Tuesday, October 17, 2006

Musical Fluff

You might be surprised to know that I am a classically-trained pianist. Especially when you ride with me in my car. Why? Because my CD collection belies my musical origins.

For example, today I was rediscovering the soundtrack to the Matrix Reloaded, including a great song by Rob Zombie. Yesterday, it was the jazz stylings of Jamie Cullum. The day before? Panic! at the Disco. Songbird, as you might presume, often does not share my musical interests. Granted, I am highly influenced by my daughter - but I'm not complaining. She keeps me up to date.

Yes, today's music CAN be distressing, as I found out again this week. It seems that artists can safely remake songs from the past, and the kids don't know any better. Twice this week, I had to run into the living room, where the daughter was watching FUSETV, to make sure she wasn't tuned into the VH1 Classic channel by mistake. The other night, I heard the "Disturbed" version of Land of Confusion. (That's not a critique, but the name of the band.) I warn you, don't click the link unless you want to see the NEW version. Granted, it IS the right time to remake this song, given its lyrical message - but who could top the video by Genesis and that creepy puppet version of Ronald Reagan?

Then came the musical blasphemy. Seems a band called "Gnarls Barkley" has redone Gone Daddy Gone by the Violent Femmes. THE FEMMES? Well, the new version is decent...but there are some bands that deserve their own place in the sun.
Music Video Codes By Music Jesus.com
But before you think I'm all "high and mighty," judging today's music from the perspective of a girl who grew up in the '80s and is reliving the leggings craze with glee, know that I really DO like some of the new music. And every so often, a song comes along that gets stuck in my head. I call it a Bubble-Pop-Diversion, and if you click the video link above, you'll see what I mean. There's no musical genius here - just a song that makes me want to jump around the house like a preteen. A song like this is musical candy - a sweet little treat with no substance, but providing a giddy sugar high. So, if you dare to get silly with me, play the link above. It's songs like these that make me feel like a kid, all over again.

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

Loving the Violent Femmes, haven't heard them in ages.

Anonymous said...

I recall one of my girls listening to a song (a remake, of course) and being totally shocked when I started singing along.

I admit that I don't hear much music except what I hear background at work.

I play a few fav CD's when I'm traveling... and at home I forget that I can do that.

I'm enjoying the one you have today


I would love to hear you play the piano...

Karmyn R said...

That is how I felt the first time I heard "Stacy's Mom" (i don't know who sings it).

You know you've grown up when you watch the Grammy's and you don't know ANY of the rock, pop, hiphop, R&B, or rap artists.

I agree with Pamela - I'd love to hear you play!!!!

Anonymous said...

I now do to my children what I did to my Mom, "Mom you know the words to this? How?"

Bon Jovi takes me back everytime. lay you down on a bed of roses. ahhhh love is in the air

Anonymous said...

The first time I heard Land of Confusion again (as I was driving home from work about a month ago) it gave me chills, due to what's currently going on around the world.

I liked leggings in the 80's, but my body isn't prepared for them this time around, LOL.

Ms. Kathleen said...

I do like Gnarls' Crazy but these remakes are driving me crazy... My kids keep me up to date and I am enjoying a lot of Indie Rock lately...but I still like "MY" music - traditional rock, U2, The Corrs, Zepplin, ...

Anonymous said...

I'm pretty sure I couldn't pull off leggings anymore!

Swampwitch said...

I, too, love Gnarls' "Crazy"...I guess I'm getting too old for some of these remakes to enjoy them.
Let us hear you play.

C... said...

I watched the video but I don't remember it at all.

Anonymous said...

When I first heard Gnarl's Crazy, I thought how cool! How fun! I love this song!! After hearing it 10x/day on the stupid radio station, I want to shoot myself! No, correction...shoot them!! I just heard the remake (I can't play it on my computer) on the radio...it's just not quite the same...to me it's like Ashlee Simpson redoing a Pat Benatar song...it just don't fit! Others could probably pull it off better

Anonymous said...

I think girls must be a little better with music than boys - I dispise some of the stuff my boys want to listen to on some days. . .
Then we do have the days that I can bob my head with the best of 'em and join in. . .LOL

Anonymous said...

I think girls must be a little better with music than boys - I dispise some of the stuff my boys want to listen to on some days. . .
Then we do have the days that I can bob my head with the best of 'em and join in. . .LOL

Anonymous said...

I haven't met an artist yet who can remake a Violent Femmes song the right way!! Its just not the same. You're so skinny to be a Mom! Props to you girl!

M@ said...

Beck's Guerolito album is awesome.