)
9. Girls, Girls, Girls by Ana Egge (youtube)
10. Waterloo Sunset by Cathy Dennis (youtube)
11. Ode to LA by The Raveonettes (youtube)
12. Railroad Man by Eels (Live at Town Hall) (youtube)
13. Kathleen (Acoustic) by Josh Ritter (youtube)
14. The Lucky One by Alison Krauss (youtube)
15. Rain Roll In by Eilen Jewell (youtube)
16. High & Lonely by Nadia Reid (youtube)
17. Random Rules by Silver Jews (youtube)
18. Things the Grandchildren Should Know (youtube)

Play all on YouTube (may get ads)

Mike’s April 2013 Sampler – Beyond Regret

1. For Emma [live on Laundromatinee] by Bon Iver – The studio version of this song, from the album For Emma Forever Ago, was the first Bon Iver song I even got remotely interested in and even so, just barely.  However, upon repeated listening, the sheer depth of regret and loss expressed so concisely in so few words and communicated mostly by the pained inflection in Justin Vernon’s voice eventually made this my favorite song of last year and this year.  Even more surprising was how Justin has turned out radically different arrangements of the same song that each channel the same feelings of missed opportunities and what might have been in uniquely different ways.  Here are two versions back to back with YouTube links to follow along, see where your mind takes you if you let yourself get lost in the song…

So apropos, Saw death on a sunny snow
Him: "For every life..."
Her: "Forgo the parable."
Him: "Seek the light."
Her: "...My knees are cold."
(Running home, running home, running home, running home...)

Her: "Go find another lover;
To bring and.to string along!"
"For all your lies,
You're still very lovable."
Him: "I toured the light;
so many foreign roads
for Emma, forever ago."

           https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5VbEWj7Ihzs

2. For Emma [live on Myspace Transmissions] by Bon Iver – A drum and piano version.

           https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6S__IpVpSQ

3. Too Deep by J Mascis – Try listening along to this lament from the Dinosaur Jr frontman and you might think this is a similar song of sadness and loss over revisiting a past love, but then go back and imagine that he may have never even spoken to the object of his attention and now we’re talking a whole ‘nother level of regret.

I saw You
I saw You
I saw everything in a motion
I saw why it's left unspoken
I crawled out
I crawled out
I'll do better than the last time
Got so much more than my mind
I saw You
I saw You
I saw You
I know why I went to see it
Still not sure what I believe in
I walked in
I walked in
Is this the time I'll understand
Will it pass right through my hand
Till I see You
Said I'm the one who knows
Said I'm the one who knows
Please don't speak of it no more
Been left out starting to show
I just stare but not a peep
You walk by it gets too deep
Turn the stick into my soul
Hasn't changed much getting old
I saw You
I saw You
I saw You

4. Rebound by Sebadoh – Sebadoh is the solo vehicle for Lou Barlow, J Mascis’ partner, foil and nemesis in the on again, off again collaboration that is Dinosaur Jr.  Lou always imparts a more hopeful tone to his singing but is nonetheless sensitive and reflective so it’s really not surprising that two such introverted, introspective souls had such trouble keeping a band together.  Here he seems much more inclined to move on to the next relationship than to look backward, but he’d be lying if he pretended he wasn’t leaving a little regret behind.

Heart-broken and attractive
A sad, sloppy mess
Lookin' for approval
And easily impressed
Beware they say, but why would I listen
When it feels this good?
No one lives their life
Doing all the things they say they should
Confusion turns me upside down
Lost as quickly as I'm found
But soon enough it turns around
On the rebound

Call it fate or true love
Never forced romance
Fell into a new love
Maybe perfect love by chance
Beware they say, but why would I listen?
I need to know what I've been missin'
I'm no one you can trust
All little boy lonely with curious lust
Confusion turns me upside down
Lost as quickly as I'm found
But soon enough it turns around
On the rebound, on the rebound
On the rebound, on the rebound

5. Magnet’s Coil by Sebadoh – Recognizing that you’re just wound too tight is half the battle.

6. Skull by Sebadoh – There is a wistfulness in Lou’s singing here that creates the hook for the song as much as the spot-on lyrics.  Great lo-fi video as well: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFniGEsV3Qs

There is history in this place
There are dragons to be chased
And though I don't know who you are
An easy flow and a strong, a strong heart
And the charm in the way you hide
Gently take my skull for a ride
And I don't know who you are
But I know what I would like you to be
A one-night stand under stoned persuasion
But a joy that I can't hide
Gently take my skull for a ride

We can never ever go too far
The pain we can't escape at least will wait
So let's go quickly, no we go slow
Let's go chasing dragons through the snow
Kindly take my all
And give me all you have
Gently take my skull for a ride
Take and shake your soul
But never lose control
Gently take your skull for a ride

7. Water Surrounds by The Mendoza Line – Foreshadowing the unfortunate, untimely breakup of their band and relationship, sadness pervades this quiet tune from their penultimate album Full of Light Full of Fire.

