Monday, December 31, 2012

What Are You Doing New Year's Eve by Ella Fitzgerald

Christmas Rocks has come to an end at The Lost Soul of Rock and Roll. Our first year has been a good one, so what are you doing New Year's Eve? The song of the day is Ella Fitzgerald's version of 'What Are You Doing New Years Eve?'. Enjoy.


Friday, December 28, 2012

Christmas Is A Coming (Chicken Crows at Midnight) by Leadbelly

Christmas Rocks at The Lost Soul of Rock and Roll. The song of the day for December 28, 2012 is 'Christmas is A-Comin (Chicken Crows at Midnight)' by Leadbelly. This song was recorded in the 1940s and is featured on the album Leadbelly Sings For Children.

I just discovered this song today and it is wonderful. Leadbelly is a blues legend and I'm going to see if I can purchase the Leadbelly album from Smithsonian Folkways. If you don't know Leadbelly then shame on you! Take a listen to the song below and enjoy.


Thursday, December 27, 2012

Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) by Darlene Love

Christmas Rocks at The Lost Soul of Rock and Roll. Baby please come home. The song of the day is 'Christmas (Baby Please Come Home' by Darlene Love. This song was released in 1963 and was featured on a Christmas compilation album.

Never overlook the brilliance of early 1960's pop music from New York City. The Brill Building was a place where great singers, songwriters, and producers came together to create some memorable music. Ellie Greenwich and Jeff Barry wrote 'Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)' with Phil Spector who also produced the song. This is my favorite version and shame on my local music station for not giving Darlene Love a spin this holiday. Enjoy this classic and I hope you are enjoying this Christmas holiday.


Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Christmas All Over Again by Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers

Christmas Rocks at The Lost Soul of Rock and Roll. Oh my my! Oh hell yeah! The song of the day for December 26, 2012 is 'Christmas All Over Again' by Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers. This song was released in 1992 and is featured on the album A Very Special Christmas.

When you blend Christmas music with Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers then you have a winner. I had a great Christmas yesterday, and I hope all of you Lost Soul fans survived Christmas. Enjoy. 

Monday, December 24, 2012

Same Old Lang Syne by Dan Fogelberg

Christmas Rocks at The Lost Soul of Rock and Roll. I have to go to the grocery store today, so I hope Dan Fogelberg is not stalking me in the frozen foods section. The song of the day for December 24, 2012 is ‘Same Old Lang Syne’ by Dan Fogelberg. This song was released in 1980 as a single.

Why is ‘Same Old Lang Syne’ on the holiday station? This is a creepy stalker anthem that is just as bad as the sexual predator classic, 'Baby, It's Cold Outside'. The one by Dean Martin has a Buffalo Bill from Silence of the Lambs kind of vibe. .

Let’s examine the god-awful song that is 'Same Old Lang Syne'. Dan Fogelberg’s at the grocery store on Christmas Eve and notices his ex shopping for frozen food. He sneaks up behind her and touches her on the sleeve. I’m no Casanova, but why take the creepy route, when he could have walked up to her and said, “Look babe, the Fogelberger is in the meat section, if you know what I mean.”

For Fogelberg and his ex lover, it’s an awkward reunion. They stand in line waiting for their groceries to be bagged and decide that Christmas Eve is the best time to go get a drink to reminisce about the good old days. Maybe Fogelberg has some “bagging” on his mind. You old dog you, Fogelberg.

Back in my college days, I was at a liquor store with a friend deciding if we should shell out the extra five bucks for the After Shock shot set instead of the regular bottle of After Shock. Well, he see’s his old lover at the liquor store and decides not to “stole behind her” in order to “touch her on the sleeve”. He had something of a meltdown, purchased the After Shock shot set, and ended up drunk out of his mind.

Fogelberg and his ex lover try to find a bar, but it is Christmas Eve, and the bars are closed. Can someone cue ‘The Bar Is Closed’ by Wesley Willis? I’m calling bullshit on Fogelberg, because you can find an open bar on Christmas Eve. There are millions of miserable people out there looking to drown their sorrows. Fogelberg may have done a half ass job on purpose because he purposes buying a six pack of beer and drinking it in her car. All I can say is, “Nicely played, Mr. Fogelberg”.

The ex informs Fogelberg that she married an architect but is not in love with him. Scrap the Wesley Willis and play Kanye’s ‘Gold Digger’. I wonder if the architect was at home worried about his wife. Maybe they were throwing a party and she was supposed to purchase some frozen margarita or pina colada mix. When she doesn’t show, he runs to the bedroom, finds his pistol, clicks the hammer, and says, “Not this time, Fogelberg”.

While Fogelberg and the ex pound some brews they decide to “drink a toast to innocence” and “drink a toast to now”. Forget the toasting and seize the day, Fogelberg.

Fogelberg discovers that the ex is familiar with his musical career. How many Dan Fogelberg’s have you met in your lifetime, lady? I wonder if the ex was pissed that she dumped the weird singer-songwriter dude from college for the architect. She didn’t know that Dan would rule the airwaves with ‘Leader of the Band’. Fogelberg admits to the ex that he loves his fans but hates touring. Let’s cue ‘Turn The Page’ by Bob Seeger and the Silver Bullet Band.

So now we come to the portion where we wonder where the encounter is going. A co-worker once asked me about the outcome of the song and said, “Does Fogelberg hit that?” You too may have wondered about this and it doesn’t happen. They kiss and Fogelberg watches his lady drive away into the night.

