Well there I was writing a nice juicy post when I realised that it would very likely be read by someone who shouldn't read it.
So duh … Bye-bye post.
This is the trouble with letting friends and family read your blog. You can't do the dirty on people.
Dammit!
Oh well …
So. As I've got too many verboten thoughts running around inside my head, I'll play safe and do an old meme.
Boring, but there you go. I've got to look people in the eye.
This is the old meme about the first ten songs on iTunes on random play.
I was going to make it into a quiz by giving you the first lines and making you guess, but most of them are too easy and one is an instrumental, which would involve me typing "Dang … da-da-Dang … etc", so bugger all round that.
My iTunes seems to be in a mellow "old man's music" mood today.
No Steve Albini, no metal, prog, opera, rap; bebop; no Dylan or Bowie, Zappa or Beefheart …
Being honest instead of being cool is kind of a pain, but here goes:
These are the first ten toons my iTunes coughed out at me when I just hit "shuffle":
1. Black Cow, by Steely Dan, from Aja.
"In the corner of my eye, I saw you in Rudy's; you were very high" …
Hardly a surprise, as Apple seem to have programmed iPods to play at least one Steely Dan song every time you hit "shuffle" (even if you don't have any Steely Dan tracks)!
2. Coyote, by Joni Mitchell, from Hejira.
"No regrets, Coyote; We just come from some such different sets of circumstance" …
Hmm … Two tracks; two "track one"s. And another iTunes shuffle stalwart. I'm beginning to think the conspiracy nuts who accuse Apple of "non-random randomness" are on to something.
Boffo song, though.
3. Tiny Dancer, by Elton John, from Madman Across The Water.
"Bluejean baby; LA lady; Seamstress for the band" …
That's more like it! Where the hell did THAT one come from?
I know I've got a bunch of early Elton buried somewhere deep in my sixty gigabytes of dross, but I haven't heard Tiny Dancer for years. Now it's gonna be stuck in my head all day (and in yours).
4. Diamond Dust, by Jeff Beck, from Blow By Blow.
"Dang … da-da-Dang … etc" …
Ahhh … A lovely instrumental written by Max Middleton (now a fat old man playing in a pub not far from me), starring Jeff, Max and good old George Martin.
This is one of the songs I want played at my funeral (the others being Tom Waits singing Somewhere [from West Side Story], and either Sid Vicious' version of My Way or the Banana Splits theme tune, I haven't decided yet).
5. Poor Mans' Shangri-la, by Ry Cooder, from the utterly brilliant Chavéz Ravine.
"Tell you 'bout a friend of mine that you don't know" …
Ooh YES! Now I'll be dancing all day!
6. Bless You, by John Lennon, from Walls And Bridges.
"Bless you, wherever you are; Windswept, child of a shooting star" …
Not the Lennon song I would choose were I trying to be cool, but utterly lovely anyhoo.
7. Monkey Gone To Heaven, by Pixies, from Doolittle.
"There was a guy, an under water guy who controlled the sea, Got killed by ten million pounds of sludge from New York and New Jersey" … (sorry … Noo Joyzee).
Again, if I were to choose a Pixies track, it would have been Gigantic or Caribou. Never mind. Sing along with Frank … and talking of Frank;
8. Frank's Wild Years, by Tom Waits, from Swordfishtrombones.
"Well Frank settled down in the Valley, and hung his wild years on a nail that he drove through his wife's forehead" …
I love this track, especially the "little chihuahua named Carlos, that had some kind of skin disease and was totally blind".
9. Things That Scare Me, by Neko Case, from Blacklisted.
"Fluorescent lights engage, like birds fryin' on a wire" …
That's gotta be one of the best first lines ever written. And the nearest thing to a country song on my list. And where's all the Americana? I've got acres of the stuff, but iTunes obviously doesn't like it.
10. Preaching Blues, by Robert Johnson, from The Complete Robert Johnson.
"M … Mmmmmm … Woke up this morning … ah … Blues walkin' like a man" …
Cool! I've got so many boxed sets of Delta Blues; Robert Johnson, Charley Patton, Son House, etc.
I'm glad one of 'em came up.
So. Yet another boring old meme.
I'll try to write something worth reading over the weekend, but don't wait up.
I won't tag anyone as this one's a lot less fun to read than it is to listen to.
… And no Hall and Oates, Rich!
29 comments:
mmm early Elton. Favourite album is Elton John (one with your song on it), like Tumbleweed, and earlier ones which i now don't have. Had all these albums but my ex sold them all. Should have taken a stand but didn't at the time.
