This week I Have Been Listening To.......

Due to popular request, I am going to do a list of the top 10 songs I have been listening to over the last week that have made an impact on my thoughts, with spurious musings as to why.

Should prove interesting. It may even give certain people an insight to the inner me, which is something so many people have tried to do, but with no success – you know who you are!

Well, there’s been a fair few releases in the previous weeks, so I won’t have any problem finding 10 a week, for a while anyway.

Now, be warned, my taste in music is eclectic, to say the least, so don’t expect a rock enthusiasts viewpoint. Even mediocre musicians and groups sometimes produce a track of exceptional quality.

Anyway, to start, one band I’ve come across recently and can’t stop playing is Lazyboy. He’s released 2 commercial albums: “Penguin Rock” and “Lazyboy TV”.

Now if you’ve heard my first choice this week, you’ll understand why this guy clicks with me. Anyway, my 1st track HAS to be “Underwear Goes Inside The Pants” by Lazyboy from his album Lazyboy TV.

This is a well produced and socially ‘apt’ tune. If you remember and enjoyed Baz Lurmann “Sunscreen" tune, you’ll love this. Although comedic lyrics run throughout, on closer listening, the lyrics are actually an accurate appraisal of our society and it’s values today, from one viewpoint anyway.

And it’s exceedingly well produced. A good ‘chill out’ tune that makes you think as well as listen.

And my number 2 track this week is Desiderata (which means “Something considered necessary or highly desirable”) from the same album. A voice overlay throughout the song is full of inspiring and legitimate suggestions for thinking that will ultimately lead to a better enjoyment and perspective on life. The haunting voice of the vocalist in this tune intersperses the voice over of the song throughout, and this adds to the steady base line that runs through the ambient song. A haunting melody that inspires confidence and contains good life advice.

Now here is an example of my varying taste in music. Someone mentioned this tune on one of the forums I visit, and I remembered just how much I liked this tune when I was at school! It’s “Don’t Fear The Reaper” – Blue Oyster Cult. What a tune! From the gentle electric guitar intro, to the rhythmic, 70’s infused delivery. The guitar work in this tune is awesome, and it’s not too heavy for the majority of ears. If you remember the 80’s, indeed the 70’s even, you’ll enjoy this tune.

Number 4 is going to be “Winter In July” – Bomb The Bass. This is a haunting melody, all about life and how to deal with everything that is thrown at you. Even though it’s downbeat, the lyrics are fantastic and give good advice to all. Listen, but REALLY listen to this tune….amazing! And again, I’ve only heard this for the first time recently. So glad I came across it.

Managed to locate the Lost Boys Soundtrack, and my choice for number 5 is Good Times - INXS. If you’re getting ready to go out or are in the mood for a cleaning blitz, put this tune on as loud as you can and I guarantee you’ll be having a Mrs Doubtfire moment with ‘ya mop! Just don’t let the kids see you, they’ll think you’re deranged!

Bloomin’ ‘eck! It’s hard work this, and I’m only half way through!

At number 6 is a tune from the film “Swingers” that I watched last week. "Pick Up The Pieces" - Average White Band. You may not recognise the title, but when you hear it you’ll be reminded of the Shaft, Starsky And Hutch and Kojak era! Thank god they haven’t done a movie version of Kojak eh? A jazzy, swing classic. Another ‘getting ready’ tune.

Mmm, number 7? Ah, yes, I know the perfect tune! “Behind Blue Eyes" – The Who. Now, as well as most of you out there, you have a tune that says to anybody who doesn’t know you "THIS IS ME IN LYRICAL AND MUSICAL FORM! LISTEN!” and it always changes through your life. How many have claimed “Tears Of A Clown” as being the tune that was ‘you’? A few of us I’ll bet. But the way I feel at the moment, this song sums up how I’m feeling at the moment, both with myself and others. Told you this would be a soul revealing topic!

At number 8, I thought I’d put something rather more uplifting. So I’ve chosen “Oh Yeah” by Yello. You may not be familiar with the artist, but if you’ve watched numerous films in the past, particularly Ferris Buellers Day Off, a classic of our time, you’ll recognise it. Just thought I’d put it in for posterity!

Number 9 was also an easy choice. I’ve recently ‘discovered’ this band, and this is one of their best tracks. It’s “Wide Awake” – Audioslave. A good upbeat track, moody and well produced and balanced. Brilliant lyrics, almost blues.

And finally, number 10. “Moth” by Audioslave as well. This sums up how I felt I was in my last relationship, but as usual, time proved me wrong. A powerful song in the classic rock genre. Personally connected to this song, at the moment anyway.

Anyway, enough of this sentimental rubbish, below is my list for this week. I’ll do another next week for you all to view, listen to or comment on. Feel free to email me with whats ‘rocked your boat’ this week, but no need for a Top 10 thanks!

1 – Underwear Inside The Pants – Lazyboy – Lazyboy TV (UK DVD Edition)
2 – Desiderata – Lazyboy – Lazyoby TV (UK DVD Edition)
3 – Don’t Fear The Reaper – Blue Oyster Cult
4 – Winter In July – Bomb The Bass
5 – Good Times – INXS, Jimmy Barnes – Lost Boys Soundtrack
6 – Pick Up The Pieces – Average White Band – Swingers Soundtrack
7 – Behind Blue Eyes – The Who
8 – Oh Yeah – Yello – Ferris Buellers Day Off Soundtrack
9 – Wide Awake – Audioslave - Revelations
10 – Moth – Audioslave - Revelations