Random Sample 9-26-08

Another Friday get together to listen to some music, watch some banks fail, and see the political crap storm in D.C.  get crappier.  But let’s not be all boo-hoo about all that.  Let’s focus on the positives, shall we?  You know, like the song featured today. But if you want to read about WaMu getting sold, and what a bummer it is, Julie’s got you covered.

“Mission of Mercy,” Motels Like most people my age (late 30s/early 40s) you were probably introduced to the Motels via their big hit (okay, actually it’s their biggest hit), “Only the Lonely.” However, if you bought this album, you were treated to some other delights, too.  Like “So L.A.,” “Take the L,” and this rocker.  The first time I heard this particular song was when a station in San Francisco played it late one night. That station no longer exists (it was KSFX, if you must know) but it was one of those magical radio moments when you would hear musical surprises being broadcast to young impressionable minds — who would then run out and buy the record.

“How Do I Let A Good Man Down,” Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings

It doesn’t take much effort to really like this song.  It’s got a great rhythm (some, like me, hear Stevie Wonder’s “Higher Ground”), Sharon’s singing is wonderful, and the band is just on. Julie got the CD Naturally as a gift from Jefito for Xmas, but I didn’t realize I had a SXSW sampler that had a song by the group on it before getting the CD. Actually, I realized I had the song when it popped up on my iTunes “Party Shuffle.”  Thanks iTunes.

“Rubber Biscuit,” the Blues Brothers

If there was ever an album that reminds me of junior high (well, except for Steve Martin’s Wild and Crazy Guy) it would be this one.  Yeah, you certainly remember their cover of “Soul Man,” but this was the follow up single that barely cracked the Top 40 (peaking at #37).  Still, I love it for it’s sheer weirdness.  It’s a cover of a song by the Chips, but the Blues Brother version is much funnier because Dan Aykroyd Elwood Blues is in full manic mode.