10 One Hit Wonders Of The 2000's

I don't know what to call that decade. I refuse to say The Oughts as some of come to do. The zeroes? The tens? The 00's? I don't think there is a term for them that rolls off the tongue easily. So i'll say it like this: Here's 10 One Hit Wonders from 2000-2009.

1. "I Believe In A Thing Called Love" - The Darkness

It was impossible to ignore this song when it came out. Whether you connected with their Hair-Metal throwback motif or not the song was catchy and would stick to your psyche. Admit it. While The Darkness were moderately successful in the UK, "I Believe In A Thing Called Love" was the only song that caught on here in North America and since then the band has had a less than stable existence. Though I heard they reformed earlier this year...time will tell I suppose.

2. "Angels On The Moon" - Thriving Ivory

This song was written in the wake of 9/11 but it wasn't released until Thriving Ivory's self-titled major label debut in 2008. It's one of those songs that was used in countless moody scenes in dramatic TV shows, so it's lifespan has been definitely prolonged.

3. "Jerk It Out" - Caesars

Caesars are a band from Sweden who's only claim to fame outside of their native country is the infectious and habit forming groove "Jerk It Out". It rose to fame after being featured in an iPod commercial. Such a medium has also helped other foreign bands break through in North America, like Jet and The Fratellis.

4. "Since I Left You" - The Avalanches

This one just slips in under the wire. The Avalanches were an Australian electro-pop group known for creating songs out of countless samples and hooks from other songs. Their debut album of the same name was written and recorded in the late 90's and into early 2000 and was finally released in November of that year. The song "Since I Left You" is a masterpiece. Stitched together from songs by artists like Main Attraction, The Duprees and Tony Mottola. It's a dream-like song that can stop the listener in their tracks and takes them to a place in their mind long forgotten and missed. The Avalanches second album has been in the works since 2005, here's hoping lightning can strike twice. The video for this is great too.

5. "Move Your Feet" - Junior Senior

"Move Your Feet" is the best known song by Danish pop duo Junior Senior. It's notoriety has perhaps helped along by it's animated music video that consists of pixelated animation that resembles something out of MS Paint.  The members of Junior Senior split in 2008 to pursue solo projects, leaving "Move Your Feet" as the pair's nadir.

6. "Finding Out True Love Is Blind" - Louis XIV

Louis XIV formed in 2003 in San Diego, California and are best known for their garage rock single "Finding Out True Love Is Blind". The single had all the sexual innuendos and suggestive lyrics the band became known for and eventually banned from the state of Alabama for. The band broke up in 2008. No more carrot juice!

7. "Wherever You Will Go" - The Calling

Ahhh The Calling...this one takes me back. I never know what to think about these guys. It seems like they got caught between the two decades and were never given a fair shot. Some felt they were a boy-band with instruments, others lumped them in with the likes of Creed and that's the kiss of death right there. "Wherever You Will Go" was their first and biggest hit coming out in early 2001. After which The Calling had a few line up changes and decided to call it quits in 2005.

8.  "Almost Lover" - A Fine Frenzy

Perhaps it's too early to call this young lady a one hit wonder. It can be taken as an insult to most artists after all. A Fine Frenzy dropped "Almost Lover" on us in 2007 and hasn't had a notable song in North America since. Some of her songs have gotten airplay internationally, but definitely not anything to write home about. I'll include her, but still have hopes to hear more greatness from Alison Sudol (real name) in the future. There's just something about a girl and a piano.

9. "Shut Your Mouth" - Pain

Another international entrant on the list. Pain are from Sweden and are known for their fusion of heavy metal and techno. "Shut Your Mouth" was their cross over the ocean hit. Short, bitter and to the point. Catchy from the get go and full of energy which is exactly what one would expect from a Swedish metal band. Some funny stuff going on in the video too.

10. "House Of Jealous Lovers" - The Rapture

I don't get how a song can be released and not get noticed, then a year later it's re-released and it's a huge hit. That's what happened with "House Of Jealous Lovers" by The Rapture. First came out in 2002 to no one's excitement and then got noticed a year later. OK, maybe calling this a huge hit is a stretch but it's a fantastic song, brimming with New York underground energy. It's a catchy song, but interesting at the same time. Rock music that you can dance to, how long has it been since you've heard someone say that?

