11 July 2012 - The Odds - Heterosexual Man (+ non-guilty Corner Gas bonuses!)

This mid-90's Canadian tribute to heterosexual masculinity was written and performed by singer/songwriter Craig Northey and his band, The Odds. It is a wickedly funny pop song that didn't get nearly enough airplay in the States.



After the Odds broke up in 1999, Craig Northey went on to do some collaboration work, most notable with Jesse Valenzuela from the Gin Blossoms (I am sure you all have the Northey Valenzuela record, right?).  He also did a lot of television scoring, most notably this opening theme (performed as Northey Valenzuela) for perhaps the greatest television series in history, Corner Gas.  The version here is from the Season 5 DVD, which I do not yet own.



I really miss Corner Gas.

His success with Corner Gas prompted Craig Northey to reform the Odds, and he included the CLOSING theme on their reunion album.  I use this song as my ringtone.  No joke.  Greatest opening riff in television history, even if it didn't get enough love outside of Canada.

10 July 2012 - Rachel Platten - 1,000 Ships

Every so often I turn my radio dial (OK, not really, I push the preset button) to the "adult alternative/pop" station. You know the type of station, it plays P!nk, Kelly Clarkson, Gotye, Adele, Avril etc. For a while I kept hearing today's song, but could never figure out who sang it. Seemed I was always driving when it came on and I'm not coordinated enough to drive my pick-up truck and use the Soundhound app on my phone at the same time (hell, I can barely walk and use my phone at the same time, but that's another story).

UNNECESSARY RANT ALERT: Seriously, what is it about pop radio where they refuse to tell you who sang the song unless it's like the hugest song on the planet...yeah, we all know that was just Adele...who hasn't heard Rolling in the Deep? UNNECESSARY RANT OVER

Anyway, one day I was finally lucky enough to be in a parking lot when the song came on and I finally found out who sang it. Oddly enough, it was one of the $5 deals at Amazon that month so I was able to pick it up for cheap. Good record.

9 July 2012 - Black Eyed Peas - Shut Up

At one point, The Black Eyed Peas were a three piece all male group.  They would frequently bring in female guest stars, such as Macy Gray, to do some harmonies or call-and-answer.

When it came time to record their third album, Will.I.Am called a former member of girl group Wild Orchid and Kids Incorporated cast member Stacy Ferguson, to try out on the call-and-answer song we feature today.  Needless to say, it was a good match - you know her better as Fergie.  She went on to record five other songs with the group for that album, many of which became big hits, and was granted full member status in time for their fourth album.

You know from previous posts how much I love call-and-answer hip-hop, and this is no exception. The Peas were already a decent hip-hop trio before Fergie was thrown in, and her edgy pop style really fused well with the trio.

6 July 2012 - Vanilla Ice - Ice Ice Baby

Yo, VIP.  Let's kick it.

Admit it.  You loved this song in 1991.  It was a monstrous hit.  Everyone loved it.  Even if it clearly ripped off the hook from "Under Pressure".  Even if it was Vanilla's only hit.  Everyone knew every lyric.  Everyone loved it.

Including me.



Oh, wait.  The bassline is not the same.  He said so.

5 July 2012 - Flo Rida - Whistle

Did you ever have a song that you really, really wanted to hate, but just couldn't?  For me, "Whistle" is that song right now.

I haven't in the past really been a fan of Flo Rida.  (Florida.  His name is Florida.) With this song, he might have won me over.  Anyone who can so seamlessly blend acoustic guitar and hip-hop is A-OK in my book. Plus, it's instructional - it is teaching a new generation how to whistle.  That is what this song is about, right?

4 July 2012 - X - Fourth of July (Special Guilt-Free Edition)

No guilt here.  Just patriotism.  This is a song - one of my favorite songs by great Los Angeles punk pioneers.  John Doe and Exene Cervenka's harmonies really shine on this song.

3 July - Justin Bieber - Boyfriend

Forget for a minute that this is Justin Bieber. Forget the fact that he's borrowing Vanilla Ice's hair in this video.  Forget that he looks so squeeky-clean and out of place with these ladies.  Forget that he's Mr. Selena Gomez.  Don't forget that it is he who brought us Carly Rae Jepsen.

This song is sparse and catchy and kind of hot.  Even if you don't have the Bieber Fever, you can enjoy this new summer classic.  I mean, he's trying to replicate Justin Timberlake's career here, but this song is actually almost completely listenable.