Bored to tears with my novel and this music
I clean the sheets each week,
the bed that nobody uses

And I can't tell the others what I feel
That I sometimes see the light, but Satan's real
I feel his burning rage

A small crack in the door turns to twelve inches
A soft rub on the back becomes two pinches
And I can't tell the mothers what I've done

But if God made me mother,
he made my son to cry out in the dark
Hold out your arms, boy, you need me

There's a tear in the free paper, crack in the (?)
A room with my new lover, the anteroom of hell

And I can't tell my lover what I've seen
The continents drifted in my dreams
An emptiness abounds and water surrounds
…my last feeling

8. Heading for the Fair by Saint Etienne – Sarah Cracknell and the band chip in with as much regret as you can express over synthesizers and a churning beat but there’s no mistaking the wistfulness behind the music.

Lights, I see them far away
There's so many lights
The colours and the voices drift my way

I see you once again
It's been a long, long year
But I believe we haven't changed since then

I'll maybe hold your hand
And then spin me round again
The way you have so often in my dreams

My mama said don't go
There's nothing for you there
I stroll across the road
I'm heading for the fair
The music, endless sound
Of candy floss and love (love, love, love, love, love)

Please don't go
The sin, the darkness, baby, I know
He'll say that it's forever (love, love, love)
And he'll be back
So he can be with you

Round and round I'm spinning
Softly velvet touch my cheek
I think of you
Tried to catch your eye in vain
I'm giving out
You're spinning out of view

I see you once again
It's been a long, long year
But I believe we haven't changed since then

My mama said don't go
There's nothing for you there
I stroll across the road
I'm heading for the fair
The music endless sound
Of candy floss and love (love, love, love, love, love)

Please don't go
The sin, the darkness baby I know
He'll say that it's forever
And he'll be back
So he can be with you

Round and round I'm spinning
Softly velvet touch my cheek
I think of you
Tried to catch your eye in vain
I'm giving out
You're spinning out of view

Round and round I'm spinning
Softly velvet touch my cheek
I think of you
Watch you walk away in vain
I'm giving out
You're spinning out of view

9. Slow and Steady (Live on KEXP) by Of Monsters and Men – A live version of this quiet, introspective cut from their debut album, it shows off the varied instrumentation and relaxed vibe of the band. The Youtube link below is for this live performance, but there also is another “outdoor” version featured for a Right Guard Off Guard Gig out there too: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-jee3voi2Zk.

The lights go out, I am all alone
All the trees outside are buried in the snow
I spend my night dancing with my own shadow
And it holds me and it never lets me go

I move slow and steady
But I feel like a waterfall
Yeah, I move slow and steady
Past the ones that I used to know

My dear old friend, take me for a spin
Two wolves in the dark, running in the wind
I'm letting go, but I've never felt better
Passing by all the monsters in my head

And I'm never ready
'Cause I know, I know, I know
That time won't let me
Show what I want to show

And I'm never ready
'Cause I know, I know, I know
That time won't let me
Show what I want to show

10. Western sky by American Music Club – Nobody can do regret and heartbreak like Mark Eitzel, who really hit his stride in the early days with the American Music Club like on this heart-rending cut from the out of print classic California.  I originally was going to include the version from the even harder to find promo Live at Slim’s(now a bonus 19th cut!) but figured a gentler introduction to this classic was warranted for the uninitiated.

11. Circle of Friends [live at Pitchfork] by J Mascis – J has penned many notable loner/loser tales of woe and regret, such as Severed Lips which was poignantly covered by Juliana Hatfield, but in somewhat of a reversal, he takes a turn at Edie Brickell’s Circle which he makes his very own in this live recording at the Pitchfork studios:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aeerDM8xrj8

Me, I'm a part of your circle of friends
and we notice you don't come around
Me, I think it all depends
on you touching ground with us.
But, I quit. I give up.
Nothing's good enough for anybody else
it seems.
And I quit. I give up.
Nothing's good enough for anybody else
it seems.

And being alone
is the best way to be.
When I'm by myself it's
the best way to be.
When I'm all alone it's
the best way to be.
When I'm by myself
nobody else can say goodbye.

