Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Reader feedback

Where is the song of the day you ask?

Well, I received the following email from my mother this afternoon...

Hi Manda
Amex details below* but can I just ask for some more interesting 'Mumblepants' I'm getting sick of song of the day.
Love Ma

So I am putting song of the day on hold and working on something "more interesting". Bear with me, okay, this might take a little while.


* I have not included the list of credit card expenses my mother emailed me, you don't need to know what I've been frittering my money away on

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Song of the day: Fools Gold

Today's song of the day is Stone Roses' "Fools Gold".

According to Wikipedia... The Stone Roses were an English Alternative rock band formed in Manchester in 1984. The band gained widespread notoriety when, one minute into a live 1989 TV performance on the BBC's The Late Show, the power failed, prompting Ian Brown to repeatedly roar "Amateurs!" at Tracey MacLeod. Melody Maker magazine interview (9 December 1989): "The song 'Fools Gold' is about greed. Have you seen 'Treasure Of The Sierra Madre' with Humphrey Bogart ? Three geezers who are skint and they put their money together to get equipment to go looking for gold. Then they all betray each other. They all end up dead, don't they ? That's what the song is about. It's dead right man. But that song is history for us now." Australian radio station Triple J voted "Fools Gold" number 76 in its Triple J Hottest 100 of all time in July 2009.

This is another request by PJ. He once told me that, on the 12" record, this song goes for over nine minutes. So you know that when it comes on in a club it's because the DJ is stalling for time because he needs to go to the bathroom!

I’m standing alone, I’m watching you all, I’m seeing you sinking, I’m standing alone, you’re weighing the gold, I’m watching you sinking, fool’s gold...

Monday, July 19, 2010

Song of the day: Your Arms Around Me

Today's song of the day is Jens Lekman's "Your Arms Around Me".

According to Wikipedia... Jens Martin Lekman (pronounced Yens; born 6 February 1981 in Angered, Sweden) is a Swedish indie pop musician residing in Melbourne, Australia. His music is guitar-based pop with heavy use of samples and strings; the lyrics are often witty, romantic, and melancholic. His work is heavily influenced by that of Jonathan Richman and Belle & Sebastian, and he has been likened to Stephin Merritt (of The Magnetic Fields) and David Byrne. In June 2009, Pitchforkmedia.com reported that Jens Lekman had contracted H1N1 on his South American tour. The song "Your Arms Around Me" appears on the soundtrack of the 2009 film, "Whip It".

I like songs that tell stories, like this song about a guy that cuts off his finger when distracted by a woman. Actually, it's so good that you are getting all the lyrics today!


I was slicing up an avocado
When you came up behind me
With your quiet brand new sneakers
Your reflection I did not see
It was the hottest day in august
And we were heading for the sea
For a second my mind started drifting

You put your arms around me

You put your arms around me
You put your arms around

Blood sprayed on the kitchen sink

What’s this? I had time to think
I see the tip of my index finger
My mind is slowly creating a link
From your mouth speaks your lovely voice
The best comments I've ever heard
Oh honey you've cut off your finger
I bet that’s gotta hurt


You put your arms me
You put your arms me
You put your arms around

I must've passed out on the porch

I'd never seen so many bright stars
When I wake up im in the waiting room
Of the local ER
My hand is wrapped in toilet paper
And my shirts all blood red
I see you standing there like an angel
And I say baby I must be dead


You put your arms around me
You put your arms around me
You put your arms around me

Friday, July 16, 2010

Song of the day: Do You Realize??

Today's song of the day is The Flaming Lips' "Do You Realize??".

According to Wikipedia... The Flaming Lips are an American rock band, formed in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma in 1983. The band is known for their lush, multi-layered, psychedelic arrangements, spacey lyrics and bizarre song and album titles—for example, "Psychiatric Explorations of the Fetus with Needles", "Free Radicals (A Hallucination of the Christmas Skeleton Pleading with a Suicide Bomber)" and "Yeah, I Know It's a Drag... But Wastin' Pigs Is Still Radical". In March 2009 "Do You Realize??" was announced as the official rock song of Oklahoma. Ten choices were put to a public vote, and out of 21,000 votes cast nearly 51% were for "Do You Realize??". They are also acclaimed for their elaborate live shows, which feature costumes, balloons, puppets, video projections, complex stage light configurations, giant hands, large amounts of confetti, and frontman Wayne Coyne's signature man-sized plastic bubble, in which he traverses the audience. In 2002, Q magazine named The Flaming Lips one of the "50 Bands to See Before You Die".