Thanks again!!

Look for a big list coming up soon!!
JZ

10 Great Rainy Day Songs

As soon as I write a list about bright sunny days and warm summer nights the rain rolls in. Which is fine, sometimes there is nothing more soothing than listening to rain falling above us. Most pathetic fallacy deals with sorrow and despair when rain is involved...but try stopping for a minute when you're in a good mood. When the rain is falling. The feeling seems to last just a little longer. 10 Great Rainy Day songs.

1. "Silver and Cold" - AFI

AFI were instrumental in bringing "emo" music to the mainstream in the early 00's. Perhaps it was their lead singer's dress and sombre lyrics that provided ammunition in many people's rage against "emo" who viewed it as a juvenile and effeminate genre. However you feel about it, I hope you can see passed all that and hear the remarkable music and heart within the song "Silver and Cold"

2. "Mandolin Rain" - Bruce Hornsby & The Range

This one takes me back. Bruce Hornsby was a fantastic song writer and no album exemplified that more than 1986's The Way It Is. "Mandolin Rain"'s first piano chords just scream of nostalgia and the song weaves a tale of someone being reminded of a lost love when the rain comes down. It's got perfect pacing and clever use of a mandolin throughout the song. Demands more attention.

3. "Rain" - Breaking Benjamin

This isn't too obvious is it? Breaking Benjamin released their debut in 2002 but it was 2004's We Are Not Alone that got them noticed as it featured many notable tracks. Some which were assisted in the writing department by Billy Corgan. This was one of them.

4. "Thank You" - Dido

No Eminem won't start rapping in this one. Dido's breakout single "Thank You" first got noticed when it was sampled on Eminem's track "Stan". The song is wearing a gloomy costume of someone having a terrible day and things just not going right, but it's actually a happy song. Well written and executed perfectly, though it seems Dido has slipped off the map on this side of the Atlantic lately. Here's hoping we hear more like this from her.

5. "Why Does It Always Rain On Me?" - Travis

Some bands name themselves something clever or deep and meaningful, others come up with something funny that becomes normal over time and yet still others name their band like a child. Just as Scotland's Travis did. "Why Does It Always Rain On Me?" is from the near perfect album The Man Who which was released in May 1999. The song is said to have magic powers. Ask the attendees of the 1999 Glastonbury Festival. Throughout the day it was bright and sunny, until Travis rolled into this song. It began to rain almost immediately.

6. "Epiphany" - Staind

OK sometimes it really sucks when it's raining. Or it can turn an already shitty day even shittier. So if you need a morose track to let you know that someone else has had a tough go, try "Epiphany" by Staind.

7. "It's Raining Again" - Supertramp

From 1982's Famous Last Words "It's Raining Again" is Supertramp's lost single...but it will get stuck inside your head. Doesn't matter what Supertramp is singing about it always seems upbeat and happy. Sadly they were never able to recapture the success of Breakfast In America & Crime Of The Century's one two punch of awesomeness, but it's good to find these little gems they dropped on their way out.

8. "I Love The Rain The Most" - Joe Purdy

I know i've mentioned Joe Purdy before on here, but this could possibly be my most favourite rain song. The stillness of it. The feeling that he as stuck in his house with nothing else to do but pick up his guitar and play something. You can almost hear the rain in the background on the track...you can definitely hear it in his voice.

9. "Fool In The Rain" - Led Zeppelin

This was Led Zeppelin's final charting song off their final album In Through The Out Door. While the band was never fully satisfied with many of the album's songs...it still is a great track to listen to. The song conjures images of some long haired hippie dancing in the rain. The song is about someone waiting for a woman on a street corner and thinks he's been stood up. Then he realizes he's just on the wrong block. Silly wet hippie.

10. "Midnight Rain" - Wide Mouth Mason

Saskatchewan's Wide Mouth Mason blew on to the scene in 1997 with "Midnight Rain". Though the song is not really about rain, merely named after it, I felt it was a strong way to finish this list. Wide Mouth Mason are still kick and even though bass player Earl Pereira has vacated former Big Sugar front man Gordie Johnson has gleefully stepped in.

