Music of the Month: Not-Pop Recommendations
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Music Recommendations from Outside the Pop Box
This lens is a collection of monthly music recommendations and articles about music. The sections named after months highlight a band or music resource that deserves more attention. Because there have been so many, I moved both my 2007 music recommendations and my 2008 selections to separate lenses.
Please explore to your heart's content. You'll find my guestbook at the very bottom of the lens and I'd love to hear from you. If you've got a recommendation for a "Music of the Month", please let me know that, too. Thank you and welcome!
What Will You Find Here?
Fantastic Music Recommendations, of Course!
- July, 2009: The Taj Motel Trio
- June, 2009: Bottom Feeders
- May, 2009: 1990s
- April, 2009: Enter the Haggis
- March, 2009: Manu Chao
- February, 2009: Son of Dave
- January, 2009: Fujiya & Miyagi
- Like My Recommendations? Bookmark Them for Later!
- Check, Check, Is This Thing On? Let Me Hear from You.
- Did You Find Great New Music on This Lens?
- Learn More about Not-Pop and Music
July, 2009: The Taj Motel Trio
Ska-Punk That Combines the Best of Both Genres
The Taj Motel Trio actually consists of eight guys from Georgia. I thought that, as I hadn't included a harder band for a while, you'd enjoy their particular brand of raucous, horn-infused ska-punk. While their sound is undeniably up-to-date, they tend toward older-style storytelling in their lyrics rather than bemoaning their Generation Y angst and screaming about lost love. Over the past ten years, they've toured, played their hearts out, and generally made terrific music for ska enthusiasts and punk fans alike.As for specific song recommendations, a Star Wars fan can't go far wrong with The Taj Motel Trio's Vader, off their 2000 release "Feel the Force", while those looking for old-school ska will enjoy Another Drink off of their latest album, "Part of the Problem". Should you be in a holiday mood, the boys have also recorded high-energy, ska versions of some Christmas classics on "Pretzels and Beer for Santa".
You can hear seven of the dozen tracks on "Part of the Problem" on The Taj Motel Trio's MySpace profile. For an in-depth review of their 2003 album, "Life of the Party", try Absolute Punk. You can get a somewhat-outdated bio and current tour information at the band's Eventful page. You can, of course, check their official web site, but as it's under construction all that will do is send you to their MySpace profile, linked above. I'll update this when/if they get more useful information or tracks posted.
Get The Taj Motel Trio's Latest Album
These Men are "Part of the Problem"
Part of the Problem
Amazon Price: $8.99 (as of 07/05/2009)
With every one of The Taj Mahal Trio's albums, the band's sound gets a little more polished and professional. That's all to the good, and "Part of the Problem" finds them at the top of their game. The songs stay true to the hard-drinking, tough-guy punk topics of buddies and beer, but the horns wail and the music rocks. It may not be deep, but it's a lot of fun.
June, 2009: Bottom Feeders
80s Quasi-Hits for Musical Weirdos
While I generally like to recommend a specific artist for this Music of the Month feature, I've been in such deep smit with Dave Steed over at PopDose that I feel I must recommend his series, Bottom Feeders, to you folks. Not only is it a terrific idea for a topic but it's done so well and with such commitment that I know you'll be suitably impressed.The idea boils down to this: post every song that made the Billboard Top 100 charts, and topped out below number forty, from 1980 through 1989. Rick Dees never played these babies, and many of them were hardly worth the plastic cassettes on which they were distributed. On the other hand, you'll find gems that you can hardly believe weren't number one hits lying cheek and jowl with the sorts of stinkers that make you embarrassed to have ears.
Mr. Steed posts a weekly column and is working his way through the decade not chronologically but alphabetically by artist name. Some artists had a single hit in this category, like John Lennon, and get a short paragraph. Others had five or even more, like Crystal Gayle and Kiss.
