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Showing posts with label Music. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Music. Show all posts

Sunday, June 28, 2020

Sunday Spin: A Complete List of My Weekly Vinyl Listens

 

 

 

Last year I began chronicling my #sundayspin listens via Instagram... but it soon dawned on my that I had lost track of what I had already posted. To avoid any repeats, here's the list of what I've logged, with much more to come!

2019
June 1, "Labrador" single, Velocity Girl (1994)
June 16, "If You're Feeling Sinister," Belle and Sebastian (1996)
June 23, "Quiet is the New Loud," Kings of Convenience (2001)
August 18, "Lockjaw," Dance Hall Crashers (1995)
August 25, "Some Great Reward," Depeche Mode (1984)
September 8, "The Story of The Clash," The Clash (1988)
September 15, "Best of Sade," Sade (1994)
September 29: "Behind the Wheel/Route 66" (maxi-single), Depeche Mode (1987)
October 13: "The Muffs," The Muffs (1993)
October 27: "Copacetic," Velocity Girl (1993)
November 3: "The People Who Grinned Themselves to Death," The Housemartins (1987)
November 10: "Ciao! Best of Lush," Lush (2001)
November 17: "Violator," Depeche Mode (1990)
December 1: "Moon Safari," Air (1998)
December 8: "Give Up," The Postal Service (2003)
December 15: "Substance 1987," New Order (1987)
December 22: "A Charlie Brown Christmas" soundtrack, Vince Guaraldi Trio (1965)
December 29: "1999," Prince (1982)

2020
January 5: "Solid Gold Hits," Beastie Boys (2005)
January 12: "I Learned the Hard Way," Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings (2010)
January 26: "xx," The xx (2009)
February 2: "Unknown Mortal Orchestra," Unknown Mortal Orchestra (2011)
February 9: "Low Life," New Order (1985)
February 16: "This Land," Gary Clark Jr. (2019)
February 23: "Stankonia," Outkast (2000)
March 1: "Violet Street," Local Natives (2019)
March 8: "Rosé," Bran Van 3000 (2007)
March 15: "Good Thing," Leon Bridges (2018)
March 22: "Eponymous," R.E.M. (1988)
March 29: "Dummy," Portishead (1994)
April 5: "Kalapana," Kalapana (1975)
April 12: "Vide Noir," Lord Huron (2018)
April 19: "Love is Dead," Chvrches (2018)
April 28: "Circus," Erasure (1987)
May 10: "Electronic," Electronic (1991)
May 17: "Simpatico," Velocity Girl (1994)
May 24: "Pretty in Pink" soundtrack (1986)
June 14: "American Top 40" (June 1, 1985)
June 21: "The Best of Earth Wind & Fire," Earth Wind & Fire (1978)
June 28: "Around the World in a Day," Prince and the Revolution (1985)
July 5: "Standing on a Beach," The Cure (1986)
July 12: "Coltrane's Sound," John Coltrane (1964)
July 19: "The Whole Story," Kate Bush (1986)
July 26: "My Aim is True," Elvis Costello (1977)
August 2: "Al Green Greatest Hits," Al Green (1975)
August 9: "Random Access Memories," Daft Punk (2013)
August 16: "Copper Blue," Sugar (1992)
August 23: "I Feel For You" (acoustic) single, Prince (recorded 1978/1979, released 2019)
August 30: "U Can't Touch This" (12" maxi-single), M.C. Hammer (1990)
September 6: "The Anthology," A Tribe Called Quest (1999)
September 13: "Protection," Massive Attack (1994)
October 4: "Gorillaz," Gorillaz (2001)
October 11: "Exile in Guyville," Liz Phair (1993)
October 18: "Dare to Be Stupid," "Weird Al" Yankovic (1985)
October 25: "Everyday Is Halloween" (12" single), Ministry (1984)
November 1: "Sign O' The Times," Prince (1987)
November 8: "No More Lies" (12" single), Michel'le (1989)
November 15: "In a Tidal Wave of Mystery," Capital Cities (2013)
December 6: "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill," Lauryn Hill (1998)
December 13: "Recover," The Naked and Famous (2020) 
December 20: "Merry Christmas," Bing Crosby (1955)
December 27: "In Your Mind," Bryan Ferry (1977)

