27 April 2012 - Faster Pussycat - Bathroom Wall

After seeing this Faster Pussycat video for the first time in 25 years, I can only wonder, who would have won a fight between them and Poison back in the day?

26 April 2012 - Vanessa Paradis - Joe Le Taxi

Vanessa Paradis was only 14 when she sang this ode to a cabbie named Joe.  Completely in her native language of French.  The surprise? It became a hit in the UK.  She was already a bit of a star in her native France, but no one else knew who she was.   They did now.  Of course, after this, she became an international model and Johnny Depp's girlfriend, but this is where it all started.

Even in French, it is clear that the song is innocent and fun and sweet. It's a shame it was never a hit on this side of the Atlantic. Enjoy it!



Update: I wanted to add this version of the song from 2009.  It's got a smokier feel, but it's still pretty cool.  More than 20 years later, she's still got stage presence.

25 April 2012 - Colbie Caillat - Bubbly

When I think of Colbie Caillat, I think of summer. I think of relaxing on my deck while sipping a cold drink (and listening to music...of course). Or maybe just sitting on the beach and watching the waves crash. Either scenario would be wonderful right about now. Summer, please get here soon. Until then, I'll just have to warm up with this video from Colbie's debut record Coco.

24 April 2012 - Ace of Base - All That She Wants

I remember when this song was new in 1993.  It was a comparatively minor hit - "The Sign" was its followup and it exploded - and I remember thinking about how ABBA-esque they were.  And the video!  I thought its sepia tones and somber mood matched the mellow dance beats of the song. I remembering thinking that these guys were really cool.  Then their next single came out, and all music credibility went out the window.

I find this song cool also because of the multiple key changes during the song.  It's not the easiest song to sing.  So I'm told.  I mean, I sing it perfectly.

23 April 2012 - Anjulie - Boom

I hate to say it, but I really don't have much to say today. It happens. Here's a pretty cool video for a pretty cool tune.

22 April 2012 - Spain - It's So True

It's Guilt-Free Sunday!  So, let's listen to Josh Haden, brother to Petra Haden (you might have seen a post about her over here) and his band, Spain, of which Petra has been an occasional member.

I really like Spain.  Their music is really quiet without being boring, somber and yet still full of emotion.  This live performance of one of my favorite songs by them shows that to the fullest.  They've recently reformed, and this performance is post-reformation.  The song, however, sounds like they never took a single day off.

They've also got a new album coming out next month, which you can preview in parts on their website. I hope you enjoy this song and also investigate their others.  You won't be sorry you did.

20 April 2012 - Dokken - Breaking The Chains

I actually saw a free Dokken show a few years ago in Virginia Beach. I can confirm that they were still a Rokken.