10 Songs By Artists Who Went Solo

Ever be hanging out with a group a friends and get an urge to do or say something that you know wouldn't go over well with the selected company? Then when you get home and you're on your own it feels completely natural to act on those urges. Not that you prefer being alone over hanging with a group, but there is a difference. That's how I feel some musicians must be in a band. They get an urge or inkling to write a certain type of song but know it won't work with the group, so they go rogue. Here are 10 Songs by artists who stepped out on their own.

1. John Frusciante - "A Firm Kick"

Frusciante replace Hillel Slovak as the guitar player for the Red Hot Chili Peppers in 1988 and performed on some of their more famous albums. In 1992 he left the group due to an intense addiction to marijuana and heroin. He entered a deep depression and was afraid he would never play music again. Eventually John got clean and rejoined the group in time for 1999's Californication, but his new addiction was writing and recording music. John Frusciante maintained a respectable library of solo albums including 2004's Inside Of Emptiness where "A Firm Kick" can be found.

2. City and Colour - "Comin' Home"

City and Colour is the stage name of Canada's Dallas Green. Also known for his guitar and vocal duties of the hardcore group Alexisonfire Green's first solo album was released in 2005. Maybe because of the drastic differences in the style and tone of the 2 groups City and Colour was able to coexist with Alexisonfire and for a while many casual listeners didn't even make the connection.

3. Mick Jagger - "God Gave Me Everything"

Jagger's actually gone on his own 4 separate times with the first being in 1985 and the last being in 2001. Sometimes when a band member breaks off from the group and does their own thing the result a completely new and fresh sound. A song that fits into a different genre or niche and sometimes, such as Mick's case, it sounds almost identical to what they were doing before. "God Gave Me Everything", a great song don't get me wrong, could fit seamlessly into a best of weekend of Rolling Stone songs.

Interesting....the video appears to be unavailable in Canada from Youtube....no worries...here's the Vimeo link...fascists

http://vimeo.com/27124105

4. Rob Thomas - "This Is How A Heart Breaks"

Matchbox Twenty's front man Rob Thomas took a hiatus in 2005 to explore his creative side when he released the solo album ...Something To Be. Though the sound was not torn out of the pages of Matchbox's tomes the album was met with a lukewarm reception. His 2009 solo album Cradlesong seemed to be  a more critical success, but by then the mass audiences had forgotten all about Mr. Thomas. Too bad.

5. Dee Dee King - "Funky Man"

Remember how I said when some musicians branch off their final product ends up sounding just like the band they came from. That is not the case here. Dee Dee King probably better recognized as Dee Dee Ramone from the legendary punk group The Ramones left the group in 1989 to embark on an ill advised solo career as a rap artist. You read that right. I don't think I need to tell you had catastrophic of a failure this ended up being and though he begged to get back with the Ramones it would not happen until 1996 when they played their final show ever.

6. Puscifer - "The Humbling River"

I know I mentioned this one before, it's worth including here because of how synonymous Maynard James Keenan is with Tool. Puscifer is his musical alias under which to experiment and release songs that wouldn't fit under Tool's umbrella...or A Perfect Circle for that matter.

7. Cass Elliot - "Make Your Own Kind Of Music"

The Mamas & The Papas were one of the biggest groups in the US in the late 60's. It's undeniable that Cass Elliot's voice was a driving force of their success, however many felt that she didn't fit in with the group's image because of her weight. After quitting the group she had an equally successful solo career and her talent is obvious on songs like "Make Your Own Kind Of Music". Sadly her journey to the top was cut short in 1974 when she died of a heart attack and not choking on a sandwich.

8. Alan Frew - "Healing Hands"

1993 was a year of turmoil in Canada. Prime Minister Brian Mulroney steps down and his successor Kim Campbell becomes this country's first female Prime Minister only to be defeated later that year. by Jean Chretien. Amidst all this chaos iconic Canadian rock group Glass Tiger calls it quits. It's a wonder we survived. All was not lost however as the following year Alan Frew, Glass Tiger's singer would release a solo album with the inspirational title Hold On as if to reassure us Canadians that the light at the end of the tunnel was within reach.  The album was, however a far cry from "Don't Forget Me" in fact the lead off single "Healing Hands" featured many trends from the early 90's such as racial themes, spoken lyrics and Frew even steps into the Hip Hop arena with a rap during the breakdown. Timeless...indeed.