2021
January 3: "Quality Control," Jurassic 5 (2000)
January 10: "Details," Frou Frou (2002)
January 17: "Cupid Deluxe," Blood Orange (2013)
January 24: "Rhythm Nation 1814," Janet Jackson (1989)
January 31: "Darklands," The Jesus & Mary Chain (1987)
February 7: "Madonna," Madonna (1983)
February 14: "Collapsed in Sunbeams," Arlo Parks (2021) 
February 21: "Rio," Duran Duran (1982)
February 28: "Laura," Diego Garcia (2010)
March 7: "Aretha's Greatest Hits," Aretha Franklin (1971)
March 14: "ChangesBowie," David Bowie (1990)
March 21: "Say No Go" (12" maxi-single), De La Soul (1989) 
March 28: "Sour Lemon" (10" EP), Local Natives (2020) 
April 4: "The Sea and Cake," The Sea and Cake (1994)
April 11: "People Are People," Depeche Mode (1984)
April 18: "Angel"/"Into the Groove" (12" maxi-single), Madonna (1985) 
April 25: "The Humpty Dance" (12" maxi-single), Digital Underground (1990)
May 2: "True," Spandau Ballet (1983)
May 9: "Not Your Muse," Celeste (2021)
May 16: "All Hands on the Bad One," Sleater-Kinney (2000)
May 23: "Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me," The Cure (1987)
May 30: "Night Music," Cecilio & Kapono (1977) 
June 6: "Demon Days," Gorillaz (2005)
July 11: "Sports," Huey Lewis and the News (1983)
July 18: "Weezer" (Blue album), Weezer (1994)
July 25: "3 Feet High and Rising," De La Soul (1989)
August 1: "Brotherhood," New Order (1986)
August 8: "Bananarama," Bananarama (1984) 
August 15: "Please," Pet Shop Boys (1986)
August 22: "Greatest," The Go-Go's (1990)
August 29: "Third," Portishead (2008)
September 5: "Introducing the Hardline According to Terence Trent D'Arby," Terence Trent D'Arby/Sananda Maitreya (1987)
September 12: "Screen Violence," Chvrches (2021)
September 19: "Singles — 45's and Under," Squeeze (1982)
September 26: "Nevermind," Nirvana (1991)
October 3: "Power 106 FM LA Power Mix '87," Various Artists (1987)
October 10: "The Pacific Age," Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (1986)
October 24: "Private Space," Durand Jones & the Indications (2021)
October 31: "Monster Mash" single, Bobby (Boris) Pickett and the Crypt-Kickers (1962)
November 7: "The Far Field," Future Islands (2017)
November 14: "Gilded Stars and Zealous Hearts," Velocity Girl (1996)
November 21: "The Top," The Cure (1984)
November 28: "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band," The Beatles (1967)
December 5: "For Emma, Forever Ago," Bon Iver (2007)
December 12: "Happier Than Ever," Billie Eilish (2021)
December 26: "Make It Big," Wham! (1984)

2022
January 2: "Ella Sings Gershwin," Ella Fitzgerald (1950; 1963 re-release)
January 9: "New Edition," New Edition (1984) 
January 16: "Gorilla Manor," Local Natives (2010)
January 23: "The Highlights," The Weeknd (2021)
January 30: "Once Upon a Time," Simple Minds (1985)
February 6: "Parents Just Don't Understand" (12" maxi-single), DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince (1988)
February 13: "Don't You Want Me" (12" maxi-single), Jody Watley (1987)
February 27: "Private Dancer," Tina Turner (1984)
March 6: "Foxbase Alpha," Saint Etienne (1991)
March 12: "The Score," Fugees (1996)
March 19: "Music of the Spheres," Coldplay (2021)
March 26: "Footloose" Soundtrack (1984)
April 3: "Back to Black," Amy Winehouse (2006)
April 10: "Sour," Olivia Rodrigo (2021) 
April 24: "The Brothers Cazimero," The Brothers Cazimero (1975) and "Hawaii. In the Middle of the Sea," The Brothers Cazimero (1980)
May 1: "The B-52's," The B-52's (1979)
May 8: "Poison," Bell Biv DeVoe (1990)
May 22: "Dawn FM," The Weekend (2022)
May 29: "Black Celebration," Depeche Mode (1986)
June 19: "Talking Book," Stevie Wonder (1972)
June 26: "Little Earthquakes," Tori Amos (1992)
July 3: "Top Gun" soundtrack (1986)
July 17: "Vivid," Living Colour (1988)
July 31: "Duran Duran," Duran Duran (1981; this is the 1983 reissue)
August 14: "Physical," Olivia Newton-John (1981)
August 28: "Listen Like Thieves," INXS (1985)
September 4, "Legend," Bob Marley and the Wailers (1984)
September 11, "So," Peter Gabriel (1986)
September 25, "Crowded House," Crowded House (1986)
October 2, "Chicago IX: Chicago's Greatest Hits" (1975)
October 9, "Republic," New Order (1993)
October 16, "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" Soundtrack, Vince Guaraldi (recorded 1966, released 2022)
October 23, "Heartbeat City," The Cars (1984)
November 6, "Dare to Be Stupid," "Weird Al" Yankovic (1985)
November 13, "The Seeds of Love," Tears for Fears (1989)
November 20, "Eye of the Tiger," Survivor (1982)
November 27, "What A Feelin'," Irene Cara (1983)
December 11, "Raw Like Sushi," Neneh Cherry (1989)
December 18, "Club Classics Volume 1," Soul II Soul (1989)
December 25, "Marvin's Marvelous Mechanical Museum," Tally Hall (2005)

