Tag: music

Lou Reed: Two songs

Lou Reed died two days ago. A giant has passed. I grew up in an era when musicians were directly influenced by Lou Reed and Velvet Underground. In fact, it’s been said that those who listened to them during that time went out and formed a band, many of which went on to become successes themselves. But his music — and Velvet Underground’s — is not easy to like. It requires a certain mood and outlook to get into it. They’re not really songs per se, but more like novels. As I grew older though, I finally got his music. I guess it requires a certain maturity and some living to finally get into that place where I “get” him.

Here, two songs that, while not exactly the ones that made him and his band famous, showcase his range as a musician, traveling from the dark melodies he trafficked in to almost sunny ditties that are at once melodic and melancholic. (And somewhere in Long Piddleton, Melrose Plant, Earl of Caverness and Lou Reed aficionado, must be raising a glass of Guinness to toast his fallen hero.)

 

PS: Neil Gaiman wrote a really touching tribute to the man: Neil Gaiman on Lou Reed. If not for Reed, Sandman would not exist. My universe just shifted.

 

Because it’s a Friday and we need something fun and funky yet chill

 

 

Here’s Go West with “King of Wishful Thinking” and “What You Won’t Do for Love” (I love the intro of this song!). Cue the weekend!

BTW, posting this just proves my theory that our music preferences are formed when we were teenagers — which of course, completely dates me!

And now for some Velvet Underground…

Not the original vid, but pretty good arrangement and phrasing — and perfect for a lazy, yes, Sunday morning.

Sunday Morning
(Lou Reed, John Davies Cale, David Lang)

Sunday morning, praise the dawning
It’s just a restless feeling by my side
Early dawning, Sunday morning
It’s just the wasted years so close behind

Watch out, the world’s behind you
There’s always someone around you who will call
It’s nothing at all

Sunday morning and I’m falling
I’ve got a feeling I don’t want to know
Early dawning, Sunday morning
It’s all the streets you crossed, not so long ago

Watch out, the world’s behind you
There’s always someone around you who will call
It’s nothing at all

Watch out, the world’s behind you
There’s always someone around you who will call
It’s nothing at all

Sunday morning
Sunday morning
Sunday morning

So what’s on your Sunday playlist?

Funky Friday, part 2

I’ve always had a soft spot for Snoop Lion/Dogg (whatever he calls himself now) because I find his music hilarious and cheeky, like he just doesn’t care what people think — which is probably half the reason they become hits, anyway. That, and the fact that he’s a smart musician for using really likable and danceable hooks in his songs. I also like the title of this too. Very poetic for the Snoopster.

And now he’s teamed up with Miley Cyrus — can any tandem be as strange? But surprisingly, on this song, it works! I’ve also come to respect Miley. It can’t be easy trying to become an adult under the squeaky-clean perfection of the Disney aesthetic. It has got to leave some marks. So kudos to the girl for trying to do things her way without unraveling (exhibits A, B and C: LiLo, Amanda Bynes and Britney Spears). There’s a core of strength in there for sure.

So sit back, relax — have a beer and/or a spliff (if you can get one and that’s your thing) and happy Friday! 😉

Funky Friday

You can take my wings but I’m still goin’ fly
And even when you edit me the booty don’t lie
Yeah, keep singing and I’mma keep writing songs
I’m tired of Marvin asking me, “What’s Going On?
March to the streets ‘cuz I’m willing and I’m able
Categorize me, I defy every label
And while you’re selling dope, we’re gonna keep selling hope
We rising up now, you gotta deal you gotta cope
Will you be electric sheep?
Electric ladies, will you sleep?
Or will you preach?”

I saw this a day or so back at nymag and this morning, a colleague just sent me the link. I guess Janelle Monae and Erykah Badu are having a moment!

Happy Friday, people! Let’s dance!