Everything is temporary anyway.
When the streets are wet --
the colors slip into the sky.
But I don't know why that means you and I are
- that means you and....
I quit -- I give up.
Nothin's good enough for anybody else it seems.
But I quit. I give up.
Nothing's good enough for anybody else it seems.

And being alone
is the best way to be.
When I'm by myself it's
the best way to be.
When I'm all alone it's
the best way to be.
When I'm by myself
nobody else can say...

Me, I'm a part of your circle of friends
and we notice you don't come around.

Halalalalalala

12. Seen It All by Jake Bugg – Another precocious UK teen already ready to declare he’s seen it all at the ripe old age of nineteen.

13. Rock and Roll by Juliana Hatfield – Doing her best to jolt us back out of the doldrums of regret, Juliana reprises the other signature tune by Jimmy Page’s old band on her new covers album appropriately titled Juliana Hatfield.  Could not find a video of this cover, however I did find a killer cover of It’s Only Rock and Roll which I can’t help but include here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M4RN83ixbeA

14. I’m Not Sayin’ by the Replacements – It’s hard not to celebrate boisterous new music from the Mats, although sad circumstances brought the boys back together for what is likely a one-off benefit EP to benefit former guitarist Slim Dunlap who suffered a stroke last year.  My favorite is their choice of this Gordon Lightfoot cover which spot on nails the sentiment that’s always carried the band and made them so teasingly appealing, that they never aimed to please, but they tried!

I’m not sayin that I love you
I’m not sayin that I care
If you love me
I’m not sayin that I care, I’m not sayin I’ll be there
If you want me

I can’t give my heart to you
And tell you that I’ll sing your name
Until the sky
I can’t promise to be down
And I’ll always be around if you need me

May not be alone each time you see me
Out in the street or in a small café
Still I won’t deny
Or mistreat you
Baby if you let me have my way

I’m not sayin I’ll be sorry
For all the things that I might say
That make you cry
I can’t say I’ll always do
The things you want me to
I’m not sayin I’ll be true but I’ll try

I may not be home when you see me
Or show up when I promised I would
Said I won’t deny or mistreat you
Baby if you love me like you should

I’m not sayin I’ll be sorry
For all the things that I might say
That make you cry
I can’t say I’ll always do
The things you want me to
I’m not sayin I’ll be true but I’ll try

I can’t say I’ll always do
The things you want me to
I’m not sayin I’ll be true but I’ll try

Don’t try

15. As Long As You Come Home Tonight by Go-Kart Mozart – Found this on Uncut’s Best of 2012 CD.

16. Come Home (live at WNRN 91.9) by Bess Rogers – Not exactly sure where I came across Bess, expect that this cut popped up on my “unplayed” playlist on a long plane ride home and caught my ear.  She has an “official” video for it, but I like the live in the studio at WNRN 91.9 video better: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GfST2RurB1A

17. Nowhere is Home by Dexys – If you haven’t already noticed, the end of this CD slowly devolved into a“coming home” theme which naturally lead to this response from Dexys, who won significant acclaim for their 2012 comeback album One Day I’m Going to Soar, only 27 years in the making since their last release.  Nowhere is home, indeed!

18. Nothing But Time by Cat Power – Chan Marshall closes out the set with her opus from last year’s Sun which, fittingly, put the closing touches on her broken marriage in a way that allowed her to move on with her life.  Nothing like channeling your inner David Bowie, circa Low/Heroes, to cleanse the soul, with a little help from Iggy Pop and his Thin White Duke baritone.  No regrets allowed.

Mike’s January 2013 Sampler – The Wedding Dance

1. Last Christmas by Florence and the Machine – Found this one too late to make my second Christmas sampler but it very quickly grew on me so had to include it here along with a better YouTube link of Florence performing it live.  I love the informality of it, particularly where she’s sneaking looks at her crib-sheet lyrics while still delivering what I consider to be the definitive performance of the oft-covered tune.  See for yourself!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Py30XbvMbh8

2. Dance Me to the End of Love (live in London) by Leonard Cohen – I highly recommend Leonard’s Live in London album which documents his return to the road to recover the losses from his manager embezzling much of his fortune.  What is so striking is the genuine joy and heart he brings to his performances which you can see in his mannerisms and in his humble and sincere banter with the audience.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHwFySNlM-c

3. I’m Your Man (live in London) by Leonard Cohen – The live performances also showcase the supple and textured support that the excellent touring band he put together lends to familiar tunes that make them come alive anew and he even tacks on a bit of the poetry that initially brought him fame.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKjSr1zOTq0&feature=endscreen&NR=1

