Protest

Here we go-

You still here?

Thank You  for sticking with me

**********You may notice the absence of a few songs. I blogged about them on my History Through Music post.  Click on it to see a few more. *********

Music can be a powerful tool.

It can bring people together.

Don’t believe me?  Go meet someone new, ask them about music,  you’ll probably be best friends in 20 minutes

Unless they’re only into some weird avant-garde shit that only 3 people like.  Or Tegan and Sara

That being said, music can unite people over issues. It can make us love one another. It can make us come together against ideas, against people, against anything.  It can even just make us realize that things are ok.

Enter the protest song.  And there are many.  Personally, I think the people of the 60s really knew how to protest, but Hip Hop has also had its great protest songs.

So today, I’m going to give you some of the good ones.   

******Please know that I only support peaceful protest. Violence may be fantasized, but to actually resort to it, is never the answer ******

Today is not a day for being sensitive, you may see something you don’t believe in, you may see something that you don’t like, but don’t get angry. Realize that some people have a different view of life than you.  And that’s ok, we  can have different points of view and still be peaceful.

However, you also have to understand some of these songs are going to come from an angry point of view.  They may say things angrily and they may incite violence, anger, and fear .  That may upset you, but don’t let it consume you. Just try to understand them.

Just try.

Swing Low Sweet Chariot

So, I can’t give you the greatest  info about this song, It’s considered a Negro Spiritual.  So basically it was passed on and on.  But the genre is known for bringing Christian valued songs to the plantation workers.

There are also supposed underground railroad references in the song.  I hear that in it.

But I also just hear the idea that, maybe the only way out of slavery is death, and that hey maybe not in the best way, but at least it was over, and you could believe that the afterlife was the best life. 

That’s completely fucking sad. But it may be true. 

Anyways, I chose this version, because for me, it’s the best, I know Clapton did it and I know the hippies stole it too.  But Paul Robeson’s voice really paints the picture.

Cop Killer

So I thought, do we go chronological?  Do we go movement to movement,  how do we do this? 

I’m not looking for shock value, I am not looking to piss you off right away,

Contrast, there is some serious contrast that’s going to happen , so why not get it out of the way as quick as possible.

So, first off, this song is 24 years old, and yet just yesterday, Police Officer Jeronimo Yanez was charged with manslaughter for the death of Philando Castile.

I am not saying we kill anybody, and I don’t condone violence, but understand the sentiment and the anger that people have had for years over the unwarranted deaths and beatings and abuse by the police. 

I know, I know, not all police officers are bad people, but some of them are, and if you’ve ever heard, said, thought, or read the statement that One bad apple spoils the whole bunch, then you understand why Ice T would make a  blanket statement like that.

Now he stars in Geico commercials and ironically as a Cop on Law and Order SVU.

So look, like I said, you have to understand the anger, but look at it this way, if someone made a song about how much McDonald’s fucks up your order, you’d blast that shit every time you went through the drive thru.

 And don’t act like you’ve never seen anyone get mad about that shit and agreed with it.  So if it helps, during the part of the song when they say “Fuck the Police”, think of “Fuck Mickey D’s” and just think that the only cop they want to kill is Officer Big Mac.

You could say this is the same message too…

This Land is Your Land

First off, if you’ve ignored Woody Guthrie your whole life, you’ve missed out.  Especially on original versions of songs that other people made famous.

Woody lived through the Great Depression, and the Dust Bowl.  He lived through some horrible times.

Was he a communist, maybe, but more likely a socialist who was against facism.

So the song, is about the fact that we are always told that we live in a free country, but sometimes it doesn’t feel so free.  

This version includes lyrics about a wall, that he had to jump over. 

There’s other versions, there’s other lyrics.  

It’s weird because I, like many of you was taught this song in elementary school, only to learn in college that this land was sold to the highest bidder and then they used it to tax you and me.  But isn’t it weird that we learned this socialist view of the world at age 7.  (Maybe the whole Bernie thing makes more sense now)

But really, it has been used as a protest song for years.  Ironically, in 2010 an anti gay group was using the Peter Paul and Mary version of the song, until Peter and Paul told them to knock it the fuck off.

So the video is longer than the song, there’s no cool eater egg at the end, so when the song is over , move on. 

Give Peace a Chance

All we are saying is “Give Peace a Chance”

Do I need say more?

 It was the Vietnam era, people were against war, we still are. 

John Lennon got a bunch of people together and put this song together. 

This song pops in and out of relevance monthly. Really if you know the truth about the world we live in, there hasn’t been peace since this was written and recorded.

