Today's song is...
Apple Juice Blues
I think this is my favorite of the Puppet Jams. It makes me giggle :-)
Friday, August 31, 2012
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Song of the Day - Day 654
Today's song is...
Holland Globetrotters Theme
I sense that this would be funnier if I had the video from this ad instead of just the audio. This way it just seems like I am missing the joke (but not those nice pounding piano chords in the middle at least).
Holland Globetrotters Theme
I sense that this would be funnier if I had the video from this ad instead of just the audio. This way it just seems like I am missing the joke (but not those nice pounding piano chords in the middle at least).
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Song of the Day - Day 653
Today's song is...
The Wrong Coast
Haven't heard this one. Never saw the show it was written for. Actually, never even heard of the show it was written for. Whoops.
The Wrong Coast
Haven't heard this one. Never saw the show it was written for. Actually, never even heard of the show it was written for. Whoops.
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Song of the Day - Day 652
Today's song is...
He's Loco
Just when I was really starting to notice how few songs were left... A NEW SONG!! I figured I would just use it, rather than feed it into the random list. Also, because it is pretty funny. I especially enjoy the idea of Blue Avatar sitting in his suitcase in the dark, furiously typing out Two And A Half Men fan fiction with his eyeball, on a stolen phone. Because he's loco!
P.S. How are the Avatars playing that lovely guitar backing riff if they have no hands? Hmmmmm.
He's Loco
Just when I was really starting to notice how few songs were left... A NEW SONG!! I figured I would just use it, rather than feed it into the random list. Also, because it is pretty funny. I especially enjoy the idea of Blue Avatar sitting in his suitcase in the dark, furiously typing out Two And A Half Men fan fiction with his eyeball, on a stolen phone. Because he's loco!
P.S. How are the Avatars playing that lovely guitar backing riff if they have no hands? Hmmmmm.
Monday, August 27, 2012
Song of the Day - Day 651
Today's song is...
Rotary Club
This conjures up images in my mind of some sort of French animated short film. Not a specific one. Just in general. Because my mind makes weird associations like that. Especially where accordions and tubas are involved.
Rotary Club
This conjures up images in my mind of some sort of French animated short film. Not a specific one. Just in general. Because my mind makes weird associations like that. Especially where accordions and tubas are involved.
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Song of the Day - Day 650
Today's song is...
Window
Another of the songs on the back half of John Henry that I am prone to forgetting about. It's a shame because this one has a great sound. The slowed down effect works well. And the lyrics are kind of intriguing. Like is the narrator watching what he thinks is a window display and then it turns out to be real people? Or is he watching real people in what he thinks is a window and it turns out to be a mirror. So many questions left unanswered for us to ponder.
Window
Another of the songs on the back half of John Henry that I am prone to forgetting about. It's a shame because this one has a great sound. The slowed down effect works well. And the lyrics are kind of intriguing. Like is the narrator watching what he thinks is a window display and then it turns out to be real people? Or is he watching real people in what he thinks is a window and it turns out to be a mirror. So many questions left unanswered for us to ponder.
Saturday, August 25, 2012
Song of the Day - Day 649
Today's song is...
Caroline, No
That episode of Studio 360 that this was recorded for featured some pretty fantastic recordings, including this one. I think the song suits Flans pretty well and the brass arrangement is excellent. And it never ceases to amaze me how good things sound when played on an accordion sometimes.
Caroline, No
That episode of Studio 360 that this was recorded for featured some pretty fantastic recordings, including this one. I think the song suits Flans pretty well and the brass arrangement is excellent. And it never ceases to amaze me how good things sound when played on an accordion sometimes.
Friday, August 24, 2012
Song of the Day - Day 648
Today's song is...
Teenagers Are Going
What an odd thing. Kind of wonderfully odd, but odd none the less. Incidentally, I really like the backing track.
Teenagers Are Going
What an odd thing. Kind of wonderfully odd, but odd none the less. Incidentally, I really like the backing track.
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Song of the Day - Day 647
Today's song is...
Stump The Band
I actually wasn't going to include this, since it isn't one song but rather a show element (or a collective group of covers). But then I realized that I had included Spin the Dial and Phone Calls From The Dead, so I really should count this too. I have some pretty fantastic recordings of old Stump The Band tracks. I am pretty partial to TMBG rendition of Stayin' Alive. Though We Are The World is pretty entertaining too. You know, I love those fuzzy little Avatar puppets to death, but sometimes I wish they would bring back something more like this to the show. It would be a little less prone to repetition. Stump the Avatars maybe? Just a thought.