4. Queen of England by the Mendoza Line - So of course I’m disappointed that the Mendoza line dissolved in marital disharmony but Timothy Bracy and Shannon McArdle left us a thoughtful introspective of the evolution of a relationship through this three song journey across their various musical incarnations.  Queen of England, recorded as part of the Mendoza Line’s Sent Down to AA album, reflects back on the beginnings of an “over-appraised” relationship sung wearily by Tim with the very subtle backing from Shannon seeming to be her quiet acknowledgement of the innocence and optimism she started out with. Not everyone is confident enough to reference Blood on the Tracks, but Tim’s spot on lyrics more than meet the challenge.

So, you thought you were in love
​Just 'Cause I bought you pancakes
​Call it an honest mistake
​But for God's sake don't call it love

So, you thought you were turned on
​Just 'cause I got you wasted
​And you over-appraised it
​When you told your friend you were in love

And you recognize, of course
​That all this is just a sham
​And I'm not an artist
​And I'm no one's idea of a man

You were a little engine that might
​Might make all these little things right
​But if I don't see you tonight
​Say hi to the Queen of England

So you thought we should've stayed friends
​But I didn't think so
​But you wouldn't take no for an answer
​You kept on asking why

So I said I wanted you
​But I didn't mean it
​I just liked to see if
​I could say those things
​And look you in the eye

​And you recognize, of course
​That all this is just a sham
​He's not an artist
​And I'm no one's idea of a man

You were the little engine that could
​Make all these awful things good
​But you never said you would
​Help out the Queen of England

You recognize, of course
​That all this is just for laughs
​'Cause I've been his lover
​And he don't really talk like that

You were the little engine that cracked
​But that isn't blood on the tracks
​Should you want your innocence back
​Go ask the Queen of England

Should you want your innocence back
​Go ask the Queen of England

5. Wedding Dance by Slow Dazzle – Slow Dazzle was a side project from the Mendoza Line for just Timothy and Shannon for songs that didn’t fit.  Over a haunting bass line that echoes the memorable theme from Twin Peaks (an old TV favorite of mine), Shannon lays out the battlefield that their marriage was waged over.

They claimed two years ago they changed the name
​But that green and rusted street sign reads the same
​I thought you’d come around and sign the sheets
​But my last name just don’t make yours complete

The mothers set me up I had no chance
​She turned her back and cursed our wedding day
​I tripped and fell into the boiling rage
​Led by men who slipped right through her cage

I hope that we’re not lying here tomorrow
​Cause I know I’m not gonna do a thing
​Without a push, without a shake
​Until that bridge between us splinters until it breaks

I heard desperation in my hand
​Tried to dump it into foreign land
​You squeezed disgust and lust between your knees
​That just can’t wash off in far off seas

I hope that we’re not lying here tomorrow
​Cause I know I’m not gonna do a thing
​With this weight, with all these days
​With all these changes we promised we would make

6. Poison My Cup by Shannon McArdle – Finally, Shannon pushes on alone on her excellent solo album, Summer of the Whore, which finds her dealing with the emotions of being blindsided by the breakup of their marriage.

Can’t carry all my baggage honey
​What’s a girl to do?
​I know I’ve done enough damage buddy
​But I’m not through, I’m not through

7. Re: Stacks by Bon Iver – No answer from Tim so far so I looked back to Bon Iver’s debut For Emma, Forever Ago and found a tune I didn’t get into the first go around that gives the guy’s side on a relationship gone south.  Justin uses gambling analogies for the loss of love as he hits bottom.  It’s the album closer that puts the finishing touch and closure for the lost love yearned for in For Emma, my favorite song on the album, and allows Justin to keep and appreciate the memory while finally moving on.

This my excavation and today is Kumran
​Everything that happens is from now on
​This is pouring rain
​This is paralyzed

I keep throwing it down two hundred at a time
​It's hard to find it when you knew it
​When your money's gone
​And you're drunk as hell

[chorus] On your back with your racks
​as the stacks as your load
​In the back and the racks and the stacks are your load
​In the back with your racks
​and you're unstacking your load

I've been twisting to the sun I needed to replace
​The fountain in the front yard is rusted out
​All my love was down
​In a frozen ground

There's a black crow sitting across from me
​his wiry legs are crossed
​And he's dangling my keys he even fakes a toss
​Whatever could it be
​That has brought me to this loss?