After over a year's worth of posts (including one from March that was all Jacksons), he's only worked his way into the letter L, which means that you can get another year or more with Bottom Feeders before you run out of new posts. How's that for value? As long as a few naughty words and a very dry sense of humor won't offend you, click over to PopDose and start wading through the joy and pain that was mediocre-ranking music in the 80s.
Picture used under Creative Commons license from GJ Charlet III. Thank you!
May, 2009: 1990s
Not Just a Decade, but a Great Band!
If you ever wondered what sort of music the vocalist from Yummy Fur would make with the bass player and drummer from V-Twin, wonder no more. 1990s takes just those three folks and throws them into a pop-inspired playground where they really get creative. Their pair off-the-wall lyrics with solid music to make a fun sound that only gets better with repeat listens.1990s has been relatively well-known to you Brits out there since they released their debut album, "Cookies", in 2007. March, 2009 saw the ever-feared "sophomore effort" from the trio, doubly awaited because of the change in personnel. But 1990s kept their goofy-pop sound, and even rocked it out a bit for "Kicks". The new album won't set the musical world on fire, but I'll bet it gets a lot more play than some of the other, more technically-well-done music that'll be released this summer. And just when you may be ready to dismiss them as a pop band, Kickstrasse comes along and highlights the post-punk sensibilities that underlie many of their songs.
You'll have to be open to lyrics that don't make a whole lot of sense, when you listen to the specifics, and a lot of vocalizing of the melody with "ba ba ba" and "ah-a-ah-a-ah-ah" sounds. 1990s carries on a really Brit-pop sound that's been sneaking over to the US and infecting people for decades. If you'd rather not take my word for it, try this Pop Matters review of "Cookies" or this Ultimate Guitar review of "Kicks". You can, of course, visit the band's MySpace profile or their sadly-neglected web site that does have a few tracks to enjoy as well. Photo credit Mick oOo.
Sample and Buy the 1990s Album "Kicks"
Kicks
Amazon Price: $13.99 (as of 07/05/2009)
These post-punk, Brit-pop, Glasgow natives take indie to the mainstream with their newest collection of wacky, danceable songs.
Release Date: 03/24/2009
The Not-Pop Jukebox
More Music Recommendations
This is my daily song recommendation blog, if you can't get enough new music. Let me know if you have recommendations or would like a review. If you're on Twitter, swing by and add your favorite song and if you're a lensmaster and have a lens about it, add it to the Great Songs Group.
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byApril, 2009: Enter the Haggis
Celtic Rock from Canada
Toronto-based Enter the Haggis is hardly a new band. The guys currently in the band have been together for several years, now, and the band has released half a dozen albums in the past ten years. They do, however, have a brand new album, "Gutter Anthems", out wreaking Celtic-themed, musical havoc. Such bagpipe-rock as The Litter and the Leaves demonstrates the unusual talents of these Canadian gents. The fiddle, the pounding drums, and the frequent tempo changes sum up the entire album in one intriguing package.Murphy's Ashes sounds more like a bizarre, synthesized Chieftains song but again the high energy carries you along, wondering where it's going. This one is instrumental, but provides some great imagery nonetheless. DNA and Suburban Plains, on the other hand, are mellower, nigh-mournful indie songs with tastes of bagpipe and pan flute. Truly, Enter the Haggis has come a long way from their days of rockin' out traditional Celtic songs at local festivals.
You can listen to the whole album for free on their site (click on Enter the Haggis, above) and to several tracks on their MySpace profile. You can also listen to songs from their previous album "Soapbox Heroes", like New Monthly Flavour, at Grooveshark.
Preview Enter the Haggis Songs Right Here
And Buy Them, Too!
