So here's some news. The Outfield are still around and they put out a new record last year. And (it isn't my favorite, but) it doesn't suck. I know, amazing, right? This song is kind of like the Beach Boys and Duran Duran had a one night stand that resulted in an illegitimate child who grew up to be a sitar player in a pop band. Agreed? But Your Love is still the only song of theirs that I actually know and thanks to an (over) abundance of classic-rock-radio-listening on my part, it has been stuck in my head for a couple of days. It's one of those songs that I definitely sing REALLY LOUDLY to when I'm driving. Air drums. There are always air drums. Unless of course your listening to the cover version by Bon Iver. Which is actually kind of awesome (if you like that kind of melancholy make-over of an 80s classic,) but definitely not conducive to air drumming.
Anywho, fun factoid for Friday: The Outfield originally played under the name The Baseball Boys because they were obsessed with America's favorite pastime despite being from London's East End. And now you can take that gripping piece of music history with you anywhere you go! It's like a mobile app. Or something. Ugh, is it the weekend yet?
Does anyone else suspect this girl of also being in Ah-Ha's Take on Me video? Time to bust out my mad research skills, yo!
OK, so I know I've already posted about this one (to many people's dismay, I might add) but I am finding myself temporarily fascinated by this cover of Somebody That I Used to Know. Maybe this rendition will make the haters hate less. I mean, it's not my favorite song of all time, but it isn't terrible. Anyway, whether it does or not is not the point. The point is there are five people playing one...what is that?...some kind of mandolin? How do they know where to put their hands? It's like figuring out a five-some! It's guitar porn! I'm also impressed with the lack of spitting on each other that should be happening when singing in Hebrew while standing shoulder to shoulder. All those glottal stops and what not. Say it, don't spray it, brother!
Actually this instrument is a bouzouki. Duh. It's a Greek instrument from the lute family. Double duh. I can't believe you guys didn't already know that. Amateurs. And seeing as how I'm not a regular reader of Guitar World (I know, shocker) I'm just now learning that this is actually a cover of a cover of five other people playing one guitar and singing this song. Why? What is this new fascination with standing very close together and playing the same instrument? Is this a marketable talent these days? Taught in music schools across the country? Can you add it to your resume?
"Hello, my name is ______. I have the uncanny ability to knock on a bouzouki, imitating a drum beat, with one hand. You should hire me. Thank you for your time."
Who doesn't love Tom Petty? And if there are people out there who don't love Tom Petty, what on earth is wrong with them? Idiots. That's what. So many great songs, but it's Free Fallin (co-written with fellow Wilbury, Jeff Lynne) that's stuck in my head today. Once when I was in high school (or maybe it was junior high?) I saw the Heartbreakers play at the pyramid in Memphis with all my girlfriends. We heard he was staying at the Peabody (you know, the one with the ducks?) so we went and camped out in the lobby hoping to catch a glimpse. All of the sudden he emerged! He walked right past our table and (I SWEAR) he said "Evenin', ladies" as he strutted on by (wearing his signature shades, of course.) Naturally this caused a lot of giddy, girlie, squealy things to happen, and then he was gone. That was it. My brush with greatness. Sigh... And to this day that was the best damn rock show I've ever seen. Hands down, no argument about it. Sorry Bruce, but it's true.
I have to say though, this isn't one of the videos that I really remember from Petty's catalog of cool videos. He appears to be floating a lot in this one. Not sure if that was an artistic choice or not, but I guess it works. Makes me want to hang out at the mall. Remember when that was where all us cool kids hung out? Do kids still do that? Who am I kidding, I've always hated the mall. I was just trying to fit in.
Anyway, factoid of the day: Tom's middle name is Earl. That's all.
So, Hubby and I have been talking (again) about changing some things up and getting in better shape and conveniently I have just found my new workout with this morning's earworm selection. Le Tigre's Deceptacon was played (and danced to) religiously at pretty much every college house party I attended in 1999, but with moves like the ones in this video I can totally get my cardio in for the day in under four minutes! Ironically this is stuck in my head because it was in the soundtrack of a movie that was supposed to be set in the 80's and also features such hits as Elvira and Don't Cry Out Loud (The Oak Ridge Boys and Melissa Manchester in case you were too lazy to Google it yourselves.) Man I thought Elvira was a hilarious song when I was little. Hi ho, Silver.
Anyway, hearing Le Tigre made me want to go dig out this album and jump around like an idiot. Which I did. Then it made me realize how long ago 1999 actually was. Which explained why I was so winded. Interesting factoid of the day: this song is listed in the book 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die. I will verify this later by activating my stellar library skills (i.e. walking over to the shelf and looking in the book) but for now we'll just assume that the interwebs never lie. So great, I can tick that one off the list then. One step closer to death! Hmmm. In that case maybe I'll skip putting on my work out clothes and just have another glass of wine. Nah, too early for that. A Bloody Mary would be more apropos.
So here's the routine. Costumes aren't required, but I'm sure the band wouldn't mind if you had a drink in your hand while you followed along. Making it the perfect workout for moi!
Yes, I know the video quality is crappy, but that has nothing to do with me so shut up and learn your moves!
This song is just making me happy. Got a little reggae bounce going on in my work chair. And if I was feeling the need to actually accomplish anything today, Break My Stride would be a great motivating anthem. As it turns out, I'm just feeling tired because I'm not used to getting up to greet the day earlier than 8:00 a.m. Next time Hubby goes out of town I'm going to train the dogs to let themselves out and poor a cup of milk for Bug (this just gave me so many great mental images!) I will also purchase some sort of helmet to wear when Bug decides he must sleep in my bed, to protect my genius brain from his flailing feet. What are his feet constantly doing by my head when he's sleeping? How did he get way over there? Why is there a pacifier in my ear? When can I take a nap?
Anywho, Matthew Wilder's one and only hit apparently was not the only thing he did in his career. As if you care. But I'm going to tell you anyway. He produced No Doubt's first album that went like quadruple platinum and was nominated for an Oscar for work on the Mulan soundtrack. I know. Riveting. Maybe it's best to go back to not knowing who the hell he is and just enjoy the song...and... done.
And for those of you who never watch the videos here (Hubby,) I promise you'll enjoy this one. The skimpily-leotarded-ladies have come up with some truly breathtaking choreography (it's especially becoming on the men.) And the last ass shot is pure cinematography magic. Also featured is Matthew Wilder's mustache. And fro. And black pleather pants. And sweatshirt with the sleeves cut off with a long-sleeved shirt underneath. And that shirt is pink. So clearly, worth 3.5 minutes of your time.