This is not the sound of a new man or crispy realization
​It's the sound of the unlocking and the lift away
​Your love will be
​Safe with me

8. Yellow by Brooke White – Brooke’s debut album preceded her appearance on American idol but was re-released after the season, but it was on the American idol tour that this Coldplay cover reached its full color potential as evidenced by this YouTube video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8p6DUKD-oWc

9. Dream On by Brooke White – I liked Yellow better, but this remake of the Aerosmith classic was also a pretty good changeup of the original without the Steven Tyler histrionics.

10. American Girl by Taylor Swift – Taylor worked her way onto several 2012 best of lists with Red in which she begins to diversify her musical styles.  I’ll give her a nod for this creditable cover of the Tom Petty classic.

11. Rhiannon by Best Coast – Bethany Cosentino’s band also made several 2012 best of lists with The Only Place but they caught my ear with this no-frills version of the Stevie Nicks classic that actually brings the lyrics to the front out from behind all of Stevie’s veils and scarves.

12. Silver Springs by Lykke Li – Taken from the same tribute album, Just Tell Me That You Want Me: A Tribute To Fleetwood Mac, as Rhiannon, Lykke brings a real ethereal quality to another Stevie Nicks tune.

You could be my silver spring
Blue-green colors flashing
I would be your only dream
Your shining autumn ocean crashing

Don't say that she's pretty
And did you say that she loved you
Baby I don't want to know

So I begin not to love you
Turn 'round, see me running
I say I loved you years ago
But tell myself you never loved me no

And don't say that she's pretty
And did you say that she loved you
Baby I don't want to know

Oh no
And can you tell me was it worth it
Baby I don't want to know

Time cast a spell on you
But you won't forget me
I know I could have loved you
But you would not let me

Time cast a spell on you
But you won't forget me
I know I could have loved you
But you would not let me

I follow you down 'till the sound 
Of my voice will haunt you
(Give me just a chance)
You'll never get away from the sound
Of the woman who loves you
(Was I just a fool)

I follow you down 'till the sound 
Of my voice will haunt you
(Give me just a chance)
You'll never get away from the sound
Of the woman who loves you
(Was I just a fool)

13. Gypsy by Gardens & Villa – I thought this was one of the highlights of the Mac tribute, starting out with a flute in a misty garden and ultimately giving the song an identity separate from Stevie’s gypsy persona.  

14. What Will Be Will Be by Allo, Darlin’ – Another cut from my current favorite band, this one reaches back to their eponymous debut album for a completely different take on the old Que Sera Sera refrain that even gives one of Elizabeth Morris’ bandmates a vocal turn.  Definitely not your father’s Doris Day.

15. Amy by Green Day – Another cut from Dos!, a sad goodbye to Amy Winehouse from Billie Joe Armstrong, whose latest exploits that landed him in rehab indicate may have more in common with Amy than he should for his own good.

Is your heart singing out of tune
Are your eyes just singing the blues
Dirty records from another time
Some blood stains on your shoes

No one really knows about your soul
And I barely really know your name
Burning rhythms and posting lies
And a bunch of fools drown in shame

Amy don't you go
I want you around
Singin' woah, please don't go
Do you wanna be a friend of mine?
Do you wanna be a friend of mine?

Did you tattoo a lucky charm
To keep you out of harms way?
Warding off all evil signs
But it never really kept you safe

Now you're too young for the golden age
'Cause the record bin's been replaced
Twenty seven, gone without a trace
And you walked away from your drink

Amy don't you go
I want you around
Singin' woah, please don't go
Do you wanna be a friend of mine?
Do you wanna be a friend of mine?

Amy please don't go
Amy please don't go

Is your heart singing out of tune
Are you eyes just singing the blues?
Dirty records from another time
Some blood stains on your shoes

May I have this last dance
By chance if we should meet?
Can you write me a lullaby?
So we can sing you to sleep

Amy don't you go
I want you around
Singin' woah, please don't go
Do you wanna be a friend of mine?
Do you wanna be a friend of mine?
Do you wanna be a friend of mine?

Mike's January 2013 Sampler - Best of 2012

As in past years, you’ve already sampled many of the songs that I think were the best individual songs of 2012 throughout the past year’s samplers so this sampler tries to focus on cuts from the best albums of the year.  Overall, my favorite albums for 2012 were My Head is An Animal by Of Monsters and Men, Europe by Allo, Darlin’ and Old Ideas by Leonard Cohen with Observator by the Raveonettes, Port of Marrow by the Shins and Green Day’s trio of Uno! Dos! Tre! also deserving a mention.