March, 2009: Manu Chao
If Chao Is One Unit of Chaos, the Name Works Perfectly
While I respect political activism and am suitably impressed by Manu Chao and his dedication to such, you're not here to read about it. You came here for music, and--lucky you--Manu Chao is talented at that, as well. I was introduced to him and his song Bongo Bong through the good folks at the Hype Machine. I discovered that his songs were deeper and broader than that funky little ditty, much as I like it.Manu Chao has traveled the world, and it shows in his songs. You get Latin guitar, Gypsy and Reggae beats, English and Spanish lyrics, activist language, and sometimes all of them in the same song, as in Rainin in Paradize. Some songs are simply nice, as Merry Blues.
That's the thing about Manu Chao: you never know what you'll get from him. Will it be a song that would be at home in a Mexican restaurant in Chicago? Will it tell you, with appropriate anger, if you can understand, about a political situation of which you are unaware? Will it be a dance-able little tune that doesn't shoot for such depths? You never know.
You can listen to Manu Chao via his official website (which you'll find much easier to understand if you speak Spanish) or at his MySpace profile, as well as the dozens of tracks available through the Hype Machine link above.
Sample More Manu Chao Songs
What is your primary source for music recommendations?
February, 2009: Son of Dave
Blues for the New Millenium
Former Crash Test Dummy Benjamin Darvill started his solo project, Son of Dave, to showcase his unique take on blues, beatboxing, and one-man-band-manship. His videos are a treat to watch, and his music gets your toes tapping while you wonder how he managed to make all of that noise by himself. He also covers some iconic songs from different genres, including Low Rider and Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger, imbuing them with his inventive, tongue-in-cheek sound.
Not only does Son of Dave display enviable musical ability, but the songs are just plain fun. Darvill clearly enjoys himself during the live shows and the studio sessions. The combination, and his ear for unusual lyrics, make his music irresistible. Check out the Son of Dave MySpace page, where you can listen to the previously-mentioned songs, plus Ain't Going to Nike Town, a bluesy stomp, and Old Time Were Good Times, which sounds, musically at least, more like Funky Town.
Read the Beat Surrender review of "02" from 2006 and the Music OMH review of "03" from 2008. Pay a visit to his Last.FM page to hear even more tracks for free. Get ready to reconsider the blues and the one man band.
Get Son of Dave's Latest Albums "02 and "03"
Why pick a favorite when you can have both?
Amazon Error: Could not open remote connection
Sorry, there are no results available from Amazon.Cover Songs, Versions, and Standards
For when you just have to know the words and who-all sang them.
I've been working on lenses that have not just the lyrics for a song but several cover versions as well. I've added of them (around 25, but I've lost count), but only five will show at a time.-
The Peter Gunn Theme Song
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Peter Gunn had a theme song, and it's been re-made and remixed since his television show debuted in 1958. Once it hit the airwaves, a new hit song began making its way through musical genres year after year. From the Duane Eddy smash in 1960 through...
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Big Yellow Taxi: An Environmental Standard
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Joni Mitchell wrote Big Yellow Taxi and first recorded the song for her 1970 album, "Ladies of the Canyon". While the title refers to the last verse, in which a big yellow taxi "took away my old man", the song became famous for its environmental stan...
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I Wish I Could Shimmy Like My Sister Kate
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Consider the Roaring 20s, with flappers and their fringe-covered dresses dancing the shimmy while goggle-eyed fellows stand by admiringly. This song would likely have been on the playlist of the band that was playing at that dance. Around 1915, Arma...
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Frankie and Johnny: A Murderous Folk Music Standard
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Frankie and Johnny has been covered and recorded for a hundred years. While the music for Frankie and Johnny was copyrighted to Hughie Cannon in 1904, there have been various claims regarding the authorship of the lyrics. Some claim that the song goe...
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One Note Samba: A Bossa Nova Standard
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Antonio Carlos (or Tom) Jobim wrote Samba Uma Nota So, or One Note Samba in English, but the song was first recorded by Stan Getz for his 1962 album "Jazz Samba". The song went on to become a major hit in the United States and was at the forefront of...
