American Baby on MVM

I will admit that it did take a little bit for this Dave Matthews Band track to grow on me when I first heard it (like, 5-6 listens as I picked at the lyrics). It’s actually one I did not know there was a video for at the time, but find on odd (read “good”) resonance with the visuals to coincide with today’s holiday here in the states.

We should be a collective, inclusive country… that’s part of of what’s etched on the the big green lady’s tablet off the coast of NYC.  If more people would remember that, then we’ll be able to “Stay American, Baby.”

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Call Me on MVM

Blondie had come and gone by the time I was discovering music as a kid. Sure, there may have been some radio singles that I might have heard, but I have no clear memory of being exposed to their music when I was growing up. I’ve heard it since, of course (even if it’s generally just been the big singles).

I have been known, when receiving texts that read “call me” from close friends, to say, “Hello, Blondie” when I’ve called them back.

Piano Man on MVM

Billy Joel is an institution: sixth best-selling recording artist and the third best-selling solo artist in the United States, with 33 Top 40 hits in the US, all of which he wrote himself. Let me say that again: he wrote them himself, essentially over a 20-year career*. And it all started with this one.

* 1973-93, with Columbia Records. While, technically, his first album was released in 1971 by a small label, it tanked. But it paved the way for his getting signed by Columbia, which is where he spent the rest of his “pop” career.

Babylon on MVM

David Gray‘s first major US single, from his 4th album White Ladder (originally released in the UK, but re-released in the US on a label founded by Dave Matthews). It’s a bit on the mellower side, but still regularly lands on playlists.

I Wanna Rock on MVM

Twisted Sister was a little before my time. That’s not quite right. They were at the dawn of my discovering of “my” music, but really only existed for the span of two singles. I’ve featured the first, before. This is the other.

A funny side-story. Kids provide strange opportunities for music to emerge. One of the twins, when it’s time for bed, is good for walking into their room and saying “rock rock.” Invariably, if I’m in a playful mood, I will sort-of sing, “I wanna rock… I want to rock” as we’re sitting in rocking chairs before putting them to bed. Goofy, I know, but that’s how I…roll.

1979 on MVM

The Smashing Pumpkins were big during the 90s. Their radio singles were part of my college soundtrack. This week’s selection is from their third album.

(BNL’s) Brian Wilson on MVM

I’m more of an “old school” BNL (Barenaked Ladies) person. Granted, I’ve not listened to anything since Steven left the group, so perhaps that’s not entirely a fair statement. To me, it seemed like he was the voice of the group, singing most of the catchier or higher-profile songs, like this week’s pick, “Brian Wilson.”

All Star on MVM

If you’re only reference for this song is Shrek (like my kids), know that the song existed several years before the movie. (And I remember hearing it on the radio when it was new, which really makes me feel old.) Smash Mouth played a show in my local area recently, and this was what they closed their set with – inviting folks from the crowd up on the stage to dance while they played.

Picture on MVM

Believe it or not, there was a time when I had Kid Rock’s Devil Without a Cause, and would spin it pretty regularly…but after the follow-up album didn’t do much for me, I didn’t pick his future releases. But he was changing his sound and his style, which I can appreciate (I consider it a must, to evolve over time…but that’s another soapbox). Point is, he was evolving as an artist, and this is the track that I would say marks the first major leap between “Bawitdaba” and his current sound.

Gettin ‘ Amish on MVM

One of the most fun things, to me, when listening to a Weird Al parody is at the word choices he makes to still match the rhythm of the original while going in a completely different direction…Like in Amish Paradise.