2023
January 8, "The Specials," The Specials (1979)
January 15, "In My Tribe," 10,000 Maniacs (1987)
January 22, "The Immaculate Collection," Madonna (1990)
January 29, "Pray for the Wicked," Panic! At The Disco (2018)
February 5, "Post," Bjork (1995)
February 12, "Purple Rain," Prince and the Revolution (1984)
February 19, "Groove is in the Heart" (12" maxi single), Deee-Lite (1990)
February 26, "Coastal Grooves," Blood Orange (2011)
March 5, "Oracular Spectacular," MGMT (2007)
March 19, "WNUR 89.3 Heat from the Wind Chill Factory," Various Artists (1985) 
March 26, "Songs of Faith and Devotion," Depeche Mode (1993)
April 2, "Since I Left You," The Avalanches (2000)
April 9, "The Sunday Manoa 3," The Sunday Manoa (1973)
April 16, "After the Snow," Modern English (1982)
April 23, "Under the Pink," Tori Amos (1994)
April 30, "Kick," INXS (1987)
May 7, "Welcome to the Pleasuredome," Frankie Goes to Hollywood (1984)
May 21, "Colour by Numbers," Culture Club (1983)
May 28, "Disintegration," The Cure (1989)
June 18, "Doolittle," The Pixies (1989)
July 9, "Lo Fi Ghibli," Grey October Sound (2022)
July 16, "Raising Hell," Run DMC (1986)
July 23, "Jody Watley," Jody Watley (1987)
July 30,  "So Far — The Best Of," Sinead O'Connor (1997)
August 6, "Midnights," Taylor Swift (2022)
August 13, "Live at Sounds of Hawaii Studios," Hui Ohana (1975)
August 20, "Touch," Eurythmics (1983)
August 27, "Love Life," Berlin (1984)
September 2, “The Bliss Album…? (Vibrations of Love and Anger and the Ponderance of Life and Existence),” P.M. Dawn (1993)
September 10, "Currents," Tame Impala (2015)
September 17, "Out of Time," R.E.M. (1991)
September 24, "Controversy," Prince (1981)
October 1, "I'm Breathless ('Dick Tracy' Soundtrack)," Madonna (1990)
October 8, "Us," Peter Gabriel (1992)
October 15, "What Is The English Beat?," The English Beat (1983) 
October 22, "The Best of Booker T & the MG's," Booker T & the MG's (1968)
October 29, "She's So Unusual," Cyndi Lauper (1983)
November 5, "Abbey Road," The Beatles (1969)
November 26, "Affection," Lisa Stansfield (1989)
December 3, "Giant Steps," John Coltrane (1960)
December 10, "Cosmic Thing," The B-52's (1989)
December 17, "Fuse," Everything But the Girl (2023) and "The Record," Boygenius (2023)
December 24, "A Motown Christmas," Various Artists (1973)
December 31, "Forever Young," Alphaville (1984)

2024
January 14, "Bust A Move" (12" maxi-single), Young M.C. (1989) and "Mo' Money, Mo' Problems" (12" maxi-single), Notorious B.I.G. (1997)
January 21, "Naked Eyes," Naked Eyes (1983)
January 28, "Life's Too Good," The Sugarcubes (1988)
February 18, "Remixes," Amy Winehouse (2021)
February 25, "Baduizm," Erykah Badu (1997) 
March 10, "Songs of Surrender," U2 (2023)
March 17, "Like a Prayer," Madonna (1989)
March 31, "Ella at the Hollywood Bowl: The Irving Berlin Soundtrack," Ella Fitzgerald (2022; 1958 recording)
April 7, "Hurry Up, We're Dreaming," M83 (2011) and "Go" (12" maxi-single), M83 (2016)
April 14, "Tragic Kingdom," No Doubt (1995)
April 21, "Cowboy Carter," Beyoncé (2024)
April 28, "Little Creatures," Talking Heads (1985)
May 5, "Pure" (12" single), The Lightning Seeds (1989)
May 19, "Bewitched: The Goddess Edition," Laufey (2024)
May 26, "Points on the Curve," Wang Chung (1983) and "Mosaic," Wang Chung (1986)
June 2, "1984," Van Halen (1984)
June 9, "World Clique," Deee-Lite (1990)
June 16, "Music for the Masses," Depeche Mode (1987)
June 23, "Pet Sounds," The Beach Boys (1966), "We Are the World," USA for Africa and Various (1985) and "Slippery When Wet," Bon Jovi (1986)
July 7, "DAMN.," Kendrick Lamar (2017)
July 14, "The Innocents," Erasure (1988)
July 21, "Nothing Matters Without Love," Seduction (1989)
July 28, "Rumours," Fleetwood Mac (1977)
August 4, "Appetite for Destruction," Guns 'N Roses (1987)
August 11, "Memorial Vol. 1," Charlie Parker (1967)
August 25, "Different Light," The Bangles (1986)
September 8, "Best of Cecilio & Kapono," Cecilio & Kapono (1983)
September 15, "Definitely Maybe," Oasis (1994)
September 22, "Information Society," Information Society (1988) 
September 29, "Xanadu" Soundtrack (Olivia Newton-John and Electric Light Orchestra) (1980)
October 6, "Once Upon a Time/The Singles," Siouxsie and the Banshees (1981)
October 13, "An Innocent Man," Billy Joel (1983)
October 27, "UltraCopacetic," Velocity Girl (1993/2024)
November 3, "The Hurting," Tears for Fears (1983)
November 10, "Come Away with Me," Norah Jones (2002)
November 17, "Wish," The Cure (1992)
November 24, "The Only Place," Best Coast (2012)
December 1, "The Dude," Quincy Jones (1981)
December 8, "Acoustic Soul," India.Arie (2001)
December 15, "The Best of Elvis Costello and the Attractions," Elvis Costello and the Attractions (1985)
December 22, "A Very Special Christmas," Various Artists (1987)
December 29, "The Sensual World," Kate Bush (1989)