Yes blogging is good fun and you kind of want people to read it, people who you know, but there's always the chance they may not like something and you have to face the music. Defeats the object really,in that here you can at least vent your thoughts. Hmm wonder who it was you were going to bitch about? lol.
SAB monsieur, that is one hell of a lot of music. What ever happened to the bloody von trapp family and the lonely goatherd. Where's your music taste? It's all electric and I'm still in the wind-up grammerfone era. Crikey, charlie,,,,
Sorry about this eroneous comment - I wrote it yesterday for the Norwich post, but blogger ate it and then it was time to go back to work...
Can't let this one go, though. Thank you for the post on Norwich - it makes me feel homesick. What a gross eyesore on the side of the castle's hill, though. It really clashes with the beautiful castle. A testament to our modern laziness and lack of taste (sorry disabled people, but there's a decent slope).
Did a similar lift end up being plonked onto Cromer sea front yet, Dive? No neeeeeed!
pea
Tiny Dancer--hee hee. I might not have guessed your tunes had you just given us the first line. I'm out of touch that way.
Explain why you would choose those particular tunes for your funeral?
And why don't you set up another blog like Old Knudson, where you can be as, um, candid as you choose?
Damn right, Pea. It's an excresence.
I'm all for inclusive design, but putting in that Godawful lift and ruining the Castle's façade is kinda stupid when you realise that the Castle itself is almost totally inaccessible to wheelchairs.
Those particular tunes, Robyn?
Hmm … I'd have Diamond Dust simply because it is beautiful. As for Somewhere, it's a bit more tricky, as I really don't believe "there's a place for us", but Tom Waits version makes me cry, so that's good enough.
And the others are a joke. I'd have Elgar's Nimrod instead (being an English fogey).
And I've toyed with the idea of a ranty blog, but I really don't have the time or the inclination.
And MB: It's the iTunes' choice, not mine!
And Lynn: I wasn't bitching about anyone; rather it was a somewhat racy tale from the past. And it's gotta remain private until one of us dies and the other can post about it.
Tiny dancer has to be one of my all time favourites and i'll definately be putting it on my ipod when I finally get around to owning one. I know i'm being technologiocally slack, who can buy electronics when theres a whole world of shoes waiting to be adopted.
I know, I so need to get my priorities in order and being the music nut that I am I surprise myself that I haven't indulged in ipodism yet. Actually come to think of it I just may post about my techo tardiness.
Secret blogs are a great idea. I found out the hard way that parents read posts and then call you at 3am to discuss your attitude.
Hee hee, Kate. Parents never stop being "disappointed" in us, do they?
As for the old iPod; I travel at least seven hours a day and hate mobile phones, so the iPod keeps me sane on the train. I can justify it medically.
And shoes? PAH! I'm breaking in a new pair this week and have a big, bleeding blister on my right heel. OW!
Awww, Cyber kisses for the blister.
Can relate to the ipod for sanity on trips to work, we use music to psych ourselves for shifts and to bring us back down after a night mare shift.
The shift I am doing right now is majorly boring, all of the kids are sedate and nice. (Rich would approve)
As to my parents disappointment in me, now when they open their mouths I fix them with my best stare and say be careful what comes out of your mouth for I may just have to blog you.
Hee hee. Love it.
Trouble is, my Mum has her own blog. No WAY do I need people going over there!
Already been! Hee Hee! Morning DB! ;)
Afternoon, Ame.
So this is acclimatising yourself to London time, is it? Hee hee.
Yeah! I think it IS MSDB! But hmmmmmmmm...why don't I have the FOGGIEST clue if I'm coming or going now...or getting up or just going to bed?!? I really do think I get up before I go to bed! Does that make any sense?
Sigh~ I've been hanging out at OBB's too much I guess...scrambled my brain it did!
Blimey! (Is that a Britty word?)
I'll be back to make love to your tune list later! Oops, can I say that on this blog? ;)
Gor'blimey, love-a-duck, dearie!
You'll soon be speaking the lingo as well as Dick van Dyke in Mary Poppins (a great film for studying authentic London dialects).
And yes, it's probably best to get the jetlag out of the way before the journey. Good luck!
Do the dirty anyway. Don't censor yourself.
Here are mine. They're kind of silly.
Desire, the Raconteurs.