Stump The Band
I actually wasn't going to include this, since it isn't one song but rather a show element (or a collective group of covers). But then I realized that I had included Spin the Dial and Phone Calls From The Dead, so I really should count this too. I have some pretty fantastic recordings of old Stump The Band tracks. I am pretty partial to TMBG rendition of Stayin' Alive. Though We Are The World is pretty entertaining too. You know, I love those fuzzy little Avatar puppets to death, but sometimes I wish they would bring back something more like this to the show. It would be a little less prone to repetition. Stump the Avatars maybe? Just a thought.
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Song of the Day - Day 646
Today's song is...
This Ape's For You
This was among the very first TMBG songs I knew. It was on one of two mix CDs of various stuff that Gary gave me in 2004/5. It was actually the closer on one of the CDs and I remember thinking it was so odd. I also remember getting the explanation of the Planet of the Apes songs from whence it came, pretty early on. Which means I was probably familiar with the concept of those long before I logically should have been in the grand scheme of entry into the fandom. Like, I heard this before I ever heard Birdhouse. Or Ana Ng. Weird.
This Ape's For You
This was among the very first TMBG songs I knew. It was on one of two mix CDs of various stuff that Gary gave me in 2004/5. It was actually the closer on one of the CDs and I remember thinking it was so odd. I also remember getting the explanation of the Planet of the Apes songs from whence it came, pretty early on. Which means I was probably familiar with the concept of those long before I logically should have been in the grand scheme of entry into the fandom. Like, I heard this before I ever heard Birdhouse. Or Ana Ng. Weird.
Song of the Day - Day 645
Today's song is...
Thermostat
Totally underrated song in my opinion. I really love this one. It's a little hard to explain but I think it is the rhythm of the song I enjoy more than anything else. The lyrical cadence and the way it is set to the melody. The way the horns and the bass line work together. All fantastic. I am actually not sure I had noticed what a great bass line this song has until I listened to it just now. Despite there not being that much similarity, the song reminds me of Women and Men, mostly, I think, because I like them for the same rhythmic reasons. I feel like I often forget about a lot of the songs on the back half of John Henry and am pleasantly surprised each time I listen and am reminded they exist again, because there are some really good ones hiding in there.
Thermostat
Totally underrated song in my opinion. I really love this one. It's a little hard to explain but I think it is the rhythm of the song I enjoy more than anything else. The lyrical cadence and the way it is set to the melody. The way the horns and the bass line work together. All fantastic. I am actually not sure I had noticed what a great bass line this song has until I listened to it just now. Despite there not being that much similarity, the song reminds me of Women and Men, mostly, I think, because I like them for the same rhythmic reasons. I feel like I often forget about a lot of the songs on the back half of John Henry and am pleasantly surprised each time I listen and am reminded they exist again, because there are some really good ones hiding in there.
Monday, August 20, 2012
Song of the Day - Day 644
Today's song is...
The Oblongs Theme
Great old big band sound. Love the horn part. And that nifty drum fill in the middle. Pretty sure I actually like the instrumental better than the actual theme song, though the vocal does a good job capturing the retro tone.
The Oblongs Theme
Great old big band sound. Love the horn part. And that nifty drum fill in the middle. Pretty sure I actually like the instrumental better than the actual theme song, though the vocal does a good job capturing the retro tone.
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Song of the Day - Day 643
Today's song is...
Lady Is A Tramp
I have never been successful at really hearing the original version in this instrumental. If I strain, I can make out the tune, but that's about it. And I am just fine with that, as I am not a big fan of the original, but I like this song just fine. Especially the end. Bomp. Bomp. Bomp.
Lady Is A Tramp
I have never been successful at really hearing the original version in this instrumental. If I strain, I can make out the tune, but that's about it. And I am just fine with that, as I am not a big fan of the original, but I like this song just fine. Especially the end. Bomp. Bomp. Bomp.
Saturday, August 18, 2012
Song of the Day - Day 642
Today's song is...
Spoiler Alert
The first couple of times I listened to Join Us, I had only paid attention to the Linnell portion of this song. My initial impression was "hey, that's amusing"but it didn't make a big impact. But Gary pointed out to me that I needed to stop and really listen to the Flansburgh portion of the song too. And I did. Sitting in the parking lot of the grocery store. And then I went "whoooooooooa." I think I laughed out loud too. I was pretty blown away. First by the humor and absurdity. Then by how intricately the two halves of the song fit together and all the specific and deliberate points at which they meshed.
