I beg to differ

There are so many songs that I can't remember when I started liking them or even when I first heard them, it's as if I have always existed knowing and loving them. I wish I could say that my mom listened to some pretty groovy stuff while I was in utero, but I know she loves Meatloaf and Pat Benetar, so I'm dismissing that idea immediately.

Anyway, this is one of those songs. Climax Blues Band's "Couldn't Get it Right" is one of my absolute favorites, and the fact that CBB also did the polar opposite "I love you" makes both songs even better because they contrast so much.

Where do I start? The creepily deep vocals, the funk-infused baseline, the synthesizer in the background, the obscure lyrics, and the slight pause right before the chorus all add up to one great song. Another great thing about it is that it came out in 1976, during the midst of singer-songwriters and arena rock. Can you see this song fitting into either category? Not really. This song has just a touch of dance-disco in it, and I really feel like it was 2-3 years ahead of its time.

The last thing I'll say about it is that you can't fit this song into any particular genre. There's a lot going on, yet it all comes together coherently. A song like this would have a good chance of coming out today and being played on the radio (though I admit the synth would probably sound different, which is a total shame and goes to show things happen when they are supposed to). This band wasn't trying to fit anywhere, they wanted to make good music, regardless of what was going on. I love when an artist has that sort of attitude, and I feel like it really shows.

"Couldn't Get it Right", Climax Blues Band, 1976

you were always someone's fool

I credit my brother Jason for my love of Elton John - and my wide range of tastes in music. We used to sit upstairs in his room and listen to music for hours. Granted, we lived in a town of 500, so there wasn't a lot to do anyway, but I'm really lucky to have had a kick-ass brother who taught me a lot about music, comic books, and how to throw a great spiral. Thanks, Jas!

"Little Jeannie" is one of Elton's more underrated songs, in my opinion. The melody, the brooding, reflective lyrics, and just the right amount of horn and percussion to sound almost tropical come together in a perfect brew that touches the soul. Who doesn't hear this song and reflect upon some person or situation in their life that they wish they could change, but know they can't do anything about? I've been moping over this song since I was about 5, and I certainly don't plan to stop anytime soon.

Now, "The Bitch is Back" is another childhood story,which I will tell you another time.

"Little Jeannie", Elton John, 1980

musical immunity

Everyone gets sick of songs. You hear them too many times, and it just loses its power somehow. Like a long relationship with the wrong person, it gets old and you just don't have the same interest. When they come around, there's no spark, no excitement. Sure, if you break up with them and don't see them for 6 months, it might change, but overall, the magic has worn off.

Somehow, there's been one song that's escaped this fate. Maybe it's true love, who knows. I don't want to be able to explain it. Every time I hear this song, it's just like the first time I ever heard it. It captivates me. It's been in 50850958 commercials and I STILL love it.

For your listening pleasure, I submit, Modern English's "I melt with you," quite possibly one of the best songs ever made, and the only song I've never been sick of.

hard habit to break

I've had it suggested a few times now that I should start a music blog. Whether this is a good idea or not is left to be seen. I definitely have eclectic taste in music, no one can argue that.
So, what I'm going to do is post a song 4-5 times a week, starting in late April when my classes are over. They may be really good, really bad or both.

I will also do my best to give a link to where you can hear this song for yourself.This may not always be possible. Most of the time it will be a projectplaylist.com link. Hopefully, as I learn more, I will figure out a better way to do this.

So, until then, I will leave you with a song that has been in my mind all day today,
Olivia Newton-John's "Have you never been Mellow". Such a smooth sound, beautiful voice and positive message. ONJ knocked it out of the park with this one.



Lots of Love, Kasey