9. Tom Gabel - "Anna Is A Stool Pigeon"

I had no idea that Against Me!'s Tom Gabel had released a solo album until I saw in the record store on sale for $9. Bargain. Gabel, to me, always seemed to be the type of guy that was constantly playing music so it was no surprise to me that he released an album on his own between Against Me! CDs. In fact at it's earliest incarnation Against Me! was merely Tom and a guitar, he would add the band later. Heart Burns features some songs that could have easily been included on New Wave or White Crosses but it stands well on it's own and with only 7 tracks, he didn't over do it.

10. Tricky - "Black Steel"

Going to end the list on a little bit of an obscure note. Tricky (Adrian Thaws) got his feet wet in the British electronica scene with the group Massive Attack but left shortly after having visions of a more focused career. Maxinquaye was his debut album and "Black Steel" is the song's shining diamond in a sky of stars. He has since released over a dozen solo studio albums, had hands in producing dozens more and has collaborated with a wide variety of artists from Nelly Furtado to Garbage to Mos Def and the list goes on.

Thanks as always

I do take requests!!

JZ

10 Great Songs You Haven't Heard

OK...i know the subject is pretentious. It isn't meant to be I assure you. I'm positive many of you have heard the songs on this list and maybe one of you even introduced me to it. All I mean is these songs are shamefully not popular and are likely to remain that way. Isn't it great to discover a song on your own though? Digging around in some old record store and pick an artist that intrigues you only to be amazed when you throw the album on? These are the types of songs that aren't shoved in your face everywhere. They aren't popping up on somebody's Facebook every other day. They aren't being used in commercials and hitting #1 on the charts. These are great songs you haven't heard....until now

1. "Degausser" - Brand New

From Brand New's absolutely brilliant album The Devil and God Are Raging Inside Me this song just lures you in within the first few seconds of it. Playfully adding layer after layer of tantalizing sounds as the song reaches it's peak. Brand New have been building a modest fan base over the years, but have stayed out of the major spotlights. Early on the only thing people were talking about involving the band was their "feud" with Taking Back Sunday.

2. "Careful" - Guster

I keep this one in my holster all the time. Anytime I feel like making a new Guster fan I simply put on "Careful". Works like a charm. Perhaps one of the catchiest chorus' in modern music it's a wonder this song hasn't been written twenty times before. Guster may not have the largest audience but their fans are rabid. Crossing vast distances to attend a tiny acoustic show or wearing a ratty old band shirt at a concert in hopes of being spotted by the band and get a chance to make a live request. Guster is happy to make each show worth the effort.

3. "Sang Real" - Dredg

Maybe you've heard of Dredg from their song "Bug Eyes" as it's been used in several movies. "Sang Real" however is an enchanting piece. Coming from the colossal concept album Catch Without Arms it's dreamy feel makes you want to listen to it again after it ends, just to be sure that you heard what you thought you did.

4. "Down To Rest" - O'Death

O'Death lived and breathed the folk rock scene long before it took off in 2010. Hailing from Brooklyn O'Death have enjoyed a solid following in the US and Europe by doing things the old fashioned way. Touring like mad and promoting the crap out of your EPs. "Down To Rest" comes off their first record with a recording company 2007's Head Home.

5. "From Now On" - Dikta

Dikta are an indie rock band from Iceland...i'm not even going to attempt to type out the band member's names here. Don't think my keyboard could handle the characters...
I first heard this song on a flight to Iceland and it haunted my trip...I needed to find the song and more about the band that made it. Though their first release Andartak is strictly in Icelandic subsequent releases have included English lyrics, perhaps as an attempt to reach a more global audience.

6. "Fine Tuned" - The Statues

The Statues were a group from Sudbury, Ontario, Canada. I say "were" because i'm not sure if they still perform under that name or at all. I first saw them when they opened for Cuff The Duke in 2003 and was so impressed I not only bought a CD but a shirt as well. Hopefully by mentioning them here someone will browse on in and give me some more information about their whereabouts these days.

video here

7. "Question Everything" - 8 Stops 7

The peculiarly named 8 Stops 7 were one of those bands that kind of got forgotten with the whole swicth from the 90's to the year 2000. It seemed they were gaining momentum, but just kind of vanished as the centuries turned over. "Question Everything" is a killer track though...in the days before Google i struggled trying to find what this song was. Heard it playing in the background of a pub and only caught a few key lyrics...in fact...I forget how I hunted it down. Perhaps it found me....GOLLY!