Then someone, (Q maybe? Or Gabby? I honestly don't remember.), suggested to me that the flute at the end represented death and the concept of the "death flute" was born. There followed a brief and heated debate about whether is was a flute or a bass clarinet, in which I said bass flute and had the joy of receiving a text message at work when the physical credits were finally examined that said "bass flute." (Don't ask why I got so excited about that. I can't explain.)
Then there was a brief period of delight over the video, mostly because I was so excited that the boys were in it, because I was really hoping they would be. And then finally a long sequence of seeing the song performed live, by puppets. And do you know what happens when you hear the same song performed by puppets 28 times in a year? You get tired of it. That's right. This is now the only Join Us track, that I am completely worn out on. Don't get me wrong. It is still brilliant, still funny, and whenever I hear it live again, I am sure I will have benefited from the break. But I did need that break from it. Boy, I am ready for it again right now though. Bring on the puppets!
Spoiler Alert
The first couple of times I listened to Join Us, I had only paid attention to the Linnell portion of this song. My initial impression was "hey, that's amusing"but it didn't make a big impact. But Gary pointed out to me that I needed to stop and really listen to the Flansburgh portion of the song too. And I did. Sitting in the parking lot of the grocery store. And then I went "whoooooooooa." I think I laughed out loud too. I was pretty blown away. First by the humor and absurdity. Then by how intricately the two halves of the song fit together and all the specific and deliberate points at which they meshed.
Then someone, (Q maybe? Or Gabby? I honestly don't remember.), suggested to me that the flute at the end represented death and the concept of the "death flute" was born. There followed a brief and heated debate about whether is was a flute or a bass clarinet, in which I said bass flute and had the joy of receiving a text message at work when the physical credits were finally examined that said "bass flute." (Don't ask why I got so excited about that. I can't explain.)
Then there was a brief period of delight over the video, mostly because I was so excited that the boys were in it, because I was really hoping they would be. And then finally a long sequence of seeing the song performed live, by puppets. And do you know what happens when you hear the same song performed by puppets 28 times in a year? You get tired of it. That's right. This is now the only Join Us track, that I am completely worn out on. Don't get me wrong. It is still brilliant, still funny, and whenever I hear it live again, I am sure I will have benefited from the break. But I did need that break from it. Boy, I am ready for it again right now though. Bring on the puppets!
Friday, August 17, 2012
Song of the Day - Day 641
Today's song is...
Even My T-Shirt
Every now and then, these guys really make me go "WTF?" This is one of those times. (Side note: still enjoy the song, especially when the music kicks in.)
Even My T-Shirt
Every now and then, these guys really make me go "WTF?" This is one of those times. (Side note: still enjoy the song, especially when the music kicks in.)
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Song of the Day - Day 640
Today's song is...
Slow
This reminds me a bit of background music in a spy show, except probably a show like Get Smart where it was very silly spying. I quite like all the electronic sound effects. It is a fun mix.
Slow
This reminds me a bit of background music in a spy show, except probably a show like Get Smart where it was very silly spying. I quite like all the electronic sound effects. It is a fun mix.
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Song of the Day - Day 639
Today's song is...
Dan Hickey's Actual Drums
I'll admit, gladly, that I am a die hard Marty fan. But it would be pretty cool to go back in time and see Dan do one of these Dial-A-Drummer routines. Incidentally, I drove past a truck the other day that said "Dan Hickey Construction" on the side. I wonder if Dan has traded in the sticks for a hammer? That would be the most rhythmic hammering anyone ever heard.
Dan Hickey's Actual Drums
I'll admit, gladly, that I am a die hard Marty fan. But it would be pretty cool to go back in time and see Dan do one of these Dial-A-Drummer routines. Incidentally, I drove past a truck the other day that said "Dan Hickey Construction" on the side. I wonder if Dan has traded in the sticks for a hammer? That would be the most rhythmic hammering anyone ever heard.
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Song of the Day - Day 638
Today's song is...
Pork Rinds
Betcha this was another DD spot. Though it is a bit grossy if you think about it too hard. But maybe that is just me.
Pork Rinds
Betcha this was another DD spot. Though it is a bit grossy if you think about it too hard. But maybe that is just me.
Monday, August 13, 2012
Song of the Day - Day 637
Today's song is...
Everybody Knows It
Call me crazy but I think there is a bit of this music that sounds a bit like Super Mario music. However, I am more interested in the tragic discussion of Homestar's broken propeller on his hat. Just a sad state of affairs.
