In A Couple Of Weeks, They Will Eat Their Young

Today’s post features a wonderfully entertaining video of someone singing a song by The Beatles. If you think this is going to be any old cover, then you best read on. This version of The Beatles song, “Obla-di Obla-da” is possibly one of the greatest videos on YouTube of a Beatles cover…

The performer is a young Japanese boy, who, while nameless, is something of a YouTube celebrity. I’m sure YouTube celebrities have their videos posted in numerous venues and discussed, but today I’m taking it one step further. This boy is known for apparently not really knowing the lyrics to the many songs he sings and plays. He is also just plain adorable:

In the video du jour, he sings manages to completely muffle about 97% of the lyrics of The Beatles’ hit song. I’m pretty sure he never really learned the lyrics to begin with. Don’t get me wrong- this is not a bad thing in this case! No, instead this young chap totally delights his audience with a fantastic stage presence and lest we not forget- his impressive ability to play the ukulele! He knows all the chords!

But what the heck is he singing? At first I thought the lyrics he was singing was, “In a couple of weeks, they will eat their young” instead of what it really is: “In a couple of years, they have built a home (sweet home).” I thought what I was hearing however, was much more entertaining though. So I decided to transcribe all the lyrics as I heard them much like this fantastic video does. So below I would like to share with you the video and then my misheard lyrics. Enjoy!

This is the fantastic Obladi Oblada video you need to watch.

This Is Not A Love Song

I’m going to start a new project today. I feel like this blog could and should be a great outpost for my recent feelings about dating/love/relationships in general and how I don’t have the best luck in that field (at least in the recent comparison to approximately 95% of my friends these days). But I’m not going to use this blog for a rant. I’ve definitely thought about that, believe me, but I have decided on a superior method which is a reaction to my feelings.

Enter, The “Non-Love Song” Song of the Day Blog Post.

I was recently discussing songs that have nothing to do with love, with a friend of mine who (appropriately?) went through an odd break-up of sorts. She was seeking some music to listen to which did not remind her of her unfortunate predicament. Not a song about or love, nor a song about break-ups; a song that has nothing to do with love.

I explained to my friend that one of the reasons I love The Beatles so much is because I would estimate that maybe 50% of their songs have nothing to do with love. For example, take the songs, Being For The Benefit of Mr. Kite (about a circus), Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds (inspired by drugs or who knows what), Maxwell’s Silver Hammer (about a boy who pummels others with a hammer) and Octopus’ Garden (fantasizing about living under water). As a contrast, my parents actually do own an album of The Beatles’ love songs. I think it would be fantastic to compile all their songs that are not about love.

I could surely go on about The Beatles all day, but today’s post features a song by another group that is what I consider the ultimate in songs that are not about love. This is Nouvelle Vague’s, “This Is Not A Love Song,” which thankfully stays true to the title.

I’m not sure I’m going to post a non-love song every day, but definitely be on the lookout in the future for more music posts of this nature. I think I could definitely get the hang of this non-anti-love music postings. Enjoy!

Some Sick Music, Dude!

Dude. This post is going to be so sick! But I’m not referring to the good kind of slang, “sick.” No folks, this is the real kind of sick. The ill and diseased kind. Unfortunately I have been feeling under the weather for the past week or two, but today I hope things will change. For today I’m heading to the doctor’s. Sure, many people don’t particularly enjoy going to the doctor’s office, but if it means leaving work early and finding out what’s been ailing my body, then it’s actually a kind of exciting event. So today I’m creating a sort of sick person’s music mix. Enjoy!

Road Trip 5: Kansas City

This road trip’s final destination is the exciting city of Kansas City, MO. Having never been to, Missouri, I am looking forward to going to this city. This will be the one new state on this road trip that I have yet to travel to. I may not be the most educated about Kansas City, but I did recently learn that the city is actually in two states: Kansas and Missouri. Seems pretty confusing, if you ask me. Aside from this being a confusingly-named city, I can assure you that there are some pretty great songs named after this location.

Chuck Berry wrote and first performed the aptly-named (for this post) song, “Kansas City” and then The Beatles covered it:

Of course, you could watch covers of this song all day long. But there’s another nifty song by the same name, from the musical, “Oklahmoa!” which describes Kansas City when it was just starting to boom in the Mid-West. This version done by the acclaimed Original London Cast does a fine rendition of the song:

TFLW 46

Today TFLW brings you another edition chock full o’goodness. And you better believe you’re welcome for that. I had one of the best weekends this year, so I’m coming off that high. It started with an ultra successful 1908’s-themed party/birthday party for a friend. That was followed by a concert by Animal Collective. You may remember my numerous mentions of this band and their music on this blog. I was happy to see them perform one of my favorite songs, and not coincidentally so, the subject of this past post. And as if that wasn’t enough greatness for the weekend, it ended with a day trip-turned overnight stay at the beach that began with a couple friends. I’m pretty sure you can’t get any better than the party-concert-beach combination. It’s pretty much the triple threat. Anyways, enough about my weekend. Let’s have a gander at this week’s edition of TFLW. I end it with the latest and greatest music mash-up, so get your ears ready to be delighted…

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I live within at least five places to buy liquor, not including bars and restaurants. Go me.

