What's A Friday Without Some Ukele Music?

And how much better would that ukele music be if it was played in support of Yellow Thunder Woman and The Bastard Fairies? Yeah, tons better.

My reasons for posting this are simple. I have been listening to the Boogie Nights soundtrack of late, and on it is one of my favourite old tunes, Brand New Key by Melanie Safka. I have such clear memories of time and place from when that song was popular way back in the day that it is always a treat to listen to. And I think this is a great cover, especially because of the ukeleles.

PZ Meyers posted The Bastard Fairies' new video on his blog today, and it was a good reminder of this very cool band. Watch the video, and then go to the Bastards website and get a free album. 12 (twelve) songs, free! Free music, ukeleles, cool chicks with black hair--admit it, this is the best Friday yet.

But, if that doesn't do it for you, and I am looking at you KD, and you CL, here is a little pick-me-up. Your girl Olivia Munn dressed as slave Leia.



Now, now honshui, I haven't forgotten you. Here is a little somethin' something' to get your heart a pounding:




Enjoy the music.

Music And Murder

I don't know quite when it started; maybe it was my Dad's fault for playing the Kingston Trio all the time, but ever since I was a wee lad, I have been a fan of music and murder.

Alright, that just sounds wrong. Let me be more specific; I have always been fascinated at how some songs can take something horrible, like murder, and make it sound so pretty. The aforementioned Trio's "Tom Dooley" for example. A perfectly lovely song. About murder. "Frankie and Johnny" is comically upbeat, especially the part where the singer mimics the gun shots by singing "Rum tum tum". Frankly, that was the darkest version I could find. It is quite the peppy little tune and the joy with which it is sung by some artists belies the cold-blooded revenge taken by Frankie. "A-Z Blues", sung here by Blind Willie McTell is a delightful ditty about torture and is straightforward and unabashed in its treatment of that topic. Plus it has a good beat and I can dance to it. Shuffle really.

After I began my quest to learn how to play the guitar (still questing, still very bad), I turned to folk tunes--lots of verses, minimal chords. One of the first songs I learned to play was "Banks of the Ohio". Another pretty tune. About a dickhead who can't take no for an answer.

So, being the easily bored type, I thought I would assemble a little playlist I like to call "Music To Murder Your Spouse By". It is by no means comprehensive (feel free to throw your murderous song recommendations into the comment section), but it does show a small trend. Most of the songs by men are about killing a woman who rejected them. The ones by women tend to be about killing a cheatin' man or a mean ol' cuss who beats his woman. One might say that art often reflects society, but that would overreaching for this blog.

There are some exceptions though. The narrator in "Ruby" can't actually get up to kill his cheating wife, but he wants to, so it fits. "I Don't Like Mondays" by The Boomtown Rats doesn't involve the killing of a spouse, but it does describe a murderous rampage and sounds great on an acoustic guitar.

Finally, Nick Cave really creeps me out. Do check out the video for "Where The Wild Roses Grow". An old theme, done really spooky.

Update: Seeqpod seems flaky of late, so I do apologise if the playlist doesn't load. It isn't you, it's me.

Drive-by Blogging

Oh good grief, could today be any busier? Tonight's gaming and libations with KD and Mr. Anderson can't come soon enough.

All I have to say is:

My loony bun is fine Benny Lava.

Back to faking work.