2025
January 5, "Chicago IX: Chicago's Greatest Hits" (1975)
January 12, "Dinner Party," Dinner Party (2020)
January 19, "Pride (In the Name of Love)" (12" single), U2 (1984)
January 26, "Actually," Pet Shop Boys (1987) 
February 2, "22, A Million," Bon Iver (2016)
February 9, "De La Soul Is Dead." De La Soul (1991)
February 23, "You've Come a Long Way, Baby," Fatboy Slim (1998)
March 3, "Number One Blind" (10" single), Veruca Salt (1995)
March 10, "Aja," Steely Dan (1977)
March 23, "Give Me the Night," George Benson (1980)
March 30, "Lovelife," Lush (1996)
April 6, "The Sound of Music by Pizzicato Five," Pizzicato Five (1995)
April 13, "A Night at the Symphony: Hollywood Bowl," Laufey (2025)
April 20, "Down Upbeat," Casiopea (1984)
April 27, "Live Through This," Hole (1994)
May 18, "Born in the U.S.A.," Bruce Springsteen (1984)
May 25, "GNX," Kendrick Lamar (2024)
June 1, "Labour of Love," UB40 (1983)
June 15, "Greatest Hits," Sly and the Family Stone (1970)
June 23, "Tracy Chapman," Tracy Chapman (1988)
June 30, "Swimming," Mac Miller (2018)
July 6, "The Low End Theory," A Tribe Called Quest (1991)
July 13, "Very," Pet Shop Boys (1993)
July 20, "Headhunters," Herbie Hancock (1973)
Aug. 3, "Musicforthemorningafter," Pete Yorn (2001)
Aug. 10, "Sunlight," Herbie Hancock (1978)
Aug. 17, "Hunting High and Low," a-ha (1985) 
Aug. 24, "Exposure," Exposé (1987)
Aug. 31, "In 3-D," "Weird Al" Yankovic (1984)
Sept. 7, "Don't Be Cruel," Bobby Brown (1988)
Sept. 14, "Gish," Smashing Pumpkins (1991)
Sept. 21, "Radio Free Europe" 10" re-release, R.E.M. (2025)
Sept. 28, "Abba-esque," Erasure (1992)
Oct. 5, "Echo & the Bunnymen," Echo & the Bunnymen (1987)
Oct. 12, "Idlewild," Everything But the Girl (1988)
Oct. 19, "Bouncing Off Satellites," The B-52's (1986)
Oct. 26,  "Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo!," Devo (1978) and "Freedom of Choice," Devo (1980)
Oct. 31 (special Halloween edition), "The Nightmare Before Christmas" Soundtrack (1993)
Nov. 2, "License to Ill," Beastie Boys (1986) and "Upstairs at Eric's," Yaz (1982)
Nov. 9, "Crush," Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (1985)
Nov. 15 (special rain edition), "Can You Stand the Rain" (7" single), New Edition (1988)
Nov. 16, "Fumbling Towards Ecstasy," Sarah McLachlan (1993)
Nov. 23, "Women In Music Pt. III," Haim (2020)
Nov. 30, "Channel Orange," Frank Ocean (2012)
Dec. 7, "Mint Jams," Casiopea (1982)
Dec. 14, "Plans," Death Cab for Cutie (2005)
Dec. 21, "A Christmas Album for You," Phil Spector (1963)
Dec. 28, "Things to Come," Dizzy Gillespie (1975)

2026
Jan. 4, "Singles," The Pretenders (1987)
Jan. 11, "Amplified Heart," Everything But the Girl (1994)
Jan. 18, "It's Only Life," The Feelies (1988)
Jan. 25, "The Hits 1" and "The Hits 2," Prince (1993)
Feb. 1, "Girl You Know It's True," Milli Vanilli (1989)
Feb. 8, "Fantastic," Wham! (1983)
Feb. 15, "The Head on the Door," The Cure (1985)
Feb. 22, "You've Come a Long Way, Baby," Fatboy Slim (1998)
Mar. 1, "Speakerboxxx/The Love Supreme," Outkast (2003) 
Mar. 8, "3," Falco (1985) 
Mar. 15, "Tidal," Fiona Apple (1996)
Mar. 22, "In Rainbows," Radiohead (2007)
April 5, "Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1," George Michael (1990)
April 12, "Children's Story" (12" single), Slick Rick (1989)
April 19, "Acoustic Hits," The Cure (2001)
April 26, "Ice Cream Castle," The Time (1984)
May 3, "Borderline/Lucky Star" (12" single), Madonna (1984) (Requested by Maria)
May 17, "Skylarking," XTC (1986)
May 24, "Show Me," The Cover Girls (1987) and "What You Don't Know," Exposé (1989)
May 31, "Sonny Rollins on Impulse!," Sonny Rollins (1965)
June 7, "Parallel Lines," Blondie (1978) and "Autoamerican," Blondie (1980)
June 21, "World in Motion" (12" single), New Order (1990)
July 12, “Tom Tom Club,” Tom Tom Club (1981); “Last Splash,” the Breeders (1993); “Rockit” (12" single), Herbie Hancock (1983); “Forever Now,” the Psychedelic Furs (1983) and “Greatest Hits,”  Roxy Music (1977)
July 19, "Bedroom Stories," Madonna (1994) and "Ray of Light," Madonna (1998)
Aug. 2, "The Swell Season," Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová (2006)

