The Monkees were criticized early in their career because they didn’t write their early hits. “Randy Scouse Git” is a great example of what they could do on their own. This went Top 5 in Britain in 1967 under the name “Alternate Title” since “Randy Scouse Git” is English slang for horny lad … or something like that. Even 45 years later, it still sounds unusual and makes one wonder what kind of band they’d have been had they not been locked into their TV show and making hits.
One of the best (and saddest) documentaries I’ve seen in the past year is Jonathan Furmanski’s documentary on XXX-rated soul singer / rapper Blowfly. Blowfly is the alter ego of legendary R&B singer-songwriter Clarence Reid, who achieved greater success (and notoriety) doing XXX-rated parodies of popular soul/R&B tunes in the persona of Blowfly. A really terrific portrayal of a complex and talented artist.
Arguably, the most famous cover of Tim Buckley’s most famous song. Director David Lynch apparently wanted to use this for “Blue Velvet,” but because he couldn’t afford the rights had to make do with the Angelo Badalamenti-Julee Cruise song “Mysteries of Love” (not a bad substitute by any means, in my opinion). Lynch eventually got to use this in 1996’s “Lost Highway” and it also appeared in director Peter Jackson’s 2009 film adaptation of “The Lovely Bones.” Comedian Patton Oswalt made mention of this during his famous KFC Famous Bowls routine.
Seriously, what is it with these beyond hideous Thomas Kincaide-inspired videos created for otherwise awesome songs on YouTube? Again, my apologies. I wish there were a better representation of this track on YouTube, but this is it folks. OK, disclaimer aside, I love this Badfinger ballad from the stellar “Straight Up” album. Please ignore the video and groove on this for a while.
Before Nine Inch Nails, there was Killing Joke … delivering pulverizing industrial rhythms and loud metallic guitars in equal measures. The standout track from 1981’s “…what’s THIS for !!!!” album.
A song I never get tired of when I hear it on 80s or New Wave stations. A classic in any idiom and only the tip of the iceberg as far as The Church is concerned. A terrific, underrated band.
This ballad from hell is my favorite track off Iggy’s infamously awesome “Raw Power” album. Many prefer the sturm and drang of “Search and Destroy” and the title track, but I always found this “love” song way more sinister and frightening. “There’s nothing left alive but a pair of glassy eyes … raise my fears one more time.”
Admittedly, the visuals on this YouTube clip are Hallmark card level cheesy, but this is the only place on YouTube I could find the Stones’s stellar studio cover of this O.V. Wright classic (also classically covered by Otis Redding). One of the Stones best.
A pre-“Joey” Concrete Blonde doing a very cool, more commercial version of the band X. Lots of aggressive guitars, lyrics about the sleazy side of Hollywood, and very rockin’! Just try not to hop around the room to this.
I almost posted the decent cover of this warhorse done by Nick Cave and Shane McGowan, but this version is not only better, it has taken on added poignancy since it was on Joey’s posthumously released album “Don’t Worry about Me.” RIP, Joey!
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