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Four (from the 80’s) for Friday

Last Saturday evening, I had the privilege of seeing some talented students perform in The Rep’s Summer Musical Theater Intensive (SMTI). This year’s production is “That 80’s Show: We Built This Smitty on Rock and Roll.” It wasn’t until the lights dimmed and things were underway that I realized just how deep the imprint this decade has left on my life. I hate to admit it, but there wasn’t a song performed that I didn’t know every single lyric. Sad, I know. So in honor of this penultimate decade of musical genius, four drum-machined and synth-ed songs for your listening pleasure. By the way, they are reprising the production in the fall. If you ever had parachute pants, leg warmers, Member’s Only jackets, highly teased bangs, or God forbid – a mullet, this is a show for you us.

In fact, let’s do this… how about we play a little game of name that tune. I’ll leave all the song info blank, and you can tell me if you know title and artist. Don’t strain yourself.

You should probably stripped of all music listening privileges for life if you don’t know this one.

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Four (Weeks) for Friday

It has been a month to the day since my last post. Just over four weeks. And since it is Friday… well you’ve read the title. Here is what’s been up with me over the last four weeks.

Week 1 // KAA – Fortunately, my pardner in crime has done a pretty extensive write-up of the week. So, I’ll leave you with a song and a picture.

Tedashii – Dum Dum (feat. Lecrae)

That’s Lauren Foster (one of our 9th grade students) about to launch herself from the top of a thirty-foot telephone pole. This photograph is a snap-shot of what the whole week was about… risk, facing fears, trust, and leaps of faith.

Week 2 // The family loads up and heads west. It is no secret that I love the mountains and that they regularly provide the backdrop for our family’s adventures. Alison has shared some here.

Josh Garrels – Pilot Me

Week 3 // We are joined by more family and friends and bikes… and games. There was easily a game of Settlers a day. Many days, more than one.

Leagues – Mind Games

Hiking to Judd Falls

Taking “5”

One of the “floats” at the 4th Parade

Week 4 // The infamous Senior Backpacking Trip.

Mumford & Sons – Home (possible title live)

This one started off this way…

and ended like this…

It has been a very good four weeks.

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Four (almost all covers) for Friday

I’m not a super huge fan of covers, but every now and then I’ll come across one that I like. Today, you’re getting three! The fourth song is so good that someone should do a cover.

Derek Webb – Living on a Prayer (Bon Jovi Cover) // That’s right! A Bon Jovi cover. I never thought I would live to see the day, but what can I say… I kind of like it.

Taylor Swift – White Blank Page (Mumford & Sons Cover) // While we are on covers that I never thought possible, here’s one everything in me wanted to despise. And yet, I couldn’t. It is just so good. Shame on me.

Mayer Hawthorne – Don’t Turn the Lights On (Chromeo Cover) // As my friend Bryan Jones sometimes says, “I’m out of words now…”

Benjamin Francis Leftwich – Atlas Hands // The only non-cover in the line up. This album is destined to become one of my most listened to of the year. This song will be one of the reasons why.

Happy weekend!

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Four for (a different) Friday

Howdy folks. Today we’re branching out a bit. Never fear… I’ll be sure to include my trademark ultra low-key depressing music in there somewhere. Let’s do this.

Canopies – Rebels // Not to be confused with Canopy Climbers. Don’t we all need a little more synth in our lives?

Emanuel and the Fear – Dear Friend // Not really my cup of tea, but it might be yours. I can sort of get behind it.

Foster the People – Waste // Don’t know why I like this song so much, but I do. Maybe it is because it’s awesome.

Seryn – We Will All Be Changed // Ok, I’ve regained my sanity, sort of. This one is much closer to home.

And for being willing to go down the road of expanding our musical horizons today, your reward is a little more of the goodness that is Seryn. The video is a bit confusing, because it says “This Is Where We Are.” I believe that is the album’s name. The name of the song is “The River.”

No ‘thank you’s’ will be necessary.

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Four for (Another) Friday

I trust your Memorial Day Weekend plans are in full swing. Here is some music to help pass the days…

Widespread Panic – C. Brown // This one comes by special request. Jamey brought it to my attention that these fellas will be opening up Riverfest tonight.

Arcade Fire – Speaking in Tongues (feat. David Byrne) // I believe this song is going to be included in some special re-release of Suburbs later this summer.