Saturday, December 1, 2018

2018 Becomes Eclectic: KCRW's Top Albums, Songs, and Artist of the Year


Looking to round out your 2018 playlist? Franklin Avenue will be sharing its "Choice Cuts" list of fave 2018 tunes later this month. In the meantime, here's KCRW's round up of the year's best albums and songs, as chosen by its DJs. Plus, Jason Bentley reveals the year's best new artist. Read on:

KCRW’s Top 10 Albums of 2018

Kamasi Washington - "Heaven and Earth"
Leon Bridges - "Good Thing"
Khruangbin - "Con Todo El Mundo"
Jungle - "For Ever"
Father John Misty - "God’s Favorite Customer"
Rosalía - "El Mal Querer"
Unknown Mortal Orchestra - "Sex & Food"
Anderson .Paak - "Oxnard"
Tom Misch - "Geography"
Rhye - "Blood"

 

KCRW’s Top 10 Songs of 2018

Childish Gambino - “This Is America”
Christine and the Queens - “Girlfriend" (feat. Dâm-Funk)
Jonathan Wilson - “Loving You”
Louis Cole - “Things”
Disclosure - “Where Angels Fear To Tread”
Maverick Sabre - “Drifting”
Hozier - “Nina Cried Power" (feat. Mavis Staples)
Amber Mark - “Conexão”
Blonde Redhead - “Where Your Mind Wants To Go" (feat. Ludovico Einaudi)
Channel Tres - “Controller”

 

Best New Artist - Rosalía

“Her new album El Mal Querer is innovative, authentic, mindful of tradition, assertive in message, and can rival anything in the pop world today.” - KCRW Music Director Jason Bentley. As KCRW’s 2018 pick for Best New Artist, Rosalia joins Anderson .Paak, and Tom Misch, who have also received this distinguished KCRW endorsement in recent years.

Friday, January 15, 2016

In Memory of David Bowie: A Handful of Personal Tributes to a Legend

bowie

Like most of you, I was truly sad to learn that David Bowie had died. (I learned it right after the Golden Globes on Sunday night, at HBO's afterparty, where the DJ eventually started playing Bowie hits back-to-back). My Twitter and Facebook feeds have been flooded with personal memories from people of what Bowie and his genius meant to them. Here are a bunch:

Phil Gallo:

My Bowie fandom started with Ziggy Stardust and I stuck with him as he changed from one persona to another, his Berlin period being my favorite phase. Through it all though, I always thought he was most unapproachable, a perfect example of don't meet your heroes. That changed in March 1998. Betsy and I were in London at a Maggie Smith play, sitting the front of the mezzanine. At intermission, I got up to get some water, but the aisles and concession stand were so jammed I went downstairs and got a bottle of water.

As I stopped to open it, standing 12 feet from me lighting up a cigarette was David Bowie. I thought, if nobody else is going to bother him, I will. Fortunately I had an in – within the last month of so I had seen him perform at the Hollywood Athletic Club and could talk about the gig. Bowie could not have been more receptive. We talked about theater, music, art, London and Paris – he gave me recommendations for plays, bands, galleries and restaurants – and we didn’t stop chatting until they started ushering everyone back to their seats. He could not have been nicer or more gracious and as I have told this story over the years, everyone who has ever met him had similar impressions.

When I back to our seats, Betsy greeted me with “you're not going to believe what happened while you were gone.” I laughed and said the same thing to her.

RIP David Bowie. You made a huge difference.

Doug Herzog:

Young Americans. "Ain't there one damn song that can make me break down and cry?" One of my all time favorite songs. I'm not sure there's any one track more representative of the 70's than this. From the David Sanborn sax, to Luther Vandross's soulful back up. Effortlessly funky, not exactly rock, not exactly RnB, and hints at Disco. It references Nixon, Soul Train, Barbi, Afro-Sheen, Pimps, Hustler's and Caddies. And as any 70's radio DJ will tell you, features possibly one of the greatest intros ever.

Alex Romanelli:

David Bowie's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame today became the impromptu place for LA fans to pay public tribute. My favorite was the milk and peppers. The fly in the milk is sorely missed. Mood was somber, I'd have preferred the joyful celebration in Brixton but it was good to go somewhere and do something to pay one's respects. After I went to Amoeba and was surprised to learn "Blackstar" had sold out - on Saturday.