So, maybe we should try it, once, just to see what happens.

No? You don’t want to try it?   How about this then?

How about this concept then?

Ok, so you don’t think those last 2 were protest songs?  Certainly, this next one is.

The man really wanted to spread a message.  Can you blame him?

Like I said, we’re still waiting for the utopian world of Imagine, or just the Peace to finally get a chance. 

And Instant Karma, ha, people don’t care about Karma any more than they do Jesus’s message.

Blowin’ in the Wind

So Bob Dylan wrote this, but.

As for now, I give you the Peter Paul and Mary version, because that is the one that I have heard so many times.

This is what my mother played, and every Christmas we would watch  the Christmas special, and that, was when I learned about life, and kindness. It’s also when I realized my mother was a hippie and still longed for world peace.

My dad always made a joke of it, but I think it was to ease the tension.  You see, my mom, to this date, still can’t hear Blowin’ in the Wind without crying.

I can’t blame her.

Blowin’ in the Wind is a take of a negro spiritual song,  Dylan admits it himself.  And really the song speaks for everyone and anyone who has been disenfranchised.

God damn, it still resonates today, and none of the questions asked have yet to be answered. 

Peter Yarrow introduces the song to us here, and it’s worthwhile to pay attention.

There’s also this…

Mosh

Remember 2004? George Bush won re-election, we were all surprised as fuck.   (Boy, we should have seen 2016 coming)

Anyways, We were at war, another war like Vietnam, where we were there, but we didn’t  want to be.

Remember “Support the Troops” 

So we fired back with “We support the troops, just not the war”

At the same time, we were headed to the recession, it was expensive as fuck to be an American,.

Oh, and again, W was our president and he wasn’t that good at it, he lied to us, he mumbled and stumbled through important speeches. 

Don’t act like you are proud of George W Bush, no one has ever said that.

Honestly, the only reason this didn’t have enough effect was that it came out a bit too late. The election was like 2 weeks away.

Maybe it got people interested in politics, maybe it helped in 2008.

Ok, so the video and song tell the tale, just watch…

They Don’t Care About Us

The song was about prejudice and got misinterpreted, so the lyrics got changed a little.

But it’s the same sentiment that black people had been saying for years, it was what Kanye said about Bush in 2005.

The song  got more attention, because  Michael said “Jew me” and “Kike me”  But come on, Michael was already being scrutinized, and was angry, but those words were in solidarity.  You mean to tell me you really think Michael hated Jews?

I mean, how many times does it need to be said?

This is the reason behind Black Lives Matter, whether you agree it or not, that’s all black people have been trying to say for 250 years.  They matter and they feel like you don’t think they do. 

Sorta the same message here…

We Shall Overcome

This needs no explaining, except for the fact that it is as relevant now as it was in the 60s

I’m giving you Joan Baez’s version, because in 63 she did it with 300,000 people.

Fortunate Son

When I think of Vietnam, and how scary and unwanted it was, come on, what other song comes to mind.

You know how rich kids didn’t get drafted, or they got out of serving their country by saying their feet hurt.

This is about them, this is about how the kids we were sending to war were already the less fortunate kids. 

It seemed like the draft cards were only being called upon on one side of the tracks. 

John Fogerty said this song was also the response to seeing  the grandson of Eisenhower marrying the daughter of Nixon,  like there was this elitist social club who could do what they want, while the rest of the world had to go war.

For What It’s Worth

So this became a protest song about so much, people used it against the war and the Kent State shootings and basically anything else they could think of

But it was actually about some riots on Sunset Strip, as a result of a curfew. 

Basically, Hippies, and counterculture started to happen, and LA decided to have a 10pm curfew.

So they had a protest, and that’s actually what this song is about.

So, The protest song hasn’t died, it’s still alive and well…

 Keep protesting, keep letting your voice be heard, but be peaceful about it.

Muppet Madness

So, I guess today would be a great day just to have some fun. 

What’s in the past is in the past.

If you don’t follow the Muppets on YouTube, you are missing out.  It’s that simple.  It’s the Muppets for God’s sake, who in their right mind doesn’t like a Muppet?

So, today will be just a fun day of free advertising for the Muppets. 

I don’t think I have to say much about the videos as they all sort of speak for themselves.  But I will say a little

Jungle Boogie

So, this is a hell of a take on the original Kool and the Gang song.

This, like most of the others features The Electric Mayhem, who are the Muppets house band really.   The band consists of Dr. Teeth on vocals and keyboards, Animal on drums, Floyd Pepper on bass guitar, Janice on guitar, Zoot on saxophone, and lips on Trumpet ,

What makes this video great is Sam the Eagle who is a very conservative and patriotic dude. 