8. "Surprise, Surprise" - Brett Dennen

Maybe the only reason you haven't heard this one is because it's still quite new. Hasn't really had a chance to take off yet. Well, a few years old I guess the album Loverboy was released in 2011. Enh, benefit of the doubt. Brett Dennen has been making solid music since 2004 he's been recognized by critics and columnists as an artist to watch and has toured with the likes of Jason Mraz and Pete Murray. Check him out

9. "Alone With The Sea" - Hurt

Something about a song about the ocean that just instantly gives it an epic feel. Hurt formed in 2000 and have six studio albums to their name. Vol. I & Vol. II are twin albums that feature with similar themes such as fear, loss, sorrow and abandonment. Vol. II where 'Alone With The Sea' can be found is the slower, more pensive of the two. This song almost demands a second listen.

10. "Strawberryfire" - Apples In Stereo

The Apples In Stereo are another Indie Rock back known for their dabbling in psychedelic sounds and experimental albums. "Strawberryfire" has a Beatlesesque feel to it, not only for it's name's similarity to "Strawberry Fields Forever" but the tone and pacing make it an homage to that era and style. It was immediately nostalgic.

Now you HAVE heard them!!

Thanks all

JZ

10 Of Johnny Zhivago's Guilty Pleasures

Is Lent over yet? Has it even started? I don't know...shockingly it's a ritual that I never participated in. We all have our guilty pleasures that we love to indulge in once in a while and it's no different when it comes to music. You know what I mean. You're hosting a party or having mates over and a song comes on your playlist that you forgot was there. Everybody stops dead in their tracks and gives you that "Explain yourself" look. Here's 10 of my musical guilty pleasures. Don't Judge Me!

1. "Back For Good" - Take That

I decided a while ago that there is no use in complaining about boy bands that seem to pop up in clusters every five years or so. As long as there are 14 year old girls in the world, these groups will be around. Take That was Britain's answer to NKOTB and The Backstreet Boys, reaching their peak in the mid 90's. Take That were intended to be more focused on musical abilities rather than spinning dance moves and hair-styles. (though that stuff was there too). "Back For Good" was the band's biggest hit and was actually written by one of the group's members. This is also where Robbie Williams got his start...watch for him pretending not to care about being in this video...

2. "Viva Forever" - Spice Girls

From boy bands to girl bands. I thought I was gonna go through life simply hating everything the Spice Girls did. Up until they released "Viva Forever" it was real easy. I tried to dislike this song, but it refreshingly didn't feature all the typical "ra ra girl power" themes of their earlier work. Also it was tinged with the Spanish flavour that swept the pop music scene in the late 90s...which I have a soft spot for.

3. "My Sacrifice" - Creed

I suppose I can understand why people disliked Creed. The videos were full of self-indulgent religious imagery and their songs tend not to be too adventurous. The band didn't help with their off-stage antics either. The bass player was fired for saying Eddie Vedder wished he could write songs as good as Scott Stapp (the band's front man) and Stapp himself was known for many acts of public, drunken, douchebaggery. I tend to let the songs speak for themselves and they have some good ones "My Own Prison", "Higher" & "What's This Life For". I singled out "My Sacrifice" because it was released near the end of Creed's initial run and one had to be careful who's company they played it around.

4. "Cry Me A River" - Justin Timberlake

Justin Timberlake has certainly redeemed himself in recent years. With his acting roles and showcasing his sense of humour on SNL, a wider audience has warmed up to the former Mouseketeer. Back when "Cry Me A River" was released though he was fresh off his "OMG FOR REALZ" relationship with Britney Spears and was still known as that N'Sync kid. So being the tough, brash, punk I was back then...it was shameful that I actually liked the song....I felt guilty....heyyyyy

5. "Old Man & Me" - Hootie & The Blowfish

This one I don't really feel to guilty about. Hootie & The Blowfish were on the receving end of some serious (and undeserving) hate in the mid 90's. After having one of the biggest albums of the decade they were public enemy number one by the time Fair Weather Johnson was released in 1996. Why? Why was it such a punchline to admit you liked them all of a sudden. Rucker's got one the best voices in Alternative (and now Country) music and their album Musical Chairs is a near masterpiece. I blame the name of their band and their involvement with the TV show Friends. Also anything that gets too big is bound to be labelled by the hipster crowd as 'lame'. Back then a band couldn't rely on the internet and if radio stations and tv music thought you were lame....well bye bye audience.

