Random Sample

Random Sample

Cake, “Rock ‘n’ Roll Lifestyle” (Download) The thing I love about Cake is the fact that you really don’t have to sing on key.  You just have to speak in a kind of monotone voice that allows you riff on whatever subject you wish.  Have a listen to John McCrea’s voice and then just kind of freestyle a topic.  Take your pick:  washing dishes, folding clothes, taking the dog for a walk.  The most mundane things can have an oddly poetic gloss when you voice it in McCrea’s style.

Frank and Moon Zappa, “Valley Girl” (Download)  I haven’t heard this song in such a long time, but it came up on my mp3 player and it was pretty funny to hear it again.  I’m not sure if I could take repeated plays like when it was first released in 1982, but as a “one off” trip down memory lane it’s worth it.

Rolling Stones, “Live with Me” (w/Christina Aguilera) (Download) When I saw Christina’s name on the movie poster for this film, I said “Huh?  Why is she doing a duet with Mick?”  But after hearing this tune, I can see why they chose her to sing “Live with Me.”  Her voice is so powerful that fits really well with the Stones’ music.  I’m not sure I could take an entire album of duets, but for this one song, I thought the Stones and Aguilera did some mighty fine work.

  1. I thought you did the Cake band because well today in Teddy’s birthday Eve. Just sharpening up your appetite for a tomorrow.

  2. It’s really interesting to me how some songs can be ok, even great, if you hear them in limited amounts, and not too many others just like them. But there are other songs that you go through phases of wanting them on a constant loop on your CD player/iPod. Seems like all three of these songs belong to the former category.

  3. Love CAKE. Love “Valley Girl.” I will have to give Aguilera a chance. I usually don’t, but I’m curious to hear this duet.
    Oh, Happy Birthday. 🙂

  4. I have an irrational love for Cake.

  5. The band or the dessert? Maybe both! 🙂

  6. Happy belated birthday!!

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