But the whole thing works out well, with a little twist.

Get Down

Mahna Mahna

I mean, how can you expect me to do a post on the Muppets and not include this?

Are you aware that this was a song from the 60s by a guy named Piero Umillani?(god bless you)

This was the muppets 3^rd or 4^th take, and became the definitive version.  So much that the main singer’s name is Mahna Mahna.  Of course his backup singers are the Snowths, originally Snouths as a combination of snout and mouth, as their nose is also their mouth.

So without further ado

Check the original  HERE

Bohemian Rhapsody

So, what can I say, you know the damn song. I need not tell you how great Queen is.

So if you don’t mind the liberties taken with the lyrics for comical value, then this is really worth a peek.

I’d like to tell you that I know the names of all the Muppets in this video, but there are way too many.   Seriously like every Muppet is in this.

Rowlf plays most of the song, but obviously Electric Mayhem shows up to tear up the loud stuff.

Enjoy

The Barber Shop

Just a quick short part of the 2011 movie, which if you haven’t seen, go see it.

Popcorn

If you don’t love The Swedish Chef, you are a silly head.

This is an instrumental song, so the fact that the Muppets made it work is phenomenal. 

It was originally recorded by Gershon Kingsley but you know the version by Hot Butter.

The phone call bit, gets me every time.

Ode to Joy

I know very little about classical music, I mean I know about it, but all the sweet details, I don’t know.

I know this has something to do with Beethoven’s 9^th symphony, but that’s like an hour and a half piece of music. I think

Anyways, The Muppets call on Beaker to get the job done here, and boy does he ever.

Habanera

Q.  What do you get when you combine the last two videos and add some Animal to it.

A. This

And check the always hilarious Statler and Waldorf at the end. 

Carol of the Bells

So, let’s get in the Christmas spirit.

I mean, why not right? 

Literally the same cast of characters as in the last video.  They seem to work together well.

Lime in the Coconut

I mean,  The Harry Nilsson  original is an odd masterpiece of it’s own.

This just sort of capitalizes on that.

If you don’t know the song, that’s cool. 

Ha you thought I was going to make fun of you.  Nope I fooled you. 

Stupid idiot.

Anyways check this out.

Poor Beaker

He just wants to sing his songs and be appreciated.  Poor guy

Rainbow Connection

Every now and then, the Muppets do their own thing.  This is one of those times, and it is brilliant and beautiful.

Whenever the Muppets need to reach an audience, they dust this one off, and we are all taken back to childhood.  This still means something to me. 

I think the best part of being a parent is when they enjoy something you liked as a child.

 Even more than that, my parents liked the Muppets,  you’ve gotta remember the Muppet Show was a sketch comedy show like SNL ot SCTV or those wacky British guys.  

So, they appealed in a way to our parents, so I’ve got 3 generations of Muppet lovers in my life, and I hope that continues. 

And Now for something completely different-

I hope I’ve brightened your day.

TV Soundtracks

If you haven’t seen this yet , this is where it starts.

I’ve had to watch this at least 50 times by now.  Just so that I could do it without crying.  I’m not going to get political, but I know I am not the only person that was moved to tears by this(as I’m writing this… here we go again) 

So, there’s the whole political side, it’s clear that Kate McKinnon is playing this as Hillary Clinton.  At the same time, she’s gotta be dealing with real fears. Being openly gay, being so inspired by Clinton.  I mean we are talking about a woman who doesn’t participate in social media out of fear.

Then there’s the fact that sadly Leonard Cohen had passed on Monday.  So from a musical side, it was another loss in the musical community, in a year where so many great ones are leaving us. Not again.

Now on top of it all, the Cohen family waited until Thursday to announce Leonard’s passing.  So here we were, a nation in somewhat of a crisis, a nation in fear, a nation in mourning, and now we lose someone who could put words together more beautifully than most.

So I have decided that I will take this time to get back to writing, and I want to highlight moments in television that had a perfect soundtrack moment. You know, those moments in tv where the music just fits perfectly and it affects the scene that much more.  So let’s do that. 

(Yes I know that the SNL moment isn’t really soundtrack, it was the inspiration.)

*********SPOILERS*********

It should be noted that since this is about tv shows, you may see scenes of a tv show that you are watching or getting caught up on, so know that there could be spoilers ahead.