6. "Ghost" - Fefe Dobson

Though i'm not much of a fan of her other songs "Ghost" definitely makes my toe tap. IT MAKES YOURS TAP TOO! DON'T DENY IT!!! Besides i'm supporting homegrown talent. The young Ms. Dobson was born in Toronto, Ontario.

7. "Pocket Full Of Sunshine" - Natasha Bedingfield

Yeah....I dunno. Some songs are just well written and well executed, and it doesn't matter who performs it. I'm a grown man and shouldn't be rocking out to a bubblegum, pop song like this. At least that's society's opinion. Not only is this not the type of music people expect me to like, it's been used in all kinds of shows and movies who's audiences fall well outside my own demographic. (Degrassi, Desperate Housewives and The Hills)

8. "Photograph" - Nickelback

Perhaps the winners and sole nominees of  the "Most Hated Band On The Planet" award. Seriously. It doesn't matter what crowd you're in or what you're talking about throw Nickelback's name out there and just watch the negative reactions. Most people will claim they hate Nickelback, but if you ask them i'm sure they can't tell you why beyond "Uh, cuz they suck!" Somehow it became cool to hate Nickelback, many radio stations even promote a "no Nickelback guarantee" Jesus! In my opinion it's herd behaviour. "I better say I hate Nickelback so I i'm not singled out and made fun of...even though I don't mind a few songs" Sure, many of their songs follow the same themes. False macho-bullshit-posturing. Fucking whores and slamming beers. Which can be tiresome, but they have some shining moments. "Photograph" is a very relatable song and there's no denying "How You Remind Me" deserves praise. I wish Nickelback would get into new territories and go back to releasing interesting music...but they are no where near my most hated band. nor should they be.

9. "I'd Do Anything" - Simple Plan

This one is on a slippery slope for me. Sometimes I'll get sick of it halfway through the song. I think at the time it was released I was young and dealing with pretty much exactly what the song is about, so I was drawn to it Mark Hoppus' blink-and-you'll -miss-it cameo helps this song too. I've never like a Simple Plan song before, nor have I liked one since....this one is self-induced guilt. Not much static comes from my peers when this one gets played.

10. "It's Just My Luck" - V.I.P

I have no words for this one. I just...I sicken myself....

I'm not proud

I've pulled back the curtain a bit here!

What have you got to show me??

JZ

10 Green Songs

A little under a week until St. Patrick's day folks, the day where we all pretend to be Irish, head to the pubs in our finest greens and get pants-shitting drunk. Definitely one of my favourite days. Maybe you're hosting a party or maybe just want to be festive in your own right, and if you are the colour green is bound to be a part of it. Here are some green-themed songs that can flesh out your playlist

1. Alkaline Trio - "Jaked On Green Beers"

It is a definite certainty if you're heading out for a few pints on St. Patrick's day one or two of them, or the ones around you, will be dyed green. Why not? And what better anthem to down those emerald beverages than "Jaked On Green Beers" by Alkaline Trio. As far as I know the only place to get this song is off the 2002 Atticus clothing line compilation Dragging The Lake.

2. Alexisonfire - "Emerald Street"

This is what many of the roads can be called the morning after St. Patty's day, since y'know they're covered in puke in shades of green. Alexisonfire named this song after a street in Hamilton with a shady reputation and what is the guitarist/vocalist's name in Alexisonfire? Dallas Green....whoa...

3. George Baker Selection - "Little Green Bag"

This song will live on in modern movie infamy as the song the 'ramblers' stroll down the street to in Quinten Tarantino's Reservoir Dogs. The song itself was supposed to be titled "Little Greenback" which is actually the lyric in the song, but it was misprinted on the original pressings of the single and the name just stuck. The album was even renamed so audiences wouldn't be confused.

