Every Friday Morning we kick off your weekend with a series of videos loosely gathered around a theme. This week, in remembrance of the fallen, a round of introspective instrumentals.
My father plays the guitar, but not often. As he’s gotten older his fingers are less fluid, a little weather beaten and a little stiff. Music for him is all about smoothness; his guitar is always subtle and smooth, not the loud brash stand-out licks of a rock-star, but rising and falling, coming back again to a persistent melody. The opening to Lou Reed’s “Sweet Jane” is one of his favorite pieces, rambling, precise, and understated. When I was 17, I started buying him albums on CD that he only owned on vinyl. Harry Chapin’s greatest lasted most of a drive to Gettysburg, and Leo Kottke’s 6 & 12 String Guitar ended up in my CD case. For good. Today is about remembering and introspection, and to that end, here’s some acoustic instrumentation from Andy McKee and Leo Kottke.
Every Friday morning we kick off the weekend with a series of videos, loosely gathered around a theme.
I love NBC’s ensemble comedy Community. A lot. The Troy Barnes character (Donald Glover) started as a dumb jock but has blossomed into the delightfully weird, nerdy, sweet guy. Sometimes he cries. He loves LaVarr Burton, but doesn’t want to meet him. Just want’s a picture. Because you can’t disappoint a picture.
But there’s much more to Donald Glover than loveable tomfoolery. He’s written and starred in comedies with his sketch group Derrick Comedy. Their movie, Mystery Team is worth checking out, just like their sketches.
Beyond being wicked funny, Donald is also a talented rapper. Seriously. His stage name is “Childish Gambino”. Again, seriously. And he’s good. Like real good. Check out these NSFW songs.
Freaks and Geeks There’s a real version of this video, and it’s decent. But the Community mash-up is amazing.
All The Shine From the forthcoming Camp album. Strong to quite strong. The signing is a nice touch.
Bonfire The first actual single from Camp. It’s odd.
Michael MacDonald – Trickin’ It To The Treats Jump to 38 seconds in for the good part. It’s not really Michael MacDonald, and it’s not good enough to justify 4 full minutes. TRICK. Does anyone else constantly spell Michael “Micheal”? I think I might have a brain tumor.
Black Keys – Lonely Boy A new album? A new single?? Sweet dance moves??? This IS a treat.
Whoops. Here’s the two songs I’ve compulsively listened to for the last several weeks. And to make up for my tardiness, I enjoyed this article about Scott Avett’s painting, and spirituality.
Usually this space has some kind of theme, like a show I was privileged to see, or a commentary on policy. Today, all my ideas are like under-cooked omelettes, runny and ill-formed. So screw it, here are four videos from the kick-ass Black Keys.
Set You Free (Live)
Next Girl
Tighten Up
Your Touch “So how do you feel about … being dead?” “I dunno. My neck hurts.” “Well, at least I died doing what I love.” “…….” “You know, lip-syncing. I love that shit.” “Yeah.”
Every Friday morning we kick off your weekend with a series of videos, loosely gathered around a theme. This week, I unfortunately missed Laura Marling‘s show in D.C., but I did pick up her newest album. Enjoy the first single, Sophia. Laura Marling – Sophia
Every Friday morning, we kick off your weekend with a series of videos, loosely gathered around a theme. This week, video hot off the presses! On Saturday, I got the chance to see The Avett Brothers close out the HFStival at Merriweather Post Pavilion. Regular reader will know I’ve been a fan for a long [...]
Every Friday morning (give or take) we kick off your weekend with a series of music videos, loosely gathered around a theme. To fondly remember both Labor Day and yesterday’s jobs news (more spending and less taxes, you guys! Hooray, the one solution no-one wants! POLITICS!), here’s some songs about being a working stiff. Rush [...]