We Used to be Friends – The Dandy Warhols – From the OC

So we go from one Cohen family to another, if you didn’t watch the OC, fine.  But I loved the show, I only missed 1 episode live and that was due to the birth of my child. 

So the show was about the hip Orange County scene, and a family who took in a teen with a long rap sheet . The dad was a lawyer the at risk youth had nowhere to go.  Watch it.

Anyway this is juat a brief moment where you see a kid happy because he’s gotten not 1 but 2 girls.  Then he realizes that he has to face them. 

This was my first encounter with the Dandy Warhols, and I’ve been hooked since.

Overkill- Colin Hay – From Scrubs

If you’ve never watched Scrubs, Fucking shame on you

What makes this great is that Colin Hay was there to play his song

This is from the beginning of the second season . At the end of the first season it was realized that there was a bizarre love hexagram happening  

This is just a great song and a great sequence. 

The video that you see shows the opening sequence which was the best part, but then the reprise at the end of the episode, plus another Colin Hay appearance

Nico Stai – One October Song – From Chuck

If you are anything like my wife, you haven’t seen much of Chuck.  Or any.  Another great show. There was always good music on the show, I mean it was a McG produced show, just like the OC, so music was always it’s own part of the show.

I mean, I don’t think I have time to explain the show, much less get you caught up to almost the end of season 3

In fact, I don’t think I even need to explain the scene, the dialogue and tone of the music sets the scene. 

Mr Sandman – Dorothy, Rose and Blanche – from the Golden Girls

If you don’t know The Golden Girls, then you don’t know shit. 

So I am waiting for Christmas to be over  so that the Girls are back on television.  Or maybe someone will get me thebox set, either way.

So, I don’t remember how, I think this is when the girls watched kids during a race or something and then this child got left behind, or maybe that’s a different episode, plus they did a lot of montage episodes, maybe this is it.

Either way, just like the girls, this scene is Golden

Born to be Wild – Steppenwolf – From Supernatural

If you are anything like my wife, you have seen every episode of Supernatural, like 27 times.

Like The OC, and Chuck, Supernatural is a McG show, so again there is emphasis on using the right music.  (Is there anything on tv that McG is not involved in?)

So this is Season 7 episode 23, the last of the season.  Throughout most of the season Sam and Dean, (the heroes of the show for you newbs) have been in hiding due to leviathans that look like them committing crimes.

Of course there was all the cry baby sam, macho dean bullshit you get every season, and they split up a few times. 

They also had to use different hideouts and modes of transportation due to their normal car “baby”  being easily recognizable to the Leviathans that are monitoring them and trying to kill them.

So we arrive at this point, like the end of every season, where one or both of the brothers may die, and the future of the world is uncertain. (If only the British Men of letters would intervene LOL!!) 

So Baby comes out of retirement.

(Headphone this one, it’s that good)

Hallelujah – Jeff Buckley – The West Wing

I hate to put you through this song again, but it has been featured in so many movies, tv shows, that it was bound to make the list.

So, The West Wing was a great show about well, the president, and the West Wing of the White House. I am sure you knew that or at least figured it out.

There are a few things going on, but the main thing to note was that Allison Janney’s character CJ had been receiving death threats and was assigned a secret service agent of her own, played by Mark Harmon  there was a flirtatious sort of feeling between them, and it seemed like a good thing. 

The other thing going on is Josh and Amy (Bradley Whitfield and Mary Louise Parker respectively) had a relationship happening while at the same time were political opponents over a bill being put through, Josh’s win meant that Amy had no job, and thus  ended their relationship.

There’s the stuff with the president, but really for me the focus is on CJ and Agent Donovan

I know, rough, I’m sorry. 

Let’s switch up the mood

The Right Time – Ray Charles – The Cosby Show

This was just such a great surprise  It became a recurring thing that the Huxtables did for the anniversary of Cliff’s parents.

But this one was just so exciting, and hilarious, Rudy, really steals the show.

Then Cosby himself comes in and shows what he can do with just a few funny faces. 

I’ll keep it short and sweet so you can just go enjoy it.

At This Moment – Billy Vera and the Beaters- From Family Ties

Family Ties was just one of those really good 80s shows  that connected people together, I sort of miss it. 

They used the song a few times on the show.  I mean, it speaks for itself as a love song  from a broken heart perspective, but it was clearly Alex and Ellen’s song. 

I’d like to think that the real life couple of Michael J Fox and Tracy Pollan still dance to this song. 

I also like to think that they pull this video up on YouTube and watch themselves fall in love.

And just to end on a high note

Celebrities in Music Videos

So, not to get all preachy, but weezer has a new music video, for their song, I Love the USA, and it is really a nice video for a great extra song.  