4. Incubus - "A Certain Shade Of Green"

One of Incubus' earliest hits. It features a reference to 2012 AD. Incubus were known to feature lyrics and themes about the supposed end of the world on that fateful date. Not that Brandon Boyd or any of the boys actually believed it, I hope not anyway, because someone would have to tap them on the shoulder and point to a calender. This song got it's title as Boyd was driving around and hadn't noticed that a red light had changed to green, a passenger in the car asked "What are you waiting for, a certain shade of green?"

5. Misfits - "Green Hell"

The last Misfits album of the Glenn Danzig era is the legendary and ultra-rare Earth AD/Wolf's Blood. It's raw and noticeably more aggressive and metal infused than previous Misfits releases. "Green Hell" would go on to be covered by Metallica in 1987 which is what brought the song back out of obscurity.

Geez, after loading that "Green Hell" video I got caught up watching Misfits/Metallica videos on Youtube...almost forgot I was writing a blog entry...haha

6. Pearl Jam - "Green Disease"

Pearl Jam's 2002 album Riot Act often get's looked passed. Sure it wasn't as commercially successful as Ten or hyped as Yield but it's got some brilliant moments. I feel it's because it was released in the wake of 9/11 and was very politically charged, also the incident at 2000's Rokslide Festival shrouded the album in a fog. At it's core it's a Pearl Jam album, with everything you'd expect and "Green Disease" is one of those songs that wasn't a single, but remains a silent hit to this day. Other Riot Act tracks to check out "Thumbing My Way", "Love Boat Captain" and "Save You"

7. Legion Of Green Men - "Synaptic Response"

Ok this one's title doesn't have the word "green" in it, but it also doesn't have any lyrics so I think it's alright.
It's an older song by Legion Of Green Men who were signed to Silent Records back in the 90's. Got some funk to it...as well as a visually interesting video.

8. Fleetwood Mac - "Green Manalishi (With A Two Pronged Crown)"

Fleetwood Mac was formed in part by legendary guitarist Peter Green along with his friend Mick Fleetwood. Green didn't handle the initial success too well and was consumed with guilt over his sudden wealth. He became addicted to LSD and many other hallucinogenic substances. He cites a dream about a green dog as the inspiration for this song, which would be Fleetwood Mac's last hit with Green in the line up. He would later be institutionalized for schizophrenia as a result of drug abuse.

9. The Lemon Pipers - "Green Tambourine"

The tambourine is something of an instrument from the Renaissance era it seems. Not only do artists not write songs about them anymore, they rarely even play them. It's difficult for singers to do sweet jump moves and kicks while playing a tambourine I suppose. This song was inspired by a street performer busking for change in front of a bank while playing the tambourine.

10. Green Day - "Green Day"

When someone is celebrating their 20th birthday that falls on the 20th of the month it's called their champagne birthday. There should be a name for when bands perform a song thats the same name as their group. Bad Company have done it. Rolling Stones too and also Green Day. It's fitting that they open this song with the sounds of a bong being hit, a green day is like a sick day, expect you take the day off to smoke weed all day. All day. How glorious...

Hope to knock another one of these out before the 17th!

Happy St. Patty's Day!

JZ

10 "Same Title Different Song" Songs

There are only so many words in the English language, so having multiple songs with the same title isn't something that's too surprising. The confusion that comes from it can be interesting however. I'm not talking about cover songs, I mean completely different songs with the same title. I could have gone with hundreds of songs called "I Miss You" or "Alive" or the many variations of "I Love You" but I went with titles that seemed a little less likely to be duplicated. Alas, they were.

1. "Biko" - Peter Gabriel / Bloc Party

After Peter Gabriel left Genesis and went solo his music took on a very African feel for a while. "Biko" was an example of this as it is about anti-apartheid veteran Steve Biko. He even includes some South African language in the song. Bloc Party's "Biko" uses the term as one of endearment. Singer Kele Okereke is of Nigerian descent and remembers the term being used by his parents when he was growing up.

2. "Tangerine" - Led Zeppelin / Moist

Off the underrated and often overlooked Led Zeppelin 3 "Tangerine" is a sweet acoustic song which features Jimmy Page using a steel pedal. That device gives the song a southern almost country vibe. Perhaps this is the reason why it was ignored by many rock radio stations. It remains one of my favourite Zeppelin songs.
Moist's 1996 album Creature was as close to a perfect record as they got. The third single was "Tangerine" and though it's difficult to decipher David Usher's lyrics at times the song was a success and even picked them up an award at Much Music's annual video award show.