I go to Whole Foods just for the smells and to browse… and for the air conditioning!

I just spent 10 straight hours in my office building, without leaving once for fresh air. Augh!

Dating is BS and Disney has brainwashed us into the notion that everyone should be coupled up. Unfortunately for me, I subscribe to that notion and dating is kind of the only way to achieve that.

Whoever invented the wireless computer mouse was a total IDIOT. The mouse is powered by batteries which will eventually run out of power. Whenever I have to change the mouse batteries (at work) the following happens: 1) we are throwing away tons of batteries. What ever happened to buying re-chargeables?? 2) It takes my computer at least 20 minutes to recognize that the mouse is connected. WTF is taking so long?!

I want to go to a club where they only play Country music. Now THAT’S a real Country Club!

Are youu in a thunderstorms? Omg   [–For the record, I have no idea who this was going to be sent to or when I wrote this, but it sure seems to be written while drunk.]

Listening to the radio and the stations are cutting into each other (due to poor signal) and the songs on the two stations that are going in and out between each other are the PERFECT combination: “Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F)” by Katy Perry and “The Night Before” by The Beatles.” How great is that!? I wish that was planned between radio stations. Both songs are about the idea of “last night.” Someone HAS to make a mash-up of the two.

PLUS

Only thing that could have improved this total coincidental genius, was the addition of the song, “Last Night” by The Traveling Wilburys:

(Are there any other songs about “last night” that would also work for a themed mash-up?)

A Furlough Playlist

Furlough 2011. Everyone is going crazy. There is an overwhelming uncertainty in the air. Frankly, I hope this actually goes into affect and the government does get furloughed. There is way too much speculation for this to not actually happen. And honestly, as much of a bummer as it will be to have unpaid leave, I can’t complain about not having to work. So with that being said, below you will find my 2011 Furlough Playlist. Go out, have fun, don’t be stressed about your job, and enjoy these furlough-related tunes!

1. You’re Wondering Now – The Specials “You’re wondering now what to do and you know this is the end.”
2. Suspicious Minds – Elvis Presely “We can’t go on together with suspicious minds.”
3. No More Mr. Nice Guy – Alice Cooper “I got no friends ’cause they read the papers. They can’t be seen with me.”
4. Why Can’t We Be Friends – War “I’d kinda like to be the President, so I can show you how your money’s spent.”
5. Another Brick In The Wall – Pink Floyd “All in all you’re just another brick in the wall.”
6. School’s Out – Alice Cooper “Well we can’t salute ya, can’t find a flag. If that don’t suit ya, that’s a drag.”
7. Take It Away – Paul McCartney “You never know who may be listening to you.”
8. Say It Ain’t So – Weezer “I can’t confront you. I never could do. That which might hurt you, so try and be cool.”
9. It Won’t Be Long – The Beatles “It won’t be long, till I belong to you.”
10. Do Nothing – The Specials “They’re just living in a life without meaning.”
11. No Reply – The Beatles “This happened once before. I came to your door. No reply.”
12. Worry Rock – Green Day “Where do we go from here and what did you do with the directions?”
13. Dead-End Street – The Kinks “We both want to work so hard. We can’t get the chance.”
14. Living For The City – Stevie Wonder “He tried to vote, but to him there’s no solution.”

Happy Birthday George!

I am kind of in shock that I have never blogged about this man’s birthday before. This man is definitely not only one of my heros, but one of the most beloved people in my life. I was truly saddened when he passed away my senior year of high school. I even wrote my college essay about him, which I still think was a great piece of my writing. Today is the anniversary of the day of George Harrison’s birth. To celebrate, the website: concertforgeorge.com is streaming the concert from a few years ago, dedicated to George’s life for 24 hours today.

One of the reasons I was initially drawn to The Quiet Beatle was out of pure mystery. Sure, every knows about the song-writing master duo of Paul McCartney and John Lennon, and it’s hard to pass over someone as goofy-looking as Ringo. And then there was that other fellow. In my absence of knowledge about George, I vowed to dive right in and find out as much as I could to educate myself with such a mysterious man.

The more I learned about George, the more he appealed to me. I grew to discover a gentle man with a big heart and a deep appreciation for many different cultures. George’s deep-rooted fascination with India and its culture excited me as well. Because of George I wanted to learn the sitar (and became subsequently disappointed when I figured that my small hands would prevent me from learning/playing the intricate instrument). Because of George, I have been turned on to Bollywood and Indian food, which I adore.