Joe Flint:

My David Bowie-inspired memory. I'm nine or ten and I ask my brother what does "wham bam thank you ma'am" mean. He does not tell but does tell me, don't ask mom that.

Melanie McFarland:

David Bowie was, in a real sense, my first true love. "Let's Dance" was my first record when I was a kid, and that introduction to Bowie inspired me to go back and listen to his older classics. He had a singular sound that was ever-evolving, and a clear, unshakable love of art, creativity and beauty that could not be denied. (I also had pictures of him and Iman, one of my favorite models, on my bedroom wall before they got together and married!)

Hearing about his death has left me numb. I always said that when he left us I would take a day to grieve; alas, being on the road for work, I cannot. But I am consoled and inspired by knowing that he left behind an incredible body of work that we can always turn to in good times and bad.

Rest in peace and thanks for reminding little girls and boys everywhere that we can all be Heroes.

Kim Cooper:

Bored in junior high and having just seen David Bowie in "The Man Who Fell To Earth," I told a few kids that I'd come to their planet to find water because mine was dying. Somehow, over a few days gossip, this was interpreted as planet Earth was on the verge of destruction, and it was my fault. Mass terror swept the campus, and next thing I knew I was hiding with a classmate in a freestanding bathroom in the middle of the school playing fields as a riot swirled, comprised of kids who apparently wanted to kill me to save the world.

Rescued by teachers, crowd dispersed, I was marched to the principal's office and suspended for several days. I didn't really understand why--because I said I was from another planet?--but a few days out of school was a treat, not a punishment.

This happened in Hollywood, California, which is a hick town, whatever you may have heard. But I love it, and David Bowie, too. Thanks for showing me the power of storytelling, Starman. It's no game.

Jessica Ritz:

As a 14 year-old, I thankfully thought camping out overnight at the Roxy to see David Bowie with his new Tin Machine outfit was the COMPLETELY reasonable, obvious thing to do. (41 year-old me thinks it sounds insane.) Bowie in his double-breasted suit had the crowd in the palm of his hand, the Sales brothers rocked the rhythm section, and even if this wasn't among the more heralded chapters in his career, it's the rare few who create so darn many stellar ones.

Lynda Dorf:

I am so sad to hear of David Bowie's passing. Hours of listening to Ziggy Stardust with the Norris Brothers and Mark Messore in the late 70's and Andie Bodie too!

My Grandfather managed David Bowie's fan club and when he died at 69, he sent our Grandmother Julie one of the most beautiful notes of condolence. He was a master, a true artist in so many ways outside of music. Influenced the art I love, some crazy fashion moments in late high school and the poetry I read and loved as well.

His rendition of Little Drummer Boy with Bing Crosby will forever, like Michele Husak, be my all time favorite Christmas song.

Our son Max Dorf got to learn his music intimately through ‪#‎schoolofrock‬ playing Space Oddity, Changes, John I am Only Dancing, Heroes, Let's Dance, Rebel Rebel and I'm Afraid of Americans.

RIP. You were a true star and I wish, as he did for our family, that my family, especially my Aunt could return the kindness of the words he shared with ours. A seminal artist gone way too soon. Have not felt this sense of cultural or musical loss since Jerry Garcia's passing in 1995.

Friday, January 1, 2016

Choice Cuts: Franklin Avenue's Favorite Tracks of 2015, Part 1

silverlakechorusalessiacaraalabamashakesgrimes

In no particular order, I've selected the favorite tracks from 2015's playlists for our fourteenth annual Choice Cuts end-of-year mix. The first four:



1. Overboard -- The Silver Lake Chorus

Ben Lee wrote and performs the solo in this song, from The Silver Lake Chorus-- which "performs choral arrangements of indie music." Yeah, I know, sounds so very Silver Lake-y. But Ben Lee knows how to craft an infectious pop tune, and this is one of them -- attached to a striking multi-part chorus. (Thanks to TSLC for correcting me -- that's not Ben Lee doing the solo, but one of their talented members!)



2. Wild Things -- Alessia Cara

I've been listening to a lot of top 40 radio toward the end of this year, and during a recent drive up to Sacramento, Alessia Cara's "Here" was in heavy rotation. I was drawn to the song's sample -- Isaac Hayes's "Ike's Rap II," which was the core of one of my favorite tracks of the 1990s, Portishead's "Glory Box." Cara's voice is remarkable, and "Wild Things" is a fantastic follow-up.



3. Don't Wanna Fight -- Alabama Shakes

Brittany Howard does it again -- that raw grit in her voice as she screams, "I don't wanna fight no more!" is powerful.


4. Flesh Without Blood -- Grimes

Claire Elise Boucher, better known as Grimes, has a sound that one magazine described as an "alien love-child of Aphex Twin and ABBA." I'm not sure if that's a good thing, but this song is.

The next four tomorrow!