1. Manhattan by Cat Power – On this year’s Sun Chan Marshall steps out from behind the covers she has brought new life to in the past (New York, New York etc) to take a new stylistic direction while examining the breakup of her marriage.  Confronting being replaced by a “useful woman” is just part of the moving on process.

The hotel above and the street below
​People come and people go
​All the friends that we used to know

Ain't coming back, Ain't coming back, Ain't coming back

You say your heart has a rhythm
​Well see you got your secret on
​You say hey and nothing to hide
​You and your secret life

Don't look at the moon tonight
​You'll never be never be never be Manhattan
​Don't look at the moon tonight
​You can never be never be never be never be Manhattan

Your badge and your suitcase on
​Your suit and your hair's not right
​Cause nobody knows this woman by your side

It's not me you know,
​it's a useful woman by your side
​It's not me you know,
​it's a useful woman by your side
​Manhattan

See your heart has a rhythm
​Well see you got your secret on
​She say hey and nothing to hide
​You and your secret life

Don't look at the moon tonight
​You'll never be never be never be Manhattan
​Don't look at the moon tonight
​You can never be never be never be never be Manhattan

See your heart has a rhythm
​You got your secret on
​And you say you got nothing to hide
​You, you, you and your secret life

You'll never be never be never be Manhattan
​Hollerin' at me hollerin' at you
​Hollerin' at me hollerin' at you

​Liberty in the basement light
​Free speech, lipstick and the moonlight
​Howling to get me, howlin’ to get you
​In Harlem, in a dark back room
​Dancing to a different tune
​Howling at me, howling at you

2. Rocky Ground by Bruce Springsteen – Surprisingly, it took me until the end of the year to give Bruce’s latest a listen because it is always so hard and somewhat unfair to compare what he’s done recently to his peak when he wrote and sang about exactly the right things at the right moment for a generation coming of age.  We’re all older and sadly, more jaded now, but Wrecking Ball is much better than I expected, particularly on songs like Rocky Ground where he shares the spotlight with Michelle Moore and updates his style to suit the times without losing any of his trademark everyman sincerity.

3. Heart of a Girl by The Killers – Brandon Flowers and the Killers often get referred to as Springsteen for the new generation.  I don’t quite see it that way but I give them credit for writing tunes that catch my ear while stretching beyond my usual tastes like this one from this year’s Battle Born.  

4. Lazy Bones by Green Day – Audaciously, Green Day released three albums, Uno! Dos! and Tre!, in rapid fashion in 2012, eschewing the high-mindedness of their previous “concept” albums for straight out rock and roll.  Influences abound, (those are the strains of the Smithereen’s “Behind the Wall of Sleep” you hear in this one if you find that driving you crazy) but you really can’t argue with the results. Cool fan-made video since there’s no official video for Lazy Bones (Flash required) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-caS0MmTnxo

5. Fell For You by Green Day – My favorite cut from Uno!  There’s an “official” video for this one, but nowhere near as interesting or intriguing as the one for the leadoff single Oh Love.

6. It’s Time by Imagine Dragon – Their album Night Visions showed up on Amazon’s best of 2012 lists so I gave it a listen and found this semi-anthem to my liking.  Also found a cool complementary acoustic live version on YouTube for your viewing pleasure http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6CskHY7k3vo.  

7. My Love is Winter by Smashing Pumpkins – Billy Corgan returns with a new batch of Pumpkins on this year’s Oceania but the same grandiose, soaring tunes that we remember from 1979 (the song, not the year).

8. No Way Down by The Shins – Similarly, James Mercer made Port of Marrow with a whole new supporting cast but chose to stick with the Shins moniker for continuity and doesn’t miss a beat with the classic Shin’s sound.

9. 40 Mark Strasse by The Shins – Switching gears, the Shins show they can do slow introspective music as well.

10. Your Bones by Of Monsters and Men – Their eponymous debut album was packed with tuneful, offbeat music that clearly struck a key with me as you’ve already heard on several of this year’s samplers.  This is one of the few that Ragnar pretty much takes over with just subtle backing from Nana.

11. Different Sides by Leonard Cohen – Another album I didn’t get around to until the end of the year, surprising as I’ve always been a big Leonard fan.  Now that I’ve given him a good listen, I think Old Ideas is another contender.