Now shut everything off and just listen to the rain for a while

goodnight

JZ

10 Great Sunny Day Songs

Sure it's the last week of August and the crisp mornings of Fall are already poking their noses in our business, but to me that still gives us plenty of time to enjoy the Sun at it's warmest. Grab a beer, grab a folding chair and stretch out in your back yard. By the pool. With some mates. On a patio wherever, and of course you need a great soundtrack to go with that. Here's 10 songs for bright sunny days.

1. "Reeling In The Years" - Steely Dan

Just that opening riff....makes me wish I was born in the 60's to be able to truly enjoy the sounds of the 70's.
There is going to be plenty of classic rock on this list just so you're all aware...and that's a good thing. Also, nobody believes me, but Chevy Chase was the original drummer in a band that eventually became Steely Dan. He left to pursue acting before they got anywhere, but he was there

2. "Sunny Days" - Lighthouse

Yes, this one is quite obvious, but if I didn't include a song about chilling in the sun listening to the radio, what am I doing? Lighthouse were a group from Canada not be confused with the British band Lighthouse Family or Lifehouse which came out of LA in the late 90's.

3. "Lay Me Down" - Dirty Heads

The Dirty Heads are a newer group out of Southern California that sort of pick up where a group like Sublime left off. That style of laid back, ocean side living really comes through in most of their punk and hip-hop inspired rock. This song actually features the artist known as Rome who is currently in an act with surviving members of Sublime.

4. "Shambala" - Three Dog Night

"Shambala" is a great song for those care free days. Toes in the grass, face in the warm sun, hair in the wind. The song is actually a cover of a B.W Stevenson song, but his version never charted or got noticed. Shambala is the name of a city in Buddhist legend that is supposed to be hidden among the Himilayan Mountains.

5. "All Summer Long" - The Beach Boys

The Beach Boys were unstoppable it seemed in the 60's. Fans latched on to their infectious songs featuring harmonized vocals, multi-layered instruments and of course the subject matter of nothing but fun in the sun. Sadly as band leader Brian Wilson's health (both mental and physical) deteriorated the band's success followed. As far as sunny day songs go, close your eye,s reach in and take your pick. Any one of them will work. "All Summer Long" just makes you feel good.

6. "Replay" - IYAZ

Admittedly the video helped this one, though I can't understand how he can be comfortable in shoes, jeans and that huge shirt in that kind of weather. She looks much more comfortable. Sure the song is a typical overproduced, repetitive, corporation friendly track from the mainstream song spawning machine, but if you look passed that, and it's Apple name dropping and take it at face value. It works as a fun background to a day at the beach or on the patio. Let's not take ourselves too seriously now...

7. "Jet Airliner" - Steve Miller Band

Another song where the opening riff is enough to get you in the Summer state of mind. As soon as it starts you know where this song is going to take you and it's a wonderful experience.

8. "Deadbeat Summer" - Neon Indian

Neon Indian are an indie/electro pop group from Texas. Their album Psychic Chasms  that was released in 2009 was well received by critics. It scored high on most music websites as well such as Pitchfork and Allmusic, even though it wasn't widely popular on mainstream charts. "Deadbeat Summer" features a sample of Todd Rundgren's "Izzat You?"

9. "Someday" - Sugar Ray

Sugar Ray were everywhere in the late 90's. So much so that they named their second album 14:59, figuring that their 15 minutes of fame would soon be at an end. "Someday" is a welcome departure to the band's typical light-hearted, half-pop, half-hip-hop mash-ups and seems to have a heart. It's more of a Summer evening song as the sun is going down...but it's there on the horizon so it still counts.

10. "Peaceful, Easy Feeling" - The Eagles

I'm not the biggest Eagles fan, they got lucky with "Hotel California" and have a bunch of mediocre rock tracks scattered here and there. I will say that Don Henley and company were skilled at writing chill, retrospective and relatable soft rock such as "Peaceful, Easy Feeling". A perfect song to finish off with. Pull those sunglasses down, lean back, get those feet up and forget about everything....except for that one person who still has a home in your mind. There it is...

Now get out there and enjoy the Sun!

Comment! Request!