Stove, the Lemonheads
Our Faces Split the Coast in Half, Broken Social Scene
Police and Thieves, the Clash
The Boho Dance, Joni
Music is Love, David Crosby
Whiskey Bottle, Uncle Tupelo
Fight Test, Flaming Lips
Johnny Hit and Run Pauline, X
Anthrax, Gang of Four
I am in the same technology time warp as Kate. I have the opportunity to listen to anything I want all day at work, usally as loud as I like too. Here is what I have been listening to so far today:
Toby Keith, I Wanna Talk About Me
ELO-Just for Love
Esthero-Country Living
Hellogoodbye-Baby it’s Fact
John Martyn-Sweet Little Mystery,
R. Kelly-Feelin’ You In Stereo,
Steven Stills-Tree Top Flyer,
Ray La Montange- Shelter,
Barzillian Girls- Talk to La Bomb
Ryan Adams- Wish You Were Here and a cover of Wonderwall
and a big old dose of Richie Havens-Say FREEDOM everybody!
The thing about my ranty Blog is that its not secret just off the road side, I use it for things I'm mad about mostly that I don't want on my main blog, I have slagged off some readers because its like taking a fight outside. As for no time, I sit here then before you know it its in the am, the thing is a time machine. I do a small post I think its funny then and look back and I've done 3 posts, any one would be ok for the normal sane blogger to post. All it requires is a Google search for my family to find 'all' of my blogs, its on their head if they do.
"The normal, sane blogger", Old K?
Is that not an oxymoron?
And Sassy and Prudence: Looks like Joni's in the lead when I tot up everyone's toons.
Big, yummy chocolatey credibility points for Police and Thieves, Flight Test (or anything from Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots) and especially for John Martyn's Sweet Little Mystery. Mmmmm … Nice.
No Hall & Oats is Ok by me but... where's the BOWIE???
A little Diamond Dogs perhaps?
You know, I named a dog Cooder after Ry Cooder (and out of the other side of my mouth after female anatomy... he was a pit bull). Chavez Ravine has bee receiving heavy rotation on my Ipod lately. Nice taste.
On the subject of ranty blogs, I rant, and I post about nice stuff, point is, its your blog, say what you like.
Hey DB! Doncha just love it when people hold entire conversations on your blog when you're not looking? Just gives me that warm & fuzzy feeling! ;) Oh wait a minute...nevermind! I seem to be "neverminding" quite a lot these days...must be some London spell! What didja have for b'fast?! And what should I HAVE for b'fast when I'm there? Anything I shouldn't miss?
Rebel, Rebel, Rich.
It's the damned iPod's choice.
Welcome, Fresh Hell!
It's YOU who has the taste, girl!
Great Bessie Smith post. and I LOVE the Lulu post; college boy's head just cracked me up.
Kate. I say what I like.
I like the way you "rebel"ed up your new hair-do.
Hi, Ame. I'm about to had into the city for breakfast (my usual latte, croissant and no chance of a date). Hell, you'll be staying in a nice West End hotel; you can have ANYTHING for breakfast!
No use going for natto though, the Japanese restaurants and supermarkets don't open util mid-morning (they stay open late, though).
Don't have "full English breakfast" unless you want fat arteries and a stomach full of queasy lard.
If I were you, I'd just have my normal weekday breakfast: half organic meusli, half organic oats, with organic semi-skilled mink (I know) and some fruit, then go for a run through Hyde Park, Green Park and St.James's Park. Do that before seven and you can shower off and be all set for the day.
God, I can't wait for you to get here!
AME promised me the full English and yes it is what you think, or is it? fried eggs and bacon are involved though I should have negotiated for some potato farls and soda bread, crap now I'm hungry and horny this is going to be tricky.
Ahhhhhhhhhhhh Divey Boy...getting all excited already! HURRY UP VACATION! ;)
Yeah, I'm with you on the b'fast...I usually do some kind of oat cereal (best for the ol' ticker!) and fruit and what we call here, 1% milk...it's the one just before non-fat (the blue stuff that just doesn't cut it in coffee or on cereal!) And either a cup of Joe or some tea...
But alas....I DID promise Knuddie...so how 'bout it guy, can I have a small nibble of your bacon? NO! Get the sausage! Sausage nibbles are tastier! And that egg DOES have lots of protein...so feed me a little bite of that too...it'll hold me for MILES!
I'M STUFFED! Better hit the trail! Do you think it's safe for me to run in Hyde Park alone? Or shall I take my police escort?!?
;)
Schucks... thanks.
Tiny Dancer always reminds me of that scene from Almost Famous. Interesting collection there. My Winamp playlist tells me my last listen was a CCR compilation album. Think it was quite a while back- haven't been listening for a few days now.
Me too, Utsav.
And CCR? Wow, that brings back some memories!
I take it you're back in Bangalore with a decent connection?
If so, welcome back.
I'm now popping across to your site to check.
And hey, Utsav!
More guitar porn in my January 28th post.
Enjoy.
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