Also on Franklin Avenue:

Choice Cuts: Franklin Avenue's Favorite Tracks of 2015, Part 2

Choice Cuts: Franklin Avenue's Favorite Tracks of 2015, Part 3

Sunday, October 4, 2015

A Retro Night with Duran Duran and Chic at the Hollywood Bowl

Duran Duran

Nostalgia ruled Thursday night at the Hollywood Bowl, as children of the 1980s crowded into the ampitheater in order to hear classic tunes from both iconic groups. It was the first Hollywood Bowl concert for Duran Duran, which still features original members singer Simon Le Bon, bassist John Taylor, keyboardist Nick Rhodes, and drummer Roger Taylor.

Duran Duran

Solid-out crowd at the Bowl.

Duran Duran

It's a little bit disconcerting to realize that yes, you're now attending concerts sponsored by an oldies station. And that "oldies" means 1980s music. And that 1980s music is 30 years ago. Just as in the 1980s, music from the 1950s was from 30 years ago. Sigh.

Duran Duran

Chic feat. Nile Rodgers setlist:
Dance, Dance, Dance
Everybody Dance
I Want Your Love
I'm Coming Out / Upside Down / He's The Greatest Dancer / We Are Family
Get Lucky
Let's Dance
Le Freak
Good Times

Duran Duran

It's truly impressive the number of hits that Nile Rodgers has been involved with through the decades. "He is RICH," Maria proclaimed.

Duran Duran

Chic's set ended with a dance party on stage, as several people -- including Craig Robinson -- were brought out to groove behind the group during "Good Times." (Nile also did a solid first verse of "Rapper's Delight," which, of course, used "Good Times" as a back beat.)

Duran Duran

Duran Duran setlist:
Paper Gods
Hungry Like the Wolf
A View to a Kill
The Reflex
Come Undone
Last Night in the City
What Are the Chances?
Notorious
Pressure Off
Planet Earth
Ordinary World
White Lines (Don't Don't Do It)
(Reach Up for the) Sunrise
Danceophobia
Too Much Information
Girls on Film
Encore: Rio

Duran Duran

Simon Le Bon turns 57 later this month, and still had ladies swooning in the audience.

Duran Duran

Some interesting choices for their Hollywood Bowl set, including their 1995 cover of Grandmaster Melle Mel's "White Lines." Duran Duran

The show ended with "Rio"; unfortunately, things had to end there, as the Hollywood Bowl has a strict 11 p.m. curfew. Which meant planned performances of "Save a Prayer" and "Wild Boys," reportedly planned to be a part of the encore, had to be scrapped.

Thursday, August 27, 2015

What Is The 2015 Song of the Summer?

omi

Is OMI's "Cheerleader" the song of the summer? Radio consultant Sean Ross makes a case for it:

“Cheerleader” was perhaps the first time since “California Gurls” that a song remained a front-runner from Memorial Day to Labor Day, although there were a few negative whispers at the beginning (one PD told me that the women he played it for didn’t like it) and PDs who came up to me midsummer and admitted they didn’t like it at first.

It’s hard to come up with a more profound case for “Cheerleader” than the one made for it in May: “reggae + dance music = extra summer smash insurance in 2015.” But after “Blurred Lines” and “Fancy,” the song’s sweetness probably counts for something as well. You can also say that about “Shut Up and Dance” or “See You Again” after a glut of “Elastic Heart”-type midtempo harshness in the format.

I don't know. I just haven't heard this song much this summer. Maybe I didn't get out of the house much this summer? Yet I did travel quite a bit, and I just never heard it in the wild! What do you make of it?



Sean's other finalists included The Weeknd’s “Can’t Feel My Face” (which seems to have picked up steam later in the summer); Silento's “Watch Me (Whip/Ne Ne)” (which feels more like the next Gangnam Style/What Does the Fox Say/Harlem Shake novelty sensation than a song of summer); and Wiz Khalifa’s “See You Again,” which is leading Billboard's summer chart.

What say you?

Saturday, June 13, 2015

Even Better Than The Real Thing: U2's Final Night in Los Angeles

U2

Last week, on a lark, I grabbed one of the few seats left at the Forum to see U2 before they skipped town. With so much stuff happening to the band lately, it honestly crossed my mind that I better see them now before it's too late... but honestly, I was also just in the mood to see a good show, and U2's "iNNOCENCE + eXPERIENCE" tour has been getting high marks.

I wasn't disappointed. I had a great view of the main stage, but the show setup allows for a surprisingly intimate experience even in a large arena like the Forum. The unique center screen allowed the band to even elevate themselves for all to see. The show is tight, yet feels nimble. And it's a nice mix of older and newer songs. Some pics I grabbed from my seat:

U2
Opening the show

U2
Bono and The Edge on stage

U2
Bono meets an Elvis impersonator

U2
Bono on the big screen

U2
Getting close to the crowd

U2
Bono broadcasts on the Meerkat app

U2
Bono in the screen, "walking" down his childhood street

U2
"Sunday Bloody Sunday"