And I have been fortunate enough to see their amazing live show. They closed Sunday night at Lovebox in London in 2008 with this song, and it is one of my favourite music festival moments of all time *smiles*

Do you realize that happiness makes you cry? Do you realize that everyone you know someday will die? And instead of saying all of your goodbyes, let them know you realize that life goes fast, it's hard to make the good things last, you realize the sun doesn't go down, it's just an illusion caused by the world spinning round...

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Song of the day: Computer Camp Love

Today's song of the day is Datarock's "Computer Camp Love".

According to Wikipedia... The band has released three EPs and their debut album, Datarock Datarock, was released in 2005 in 10 countries on the band's own label, YAP (Young Aspiring Professionals), receiving favourable reviews, especially in the UK. They made an appearance in Australia's Triple J Hottest 100 with the single "Computer Camp Love" in 2005, placing at #12. Fredrick has commented that Australia was the only country to pick up Datarock early aside from their homeland.

"Computer Camp Love" is a parody of "Summer Nights" from Grease, but tells the young love story from Revenge of the Nerds. It is even funnier live, as the band all wear matching red tracksuits and their thick Norwegian accents are more pronounced.

I ran into her on computer camp. Was that in 84? Not sure, I had my Commodore 64, had to score...

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Song of the day: With Every Heartbeat

Today's song of the day is Robyn's "With Every Heartbeat".

According to Wikipedia... "With Every Heartbeat" is an electropop ballad. The song runs for four minutes and thirteen seconds in its entire form. It is composed in the key of D major, and is set in common time. It has an unconventional pop song structure, with no distinct chorus. Steve Perkins of BBC Chart Blog praised the song for its lack of a chorus, writing "when you peel this song apart, it's actually very cylical regardless: odd lines are repeated, but carefully chosen as if to reinforce the point that a new line just made. [...] There's a trembling quality to Robyn's voice in this song - as though she could fall apart at any moment but is keeping herself together by sheer force of will - which adds enormously to the fighting spirit of a song that is pessimistic without being bleak."

Angela, my love, this one's for you!

We could keep trying, but things will never change, so I don't look back, still I'm dying with every step I take, but I don't look back...

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Song of the day: Ita

Today's song of the day is Cold Chisel's "Ita".

According to Wikipedia... Cold Chisel is a rock band that originated in Adelaide, Australia. It is one of the most acclaimed and revered Australian acts of all time, with a string of hits throughout the 1970s and 1980s and huge sales that continue to this day.

And according to Wikipedia... Ita Clare Buttrose AO OBE (born 17 January 1942) is an Australian journalist and businesswoman. She is probably best-remembered as the celebrity founding editor of Cleo, a high-circulation magazine aimed at young single women that was ground-breakingly frank about sexuality (and, in its infancy, featured nude male centrefolds), and later as the editor of the more sedate Australian Women's Weekly.

When you mention Cold Chisel most people think of Khe Sanh, Flame Trees, Standing on the Outside, Saturday Night, You Got Nothing I Want, Bow River, you know, their big singles. However, "Ita" was Amber's favourite and so it became mine. When we lived together at Spring Hill (one of the five or so times we have lived together), we used to frequent a dodgy bar called Spurs, which had $2.20 pots, $3.50 bacardi and cokes, a VB mural on one wall, old farming equipment hanging from the ceiling, some wonky pool tables, and an awesome jukebox. Whenever we went to Spurs Bar (fairly often) we'd put a few dollars in the jukebox and, without fail, Amber would always select Joy Division's "Love Will Tear Us Apart" and Cold Chisel's "Ita". Good times.

Ita's tongue never touches her lips, she could always be my godmother, and though the desk-top hides her hips, my imagination's strong, she's the sweetest thing I've ever seen, I'd like to take her out to dinner, but when I think about the places I've been, I'd probably hold my fork all wrong...