January, 2009: Fujiya & Miyagi
British Electro Kraut-Rock Grooves
Just when I began to despair of finding someone deserving enough to be the first Music of the Month for 2009, I found myself listening to, and loving, more Fujiya & Miyagi. Huzzah! A quartet that creates dancable, hook-y songs by the album-full. The Music of the Month is saved.
Fujiya & Miyagi released their latest album, "Lightbulbs", in the fall of 2008 and first came to my attention through Pussyfooting, about which I blogged in mid-November. I only listened to a few of their songs at the time and had kept meaning to get back to them. Thank heavens I finally did. Their whispery, electronic funk ranges from the perfectly-titled Uh to the mellower Pterodactyls to the more agressive-sounding Rook to Queen's Pawn Six. That's just off of "Lightbulbs"! For a great sample of their previous album, "Transparent Things", try Collarbone, from back when they were a trio.
As many folks have pointed out, this is a British quartet that has assumed the name of a Japanese duo that does krautrock. I think that pretty well sums up the bands contradictory sound. You can listen to most of the songs from "Lightbulb" at the Hype Machine, as well as a few on their MySpace Profile. Read the review of "Transparent Things" at Stylus Magazine and of "Lightbulbs" at Treblezine.
Fujiya & Miyagi's Album "Lightbulbs"
Krautrock Funk and Day-in-the-Life Lyrics
Lightbulbs
Amazon Price: $13.98 (as of 07/05/2009)
"Lightbulbs" is the latest album from Fujiay & Miyagi, filled with angsty, mock-intelligent lyrics and beats that make you dance anyway. Get dancing with Pussyfooting and Uh, consider candy with Hundreds and Thousands, and relate chess to real life with Rook to Queen's Pawn Six.
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Great Songs Are One Click Away!
Mercury Poise: 1988-1995
This is one of my favorite albums of all time. Michelle Shocked is a little bit country, a lot of rock-n-roll.
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Vampire Weekend
What, you didn't read their recommendation on this lens? Fun, copy-cat pop with smart lyrics.
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Zoot Suit Riot
The Cherry Poppin' Daddies are PG, if not R, rated but they're so fun!
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Betcha Bottom Dollar
Keep your eye on these ladies. They are changing the way people think about re-makes.
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Friday Night in San Francisco
Blazing guitar playing from some of the masters of the art. Truly awesome.
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More Great Music to Buy
Don't be shy. Give it a try!
Domesticated
I'm so sad that there is no album art for this one. Let's just say that WookieFoot are globally aware and are terrific musicians.
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Join the Parade
You had to scroll past the review to get here. Go back and read it!
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The Ultimate Collection
The first name in Zydeco for decades. Try it, you'll like it.
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Tropical Brainstorm
Sweet, sassy, and sexy, Ms. MacColl's death was a loss for the world of music.
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Rump Shaker
Ska with a nasty sense of humor, try "Blingity Bling" or the title track for starters.
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Why Look for Different Music?
Widen your horizons without flattening your wallet.
As a music fan, you'll spend and ton of time and likely a pile of money trying to perfect your collection. There is always a new group or a new genre for you to explore. And then there's all of those hundreds of years' worth of musical backlog!These articles are meant to help you find the best music with the smallest investment of time and money. If you have somthing to add, please let me know in the guestbook below.
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What Have I Been Listening to Lately?
Check my "Recent Tunes" feed. It will update every hour, so if I'm listening you'll know. Some of the songs are on my playlist above. All of them are mini-recommendations.
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byCheck, Check, Is This Thing On? Let Me Hear from You.
Leave me your opinion, your favorite band, or your recommendations.
Spook wrote...
Sorry Not Pop but I have been out of it for so long so really cannot be a judge except to say this is a great lens. The only thing I can say is that I did hear Aretha Franklin singing Ealanor Rigby which was a great song but I prefered the Beatles version.
Posted April 25, 2009
Not-Pop wrote...
Thank you so much! This lens is really my baby, the one I love the best. I'm thrilled to hear that others enjoy it as well. [in reply to sittonbull]
Posted January 22, 2009
sittonbull wrote...