Which yes, I now need to buy the deluxe version of the White Album, (weezer’s not The Beatles).  

Anyway, as you will see below, the video features Patton Oswalt, and it is not the first time that Weezer has had a celebrity in their video.

There was Elisha Cuthbert in the Perfect Situation video.

Or every single YouTube sensation in the video for Pork and Beans

The Muppets were in the Keep Fishin video.

There were more, but I don’t want to bore you.

So, I thought I would take a look at other celebrities in music videos.  I won’t have a lot to say about them, but I will let you know who and what to look for.  But we are going to skip past Cortney Cox in Dancing in the Dark, everyone knows that one.   I was hoping to find you some you didn’t know about

Counting Crows – A Long December

Speaking of Courtney Cox, in 1996 she was in the video for Counting Crows A Long December. 

She had dated Adam Duritz (Vocals, Piano for Counting Crows) 

This was after she was with Batman, so, I mean; she really got around for a while there.  She was in a few other music videos too.  But who has the time.

Michael Jackson – Remember the Time

There were multiple stars in this video, and that is what makes it so great.  

It’s Egyptian, it’s fun, it’s hip and it stars, Eddie Murphy, Iman, and Magic Johnson.  

I mean really could it get any better than that?  

Certainly I don’t think so.  Not to mention this is a good jam. 

Paul Simon – You Can Call Me Al

Paul Simon did a whole ton of great shit on Saturday Night Live. He could have been a comedic actor, I honestly believe that.  He plays the straight man well, and has great timing.

“I can't fit through the door!”

 In this video he plays backup singer and instrumentalist to SNL’s own Chevy Chase. So you know damn well it is going to be a fun great time. I have always also loved the way they move together whilst playing instruments.

Also, if you don’t get the “I can’t fit through the door” reference, I dislike you, but look it up please.

The Offspring – She’s Got Issues

You might have to pause it, if you really want to see it, if you don’t believe me, but the heroine of this video is none other than a 19 year old Zooey Deschanel.  

It’s actually, pretty easy to see.  I just want you to watch a cool music video that you forgot about or never saw.

I’m not sure how this came about; it may have just been an acting gig for her.   But hey, it’s also a great song with some really good animation. 

Aerosmith – Crazy

So this was Alicia Silverstone’s third video for Aerosmith. 

Which by the way, let’s talk about the fact that in 1994, Aerosmith was still relevant. How many bands from 1970 can say that?

So, let’s get back to the video, this was Liv Tyler’s first video, and she was cast from her prior work in a shampoo commercial. The director found out later she was the bandleader’s daughter. 

Which, by the way, who allows their daughter to be the sex appeal of their own video?  Which is even weirder because, Liv Tyler was originally Todd Rundgren’s daughter, but that’s another story.  Anyways yeah.

Mumford and Sons – Hopeless Wanderer

So, what we have here is a song that is already good as hell.  If you haven’t acknowledged Mumford and Sons as a good band, then give them some time.

This is just a case of some great comedic presences acknowledging a great band and playing them in their video.  Basically, the band is not there, they are instead played by Arrested Development’s Jason Bateman, SNL’s Jason Sudeikis and Will Forte, and ED Helms, that dude from the Office.

The video is as great as you might be thinking.  If you haven’t seen it, watch the whole damn thing right now.

Annie Lennox – Walking on Broken Glass

I think I have shared this video before,

Truth be told, I love Annie Lennox, with or without Dave Stewart.

This video was directed by Sophie Muller, who directed tons of great videos, including weezer’s Say it Ain’t So.

I digress; this video stars John Malkovich and Hugh Laurie, now that is a lot of star power. (Two guys, I wouldn’t stop from grabbing my pussy)  So Laurie is just reprising his role as Prince George.  Look it up

Malkovich is just being his cool ass self as a dude who just got married, but used to hook up with Lennox’s character. 

Ok it’s English, so it doesn’t make sense, just watch it.

Hanson- Penny and Me

This is one of those, “It’s my blog so shut up” moments. 

So first off, yes, Hanson had more songs than MmmBop.

Secondly, yes I think Samaire Armstrong is a celebrity.  You may know her from Dirty Sexy Money, or Not Another Teen Movie, but I remember her best as Anna from The OC, and if you don’t know about The OC, well that’s your problem.

I mean seriously, it was produced by McG, yeah that same McG who’s Supernatural you love.