Monday, July 12, 2010

Song of the day: 49 Percent

Today's song of the day is Royksopp's "49 Percent".

According to Wikipedia... "49 Percent" is the second single from the Norwegian duo Röyksopp's second album The Understanding. The song initially was written as "Don't Give Up" and sung in live shows, then was developed into "49 Percent" and "Don't Give Up" was covered by the band The Whitest Boy Alive (of Erlend Øye). The word Röyksopp is a stylized version of the Norwegian word for the puffball mushroom, "røyksopp" or literally, "smoke mushroom".

I saw Royksopp at the Get Loaded in the Park festival in Clapham Junction in London last year, and was utterly disappointed. The tent was too small, the sound was rubbish, and the crowd was full of idiots. I still like Royksopp and I still like this song though.

49 percent, one percent short of half, and less than half ain't really much of nothing...

Friday, July 9, 2010

Song of the day: Tell Her About It

Today's song of the day is Billy Joel's "Tell Her About It".

According to Wikipedia... "Tell Her About It" is a hit 1983 song performed by Billy Joel, from the hit album An Innocent Man. An apparent homage to the Motown Sound, the song was #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts for one week on September 24, 1983, replacing "Maniac" by Michael Sembello, which like "Tell Her About It" was produced by Phil Ramone. The single reached Gold certification from the RIAA for sales in the US. In the lyrics of the song, the singer exhorts a young man to tell the woman he loves how he feels about her before he misses his chance.

I don't care how uncool it makes me, I love Billy Joel!

Listen boy, it's good information from a man who's made mistakes, just a word or two that she gets from you could be the difference that it makes, she's a trusting soul, she's put her trust in you, but a girl like that won't tell you what you should do...

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Song of the day: I Need Some Fine Wine et al

Today's song of the day is The Cardigans' "I Need Some Fine Wine and You, You Need to be Nicer".

According to Wikipedia... The Cardigans were a Swedish band formed in the town of Jönköping in October 1992.Their debut album Emmerdale (1994) gave them a solid base in their home country and enjoyed some success abroad, especially in Japan. It was not until their second album Life (1995) that an international reputation was secured. The band are best known outside of Sweden for their hit singles "Erase/Rewind" and "My Favourite Game" from the album Gran Turismo (1998) and "Lovefool" from the album First Band on the Moon (1996). Its inclusion in the soundtrack of William Shakespeare's Romeo + Juliet by director Baz Luhrmann secured their popularity.

While "Lovefool" was all sunshine and bubbles and romance and fluff and bubblegum pop, The Cardigans then did a 180 and came out with the darker, rockier singles "My Favourite Game" and "I Need Some Fine Wine...". Maybe it's a Swedish thing, because Robyn's first single was the B105-staple "Show Me Love" and then she went on to release some freakin awesome tunes that were more at home on JJJ.

Angela is a massive fan of Robyn, so I shall cover one of her songs tomorrow. Hi Angela! *waves*

Well here's a good man and a pretty young girl, trying to play together somehow, I'm wasting my life, you're changing the world, I get drunk and watch your head grow...

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Song of the day: Alone With You

Today's song is Sunnyboys' "Alone With You".

According to Wikipedia... this song is not worthy of an entry.

I am including this song upon the request of PJ, who is pretty much the only person reading this codswallop I think.

I can't always remember what I say, I can't always take it having to pay, watching you walk, you know you're really attractive, I'm alone with you tonight...

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Song of the day: Recovery

Today's song is New Buffalo's "Recovery".

According to Wikipedia... Sally Seltmann (born 1975) is a Melbourne-based singer-songwriter. Until 2009, she performed under the alias, New Buffalo. Seltmann is married to Darren Seltmann of The Avalanches. Seltmann's debut release as New Buffalo was in February 2000 via Ben Lee's web site by way of a MP3 download of the track "16 Beats".

I first heard New Buffalo at a Ben Lee gig (by the way, the biggest karaoke session I have ever been to) when she was the support act, though everyone talked through her entire set. She is a rather quiet unassuming performer. However, I loved her music so borrowed the CD off Jaala and it became my night-time soundtrack for putting me to sleep.

