Like Neon

I took a brief hiatus without announcing it here, and for that I’m sorry. So sorry, in fact, that as consolation, I’m bringing you one of the most kick ass music videos of all time. Long before little Jimmy Kirk made the Beastie Boys’ “Sabotage” the personal anthem of would-be rebel starship captains everywhere, Mike D, MCA and Ad-Rock would tap Spike Jonze to create a video that would speak to the trash-talking, aviator-wearing cop in all of us. [read more]

Crowded House’s 1986 hit “Dont Dream It’s Over” is one hell of a song. Covered multiple times and featured in a long list of movies and television programs, it’s one of those rare songs that has become part of the cultural consciousness; you might not know who performed the song or even the proper title, but chances are that despite it being over twenty years old, you’ve heard it enough to recognise it. [read more]

Because I had earlier selected a Paul Simon song for my weekly great music video, I debated whether to make yet another song of his the song of the day. Then I remembered that this is my fucking blog and I can do whatever the hell I want with it. [read more]

I have to admit: I find it extremely depressing that I feel the need to explain to anyone why “You Can Call Me Al” is one of the most fantastic, memorable music videos ever made. Without getting into the merit of the song itself or why Paul Simon is a genius, this is a great video. Why? Two words: Chevy Chase, and woe unto future generations who won’t fully understand why that makes anything instantly awesome. [read more]

Okay, admit it: How many of you have listened to Blues Traveler’s 1996 hit “Hook” and never realised what it was about? The beauty of this song is the way it reenforces the phenomenon described in the lyrics:

It doesn’t matter what I say
So long as I sing with inflection
That makes you feel I’ll convey
Some inner truth or vast reflection
But I’ve said nothing so far
And I can keep it up for as long as it takes

Yes, kids, the joke really is on us, and that’s what makes this song a true work of genius. I went for years without knowing what this song was about; I just knew I liked it. Brilliant. [read more]