JZ

10 Great Songs With Animated Videos

The music video is quickly becoming a forgotten art form. In the 80's, 90's and early 2000's a video was a justifiable expense for a new artist. With the right video a lot of attention could be turned your way and that would translate into a bigger audience for your music. These days the main powerhouse of the video days of yesteryear seems to be more focused on entertainment news and reality tv than fresh videos of new artists. Thankfully there is still youtube to help see what musicians and artists can come up with and some of the more interesting ones, don't even feature the artist at all. Here are 10 great animated videos

1. "All Your Light (Times Like These)" - Portugal. The Man

Oregon's Portugal. The Man have been enjoying moderate success since their arrival in 2004. Their latest album In The Mountain In The Cloud had been their most successful to date and it includes the infectious track "All Your Light (Times Like These)" and though it's not the "official" video, the claymation offering from Justin Kramer and Lee Hardcastle is worth a mention just for it's captivating visual and obvious dedication to a lost art form.

2. "Would You Be Impressed?" - Streetlight Manifesto

From the ashes of 90's ska-punk legends Catch 22 comes Streetlight Manifesto, a gathering of New Jersey punk scene veterans and orchestra musicians. Though in this video they are portrayed by a lion, giraffe, koala, frog, penguin, bear and of course, a cat. Though animal lovers might be upset about the video at first, they'll be cheering at it's rousing conclusion.

3. "Nothing Like This" - J Dilla

I always enjoy it when a legendary producer comes out with an album. How many times the artist they are doing an album for gets all the glory, where it's actually the producer behind the true genius of the song or record? J. Dilla has worked on albums for Common, Busta Rymes, A Tribe Called Quest, The Pharcyde, The Roots and Janet Jackson....just to name a few. He also was an accomplished musician and released many albums including 2003's Ruff Draft which had "Nothing Like This" a funky, trip hop song with a equally cool animated video. Sadly Dilla passed away in 2006 of heart failure, but his contributions to the hip-hop world will never be forgotten.

4. "White Corolla" - Casiotone For the Painfully Alone

One man band Owen Ashworth's work is better known under the bizarre pseudonym Casiotone For The Painfully Alone. "White Corolla" is a quirky little techno tune with an equally quirky video. There's something about these forlorn animals breaking out in a dance routine that just makes my day.

5. "Southbound Pachyderm" - Primus

Can't have a list of animated videos without including Primus. Artists these days should sit down and take note. Here's a band typically known for light hearted alt-rock tracks and funky bass riffs. Sure "Southbound Pachyderm" is about elephants, but the video fits the haunting mood of the song perfectly. I dare say flawless. Sure there are a few shots of the band, but they're performing...no bullshit postering, no gratuitous cleavage or ass shots, no examples of their limitless wealth. I miss videos that actually had thought and effort put into them and provoked creative thinking.

6. "Hearts A Mess" - Gotye

What a Gotye song that isn't "Somebody That I Used To Know"? This one is from his 2006 release Like Drawing Blood which didn't chart quite so well over here in North America, maybe because some bastard cover band didn't jump down this song's throat and perform it with 5 people on one guitar. The video for "Hearts A Mess" has a Tim Burton-esque vibe to it achieve through computer animation and a dark tone, which suits the isolated and desperate tone of the song.

7. "Tool" - Sober

Tool were one of those bands that absolutely despised making music videos. I suppose they felt they wanted to distance themselves from the MTV stereotype as much as possible and when it came down to it, filming a video can be tedious and repetitive. Boring if you will. So Tool went another direction and made uniquely visual videos that fit their music swimmingly. "Sober" was one of the first claymation videos to receive heavy rotation and has earned classic status in this modern age.

8. "On Melancholy Hill" - The Gorillaz

How can I have a list of animated videos without including an animated band? The Gorillaz are the brainchild of Blur's frontman Damian Albarn. A completely digital and fictional band know for holographic performances and a long twisted back story to go with their musically diverse albums. Plastic Beach was the 3rd album for The Gorillaz and featured a plethora of guest artists. I won't get into the flavoured past of the band's fictional members, but from the video it appears this song is at the beginning of what will no doubt be an epic journey.