Ivan & Alyosha – Glorify // While we are working with biblical allusions for song titles, here’s a song that strays a bit from what I think St. Paul was after.

Typhoon – Summer Home // Saved the best for last…

Happy weekend!

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Four for Friday

What do to after you’ve had your mind blown by my man N.T.? That’s easy… take in some great tunes.

Been a good music week, so let’s get to it.

Blue Scholars – Cinemetropolis // Title track from their brand new album.

Bon Iver – Calgary // Vernon and company have been working on a new album as well. Here’s the single they’ve released.

Pinback – Sherman // My nearly hitched friend introduced Pinback to me a few years back. I’ve been a fan ever since.

Canopy Climbers – Break // Another friend turned me on to Canopy Climbers last Sunday and their songs have been the soundtrack for the better part of my week.

See you next Friday! Unless, of course, the world ends tomorrow.

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Four for Friday (the 13th)

Sort of pressed for time today, so this is going to have to be quick.

First, none of these songs have anything to do with today being Friday the 13th. I’m simply noting that it is in fact the 13th.

Second, I realize that I didn’t supply the music goods last week. While I don’t think I have legally breached any any contractual obligations with you, I understand that we have something of an informal agreement. I post music, you listen to it, your taste in music improves, and then when we hang out (like that ever happens) you and I can enjoy the same music together. Everyone wins. Love wins.

Third, I’ve used up all my time for any sort of commentary on the songs themselves. The tracks will now be posted comment-less.

Manchester Orchestra – Apprehension

matt pond PA – Lovers Always Win (feat. Ariel Abshire)

Teddy Afro – Hab Dahlak // Thanks Jacob.

Other Lives – For 12

And as penance for missing last week…

Blue Scholars – John DeLorean

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A (Royal) Four for Friday

The title may be a wee bit misleading. None of the music hear has anything to do with the marriage that I hear has garnered some media attention. I have even heard that they showed it on T.V.!!! I guess that means it was a big deal.

Instead, the music is just as it always is… great. But in honor of the royal nuptials, every song description will have a regal term slipped in. Here we go!

The Salvadors – Eliza Jane // I don’t know who Eliza Jane is, but there was once a queen of England named Jane Grey that only sat on the throne for nine days. Ok, so you see how this is going to work.

The Head and The Heart – In The Summertime // I’ll be continuing to pummel you with THATH (that’s right, they get an acronym) until you realize that they rule.

David Bazan – Wolves At The Door // I hear that if you live in a palace, you don’t really have to worry too much about wolves. If they start bothering you, your soldiers shoot them.

The Civil Wars – Disarm (Smashing Pumpkins Cover) // I wonder if the Royal Family refers to the American Revolution as a civil war.

See you next week.

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Four for Friday… again.

Ok, not quite “all-time” low, but pretty close. My standard for blogging failure is when I go from one week to the next without anything to post other than a few lame songs at the end of the week. And so, here we are. Four more songs.

TV on the Radio – Will Do // I think something didn’t work as it should have last week, so you may have missed out on the goods here.

The National – Exile Vilify // This song is old news. Like maybe three days or so. I believe that it was written for a video game. Strange. Anyway, whoever was able to get The National to record a song for a video game should probably get a raise.

The Head and The Heart – Sounds Like Hallelujah // Did I mention that I’m liking this band right now?

Freelance Whales – Girl U Want (Devo Cover) // Speaking of bands that I like, who knew that Devo could sound so good? I’m pretty sure Rob Bell listens to Freelance Whales… or Devo. I think Charlie Sheen does too. It really doesn’t matter. You know why? Because “LOVE WINS!” I’m ending most of my conversations these days with those two words. Try arguing with that. You can’t. 

Well, maybe next week I’ll be able to put some stuff together besides the very best in music.

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Four for Friday (lights out edition)

Alright people, this is going to have to be short and sweet. Mother nature wants to keep me from getting the music out to you. But thanks to a little iPhone wizardry, Four for Friday is yours.

Death Cab for Cutie – You Are a Tourist // Brand new Death Cab. Enjoy.

The Head and The  Heart – Lost in My Mind // Can’t get enough of this band. Plus, I really like the name… both the band and the song.

TV on the Radio – Will Do // Solid.

Beastie Boys – Make Some Noise // Never quite sure what to make of these guys. They are the Rob Bell of hip hop. I’m not sure what that means, I was just looking for a way to get his name somewhere in the post.