Ok, so also, this video was hard to find, but here is a link to it.  

 http://www.mtv.com/videos/hanson/29855/penny-me.jhtml

Bobby McFerrin – Don’t Worry Be Happy

Ok, so this one might be hard to stomach, and, honestly I am choked up by the irony/foreshadowing. 

This is a very happy song, and how can you not enjoy it.  It stars, Bill Irwin, who, does tons of work as a clown and has been in so many movies that when you see the video, you will be like “I know that guy “

It also stars Robin Williams.

There is so much that I would like to say right now, but this isn’t the right venue, or the right place.

But folks, the world is real and it sucks and you have to take care of yourself and those around you.  Depression is real. Dementia is real, and they can both do some nasty things to you.  So, sorry for being a downer, but, if you or someone you love needs help.

You're not alone. Confidential help is available for free.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

Call 1-800-273-8255

Available 24 hours everyday

We aren’t going to end on that note though.  There’s still one more.  Plus hundreds that I did not even talk about. 

Fatboy Slim - Weapon of Choice

Did you really think I would leave this one out?

Christopher Walken epitomizes coolness.  Sure there are some stunt doubles involved, but Walken was a dancer in theatre before he was an actor. 

The video won 6 MTV awards and a Grammy.  What more can you want?  Walken even took home a Moonman from the VMA’s.   How many people have won them at the age of 58?  That’s the other thing, he is 58 in this video, and doesn’t speak a word…  Not to mention, this was not his first music video.

This was voted as the best video of all time in 2002 for Christ’s sake. 

What more do you want from me people?

So, there it is, that’s today’s list of things.   I apologize if I left out your favorite, but make your own damn list then.   I know, I say that every time.   I left out a few on purpose, like Ben Affleck in Jenny from the Block.  Or that guy that plays Hawkeye in Pink’s video for Trouble.   I also didn’t mention any of the Cyndi Lauper videos starring Captain Lou Albano.  So there.

Anyways, as long as they keep making videos for songs, celebrities will continue to be in them, so if your favorite Actor isn’t in one yet, well then give it time.

Ok. Bye 

Odds and Ends (What the Fluffs and Other Stuffs)

Hey folks!

Welcome back.

Where the fuck have you been.

Ok, so anyways, as you can see by the title, this one is going to get a little out there.

So, you know how my blogs are all full of hyperlinks and random shit, or just the occasional jimmy fallon video?  Well, today is a day that is just plain out dedicated to that stuff.  I am going to just ram your throat with videos that I want you to see. 

My goal is to have no random links or anything

A lot of the videos will just be still pictures accompanying music, give it a shot.

I’m going to explain some of them, but not all of them, because some of them need to be seen on their own.   Many of them are just “other” versions of stuff that I just couldn’t figure out a way to squeeze in.  There’s going to be some covers some alternate takes and just whatever. 

There is no reason for any of these videos to be shown together.  But here they are. 

Why am I doing so much prefacing, I don’t have to explain myself to you?  But I do love you, despite what you think.

Me First and the Gimme Gimmes – Hava Nagila

If you know the Gimmes, then you know that I could have just done a whole blog of all their covers, because that is all they do.

So, for those of you that don’t know the band, Who the hell are you? 

The Gimmes are a punk supergroup featuring members of Swingin’ Utters, NOFX, Foo Fighters, Lagwagon and, No Use for a Name.

Oh, you only recognized Foo Fighters?  You must be that also trying to kill punk, but as everyone knows Punk’s not dead!

But seriously, check them dudes out.

Ok, so anyways, sometime in 2004, the band played a real Bar Mitzvah, If I remember correctly, there was a contest, or maybe he was just related, clearly, I don’t remember correctly.

The released an album called – Me First and the Gimme Gimmes Ruin Jonny’s Bar Mitzvah

Anyways, they played a Bar Mitzvah, the adults and most of the kids didn’t get it but they all indulged.  The CD that came from it was also incredible as it was just a straight beginning to ending recording, including false starts, fuck ups, and whatever else happens in a live setting.  They even left the tape going as they took a break, so you get like 15 minutes of people mingling and shit. 

So they play a bit of everything, and I mean everything!

But I want you to hear is their second take of Hava Nagila, they do a traditional-esque version and then they do their new version.

So here is some actual video of the gig, including the first version of Hava Nagila.

Here is their second more “original” version of Hava Nagila.  This is what you’re here for.  Stay for the banter after the song.

Weezer – Brain Stew

Again, I could do a whole blog on weezer’s covers and alternate takes, and everything else they’ve done.  But I will try to not overburden you with too much weezer.  But I can’t make too many promises.