The second time I went to see New Buffalo was at the Tivoli, though I nearly missed it because I managed to lock my keys and handbag and purse and phone in the car. While the engine was running. Fortunately my housemate was home at the time so could let me in to retrieve my spare keys, and I got to the gig just in time.

It is stipulated in my Will that this song be played at my funeral. Seriously! I have also requested Queen's "Don't Stop Me Now", ha ha ha!

Time for beer, checkered cheer, now you're here , I can see so clearly, no more question marks, sympathy cards, it's in the stars, troubled times are clearing, now it's recovery, looks like it's gonna be okay, it's a new day...

Monday, July 5, 2010

Song of the day: Friend of the Devil

Today's song of the day is The Grateful Dead's "Friend of the Devil".

According to Wikipedia... The music was written by Jerry Garcia and John Dawson and the lyrics are by Robert Hunter. "Friend of the Devil" is about an outlaw, on the run from the police. His crime is never explicitly stated. The Devil helps him escape, but winds up chasing him just as the law does; several lines of the song are ambiguous, and could refer to either law enforcement or servants of Satan, such as "I was trailed by twenty hounds", which could refer to either police dogs sniffing his trail, or mythical hellhounds.

Being young and impressionable, I grew up listening to the music that my brother and sister liked, and how vastly different their tastes were! Jackie liked Icehouse and Kylie, Michael liked The Grateful Dead, The Doors, and The Pogues. As a result, I have a rather ecclectic taste in music.

Set out runnin' but I take my time, a friend of the devil is a friend of mine, if I get home before daylight, I just might get some sleep tonight...

Friday, July 2, 2010

Song of the day: How Soon is Now

Today's song is The Smiths' "How Soon is Now".

According to Wikipedia... "How Soon Is Now?" is a song by the British alternative rock band The Smiths. Written by Smiths singer Morrissey and guitarist Johnny Marr, it was originally a B-side of the 1984 single "William, It Was Really Nothing". Sire Records chief Seymour Stein called it "the 'Stairway to Heaven' of the Eighties",while co-writer Johnny Marr described it as "possibly our most enduring record. It's most people's favourite, I think." Despite its prominent place in The Smiths' repertoire, however, it is not generally considered to be representative of the band's style. A cover of the song by Love Spit Love was used in the soundtrack for the 1996 film The Craft, and later appeared as the theme song of the television series Charmed for all eight of its seasons. It has since been voted one of the top ten television theme songs of all time.

Local readers, do you remember when Nova radio station started in Brisbane, and for the first four months or so they just played music? No ads, no talking, just music. And an amazingly ecclectic selection of music at that. Driving home from I-don't-know-where late one night, I heard this song on Nova for the first time and immediately fell in love with it. And does anyone remember the time before iPhones when there was a phone number you could call, play a song down the line, and they would text you the name of the song and the artist? Well, I pulled over to the side of the road, rang that number and found out what the song was. The next day I went out, bought The Smiths' "Meat is Murder" CD, and then played it on high rotation for the next six months.

When you say it's gonna happen now, when exactly do you mean? See I've already waited too long, and now my hope is gone...

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Song of the day: Float On

Today's song is Modest Mouse's "Float On".

According to Wikipedia... The song was written by Dann Gallucci, Eric Judy and Isaac Brock. Asked about the song in an interview with The A.V. Club, Brock said that he consciously intended to write something that felt more positive than some of his previous work: “It was a completely conscious thing. I was just kind of fed up with how bad shit had been going, and how dark everything was, with bad news coming from everywhere. Our president is just a f-cking daily dose of bad news! Then you've got the well-intentioned scientists telling us that everything is f-cked. I just want to feel good for a day."

My bestie bestie Jaala has declared this to be one of her favourite songs of all time, and I tell you, it is pretty darn good. Jaala went to see them at the Tivoli a few years ago, and as I didn't really know them I wasn't too fussed on going. That was until I found out that Johnny Marr, guitarist from The Smiths (LOVE) had just joined the band and played with them that night. Jealous. I was reminded of this song recently when an Engineer and I bonded over our mutual appreciation of it.

I backed my car into a cop car the other day, well he just drove off sometimes life’s okay, I ran my mouth off a bit too much oh what did I say, well you just laughed it off it was all okay, and we’ll all float on ok…