3. "Some Kind Of Wonderful" - Grand Funk Railroad / Sky

Grand Funk are another of those bands who made a living making obscure songs popular by covering them and because they were so obscure audiences often believe the songs were their own. "Some Kind Of Wonderful" was originally by a group called the Soul Brothers Six, Grand Funk's version was by far the most popular. In the late 90's Canadian duo Sky came on the scene with their first single also named "Some Kind Of Wonderful". Upon listening to the tune it's clear to hear that it is not a cover version of Grand Funk's song of the same name, but a certain Much Music VJ i guess didn't do her homework. When she interviewed the group she asked why they decided to do a cover song for their first single. The band quickly corrected her and the VJ was not seen on TV much after that.

4. "High Lonesome" - The Gaslight Anthem / Avail

I actually discovered The Gaslight Anthem when they opened for Thrice, Alkaline Trio and Rise Against at a concert in Toronto a few years ago.  A couple days later I saw their CD The '59 Sound in the store and picked it up. One reason I actually purchased it (yes some people still do that) was because there was a song called "High Lonesome" which I knew as the name of a song by punk group Avail. I wondered if it was a cover and heard enough praise about Gaslight Anthem that I picked it up. Turns out it was no cover and high lonesome is a name for a type of bluegrass music pioneered by Bill Monroe.

5. "Never Gonna Give You Up" - Rick Astley / Julian Taylor Band

No i'm not Rick Rolling you. Though I did find it interesting that another artist would name a song "Never Gonna Give You Up" given how much of a joke the Rick Astley song has become. At least he has a sense of humour about it. In 2008 Astley popped out of a float in the middle of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade an Rick Rolled the entire thing.  Julian Taylor once fronted the Canadian group Staggered Crossing and really this song is the one you should check out here, no disrespect to the soulful ginger, but you know the other song and have heard it countless times whether you wanted to or not. Julian Taylor's song is a thing of beauty.

6. "I Kissed A Girl" - Jill Sobule / Katy Perry

Katy Perry's debut song came out in 2008. Titled "I Kissed A Girl" it was a fluffy, bubblegum, scattered attempt to gather attention from prepubescent teens who'd latch on to it's "oh-so-edgy" hint at bisexuality. Sure it was catchy and seemed to get her noticed, but it was far from original. Jill Sobule wrote and released a song in 1995 also called "I Kissed A Girl" which came off as far more honest and featured real emotion and not just an anthem for drunken "bisexuality". But hey, it takes all kinds to turn the world.

7. "King Of Spain" - Moxy Fruvuos / The Tallest Man On Earth

Moxy Fruvous were a Canadian group known for quirky, often politically charge, fun songs. Their song "King Of Spain" is possibly their best known and features some famous Toronto landmarks like SkyDome, Maple Leaf Gardens and of course Pizza Pizza. The Tallest Man On Earth is Kristian Matsson from Sweden. His distinct voice and frenzied guitar playing has made him stand high above the folk scene and attract fans from all over the world. The Wild Hunt is a remarkable album and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a fresh sound.

8. "Bad Reputation" - Thin Lizzy / Freedy Johnston

One of Thin Lizzy's shortest and most savage tunes is "Bad Reputation". Singer Phil Lynott never officially came out and said who the song was about, though many feel it was autobiographical. He lived hard and fast and died at the age of 36, though his legacy definitely lives on. Thin Lizzy may not be on everyone's lips these days but many modern groups cite them as a major influence including Rollins Band, Mastodon and Metallica. Freedy Johnston is on the other side of the spectrum. A singer/songwriter from NYC, his music had been featured in some major motion pictures and "Bad Reputation" earned him a record deal with Elektra. Nowadays Johnston keeps it lowkey and occasionally performs with old friends Butch Vig and Duke Erikson.

9. "Mixtape" - Butch Walker / Jimmy Eat World

I could have picked a few bands with the song "Mixtape". Also check out Jack's Mannequin and Big Scary.
Butch Walker was once the front man for Marvelous 3, but I feel his best work has been done on his own. "Mixtape" comes from the fantastic album Letters released in 2004. Jimmy Eat World enjoyed explosive fame when their 2001 album Bleed American was released and with help from songs like "The Sweetness", "The Middle" and the title track fans attended their shows in herds. Though their popularity has waned the most dedicated fans have been treated some some incredible music, like "Mixtape" which was the final track off their 2010 album Invented.