9. "Heaven Sent" - Esthero

Canada's beautiful Esthero's debut track had a hauntingly beautiful video to go along with it. Though not fully animated it mixed video footage with animation and used camera trickery to make it appear like an old silent film. It deserves a nod

10. "One Man Wrecking Machine" - Guster

My favourite song off of what is quickly becoming my favourite album of the last decade has perhaps one of the most uniquely animated videos. Yarn animation. "One Man Wrecking Machine" is simply wonderful, an easy melody that gets locked inside your head and a video that is impossible to turn away from.

Thanks again!
 Comment! Request!

All welcome

JZ

10 Obscure Songs From The 90's

If you're around the same age as me then you remember the 90's as a period where you could switch on the radio or tv and be bombarded by countless great songs. They'd find you, you wouldn't have to find them. If you're younger than me than you probably wish you were coming into your music loving years in the 90's. Sure there were terrible songs released in that decade, but for the most part looking back is filled with fondness. Here's 10 songs that maybe got passed your radar or maybe they didn't, but they definitely weren't being featured on Much Music's hit list. Yes, they once played music...

1. REM - "E-Bow The Letter"

I know what you're saying. "REM are not an obscure band" No they are not, but they are one of those quasi popular groups who had many many great songs and relatively few singles. New Adventures In Hi-Fi is probably their one album that produced the fewest marketable tracks, but it's fantastic. "E-Bow The Letter" is said to be portions of a letter that Michael Stipe was writing to River Phoenix before he died. Sadly River never did get to hear the song, thankfully we all can.

2. Guano Apes - "Open Your Eyes"

The first track from Proud Like A God, Germany's Guano Apes' debut record, comes out of the blocks on full blitzkrieg mode and buries itself into the listener's head. Guano Apes formed in the late 90's and released a few more successful albums in the 2000s. Though their popularity never really caught on in North America, their songs are worth a listen. Especially for those thirsty for new (old) songs.

3. Dig - "Believe"

Dig came from the rock scene that took off in LA in the early 90's. There's not much else to know about Dig sadly. In the 90's it wasn't as easy to get info on a band like it is these days. "Believe" did get airplay and charted, but unless you noticed it immediately, it probably got buried in your past. Maybe this will awake some ghosts in your head. Apparently Dig are working on a new record! Let's hope it maintains the mentality of their first effort!

4. They Might Be Giants - "Birdhouse In Your Soul"

Most people know They Might Be Giants from their song "Boss Of Me" which was used in the opening of tv's Malcolm In The Middle. "Birdhouse In Your Soul" is a wonderful pop offering that was released in 1990. Before the whole Alternative Rock thing took off and TMBG were still wrestling to get noticed among hair bands and hangers-on to the 80's techno pop crowd.

5. Del Amitri - "Always The Last To Know"

Typically thought of as only a one hit wonder from the 90's for the pretty little ditty "Roll To Me" Del Amitri also play this i-know-it-but-who-sings it track "Always The Last To Know". It may not have charted very high in the US, but in their native Scotland their fans are very aware of Del Amitri's back catalog. It's a great song and I sympathize with him.....right until the very end of the song...not sure you have much of a case anymore pally.

6. Ween - "Voodoo Lady"

Dean and Gene Ween. Either you get themo or you don't. Ween are another one of those groups with a large following and many fans. A long history of songs and albums, but very little mainstream attention. Their music could be called experimental, brilliant or it could be called ludicrous, depending on who you ask. "Voodoo Lady" might be one of their most radio friendly tracks, but even then it stands out in a crowd. I used to own a Ween shirt....what ever happened to that..

7. The Rheostatics - "Bad Time To Be Poor"

Maybe not obscure to Canadian music fans, but im not sure how far the tales of the Rheostatics reached across the world. A power house of songwriting ability and talent, "Bad Time To Be Poor" is almost 90's music in a perfect peanut shell. Many Canadian groups borne in the 90's site The Rheostatics as a main source of inspiration and wonder. Take a listen, you'll see why.

8. Forest For The Trees - "Dream"

Perhaps Forest For The Trees' tenure was merely a dream. They released one album in 1997 with the single "Dream" getting it's video played in both US and Canada, then they vanished. Perhaps their scattered trip-hop/trance/acid rock blend was a little too much even for the post grunge world in the late 90's. Either way we have "Dream".