Everybody Knows It
Call me crazy but I think there is a bit of this music that sounds a bit like Super Mario music. However, I am more interested in the tragic discussion of Homestar's broken propeller on his hat. Just a sad state of affairs.
Sunday, August 12, 2012
Song of the Day - Day 636
Today's song is...
Underground Lunchroom
Unlikely most of the Partly Cloudy Patriot songs, I actually remember the chapter of the book this one accompanies. Sadly, I have no memory of the music though.
Underground Lunchroom
Unlikely most of the Partly Cloudy Patriot songs, I actually remember the chapter of the book this one accompanies. Sadly, I have no memory of the music though.
Saturday, August 11, 2012
Song of the Day - Day 635
Today's song is...
Rock Club
This sounds sort of like the venue song for every venue ever. At least jokingly. Either that or it could be considered a prequel to Disappointing Show. :-)
Rock Club
This sounds sort of like the venue song for every venue ever. At least jokingly. Either that or it could be considered a prequel to Disappointing Show. :-)
Friday, August 10, 2012
Song of the Day - Day 634
Today's song is...
Houston
In my opinion, one of the best rock riffs in the Venue Songs. Just makes me head bop every time I hear it. Add in fun lyrics and that mystery of why (at least in the song anyway), the band was sleeping in the Astrodome and you've got a winner. Plus... GECKOS!!
Houston
In my opinion, one of the best rock riffs in the Venue Songs. Just makes me head bop every time I hear it. Add in fun lyrics and that mystery of why (at least in the song anyway), the band was sleeping in the Astrodome and you've got a winner. Plus... GECKOS!!
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Song of the Day - Day 633
Today's song is...
Scott Bower
You just can't go wrong with a Star Wars reference in a song.
Scott Bower
You just can't go wrong with a Star Wars reference in a song.
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Song of the Day - Day 632
Today's song is...
Judy Is Your Viet Nam
So many good things I could say about this song and so many good memories of hearing it live. From the first performance I heard at the Apple Store, where Marty nailed that drum part on a drum kit sized for a six year old and I spent a portion of the song intensely lip reading Linnell to figure out what the background lyrics of the song were. To the performance in Great Barrington where I realized that the only thing cooler than watching Marty drum Judy, was watching Marty's dad watch Marty drum Judy.
It is a fantastic song no matter which way you slice it, but my love for the song will always be rooted in the drums. Half the times I listen to it I get so caught up listening to the drum part, I forget to listen to the rest of the song. And I have now heard it live 24 times and I will never, ever, EVER tire of watching Marty attack his drum kit to bring us this song. It floors me every single time. If the songs on the next album are even half as good as this one, it is going to be stellar.
Judy Is Your Viet Nam
So many good things I could say about this song and so many good memories of hearing it live. From the first performance I heard at the Apple Store, where Marty nailed that drum part on a drum kit sized for a six year old and I spent a portion of the song intensely lip reading Linnell to figure out what the background lyrics of the song were. To the performance in Great Barrington where I realized that the only thing cooler than watching Marty drum Judy, was watching Marty's dad watch Marty drum Judy.
It is a fantastic song no matter which way you slice it, but my love for the song will always be rooted in the drums. Half the times I listen to it I get so caught up listening to the drum part, I forget to listen to the rest of the song. And I have now heard it live 24 times and I will never, ever, EVER tire of watching Marty attack his drum kit to bring us this song. It floors me every single time. If the songs on the next album are even half as good as this one, it is going to be stellar.
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Song of the Day - Day 631
Today's song is...
Cage and Aquarium
Every time I read the title of this song, my brain immediately starts playing the title in my head but set to the tune of Age of Aquarius. It is a little bizarre. Just like the fact that the band mysteriously stopped playing this song at the Lincoln shows after two performances. Hmmmm.
Cage and Aquarium
Every time I read the title of this song, my brain immediately starts playing the title in my head but set to the tune of Age of Aquarius. It is a little bizarre. Just like the fact that the band mysteriously stopped playing this song at the Lincoln shows after two performances. Hmmmm.
Monday, August 6, 2012
Song of the Day - Day 630
Today's song is...
I Love To Sing
While I can appreciate the Deeply Felt Puppet Theater rendition of this song (particularly on the live recordings I have), for me, this will always be a Particle Man bridge. Can't tell you how many times I have seen Linnell ham his way through this while conducting Flans and Danny on keyboard and Kaoss pad. And it was my favorite part of many shows. The evening show at the Quick Center in Connecticut in 2010 stands out as a particularly good performance. It's on YouTube. Check it out!