10. "The Suffering" - Billy Talent / Coheed & Cambria

Though Billy Talent's version is actually "This Suffering" it's close enough for me. As long as someone is suffering. Here's my feelings on Billy Talent. They've got energy and they have a few good songs. (only one great one in my opinion) but I feel they need to break out of their formula, all their songs blend together and it's not that they "sound the same", but you hear one of their songs come on the radio and it bounces off you. Like music by numbers. I think they need to rethink where their going before they become Canada's AC/DC. But that's just me....see this list isn't all songs by bands i'm in love with. However, speaking of bands I AM in love with, lastly we have Coheed and Cambria. "The Suffering" is off their third album, which is arguably their best. "The Suffering" is a high energy, relentless track who's lyrics pull at your heartstrings. You're not sure if you're meant to be upset or jovial. Such is the dynamic with Coheed's music, much like it's content, it's all over the map

Thanks all!

I'm hoping to keep this up more in March!
Drop lines where you feel!

JZ

10 Great Songs Under 2 Minutes

Back in the day of making mixed tapes, or even making mixed CDs of just a couple years ago, certain compilation artists were left with a unique problem. There is a little space left at the end of one side of the tape, but it's too small to fit your standard song in there. Thankfully some musicians would record tracks that were short and sweet and fit right in that tetris hole perfectly. Here are 10 Great Songs that clock in at 2 minutes or less.

1. Hayden - "Stem"

From Hayden's debut Everything I Long For "Stem" is a sweet little song about buying a rose for his girlfriend on a windy day. As he walks to her house the elements start plucking the pedals from the flowe one by one until all he has left to give her is a stem.

2. Green Day - "Take Back"

Green Day's Nimrod is usually seen as a departure point for the group. Going in the direction of more harmonized and melodic songs over aggressive and quick punk tracks. Dare I say, more mainstream. Radio friendly. Songs like "Good Riddance" "Redundant" and "Nice Guys Finish Last" certainly support this. However, later in the album is a song called "Take Back" which clocks in at 1:09 and is almost unrecognizable as a Green Day song.

3. Blind Melon - "Skinned"

One of Blind Melon's funnest and funkiest tracks. "Skinned" seems to be about a serial killer who makes furniture from his victim's body parts. A joyous track which also features a perfectly timed kazoo. I wonder what Shannon Hoon would be up to if he were still with us today.

4. The Offspring - "All I Want"

After The Offspring's Smash turned out to be, well a smash, many were wondering what the group would do next. It would be 1997's Ixnay On The Hombre which saw the group take a stab at more melodic pieces, and a more rock oriented album over the So-Cal Punk that made Smash so popular. Though it was not all in their past. The first single "All I Want" picked up right where Smash left off. Part of it could be because it was written seperately for an Epitaph compilation album, but never used.

5. Blur - "Song 2"

I'm sure this one filled the gaps of many a mixed tape or CD. Probably at the end of the compilation, but I can see it kicking off a good mix with it's energy and quickness. Despite having been popular in their native UK since the 80's Blur never made a huge impression on North America until this song was released in 1997 on their self-titled record. It was the second track on the album, it was the second single and runs exactly two minutes.

6. Misfits - "I Wanna Be NY Ranger"

I could have filled this whole list with punk songs, but where's the fun in that? Bands like the Misfts and The Ramones were notorious for having albums with 20 or 30 tracks each just over a minute long. Quick paced and energetic songs is what their audiences came to expect. "I Wanna Be NY Ranger" was actually writeen by John Cafiero for The Ramones, but they had retired before the song was finished. So the Misfits offered to record it only if John would sing lead vocals. Maybe some Rangers fans could let me know if they play this song at games? Seems a no brainer.

7. Pearl Jam - "Soon Forget"

A favourite among die-hard Pearl Jam fans. Found on the often overlooked 2000 record Binaural, "Soon Forget" is a quick little ditty with Eddie Vedder playing a mandolin. Sometimes at Pearl Jam concerts Eddie would perform this solo before even the opening act takes the stage.