9. Artificial Joy Club - "Sick & Beautiful"

Anyone who watched Much Music all the time in about 1997-1998 will remember Canada's Artificial Joy Club. Another short lived alt rock combo who's singer had roots in the girl group pop scene. This is again what 90's rock was all about though...high energy, ambiguous sexuality and catchy, quirky hooks and lyrics. Almost completely randomized. But delightful!

10. King Cobb Steelie - "Rational"

I remember the video for this song had it called "Rationale" but on the back of the CD it's spelled as such, with no E. Kind of changes the tone of the song slightly, but either way what an opus. It's industrial rock, with a bluesy bass riff. Political and social lyrics. It's dream-like, ethereal and ubiquitous. Even once it's over you seem to carry a piece of it with you.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gvM_6PreiCo


Couldn't get that video to work properly, but check it out anyway. Well worth it!

Look for more updates more frequently!!

JZ

10 Easter Eggs In Songs Or Albums

The term Easter Egg has transcended the colourful chocolate globes youngsters scan their homes for on Easter Sunday morning. It has been recently applied to any hidden gem tucked away in a form of entertainment. Something in the background of a movie, maybe a hidden special feature on a DVD. They're usually rewards for eagle-eyed fans who take the time to not only purchase the medium but fully absorb them. Musicians have been known to do similar things throughout the decades and while some or more interesting and intricate than others, here are 10 Easter Eggs found in songs or on albums.

1. Joe Walsh - "Life's Been Good"

This one isn't really tough to find. Nowadays, or at least when albums were still being purchased quite regularly, it isn't uncommon for an artist or band to include a song after the last track on an album. Perhaps it's just a song that isn't listed or maybe it appears after a few minutes of silence. Well what appears after the last track on Walsh's But Seriously, Folks... released in 1978 isn't really a song. I am not sure i'd even call it a reward for not stopping the album after a little bit of silence. Joe Walsh comes in after "Life's Been Good" fades out and says "Uh oh, here comes a flock of wah-wahs" and then multiple voices chime in and began to imitate duck sounds. You can't make that up folks. Why is it there? No one knows...Walsh himself probably can't even remember, but i'm sure at the time it was funny to him and maybe one other person. Thankfully it's been edited out in the single version for radio play.

2. Led Zeppelin - "In Through The Out Door"

Zeppelin's final album with the original four members was 1978's In Through The Out Door. Musically it was solid, though it did deviate slightly from the jazz and blues inspired rock that Zeppelin fans have come to know. The album sleeve itself was somewhat different. Gone were the intricate pictures, colourful spreads or even the number system that the band would assign to previous albums (1 through 4). In Through The Out Door merely featured black and white photographs of a smoky bar and inside it had bland black and white pencil drawings. Bland until that is someone had the idea (probably by accident) to get those pictures wet, for once they were wiped with water they would become permanently colourized. It was never mentioned in the liner notes and the band never officially announced the trick. It was simply just meant to be accidentally discovered.

3. Moist - "Creature"

This one is probably not a true Easter Egg as it appears it wasn't done deliberately. There a few hidden vocals on Moist's sophomore album Creature that it seems were picked up by in studio microphones and either not noticed in post or simply left in. At the end of track 2 "Theme From Cola" as soon as David Usher stops singing and the music ends turn the volume way up and hear the other band members' reactions to Usher's over eager performance. Also on the soft, piano-driven track "Disco Days" when David stops singing and the piano continues for another few minutes a faint conversation can heard behind the music, though what is being discussed is impossible to make out. Again, nothing too mind-blowing here, but sometimes it's the little things.

4. Damien Rice - "9 Crimes"

I've talked about Damien Rice's 2 albums before O and 9. On the second album there is a little treat for fans if you look in the pre-gap. Now a pregrap is essentially track 0 on a CD. Like how most songs have a second or two of silence between them track 1 usually has the same, but CD players typically are programmed to began playing on track 1 and skip the pregap all together. On Damien Rice's 9 when the first track starts playing, press the skip back button and hold it down to rewind the CD. You'll have to rewind through the 3 minute pregap, but it's worth it as there is a demo version of "9 Crimes" waiting to be listened to.