Oh... this is special! Eclectic, tasteful, appreciating the classic while reaching for the innovative and new... all in the universal language! Thanks for sharing this jewel! Faved, fanned and 5*
Posted January 21, 2009
awelldressedbullet wrote...
Nice collection and lens looks great, well done! - Kathy
Posted November 21, 2008
poddys wrote...
It's always nice to come across a new artist that you like. Very nice lens, 5*****
Posted October 28, 2008
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My LastFM Playlist
This doesn't work properly. It should show my playlist here, instead of forcing you to use a pop-up window. At least you can still listen to the songs, if something should catch your eye.
I only add fully-streamable tracks to my list, so you can hear the whole song to see if you like it. You don't even have to join LastFM to listen to them. If you've got a recommendation or anything else to say about the songs here, please drop it in my guestbook at the bottom of the lens.
Learn More about Not-Pop and Music
Who am I and what do I do?
My Bio
It's all about music - lyrics, my song recommendations blog, cover songs, and artist profiles. Please take a look around and let me know if there's something you'd like to see (or hear). I also have an alter ego that blogs about grammar and writing and creates environmental and cooking lenses.
Check out these great lenses...
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- Ain't Nobody's Business
Would you believe that there are three songs, all having been recorded for decades, expressing identical sentiments that it "ain't nobody's business" what the performer does? While Ain't Nobody's Business If I Do and Ain't Nobody's Business But My Ow... view lens -
- Music of the Month: Not-Pop Recommendations
This lens is a collection of monthly music recommendations and articles about music. The sections named after months highlight a band or music resource that deserves more attention. Because there have been so many, I moved both my 2007 music recommen... view lens -
- What's your favorite song?
I write a lot about my favorite songs, and I decided that it was time to give everyone else a chance to have some input. Tell me your favorite song and who performs it. If you just can't name one, post an album or a band that really moves you. Let me... view lens -
- Bo Diddley
From his first hit in 1955 to his last breath in 2008, Bo Diddley stood at the crossroads between the Chicago blues tradition and the future of rock and roll. His songs have been covered and imitated by musicians around the world. The Bo Diddley soun... view lens -
- Taj Mahal: True Maestro
I must confess that I've only been a fan of Taj Mahal for fifteen years. Then again, I'm not forty, yet, so that's about half of my life. I clearly remember the first time I heard him, on a local college station, singing Big-Legged Mamas are Back in... view lens
My Other Music Lenses
Musicians and Songs that I Love
In addition to the lyrics lenses above, I have a few lenses on musicians.-
Danny Elfman
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For those who don't remember Dead Man's Party or Weird Science, Danny Elfman will be a surprise and a treat. Not only did he head an iconic 80's New Wave group, Oingo Boingo, but he composes music for some of the best - and the strangest - that...
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Kirsty MacColl: Humor, Tragedy, and Song
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From her witty satires to her songs of longing, Kirsty MacColl was a consummate singer and songwriter. Her voice, creativity, and sense of fun allowed her to cross genre lines and build a strong following. Unfortunately, the careless pilo...
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Southern Culture On The Skids
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If you've ever laughed at one of those lists of redneck, hillbilly, or trailer trash traits, Southern Culture on the Skids is right up your alley. Explore their raucous style and humor, from their 50s-inspired surf instrumentals to their biting redne...
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WookieFoot: Maximize Your Bliss with Beats
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WookieFoot loves music and plays across half a dozen styles to create meaningful, dance-able tunes. Your mind will expand while your toes tap. Learn more about the music, the philosophy, and the charity work that this band lives every day. WookieFoo...
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Bo Diddley
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From his first hit in 1955 to his last breath in 2008, Bo Diddley stood at the crossroads between the Chicago blues tradition and the future of rock and roll. His songs have been covered and imitated by musicians around the world. The Bo Diddley soun...
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