So, really, this can’t be considered a weezer song, but it is.  It’s really just Rivers, some random dude on Piano and Josh Freese on drums.  First off, I honestly have no idea who is playing piano.  Josh Freese on the other hand became a touring member of weezer, when Rivers decided to just be a singer and had Pat play guitar. (Hence the line in Back to The Shack where Rivers says, “Maybe I should play the lead guitar and Pat should play the drums”  

So, anyways, the boys in the =w= camp always do like some sort of AOL session, or Shazam or Yahoo or whatever whenever they put out a new album.  So that is where this came from.  You can find other songs from this session all over the internet.  The band (except for Rivers) all where the same jacket that Freese is wearing.

This song was on none of their albums, and if you didn’t know, it is a Green Day song.  But it is so stripped and slowed down in this that it becomes a completely different song.

Hey remember when this was in an episode of Supernatural?

Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr. and Dean Martin – Me and My Shadow and Sam’s Song – Live

So, if you have never seen the picture, the sign at The Sands in Vegas; it said Dean Martin Maybe Frank Maybe Sammy.

They all did their small residences there; sometimes Joey Bishop would be there too. Basically it was their own little playground to do whatever they wanted.  It didn’t hurt that Sinatra was a small but partial owner of the place.

So the guys would just be there and perform and by the end, they would all be on stage, drinking and smoking and going on.   The shit was awesome.  Sadly I was born 40 years too late, but hey at least someone was smart enough to record it.

These were songs that they had already recorded these in the studios, hell; they were old songs by the 60s.   Still they put a new spin on them.

The guys played with the lyrics and had fun with each other.  They all truly loved each other and were very liberal and made fun of each other. I don’t know how else to explain it,

Also, if you have ever wanted to know more about, melody, harmony, counter melody and the such…

This is a decent starting point.

Me and My Shadow

Sam’s Song (I apologize that the audio clicks, it’s old)

Elvis on Elvis

So, I was originally looking for something else, someday I will find it and give it to you.   Somewhere there exists a video of Elvis Costello playing Alison, but he gave the words a new melody.  But that’s what I couldn’t find so fuck it, here’s this instead.

This has no reason being on this page at all, but it might just be the best thing you see today

The Blues Brothers – Rubber Biscuit

What’s that?  You don’t know The Blues Brothers?

Take that rock you’ve been living under and smash yourself to death!!!

Was that too harsh?

So, this, like all the other Blues Brothers songs was a cover. 

This is not the version that they recorded for the Briefcase Full of Blues album.  Remember, today is about other versions of stuff.   The cool thing to think about is that this was recorded about a year and a half before the movie.  And the single version cracked into the top 40 chart.  Not bad for a band comprised of session musicians and comedians. 

So take this for what it is, miscues, feedback issues. And all that other fun stuff.

Hozier – Take Me to Church

Acoustic backstage at The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon

So, I promised the wife she could pick a song, clearly, I shouldn’t have.

It’s not that I dislike this song; it’s not that I dislike my wife, sure, she has a crappy taste in music, and maybe she’s right and I am a music snob. 

That wasn’t a question.

Also, this is a 3 year old song that was rereleased so, I mean, I didn’t know about it then.

Speaking of which, how did the hipster burn his tongue?

He ate his soup before it was cool!!

Ok, so my lady’s taste in music isn’t crappy. Realistically, she’s recommended great songs for me, that I have enjoyed, but at the same time, I think music itself has changed and become crappy.  The problem is that in the end it’s a business and it is a product of supply and demand.

To prove my point; the top songs of 2006, so just 10 years ago, were:

1              Daniel Powter - Bad Day

2              Sean Paul - Temperature

3              Nelly Furtado feat. Timbaland - Promiscuous

4              James Blunt - You're Beautiful

5              Shakira feat. Wyclef Jean- Hips Don't Lie

6              Natasha Bedingfield - Unwritten

7              Gnarls Barkley- Crazy

8              Chamillionaire feat. Krayzie Bone- Ridin'

9              Justin Timberlake - Sexyback

10           Beyonce feat. Slim Thug - Check on It

Ok, so how many of these artists are still around 10 years later. And by around I mean relevant.  When you look at it like that, it’s dreary; I mean really, only Beyonce and JT are still making it big. And they came in ninth and tenth.

So my issue with modern music is that everyone is so quick to jump to the next big thing, that so many great artists are being swallowed up and not being given a proper chance.  

So it’s not that I hate my wife or music, I just don’t want to get behind something that will end. Television has taught me that. I mean, I always like a show and it fails.