5. Radiohead - "Kid A"

Radiohead have always done things their way. From songs, to albums and videos Radiohead have been in a category all their own. When Kid A was released in 2000 it was noted to be quite a departure from their previous albums. While Radiohead albums have typically been a little left of center they always had the draw of mainstream radio and video play. Kid A seemed to be more experimental, a trait that would stick with the band for the next decade, but it's the album sleeve that caught people's attention here. There were no lyrics or band photos, just a few blank pages and some landscape paintings. Oh and a cryptic little swimming pool of blood...that's for another list. If you cracked the jewel case open however and looked under the CD tray, you would find a second booklet filled with poetry, original artwork, political satire and commentary and some truly bizarre scribblings. Don't go running out to buy a copy and see for yourself though, as the hidden booklet was only featured on original pressings of the album back in 2000.

6. Korn - "Daddy"

Korn are another band that used the album format to it's fullest extent. They usually include full, lush booklets with imagery relating to the album's themes. On 1998's Follow The Leader the first 60 seconds of the record is complete silence in honour of a fan that had passed away. And on their breakthrough self-titled album when the last track "Daddy" comes to an end it's followed by about 5 minutes of dead air, after which a hidden track begins to play. It isn't one of the most bizarre hidden tracks, but it could be one of the most disturbing. Producer Ross Robinson claims he found it on some old tapes as he was mixing in the studio and felt it needed to be heard on the record. It seems to be a recording of a husband and wife arguing while attempting to fix a car, but the way in which the man speaks to his wife is what makes it almost unlistenable. Add that to the fact that "Daddy" itself is an intense, personal track for Jonathan Davis, when the album is truly over you may need a moment of silence for yourself.

7. Incubus - "Chuck"

Chuck isn't a song by Incubus or an album, but rather a moustached, smirking face that seems to appear in their album sleeves. He is prominently featured on the cover of 1997's S.C.I.E.N.C.E and also makes appearances inside of the booklets for their next two albums. Who is he? No one really knows, Incubus' lips are sealed, but there are theories of course. Some say he was one of the band members' high school gym teacher. Some say he is Brandon Boyd's father's longtime friend. Others think he is the morphed combination of all 5 of Incubus' members faces. Perhaps it's one of the world's great mysteries that we are destined to ponder over forever.

8. Pearl Jam - "Yield"

Pearl Jam is another band who's albums are usually just as interesting and in depth as their songs. Who can forget the polaroids that came with No Code? Or the ancient textbook on the human condition known as Vitalogy? But did you know about the Yield game? Pearl Jam's 1997 album Yield was hyped more than any of their albums since their first, they even made a music video for a song off of it...the unforgettable "Do The Evolution". Next time you've got the album and booklet in front of you though, take a look at the yield sign on the cover. Because hidden in every picture inside that booklet is the same yield sign. Some are more obvious than others, but it's there. Something to accompany your next Yield session with.

9. Tool - "Lateralus"

I don't know if i'm smart enough to explain this one, but i'll try. In 2001 Tool were ready to release their first album in 6 years. 1995's Aenima was the last they did with Zoo Entertainment and they were stuck in legal red tape trying to get out of the contract for years after. So when they announced that recording for Lateralus had begun they wanted to make a special album for their fans. Tool is fronted by human enigma Maynard James Kennan and has the brilliant Adam Jones on lead guitar. Upon listening to Lateralus you can detect something is a bit off...the songs are incredible, don't get me wrong, but there's almost a formulaic undertone in some of them. The title track itself apparently uses a mathematical equation in it's rythym section. One fan discovered if you rip the songs, eliminate all the dead space and rearrange them in an order similar to that equation it creates one continuous song that transitions itself seamlessly. Again the band isn't budging on whether it was intentional or not, but it's quite a brilliant Easter Egg if it's legit. Way better than syncing the album up to an old timey movie.

10. Jimi Hendrix - "Third Stone From The Sun"

Here's one that might be hard to hear for yourself in these modern times. On Hendrix's album Are You Experienced the song "Third Stone From The Sun" was known as wildly psychadelic and instrumental track. Jimi's typical guitar swimming over a myriad of bizarre sounds just begging for a hallucinogenic background. That is until you sped the 33 1/2 RPM LP up to the 45 speed and discovered that those bizarre sounds is actually a conversation between two aliens orbiting the earth. Jimi never ceases to amaze m, even all these years later.

