In continuing this week's theme of having no theme, I present my favorite song by Tom Petty. This performance is from 2012. I'm surprised he can still hit those high notes at 62. Doing better than McCartney in that department.
Videos
Jason Robert Brown — I Could Be In Love With Someone Like You
This song is originally from Jason Robert Brown's musical "The Last Five Years." The musical apparently is about his relationship with his ex-wife, and she threatened to sue over this song, so he removed it from the show and replaced it with another one. People are funny.
Still Alive — Jonathan Coulton with Sara Quin
I'm not sure how much this song hits with those who haven't played the video game Portal, as the lyrics (written by Coulton) directly reference two different video games in heavy detail. Certainly, the game version sung by Ellen McClain has more appeal within game. There's also a live version sung by Felicity Day that is entertaining, but with poor quality.
This particular version of the song with Sara Quin singing and some beautiful use of the theremin is my favorite version. Even if video game music isn't your thing and the lyrics don't make any sense, this is just damn pleasant.
Tift Merritt — Virginia, No One Can Warn You
Tift has been around for 15 years now and this is her first single. She's never been popular; her debut album barely made the country charts. But she makes a pretty good living. She comes to Minneapolis every other year or so. If I went to concerts ever, I'd go see her for sure. Friends have and have said great things. Some have compared her music stylings to Emmylou Harris, whom I've gathered is pretty popular round these parts.
Barenaked Ladies — Some Fantastic
So apparently I'm the first one to lay down a Barenaked Ladies song. Some find them gimmicky--and they are at times--but I find overall they're brilliant writers and musicians. One problem is they're famous for some of their weaker songs, including the tiresome "If I Had $1,000,000" and the nonsensical and overplayed "One Week."
My favorite songs are "Brian Wilson," "The Old Apartment," and "Life, In A Nutshell." Though today you get my fourth favorite, "Some Fantastic," because they decided to sing that one in their bathroom.
Clyde Stubblefield – Funk Thing
You don't have to do no soloing, brother, just keep what you got... Don't turn it loose, 'cause it's a mother. - James Brown to Clyde Stubblefield
Some drummers are all pyrotechnics. Some are all power. Others are rock-solid consistent. Not many could play one little twenty second break immersed in a ten-minute impromptu vamp and make an irresistible, booty-shakin' force that changes the landscape of music forever. There are probably more people in the world today who have – whether they realize it or not – heard a Clyde Stubblefield break or vamp than people who haven't. The Funky Drummer laid the rhythmic foundation of five decades and counting of the most popular music the world has ever known.
Bonus: Clyde and Jabo solo, together.
Parliament Funkadelic – One Nation Under a Groove
Kamasi Washington – The Rhythm Changes
We've spun a bit of Kamasi before, but no reason not to do so again. Good track for a Friday.
2016
I really want one of those Moog keytars. Also, those drummers are on point.
Chance the Rapper – No Problem
This guy won some Grammys too, right? Cause he's, you know, "new" and stuff.
Chuck Berry – You Never Can Tell
Happy Birthday, St. Louis! Here's a fairly subdued take on this song.
1972