8. The Evaporators - "I Gotta Rash"

Some of you might be familiar with Nardwuar aka The Human Serviette. He used to do some field work for Much Music and was a radio personality in his native Vancouver. He was also the lead singer for the BC based thrash/punk/garage group The Evaporators.

9. The White Stripes - "Fell In Love With A Girl"


When The White Stripes released "Fell In Love With A Girl" back in 2002, it was for most people, the first exposure of this group we got. Impossible to ignore with the dirty guitar track and pulse pounding beat. Plus an animated video made entirely from lego? Needless to say, many fans were made, and they wanted more. Thankfully subsequent songs were typically a little longer in length.

10. Shadowy Men On A Shadowy Planet - "Babakganoosh"

I couldn't do list on short songs without including SMOASP. Most of you will probably recognize them as the group who did the Kids In The Hall theme. They were also favourites on Much Music when there were a few seconds to spare between commercials and TV shows. Very unique sound, very fun band. Very short songs.

Thanks again for reading
Send me your list ideas!

twitter @JonnyZhivago

JZ

10 Great High Energy Songs

This list is going to be quick and to the point, just like the songs within. Need to get energized before the big game? Or for some reason or another are in a mercurial mood and want a great soundtrack to go with it? Here are 10 songs that seem to be jacked from the beginning and don't let up the whole way through.

1. Hot Snakes - "If Credit's What Matters I'll Take The Credit"

I First heard of these guys at the Orion Music Festival last spring in Atlantic City, NJ. They are a California group with pasts in various other post-hardcore groups such as Drive Like Jehu, Pitchfork and the mythical Rocket From The Crypt. This song starts, continues and ends on a high note with vocalist Rick Froberg rarely taking a breath.

2. Funeral For A Friend - "Streetcar"

England's Funeral For A Friend have had a long successful journey on the punk scene in their native land. Success that even gained them a huge fanbase in North America...in fact when the band first toured in the United States they were pleasantly surprised that not only the venues were packed, but that the audience knew their songs word for word. "Streetcar" is a relentless track taken from their 2005 album Hours.

3. Red Fang - "Wires"

Red Fang play the type of music they want to play. Whether it's the most popular thing or the most hated. They give no fucks. Thankfully for us the majority of it is awesome. "Wires" may not be the fastest song on the list but it's attitude and constant chugging has the momentum of a runaway train. It will make the first time listener say "I need to hear that again"

4.  Misfits - "Bruiser"

Some songs on this list are rock or metal, this one is most definitely a punk song. Also known as "If Looks Could Kill" "Bruiser" was never included on a Misfits album....from either incarnation of the band. It was added to the Cuts From The Crypt record in 2001, a collection of b-sides. 1 2 3 4....

5. The Walkmen - "The Rat"

One of the greatest songs from the 2000's is by The Walkmen. A New York indie group known for the affinity towards classic sounding instruments and analog style recording. Yes "The Rat" does have a slow interlude in the middle of the song, but that's only because were the song to maintain it's energy all the way through the listener's head would explode due to the excessive amount of awesome delivered to their audio cavity.

6. 400 Blows - "Root Of Our Nature"

Not much is known about this Los Angeles based hardcore group. At least I don't know much about them. "Root of our Nature" has a killer bass line, seemingly channeled through a rusty old distortion pedal for a spinal cord. Hopefully their live shows are just as furious and unforgiving as their recorded material

7. At The Drive-In - "Enfilade"

I really could have put any At The Drive-In song on here. Especially from the album Relationship Of Command, they went into another gear when that album dropped. It might have been a little too over zealous, because thy disbanded shortly afterwards.

8. Stanford Prison Experiment - "You're The Vulgarian"

Named after a series psychological tests on the effects of becoming a prison guard that took place at Stanford University, the Stanford Prison Experiment were a little known group from the 90's. "You're The Vulgarian" maintains a steady stream of energy almost at the pace of a well focused march.

9.  Rocket From The Crypt - "On A Rope"

I typically don't like included 2 groups that feature the same members on a list, but after I mentioned them earlier I couldn't justify skipping past Rocket From The Crypt.

10. Ween - "It's Going To Be A Long Night"

Dean and Gene Ween! Ween are one of those odd bands that transcend genres. They have songs in their catalog from almost every style of music available. This one is skater punk. "It's Gonna Be A Long Night" finishes off my high energy list.

Now for some peaceful sleep

Thanks again

JZ