The theme song for Paul Schrader’s underrated and wonderfully bats–t crazy Freudian horror film from 1982, in its better original version recorded for the film. (There’s a remake on Bowie’s gazillion-selling 1983 album “Let’s Dance,” which is decent, but not as good as this one). Quentin Tarantino had the good taste to include this on the soundtrack for “Inglorious Basterds” during the scene where Shoshanna gets ready for a night of revenge.
A beautiful hymn to old Hollywood and the perils of fame and ambition. I’ve never been able to confirm if this song has ever been used during an Oscars night montage, but I would be dumbfounded if it hasn’t. If anyone knows when and if this was ever used, I’m all ears.
The English Social Distortion record this super-cool and rockin’ Kinks-Stones rave-up that would have been a huge hit had it been recorded/released twenty years earlier. Produced by the late, great Vic Maile.
A great Animals song that, while a hit back in the day, rarely pops up on Oldies or classic rock stations, unless the station is doing some “deep cuts from the vault” type thing. Too bad, because this is a really unusual and terrific song that’s the equal of “House of the Rising Sun” in my opinion.
Break out the Bushmills! Geldof gives the Pogues a run for their money with this rollicking ode to apathy and nihilism. Despite the subject matter, I guarantee it will get your toes a-tappin’.
R.E.M. rocks harder than they ever have on this loving homage to early 1970s glitter rock. “Bomb” and the 1996 album it came from (“New Adventures in Hi-Fi”) are terrifically underrated and worth checking out if you’ve never heard them or dismissed them back in the day, as many did.
Track 69 (chuckle, chuckle) from 1993’s “Kerosene Hat.” Wonderfully catchy and rockin’ in the traditional Cracker mode. I dare you not to be singing along after the first minute or so.
A gem from 1985’s “Tim” album. The accompanying video was considered “radical” and “ironic” back in the day, though nowadays, after 10 seconds, you get the idea and the concept doesn’t seem that clever. Still, it’s a great song and it beats pickin’ cotton and waitin’ to be forgotten.
Henry dishes on meeting David Lee Roth and his feelings on “the Van Halen.”
The one Johnny Thunders song most people know and would agree is a classic. Covered by everyone from Guns ‘n’ Roses to Ronnie Spector. Put to great use not only in Martin Scorsese’s “Bringing out the Dead” but also on “The Sopranos.”
Dave's Strange World 