“Beautiful Day” by U2 (2000)

It’s been about a month since my last post. I’ve been busy with a major career change, a pretty spectacular (but stressful) tremor, but I’m so sorry I’ve stopped talking to you here for so long. I’m hoping this new job will add years to my life, so maybe it’s a net gain overall.

I couldn’t possibly tell you how awesome I think U2 is in one day, let alone one brief internet fart. Maybe over time, as you grow older, I can share their music with you, and you can make up your own mind.

But in case that doesn’t happen, just know that I think U2 rocks. And they speak the truth. And I believe that they will be the first band to “win” the Nobel Peace Prize.

I’ve decided I’m going to focus on the positive for a while. For a change.

So here we go: I love the joy and the power of this track. The magnificent hope of a bright future for all of us. ALL OF US. This is an ideal that many of us (including your daddy) are willing to fight for.

It’s absolutely irresistible.

(Thanks to LazloLozlaenQro for the upload. Damn U2’s corporate suits for making their music so fucking difficult to share with the people!)

And don’t swear in public!

“Mr. E’s Beautiful Blues” by Eels (2000)

Mark Everett is the man behind the band Eels, and he’s also recorded under the name E. Regardless of what name he’s recording under, Mr. Everett makes fantastic music. It’s dense, a little dark, a little sarcastic, and very funky in an understated way. But on top of all that, his songs have beautiful melodies that stick in your head forever.

This is the kind of music I wish I could make.

“Goddamn right, it’s a beautiful day! Uh-huh!”

“Evangeline” by Los Lobos (1984)

Sometimes narrowly defined as a “Chicano rock” band, Los Lobos was amazingly diverse, merging many different styles of music into their own wonderful sound. I hope you get to hear their records in their entirety, including the record from which this track comes, “Will the Wolf Survive?” These gents are fine musicians, and obviously very passionate about their music.

We’re lucky in California to have so many vibrant cultures, and to have people who are so receptive to other ways of life and of expression. It’s a shame that some people close their minds to so-called “ethnic” things, whether it’s music or food or languages or whatever seems different.

As far as I’m concerned, Los Lobos is one kick-ass American band.

With “Evangeline” you can hear how Los Lobos can rock with the best of ‘em. Now check out how well they play traditional instruments and folk tunes from Mexico, courtesy of an appearance on Sesame Street:

“(The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes” by Elvis Costello (1977)

You will find a LOT of Elvis Costello records in our collection. He’s one of my favorite songwriters and performers, and he’s put out some amazing albums, like “Imperial Bedroom,” “This Year’s Model,” “Armed Forces,” and my personal favorite—as much for the great music as for the perfect timing in my life to hear it—”Blood and Chocolate.”

And I love the album from which this track comes, “My Aim is True,” which was his first record. You absolutely must hear “Watching the Detectives,” the track I was going to highlight for you. But I wanted to post “Angels” because it’s one of those songs that’s near and dear to my heart. It’s everything I like about Mr. Costello’s music. He would branch out into many musical directions, but he would always retain that edgy, sly wit in both his lyrics and music.

Every time I hear this line from the song, I can’t help but smile, if not laugh out loud:

“I said, ‘I’m so happy, I could die.’
She said, ‘Drop dead,’ then left with another guy.”

LOL.

“Bizarre Love Triangle” by New Order (1986)

Some folks I know would describe New Order as a band that makes “dance music,” but they’re much more than that, at least to me. They wrote some great songs, and their arrangements—relying heavily on electronic instruments—are terrific. Unlike some dance music, there is real heft, musicality, and integrity in New Order’s work.

Although it’s not really my scene, there’s nothing like being in a club when the DJ spins some New Order. The sound is amazing, and the crowd is electrified by the music. Not bad for a day’s work.

I also wanted to tell you what I think a good song is. A good song doesn’t rely on production value alone, it can stand up on its own and be heard in any context. This song is a perfect example. It sounds great in its original form, as a so-called dance track, but it also sounds great stripped down to the bare essentials. The Australian band Frente! did a cover of this song with just voice and acoustic guitar, and you can really hear the song shine through.

That’s kind of a test for me. Could a person play the song around a campfire? Would it just sound stupid and repetitious? Or would it still move you?

“Black Milk” by Massive Attack (1998)

Massive Attack creates intense, moody, and extraordinarily beautiful music. Considered one of the original “trip hop” groups, they incorporate some incredible sounds and rhythms into their sonic landscapes. They’ve also asked some wonderful vocalists to contribute to their songs, like Elisabeth Fraser (Cocteau Twins) on this track, from their third album, “Mezzanine.”

“Mezzanine” is an epic album, worth absorbing into your life. If it doesn’t absorb you, first.

“I Confess” by The (English) Beat (1982)

Okay, the name of this band in the rest of the world is simply “The Beat,” but they had to add “English” to their name for us Americans due to another band with that name. I know them as The English Beat, but if you talk to a Brit about them, he or she will probably snicker if you call them that.

The Beat made wonderful, crackling music which just felt alive to me at the time (and still does). They blended elements of ska, punk, and new wave that was both danceable and thought-provoking. It was the perfect soundtrack to my youth. I remember driving around San Francisco with friends in the summer, excited about seeing some concert, and optimistic about the future. We sang along to The Beat, shouting the words out the windows of my beat up VW bug.

A lot of people have bands and/or albums that define certain phases of their lives, and The English Beat will always remind me of my high school and college years. I’m just glad it was a band as good as this.

“Party at Ground Zero” by Fishbone (1985)

Ska is one of my favorite styles of music, and Fishbone was one of the best ska/punk bands around. Later on they explored more diverse styles of music, but it’s their earlier skankin’ that is near and dear to my heart. This track is from their first release, an EP, and it really showcases the manic energy and enthusiasm that they poured into their music.

This track is definitely a crowd-pleaser. If it’s not, you may be in the wrong crowd.

“The Richest Man in Babylon” by Thievery Corporation (2002)

Thievery Corporation was started by a couple of blokes from Washington DC who wanted to meld club/dance music with jazz, dub, and latin styles of music. It’s probably considered “downtempo” music, or “trip hop” by some, but whatever category you put it in, it’s fine music that lifts you up while easing your mind at the same time. At least it does for me.

I particularly like this track, although in this case the subject may not ease your mind. It mixes a lilting, reggae groove with dancehall horns and floating, intriguing vocals. And hidden in the beautiful music is a stark social critique about the direction of our civilization.

“The wicked stench of exploitation
Hangs in the air and lingers on”

“Down by the Water” by PJ Harvey (1995)

Polly Jean Harvey makes great music and pushes a lot of boundaries and buttons, which you know I think is terrific. An artist of her talent could easily produce formulaic music and make a mint, but Ms. Harvey plays from her heart and soul.

Fortunately she has a lot of admirers and fans, allowing her to continue sharing her music with us.

This track just grinds and sways behind the assured but menacing lyrics. What’s she singing about? I’ll leave that for you to decide.