Another reason why I adore George so much, is also frankly, because I find him an absolute cutie. He had puppy dog eyes, a lush mop of hair, a charming British voice, and a general effortlessly suave look. George was easy going and mellow, but not to the point of carelessness. Quite the contrary, George was very passionate about everything he did. Because of George, I changed my character from the typical Type A persona I grew up around, from living in D.C.. I became more easy going and accommodating. I learned more about myself and how to be more conscious about myself and those around me.

Those are just a few reasons why George has so appealed to me.  As you can see, George has apparently been a great influence on who I am. His music is of course, amazing as well. Some of my favorite songs, are written by George Harrison. Maybe my favorite (that comes to mind now) is off The Beatles’ album, Help! and is called, “I Need You.” I have even decided that I want his song, “All Things Must Pass” to be played at my funeral.

So here’s to you, George Harrison! You have been an integral person in my life and I love you dearly. Happy Birthday. We miss you all, very dearly.

 

Lady Gaga Does Something Unoriginal

Lady Gaga’s latest “OMG what is she wearing” moment shows us a meat-clad Gaga on the cover of (Japan’s?) Vogue magazine. Many people have been reportedly disgusted over such an “outfit,” including many a PETA supporter. But when I first saw this image and heard about the cover, it did not seem like something that new…

Frankly, this has been done before. Sorry, Gaga, but for once you are not original. Gasp! I know, it’s shocking that this Lady known for shocking costumes could wear something that the world has already seen before. True, what came to mind happened some 50 years ago, but nonetheless, The Beatles did it first:

This rare album cover by The Beatles was controversial for its comic use of baby parts and slabs of meat. Not long after this album cover was released, was it shamed and out came another, more PC album cover.

In both of these cases it was a major pop icon involved in such a controversy. And both of these instances involved a strange affinity for meat. I’m not quite sure what these musicians’ inspirations were, but it was effective in grabbing the viewer’s attention. Either way, if Lady Gaga thinks she’s shocking the public, then sure, she’s right on. But if she thinks she’s doing something outlandishly unique, she should think again.

Day Tripping to Nashville

I don’t feel like blogging today. I’m chalking it up to an apparent jinx that this blog post seemed to have created. (I knew it!) But never worry, this is not the end. I wouldn’t dare think it. No, I have just had a lot on my plate lately. I’m swamped at work, looking for a different job, and planning for an upcoming trip over Labor Day Weekend.

I’m going to Kentucky and Tennessee to see a friend who’s stationed in Kentucky in the Army. My friend, a nurse, is being deployed in a few weeks to go to Iraq. So I figured I had to see her before she goes off to the other side of the world for the next six months. When I arrive next Friday, I will be spending the day all by myself in Nashville. I’ve been trying to figure out how to bide my time, since I’ve never been there before. It is kind of intimidating to me.

Nashville is known for its country music. While I like some country music, I can’t claim to be an expert on the genre. So today I’ve been surfing YouTube for some classic country music and its culture. Here’s a rare gem I found:

And as much for me as it is for you, here’s some video I’ve found on some of Nashville’s music joints and the general downtown area:

I’m actually pretty excited to go to Nashville. I love Southern Rock, Old Timey Country, BBQ, line dancing, and the whole Cowboy culture. (I’ll have to make sure to wear my cowboy boots when I go.) Plus, Nashville even has a hockey team! What more could you ask for? Who knows, maybe I’ll never come back from my trip!

No More Caps: A Musical Tribute

This post is a response to the post my friends over at the Russian Machine Never Breaks blog wrote a few days ago. In that post, a “mix tape” was created of songs describing the Caps going into game 7. Now that that game, playoffs, and season are over, I am bringing you my short and sweet musical tribute of a mix of what the Caps have left us faithful fans feeling…

1. Sugar Ray, one of my favorite musicians from the 90s (is that hypocritical?) explains to us, that “everything that I used to know has gone out the window.” Apparently also everything that we used to know about the Caps has gone out the window…

2. The first line says it all:

“Yesterday. All my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they’re here to stay. Oh I believe in yesterday.”

3. What? You thought the Caps were worthy of their number one seed ranking for the playoffs? I thought so too. The Caps had Ovie, Green, Backstrom, Semin, and Varly (among others), so we should be unstoppable, right? Apparently, I stand corrected…

4. Caps, your ways of playing were detrimental to your teammates, your coaches, your fans, and yourself. You’ve got to change those ways. Those “evil” ways…

5. As we round down this mix, I bring you this next song from the fans’ point of view. It ended too soon and the off-season will be too long without you. We will be waiting (im)patiently for your return in the fall…

6. But alas, I can’t leave on a bitter note. Because as a dedicated fan, I always have to look to the future. To next year. Just take a look at these lyrics:

“Working hard to get my fill. Everybody wants a thrill. Paying anything to roll the dice just one more time. Some will win. Some will lose. Some were born to sing the blues.”

Granted, I don’t feel that the Capitals were necessarily born to lose (or win for that matter), but I won’t stop believing that this team was born to succeed…