Pop Songs = Life

I think most of us who share bonds over music realize how strongly we associate feelings, memories and lessons learned through the songs that mark that time and space.  Take high school; I can still tell you who borrowed my Rick Springfield cassette, who tortured us with freaking REO Speedwagon on bus trips to the ballgames and songs I recall listening to in Art class.

Many of us became familiar with Rob Sheffield when he took part on VH1′s “I Love the 80s” along with other pop culture shows.  His new book is entitled Talking to Girls About Duran Duran: One Young Man’s Quest for True Love and a Cooler Haircut.  I’d prefer a shorter title, but I’m not his editor. 

Each chapter features an 80′s song serving as a time capsule for the author.   Some of the usual suspects for the time period are there, and obviously, Duran Duran.  I’m looking forward to this read.

Sheffield sums up why he feels music is such a great bookmark in our lives [via Village Voice]:

It’s funny that music does a much better job of storing those memories, both at a personal and a collective cultural level. If you want to get a flavor of what 1985 was like, you can’t go back to the TV or the movies or the bestselling books. Nobody says, “Oh man, what were the Oscar-winning movies of the mid-’80s? Kiss of the Spider Woman, Children of a Lesser God, Out of Africa, I’m going to check those out.” Those movies were forgotten a few years later, but everybody still knows “You Spin Me Round (Like A Record),” even people who weren’t born when it came out.

If you enjoy this style of writing I have a couple of super entertaining blog recommendations for you.  Friends Christian (SOLAST) and Steve (Excerpts from a 70′s Teenage Rock Opera) write about their past musical adventures.  You may have seen them in my blogroll.  Steve has been re-visiting the journals of his youth and blogging the entries along with current day commentary.  And Christian writes along the same lines as Sheffield, with a band, concert or song framing his posts.  Check ‘em out!

Malcolm McLaren RIP

I’m starting to feel like my blog is becoming “the blog of doom.”  I need to start posting more upbeat news on artists.  But in case you hadn’t heard, Malcolm McLaren passed away.  I haven’t seen any remarks from Lydon on his death yet, but he’s going to be on a show tonight and I’m sure there will be plenty of quotes by tomorrow morning.

I’m from the Midwest and as with most trends as I grew up (before the internet…gasp), Punk got here a little late.  But that’s OK as I wasn’t old enough to really appreciate it at its short-lived peak.  Now I feel like Punk is something inside me – a part of my make-up so to speak.  So it hits home as we lose some of the architects of the genre.

As I read comments on the net here and there I was reminded of an interview Steve Jones did with Malcolm on Jonesy’s Jukebox.  (Man, I miss that show!!)  Steve being Steve asked his first question:  ”Where’s The Money Bugger?”

Riotous!

**EDIT**

Drowned in Sound has comments from both Lydon and Vivienne Westwood plus lots of other goodies including video of McLaren.

Smile of the day

This made me laugh, so I have to share it.  I really like the way the song is incorporated into the video.

TV show renewals at a glance

It’s that time of year when fans & critics speculate on which television shows will be re-signed and which will be cancelled.  We’re just weeks away from the networks’ press junket that will tout their upcoming season.

Today ABC announced they’ve renewed 12 programs – no shockers here:

“America’s Funniest Home Videos,” “The Bachelor,” “Brothers & Sisters,” “Dancing with the Stars,” “Desperate Housewives,” “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Lost,” “Private Practice,” “Supernanny,” “Ugly Betty” and “Wife Swap.”

Speculation from bloggers and critics have NBC renewing “Southland” and “Parks and Recs” and CBS debating on scrapping some of their tried and true crime dramas (such as “Numbers” and “Without a Trace”).  The biggest question comes with the mid-season replacements.  I was surprised to see no confirmation on “Samanatha Who?” which I thought was doing well.

And for those “Dollhouse” fans, here’s an interview published just Monday in the Chicago Tribune from Whedon about where things stand at the moment.

So what shows do you want to save from the axe?

I’m all about my Monday night shows:  “Big Bang Theory,” “Chuck,” “Heroes,” and “Castle.”

New era for the Oscars?

Have to give the powers that be props for trying something new – nothing ventured, nothing gained, right?   Opinions seem to vary whether it won viewers over last night.

Anyone else think the past winners awarding Best and Supporting Actor/Actress categories was eerily like sorority and fraternity initiation ceremonies?  I liked the idea behind it, but not so sure about the part where a winner spoke directly to each nominee.  It felt stilted.

And could someone please help Beyonce understand the definition of ‘overexposure’?  It’s ridiculous that she’s performing for every awards show imaginable…and boring.

Not much to comment on ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ and the much deserved accolades.  If you haven’t seen it make sure to seek it out or put it on your rental list.  One of the most clever movies I’ve seen in some time.

But what you may have missed if you couldn’t make it to the end of the broadcast was a montage of upcoming movies for 2009.  It was clear throughout the show they made an effort to play up movies and genres that don’t often get nominated.  This montage was set to a slammin’ song and actually set a tone that I think most award shows aspire to but always seem to fall short – happily looking forward.

See for yourself -

Artists taking the reigns

In this constantly evolving digital age we live in, musicians seem to have more and more obstacles in the way to receiving proper paychecks. This fall an organization was formed to bring artists together and protect their rights. In turn this should also prove beneficial to their fans.

Featured Artists Coalition was to have a big meeting this week but it had to be cancelled due to the heavy amounts of snowfall in Britain. When it is re-scheduled they will discuss funding and where to find an artist representative. That should be a doozy of a meeting!

Here is a youtube vid recently posted to explain their goals:

Check out the coalition on their website or myspace.

2009 Superbowl entertainment

Sometimes you have admit when you’re wrong. I caught the end of Springsteen’s halftime show last night and it wasn’t half bad. It won’t change my mind about the boomer icon, but I’ll give him props.

For years I’ve heard about his rousing 4 hour or more concerts. He actually made the halftime show seem like a concert rather than a commercial (I’m looking right at you, Bono).

Springsteen and his band don’t come off like rockstars and they put on a show…an honest to goodness show. It was actually fun to hear him banter and sling the guitar around his neck. It may not be the music I choose to listen to, but I admire someone who’s out there playing with heart like they showed last night.

All in all the show came off nicely and the game was thrilling to boot. Wow, when’s the last time that happened?

PS – Jennifer Hudson rocked the national anthem. Talk about talent!

Runaways movie on the way

Anyone else think that Kristen Stewart is a perfect pick to play Joan Jett in the upcoming Runaways movie?

I saw her on Letterman & was just really impressed by her.  Not only does she not seem impressed with fame, she gives off a true punk rock vibe.

Classical appreciation – YouTube style

I’m not sure what to call this collaborative orchestra that YouTube is putting together.  Is it an experiment?  A challenge?  Or a stunt? 

Whatever it may be it will provide an awesome opportunity for a number of curious cyber musicians to strut their stuff.  The website is asking musicians of all types and ages to submit a video performance as an audition.  They are asked to perform a specific piece which has been specially written by Chinese composer, Tan Dun (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon).

It levels out the playing field and gives those chosen an opportunity to perform live at Carnegie Hall this April.  You can read more about the project and goals – deadline for auditions is January 29th.

Kaiser Chiefs t-shirt

I love the Kaiser’s but there should be a warning not to wear this if you’re in the Kansas City area at this point in time.   ;-)