Songs

Well, it's two minutes into the second half of the UCLA game and someone finally scored. All I can think about while watching this game is that there is comedy, there is high comedy, and then there is Lorenzo Mata's facial hair. WOW! Does dude not own a mirror? Do UCLA's boosters not slip him enough money under the table to allow him to purchase some shiny metallic surface in which he can see his reflection?

Okay, here are some songs that I've been listening to lately and if you don't own them yet, you should.

Biz Markie--Just a friend

This is probably about the greatest rap song ever written. Generally, I'm not a huge rap fan, but there is something un-American about not singing along to the chorus of this song. Plus, Biz's point is right on, don't trust a girl who says she just has a friend. She's probably a Skeez.


Akon--Don't Matter

Don't front; you like this song too.


The Shins--Kissing the Lipless

Is it possible to pimp the Shins too much? I don't think it is. These guys were messing with acoustic guitars while Jack Johnson was still stoned off his mind surfing all day. This song is amazing and it you don't own it, you should. In fact, download the whole album. If you don't like it, you should not be allowed to own music. Period.

The Decemberists--O Valenica!

How can you not like the cheerfully eclectic Decemberists? Especially after their guitarist took on Stephen Colbert in a battle of guitar shredding. If you like Hyper-literate prog rock, this is totally for you.

Iron and Wine and Calexico--A History of Lovers

Iron and Wine is probably one of the most underrated bands on the planet. His music is mellow and great. Every time I think of how many more records AFI has sold than Iron and Wine I die a little inside. Seriously kids, If you want to listen to deep, angsty music, this is where its at. AFI is fake, and I strongly suspect that the guys in that band don't even really hate their parents. I and W talks about love, loss, pain, and occassionally dogs. Also, of all the bands out there consisting of one person but refusing to go by the person's name, I and W probably has the best music, and beard. Sorry Five for Fighting, but your record company insists on releasing sissy songs and I find your beard unconvincing.


Corinne Bailey Rae--Like a Star

There's not enough space on the internets to say how much I love this girl.


Derek and The Dominos--Little Wing

I saw Clapton and Co. do this live a couple weeks ago and it left me breathless. It was one of the most stunningly beautiful things I've ever heard. The studio version is really good too and no one plays guitar like Eric, and he never played better than when he had Duane Allman to pushing him to new heights. I think we can all agree that Duane was Eric's Anti-Yoko Ono.


Don Henley--The Boys of Summer

This song is almost as old as I am, but it is still good. Some songs are like old friends that you haven't seen in a while and it is good to reconnect with them. The Ataris redid this a few years back, and if I ever have the chance I would like to avenge this wrong by shooting high voltage electricity through their nipples until their heads explode. Seriously, their version is that bad. In fact, it's like someone made a copy of Michaelangelo's David out of Human Excrement. Why would you ever defile a song like that? Why not just take a leak on the Mona Lisa while you are at it.


Josh Turner--Would You Go With Me

In an age when Coldplay has everyone singing in girlish falsetto tones and caring about the environment, it's good to hear a guy who's not afraid to sing like a man and drive a chevy. Some people don't like country music; I understand, but this transcends country music. Trust me, give this song a try and you will be hooked. It's just a given that if I hear this song the repeat button will be pushed.


Office Space Soundtrack--Damn It Feels Good To Be a Gangsta

I can't for the life of me find the name of the band, but this song rules. It would be my ringtone if I wasn't sure it would go off in front of my bishop and get me in serious trouble.


Patrick Park--Life is a Song I love this song. Before you think that Pat Park is another sissy song writer, just know that he is a martial arts champion and used to work as a bouncer in L.A. That's right, he can kill you with his words or with a roundhouse kick. Deal with it.


Red Hot Chili Peppers--Snow

This song is great. The Album is great. John Frusciante is one of the most amazing guitarists on the planet.


REM--Superman

REM was awesome back before Michael Stipe died. Do you hear me? Michael Stipe died in 1993, and REM never released Monster and he never became the flamingist man alive. You imagined all of that. So did all of your friends.

Rogue Wave--Eyes

This song is just great. Thanks Matt for the tip on these guys.

Sufjan Stevens --To Be Alone With You

Okay, as you listen you will realize that he is singing about a dude. But it's not just a dude, its THE dude, and I'm not talking Lebowski. The song is about how he feels about the Savior. It's understated nature is a great example of an artist dealing with religion without being preachy or heavy-handed.

White Stripes--Death Letter

This song rocks, and it's older than your grandfather. Get it, or consider your life a failure.