We find ourselves on different sides
Of a line nobody drew
Though it all may be one in the higher eye
Down here where we live it is two

I to my side call the meek and the mild
You to your side call the Word
By virtue of suffering I claim to have won
You claim to have never been heard

Both of us say there are laws to obey
But frankly I don’t like your tone
You want to change the way I make love
I want to leave it alone

The pull of the moon, the thrust of the sun
And thus the ocean is crossed
The waters are blessed while a shadowy guest
Kindles a light for the lost

Both of us say there are laws to obey
But frankly I don’t like your tone
You want to change the way I make love
I want to leave it alone

Down in the valley the famine goes on
The famine up on the hill
I say that you shouldn’t, you couldn’t, you can’t
You say that you must and you will

Both of us say there are laws to obey
But frankly I don’t like your tone
You want to change the way I make love
I want to leave it alone

You want to live where the suffering is
I want to get out of town
C’mon baby give me a kiss
Stop writing everything down

Both of us say there are laws to obey
Yeah, but frankly I don’t like your tone
You want to change the way I make love
I want to leave it alone

(repeat)

12. Darkness by Leonard Cohen – Leonard has brought along the excellent touring band he put together for the tours he’s been doing back since returning from the monastery a few years back and they help provide a varied sonic background for Leonard’s ruminations.

13. The Enemy by The Raveonettes – Sharin Foo steps out alone from behind the usual Jesus and Mary Chain wall of sound backdrop on this tuneful change of pace cut from 2012’s excellent Observator.  Interestingly, in their artist’s bio on Amazon bandleader Sune Rose Wagner writes that Observator was intended to be the duo’s “LA album” but he lost his way during his stay in Venice Beach and Hollywood.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1OGtnVR69nE

14. Observations by The Raveonettes – Sune joins Sharin for their trademark harmonies on this somewhat spacey number which again is a departure from their usual distortion-based backing.

15. Fiction by The XX – In similar fashion, on this cut from Coexist, the second album from the XX, Oliver Sim goes solo without Romy Madley-Croft but don’t despair (although you can’t help it with the tone from most of the album’s tunes) as they do team up for their trademark duets on most of the other cuts on the album.  Had to include this offbeat video for Chained, which narrowly got beat out by Fiction for this sampler check it out athttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DD7IwXWfDW4.

16. Tonight by Saint Etienne – Couldn’t help including a cut from personal and cult favorite Saint Etienne’s latest album, Words and Music by Saint Etienne.  Can’t quite put my finger on what it is that is appealing about their music, which I’ve followed since 2000’s So Tough, but if you checkout the fan reviews on Amazon you’ll see I'm not the only one who they appeal to.  See what you think.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UEWEAqNR2XQ

17. Some People Say (alternate) by Allo, Darlin’ – Since four songs from Europe made this year’s samplers, you can surmise that Allo, Darlin’ was one of my finds for the year.  This alternate take of a song you’ve heard before show a poppy, upbeat and optimistic song can be completely transformed with slower pace and phrasing to perhaps reveal the true insecurity, caution and almost paralyzing trepidation that is part of the territory with falling in love. Found a YouTube video of a live performance that strikes the balance in the middle ground where most of us end up http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xFU5HnLa0o.   Happy listening for 2013!

Mike's December 2012 Sampler – Christmas Alternatives

Took a while to gather up enough new tracks for a second set of not your usual Christmas songs.  Hope these brighten your spirits and expand your horizons.  Happy Listening!

1. Holy Mother by Eric Clapton with Luciano Pavarotti – When I first heard of this unexpected collaboration, I thought it sure took guts on Clapton’s part to trade vocals with the famed tenor.  However, as I think you’ll agree, Eric more than holds his own through the sheer humanity of his vocals which, as always, carries the weight of a life that bore both the fruit and burden of immense talent and tragic loss.  Just as surprising was how well Luciano’s vocals played off Eric’s tasty guitar solos.  Not a mash up, yet the mother of all mash ups. Captured in video for YouTube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AmfIDQGVqQc

2. The Christmas Song (Alternate Version) by the Raveonettes – An acoustic reprise of the Raveonettes’ cover of a Christmas classic to cleanse the palate. On  amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00689KFL6/

3. Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) by the Raveonettes – Here the Raveonettes do a great lo-fi version of what probably is my favorite Christmas song.  I’m drawn to almost all renditions of this classic, but I think you’ll agree they put a special twist on it. Bonus Death Cab for Cutie video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bjj5fWZbelM&feature=fvwrel

4. Come on Santa by the Raveonettes – Aiming to shoot the moon, the Raveonettes then come up with this brilliant update of the old “mommy kissing Santa Claus riff” letting us in on what she’s saying to him in between.