Hope you enjoyed it!

Make some requests!!

JZ

10 Days Of The Week Songs

Sometimes I put quite a bit of effort into my lists. Try to keep them topical, on track with whats going on around me and in the world. Sometimes it's a personal list...songs that have been burning in my mind, fused together with each other through a common thread. Other times....I just feel basic and wanna get a quick list out for my loyal followers. Today is a basic day, but it's good. There's still good songs to be found in the basic. Beauty in the simplicity. 10 Songs that feature days of the week!

1. Marcy Playground - "It's Saturday"

Mention the name Marcy Playground and everyone is quick to mention "Sex & Candy" the ultra hit of 1997 that put this little band from a big city (NYC) on the map. Their second album Shapeshifter didn't quite capture the masses as their debut did, but it did provide this quirky little ditty, that features yodeling among other things. Check it out.

2. Hayden - "Home By Saturday"

Well it is a pretty awesome day, so let's give Saturday another song. Hayden is a great Canadian singer-songwriter. He's been all over this blog on numerous occasions so I know I don't have to say much about him. This song is from his damn near perfect album Elk Lake Serenade.

3. Simon & Garfunkel - "Wednesday Morning, 3 AM"

Also the name of Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel's first album way back in 1964.  The song itself was buried at the end of side 2 and nearly forgotten under the colossal success of "Sounds Of Silence", but it fits perfectly with this list and is a sweet little track worth a listen.

4. Dredg - "Hungover On A Tuesday"

Dredg are a band that have been around for a long time, since the early 90's. Though they've never really gained widespread attention, they've maintained their goals and had the success they desired. "Hungover On A Tuesday" is from their 2005 concept album Catch Without Arms. If you're looking for a new band to get into and a good album to take off from, that is the album to listen to.

5. Finley Quaye - "Sunday Shining"

Finley Quaye is one of those nondescript artists. He was born in Scotland, yet his music style seems to vary between jazz and reggae, soul and folk, never settling on one defined genre. I think that's great, but it could be the reason he never found a big audience on this side of the Atlantic. North American masses tend be to be fickle and turn on an artist if their songs aren't of the same vein. "Sunday Shining: was Quaye's biggest hit in the US and Canada, but he's another artist worth a listen.

6. The Cure - "Friday, I'm In Love"

The Cure were one of the 80's biggest groups and to this day they have a style and cadence that has gone unmatched. Cure songs will never be dated and will live on forever. It's no surprise either with songs like "Friday, I'm In Love" simple, uplifting and unapologetic. This song is also a bonus as it mentions EVERY day of the week in it's lyrics...even the un-artsy Thursday.

7. Thursday - "Counting 5,4,3,2,1"

I couldn't think of a good enough song with Thursday in it's title, so I had to turn to New Jersey group Thursday to save the list. They're full of great lyrics, high energy live performances and have been involved in the screamo/hardcore scene since the late 90's. Plenty of great songs to choose from in their library "Jet Black New Year", "Division St." and "Counting 5,4,3,2,1". Would have been good for a counting list too. Hmmm.

8. Tegan & Sara - "Monday Monday Monday"

I will always be a fan of anything Tegan & Sara do. Even the collaborations are great. Tegan has done guest vocals on songs by Against Me!, Astronautalis, and Rachael Cantus. While Sara has worked with Theophilis London, Sara Baraielles and Kaki King. "Monday Monday Monday" is actually from their 2002 album If It Was You, which was released before they exploded in 2004 with So Jealous.

9.  I Mother Earth - "Another Sunday"

Sunday is another of those days that had a plethora of songs about it that could have been included here. It's usually the morning after or the laziness or the stillness and realizations that occur on the sabbath that gets the artists' minds working. Canadian group I Mother Earth released their masterpiece Scenery And Fish in 1996 which also produced 3 other hit singles and countless more lazy Sunday memories for their fans.

10. The Rolling Stones - "Ruby Tuesday"

Nothing to say about this one. Had to include it, but for personal reasons I shall let the song speak for itself.

Happy Friday!

JZ