U2
Everyone in the screen

Here's the setlist, via Setlist.fm:
The Miracle (Of Joey Ramone)
Out of Control (with "Good Times, Bad Times" snippet)
Vertigo
I Will Follow
Iris (Hold Me Close)
Cedarwood Road
Song for Someone
Sunday Bloody Sunday (with "When Johnny Comes Marching Home" snippet)
Raised by Wolves (with "Psalm 23" snippet)
Until the End of the World (with "Love and Peace or Else" snippet)
Intermission (The Wanderer)
Invisible
Even Better Than the Real Thing
Mysterious Ways (with "Young Americans" and " Burning Down the House" snippets)
Volcano (Tour debut)
Ordinary Love (Tour debut)
Every Breaking Wave (acoustic)
Bullet the Blue Sky (with "19" and "Black Dog" snippets)
Pride (In the Name of Love)(with "The Hands That Built America" segue)
Beautiful Day (with "Jesus Walks" snippet)
The Troubles
With or Without You
Encore: City of Blinding Lights, Where the Streets Have No Name, One

And some videos of the show:


"I Will Follow" (YouTube video by Millerviller)


While The Edge's piano was trying to be fixed, Bono spent some time talking to the fans. Upon seeing Elvis in the audience he brought him up on stage. (YouTube video by icreatedthematrix)


"Bullet The Blue Sky" (YouTube video by Michael Forester)


Encore: "City of Blinding Lights," "Where the Streets Have No Name," "One." (YouTube video by Mark Anthony)

Monday, March 2, 2015

FREE L.A.: "Revolutions 2" Music Art Exhibit at the Forest Lawn Museum

Forest Lawn Museum

Just open at Glendale's Forest Lawn Museum, the new exhibit "Revolutions 2" (a sequel to the Museum's "Revolutions" exhibit from a few years ago) celebrates "the stunning world of art that revolves around music, with a dazzling array of art, album cover originals and more."

It's a cool exhibit, and best of all, free! A quick note about the Forest Lawn Museum: It's truly one of the best-kept secret attractions in Glendale. Get over the idea that it's a museum within a cemetery -- Glendale's Forest Lawn is a beautiful, well-maintained site (with countless statues, monuments and chapels), even if you have no particular reason to visit. Perched high above the city, the museum boasts incredible views -- and its entrance is always free. The permanent collection is interesting enough, but the museum's rotating exhibitions are almost always unique and well-curated.

The Forest Lawn Museum's past exhibits include ones devoted to tiki art, the art of the motorcycle and the Art of Lego.

We attended the opening reception on Saturday night. Some pics we sneaked:

Forest Lawn Museum

Forest Lawn Museum

Forest Lawn Museum


The Forest Lawn museum


The Glendale city view, from high above.

The "Revolutions 2" exhibit continues until August 2. Forest Lawn Museum is open Tuesday – Sunday, 10am to 5pm (closed Mondays).

Friday, January 23, 2015

Choice Cuts: Franklin Avenue's Favorite Tracks of 2014, Part 5

sufjanphantogram-chalkboardCoffeeshadFanfarlo

In no particular order, I've selected the favorite tracks from 2014's playlists for our thirteenth annual Choice Cuts end-of-year mix. I'm revealing them throughout the week. The final four:



17. A Little Lost -- Sufjan Stevens

Yes, "indietronica" is a word, and perhaps best describes this track from the singer/songwriter.



18. Black Out Days -- Phantogram

It was a breakthrough year for the duo, which had a breakout hit with the song "Fall In Love." I considered putting that on this playlist, but considering how overplayed that song became, I settled with "Black Out Days."



19. Coffee -- Sylvan Esso

From the debut album by the North Carolina duo. It was either this song or "Hey Mami," but I think my love for coffee won out.



20. Always Winnin -- Shad & DJ T.LO

How can you not love a song that references "Homeland," the NBC peacock, "30 Rock" and EGOT winners, among many other things? Oh, and it's also a catchy track.



21. Myth of Myself (A Ruse to Exploit Our Weaknesses) -- Fanfarlo

The epic nature of this song, complete with flute, made it the natural way to end this year's Choice Cuts mix. Until next year!

Thursday, January 22, 2015

Choice Cuts: Franklin Avenue's Favorite Tracks of 2014, Part 4

BullySOHN-ArtificeLIAM_BAILEYfink

In no particular order, I've selected the favorite tracks from 2014's playlists for our thirteenth annual Choice Cuts end-of-year mix. I'm revealing them throughout the week. The next four:



13. Milkman -- Bully

You may have figured out over the years that I love female-fronted garage pop-punk, and Bully -- a new four-piece band out of Nashville -- fits the bill. "Milkman" is the lead track from their EP.



14. Artifice -- SOHN

SOHN is British musician Christopher Taylor, who has also worked with artists such as Banks (who also makes an appearance on this year's mix). "Artifice" was the lead single from SOHN's 2014 debut album, "Tremors."

15. On My Mind -- Liam Bailey

"On My Mind" is the lead single from British singer Liam Bailey's US debut album, "Definitely Now." Mother Jones calls Bailey and his unique mix of R&B, reggae and rock "sneakily addictive."



16. Looking Too Closely -- Fink

Per Wikipedia, "Buoyed by the radio success of the single 'Looking Too Closely,' the album charted in several territories, including a top 10 appearance in the Netherlands (number 8), number 25 in Germany, and at Top 30 slot on the Billboard Heatseekers album chart in the US."

Stay tuned for the final five tomorrrow!