Speaking of which, remember that show Arrested Development, That guy Michael Cera was on that show. 

Later he was mistaken for Jimmy’s brother the sing-ger

Puddles Pity Party and Haley Reinhart – Mad World

So, we saw Puddles very recently on my Happy Songs post.  Remember, he’s the 6 foot 8 clown with a voice that is as golden as his sad crown.  

That wasn’t supposed to rhyme, but that happens on accident from time to time.

Haley Reinhart, I can’t say I know who she is outside of this video, but I love her voice. Apparently she was on American Idol some while ago. 

The song Mad World was originally a hit for Tears for Fears, at that time it was like a synth prog pop sort of number and sounded nothing like it does now. 

Later on, it was covered by Michael Andrews and Gary Jules. They slowed it down and made into a much more beautiful song for the movie Donnie Darko, I never saw the movie, but I have liked this song since then.

So now fast forward to present day, but not quite, because present day is today, everything else is in the past. In fact this sentence you are reading is right now present day but it is past or history as soon as you read to the period. 

I have officially gone deep into the rabbit hole,

So anyways-

In the recent past Puddles got together with Haley and they put a vaudevillian spin on the whole thing. Vaudevillian like as in harkening back to Vaudeville, not the wrestling duo.

So here it is

I would keep posting Puddles’ videos if I could, but too many people are afraid of clowns.

I mean, what’s next, a singing spider?

Truthfully, they exist, but since I have to kill spiders for half the people I know, I won’t do it. But try googling it sometime.

 That’s some pig!

Speak of the devil.

Weezer – I’m Your Daddy

So, first off, it’s not as weird as you think.  This is actually from the same session that the Brain Stew video came from before.  Note the matching track jackets.

Now here’s the thing, I don’t remember this being a single, so I don’t know why they did this.

Not to mention they added another person who was not a part of the original recording, as you will see. It really and honestly makes no sense

But that’s also what makes it so cool. Like when a joke goes full circle and comes back out from the person the joke is about.

Like when Deadpool disses Green Lantern.  Or when Rick Astley shows up in the middle of a parade float to rick roll a shit ton of people.

So here you are.

Justin Timberlake – (Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay

First of all, had he not had already brought Sexy Back; this certainly would have done it.

I mean, what do you have to do to get invited to sing for the president? I mean, how many people can say they’ve done that?  I mean Elvis and Nixon had that weird relationship, but that’s a whole other story.

The band that is backing JT up in this is iconic in its own way. Just a great jam band, including Steve Cropper of Booker T and the MGs or of course the aforementioned Blues Brothers Band.

When JT hits the falsetto…

I mean Come on…

Seriously, ladies be careful, you may pass out, or at the very least have to change your undies, I know I did the first time I saw this.

Of course the original is great too, but Timberlake really takes this and makes it his own.

Speaking of the President

Bayside – Megan

One of my favorite Smoking Popes songs, done by Bayside a really great band that you should really devote more time to.  Their singer Anthony Raneri has a very unique and good voice, he has a great range and just.. I mean he’s not JT but he has his own greatness.

Then you add the fact that Josh Caterer stops by to sing the second verse.   I mean I love that. Whenever an original artist shows up in the middle of a cover it’s always a good thing.  At the very least it counts as a blessing to the cover

Jimmy Fallon and a Bunch of Famous People – Any Damn Thing They Want

So, here’s the thing, I tried to choose just one, I really did, but how can you?

That’s why I saved this for the end.

Don’t think of it as a cop out, think of it as, I love Jimmy Fallon; you would know that if you have been reading this thing since the beginning.

And. You know all the old posts are right there at the side or in some spot, you can read all the old ones too you know. 

It would really make me happy. 

I don’t want fame or popularity, ok maybe a little, but I want a chance to talk to more people.

Hey do me a favor recommend me to a few of your friends.

So this is it, here’s where it ends  Thank you for reading today, I don’t know when I will be back, but in the meantime, here’s a shit ton of Jimmy Fallon videos. 

The Ragtime Gals

Hello

Russel Crowe, Balls

We Can’t Stop

Ice Cream

Impressions with Jamie Foxx 

On a Boat

Slow Jamming the News

Iko Iko with Queen Amidala

That Bass

Ok, if you are still with me, here’s one that’s not Jimmy Fallon, it’s not safe for work, and definitely not safe for small children or Mothers or Fathers- in- law,

Really, you might find this offensive, seriously

I can’t believe I am showing you this after having shown you The President.

Quack like a Duck

Ok, that’s it, We’ll see you later. I love you.