As an aside, every now and then I hear the original version of this somewhere and am always confused until I figure out why I know it.
I Love To Sing
While I can appreciate the Deeply Felt Puppet Theater rendition of this song (particularly on the live recordings I have), for me, this will always be a Particle Man bridge. Can't tell you how many times I have seen Linnell ham his way through this while conducting Flans and Danny on keyboard and Kaoss pad. And it was my favorite part of many shows. The evening show at the Quick Center in Connecticut in 2010 stands out as a particularly good performance. It's on YouTube. Check it out!
As an aside, every now and then I hear the original version of this somewhere and am always confused until I figure out why I know it.
Sunday, August 5, 2012
Song of the Day - Day 629
Today's song is...
Dinner Bell
The first time I heard this song live, I remember being so impressed that Linnell could sing the lyrics that fast in real life without screwing them up. I always have a fondness for songs with rapid fire lyrics, this one included. The song is a little bit strange but just enough so to make it really unique and enjoyable. I kind of picture this as being one of those tracks that teenage fans dared each other to try to sing all the way through when the album was new, and it was a big achievement when someone made it. The multi-track vocal effect used here is what really makes the song impressive though. It creates such a full bodied sound, especially considering there are only two instruments being used. I'm not sure where exactly on my list this song falls but it is definitely in the top 50.
Dinner Bell
The first time I heard this song live, I remember being so impressed that Linnell could sing the lyrics that fast in real life without screwing them up. I always have a fondness for songs with rapid fire lyrics, this one included. The song is a little bit strange but just enough so to make it really unique and enjoyable. I kind of picture this as being one of those tracks that teenage fans dared each other to try to sing all the way through when the album was new, and it was a big achievement when someone made it. The multi-track vocal effect used here is what really makes the song impressive though. It creates such a full bodied sound, especially considering there are only two instruments being used. I'm not sure where exactly on my list this song falls but it is definitely in the top 50.
Saturday, August 4, 2012
Song of the Day - Day 628
Today's song is...
The Ballad of Timothy McSweeney
Every time I have to shelve a McSweeney's book at work, I get this song stuck in my head, and there is never anyone around who knows it and can commiserate with me. So the inside of my head just bops along alone. "Timothy McSweeney, Timothy McSweeney. He takes a pen and paper and he writes things down."
The Ballad of Timothy McSweeney
Every time I have to shelve a McSweeney's book at work, I get this song stuck in my head, and there is never anyone around who knows it and can commiserate with me. So the inside of my head just bops along alone. "Timothy McSweeney, Timothy McSweeney. He takes a pen and paper and he writes things down."
Friday, August 3, 2012
Song of the Day - Day 627
Today's song is...
Grassroots Internet Revolution
I know at six seconds this isn't officially the shortest song in the catalog, but with almost 3 seconds of silence in the track, I think it should win. The syllables of these three words do not naturally make the easiest flow when reciting very quickly, but it is certainly entertaining (and a slight bit confusing.)
Grassroots Internet Revolution
I know at six seconds this isn't officially the shortest song in the catalog, but with almost 3 seconds of silence in the track, I think it should win. The syllables of these three words do not naturally make the easiest flow when reciting very quickly, but it is certainly entertaining (and a slight bit confusing.)
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Song of the Day - Day 626
Today's song is...
Name
I wonder why this song didn't make it onto the podcast compilation? (I admit, I didn't look at the date to see if it was released before then. That could be the answer right there.) It is a great podcast song. I'm not sure it would make it on a studio album but that is what podcasts are for! My favorite bit is the drum and bass outro that fades out the end of the song. Groovy.
Name
I wonder why this song didn't make it onto the podcast compilation? (I admit, I didn't look at the date to see if it was released before then. That could be the answer right there.) It is a great podcast song. I'm not sure it would make it on a studio album but that is what podcasts are for! My favorite bit is the drum and bass outro that fades out the end of the song. Groovy.
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Song of the Day - Day 625
Today's song is...
8 AM
This would be an awesome song to develop into a longer full length song. It is instrumentally excellent and works perfectly with John Roderick's voice. I love it when these guys get into a harder, grungier beat. And to think they did it for a DD ad is just fascinating.
8 AM
This would be an awesome song to develop into a longer full length song. It is instrumentally excellent and works perfectly with John Roderick's voice. I love it when these guys get into a harder, grungier beat. And to think they did it for a DD ad is just fascinating.
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