C'mon Santa make me feel all right
Bring me snow on this Christmas night 
This time is ours
You and me baby
Turn on the lights
They're all so pretty
​Then you give to me
The greatest gift of all
Your love to me tonight
Then I feel okay
Then I feel okay 
The tree looks beautiful
The lights are in your eyes
Stay forever
Here on this cold night 
Then you give to me
The greatest gift of all
Your love to me tonight
Then I feel okay
​Then I feel okay

5. Better Days (Acoustic) by the Goo Goo Dolls – Maybe only a Christmas song because it was included in the Christmas compilation “Gift Wrapped II: Snowed In” but its hopeful universal sentiments certainly fit the mold.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-kHleNYIDc

And you asked me what I want this year
And I'll try to make this kind and clear
Just a chance that maybe we'll find better days 
'Cause I don't need boxes wrapped in strings
In designer love and empty things
Just a chance that maybe we'll find better days 
So take these words and sing out loud
‘Cause everyone is forgiven now
‘Cause tonight's the night the world begins again 
I need someplace simple where we could live
And something only you can give
And that's faith and trust and peace while we're alive 
And the one poor child who saved this world
And there's 10 million more who probably could
If we all just stopped and said a prayer for them 
So take these words and sing out loud
‘Cause everyone is forgiven now
‘Cause tonight's the night the world begins again 
I wish everyone was loved tonight
And somehow stop this endless fight
Just a chance that maybe we'll find better days 
So take these words and sing out loud
‘Cause everyone is forgiven now
‘Cause tonight's the night the world begins again 
‘Cause tonight's the night the world begins again

6. Angel, Won’t You Call Me by the Decemberists – Again, maybe only Christmas-y due to the references to angels, but again my favorite “transported out of their time in history” band contributed it to the “Alternative Rock X-mas” compilation so that’s good enough for me.

7. Merry Christmas Everybody by Oasis – Liam and Noel Gallagher chip in with their Christmas sentiments, ironic in that Oasis had so much promise but ultimately was done in by a lack of brotherly love.

8. A Snowflake Fell (and it felt like a kiss) by Glasvegas – Scottish Christmas wishes from a band with a lot of heart and soul and completely indecipherable lyrics.  But at least you know that they mean it. Check out the cool Sims 2 video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=469J19oMho8

9. Christmas Without You by OneRepublic – One of the first bands to take the social media route to fortune and fame, they initially made their mark on MySpace (remember that?) and then took off once they actually signed to a real record label.

10. Only You Can Bring Me Cheer by Alison Krauss – For all her achievements in the bluegrass world and the recognition that should have come from landing a song on the Buffy the Vampire Slayer soundtrack, I have to admit I did not know who she was until she collaborated with Robert Plant on their joint release Rising Sand.  Cool, sophisticated music.

11. Christmas in the Sand by Colbie Caillat – Had to throw this in to acknowledge most of us will not be having a white Christmas this year or any year.

12. Mistletoe by Colbie Caillat – Second song off the Christmas in the Sand album from local girl (Malibu) makes good story, sobering to realize she’s the same age as Julie.  Kind of like realizing that Russell Westbrook is Joey’s age and played in the same high school league while at Leuzinger High School.

13. River by Linda Ronstadt – From Linda’s “A Merry Little Christmas” album, I prefer her version of this quiet reflection over the covers of the various usual suspects, although her crystal clear vocal makes everything listenable.

14. Winter Song by Sara Bareilles & Ingrid Michaelson – From the Christmas compilation “The Hotel Café presents... Winter Songs”

15. Silver Bells by Meaghan Smith – I thought Meaghan’s version of “Here Comes Your Man” was the best song on the “500 Days of Summer” soundtrack even though it did not make it into the movie in lieu of an aborted karaoke version by Zooey.  Here she applies her throwback vocals to another Christmas classic.

16. My Only Wish This Year by Britney Spears – Yes, this one’s for all of you American Idol/X-Factor fans.

17. Let It Snow by Luscious Jackson – I remember Luscious Jackson recording this for a GAP commercial that they subsequently appeared in, showing off their style as well.

18. Deck the Halls by R.E.M. – Instrumental take with their trademark jangly guitars.

19. We Three Kings by Straight No Chaser – This one’s for a cappella fans from one of two holiday albums from this instrument-less group.  I was surprised that Yoko and her Japanese chorus friends were already familiar with their work.

20. We Three Kings by Rod Stewart – I usually don’t pair two renditions of the same song back to back, but I think you’ll find these so different that you won’t even notice thanks to Rob having Mary J. Blige do it as a duet with him.

Bonus Video: Last Christmas by Florence & the Machine http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vzoliY0-mQ