We have a song title that makes a reference to ‘Auld Lang Syne’ and a song that takes place on Christmas Eve. There’s nothing about Jesus, Santa Claus, Grandma’s house, silver bells, or Burl Ives. It’s about a guy trying to booze up his ex for a night of hanky panky. Call me a liar. You don’t sit in a car with your ex and a six pack. That’s a recipe for regret.



Friday, December 21, 2012

Father Christmas by The Kinks

Christmas Rocks at The Lost Soul of Rock and Roll. Father Christmas, give us some money! The song of the day for December 21, 2012 is 'Father Christmas' by The Kinks. This song was released as a 7" single in 1977 and is also on the remastered version of Misfits.

This is another one of those Christmas songs that deserves more airplay. You can't go wrong with The Kinks, and don't think these guys were just a 60s act because they had some damn good music in the 70's. 'Father Christmas' is a fun song, so enjoy the song of the day.


Thursday, December 20, 2012

It's Christmas Time by Yo La Tengo

Christmas Rocks at The Lost Soul of Rock and Roll. It's Christmas time. The song of the day for December 20, 2012 is 'It's Christmas Time' by Yo La Tengo. This song was released in 2002 and is featured on the album Merry Christmas From Yo La Tengo.

Take a listen to Yo La Tengo and your day will be much better. Hoboken's indie darlings have had a pretty solid career and I highly recommend you check out I Can Hear The Heart Beating As One. I don't have much else to say today, so enjoy the song of the day.

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Christmas With The Devil by Spinal Tap

Christmas Rocks at The Lost Soul of Rock and Roll. Turn this baby up to eleven. The song of the day is 'Christmas With The Devil' by Spinal Tap. This song is featured on the album Break Like The Wind (1992).

All hail Spinal Tap. You can not dismiss the brilliance of "England's loudest band" and 'Christmas With The Devil' is another gem. If you have never watched This Is Spinal Tap then you are missing out on a brilliant movie. Enjoy.


Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Jesus Christ by Big Star

Christmas Rocks at The Lost Soul of Rock and Roll. Jesus Christ was born today? I don't think so, dude. The song of the day is 'Jesus Christ' by Big Star. This song was released in 1978 and is featured on the album Third/Sister Lovers.

Big Star is one of those bands that the indie kids love. I'm not hating because they were a great band that sadly were mismanaged and were popular long after they disbanded. Led by Alex Chilton, this Memphis band blended the British Invasion with American folk pop. I highly recommend newbies check out their material from #1 Record and Radio City. 'Battle of El Goodo', 'Back of a Car', and 'September Gurls' are classics. Third/Sister Lovers is for those who have embraced Big Star because this release is a bit odd. 'Jesus Christ' is a fine example of the oddities from this album, so check it out. Enjoy.

Monday, December 17, 2012

River by Robert Downey, Jr.

Christmas Rocks at The Lost Soul of Rock and Roll. I wish I had a river I could skate away on with Iron Man. The song of the day is 'River' by Robert Downey, Jr. This song was originally recorded by Joni Mitchell, but this cover is from the A Very Ally Christmas which was released in 2000.

Ally McBeal was a show where sexy lawyers took on feel good cases and then ended the day with a trip to the bar to sing songs. Fans of the show might recall the A Very Ally Christmas album. My wife is a huge fan of the show and has a copy of the Christmas album. I remember the first time I heard 'River' by Robert Downey, Jr. I had never heard the song until that moment, and since then I have called it "The Choppin' Down Trees" song. Please don't get "The Choppin' Down Trees" mixed up with this comedy classic


Friday, December 14, 2012

Fairytale of New York by The Pogues and Kristy MacColl

Christmas Rocks at The Lost Soul of Rock and Roll. You're a bum. You're a punk. The song of the day for December 14, 2012 is 'Fairytale of New York' by The Pogues and Kristy MacColl. This song was released in 1987 as a single and is also featured on the 1988 album If I Should Fall From Grace With God.

The first time I heard The Pogues was when they made their infamous 1990 appearance on Saturday Night Live. The second song they played that night, 'Body of an American' is online somewhere, but for the life of me I can not find their first performance featuring a highly intoxicated Shane McGowan. That was a hot mess and it was not a good first exposure. Years later, I would appreciate The Pogues and this holiday season I must post their 'Fairytale of New York' with the late Kristy MacColl. There is nothing like a dysfunctional tale of alcoholism on Christmas Eve. Enjoy.

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Christmas in Hollis by Run-D.M.C.

Christmas Rocks, y'all! RIP Jam-Master Jay. The song of the day for December 13, 2012 is 'Christmas in Hollis' by Run-D.M.C. This song was released in 1987 and featured on A Very Special Christmas, a benefit album for Special Olympics.

I got nothing but love for Run-D.M.C. and 'Christmas in Hollis' is a hip-hop Christmas classic. That's all I've got today, folks. Sit back and enjoy a great song from the best hip-hop group of all time.



Wednesday, December 12, 2012

The Christmas Song by Weezer

Christmas Rocks at The Lost Soul of Rock and Roll. Did you ever know how much I care? The song of the day for December 12, 2012 is 'The Christmas Song' by Weezer. This song was released in 2000 and can be found on the international release of The Green Album and on The Christmas CD.

I'm amazed that Rivers Cuomo wrote a Christmas song filled with melancholy. Nobody is as happy-go-lucky as Rivers. OK, I'll behave. As a Weezer fan, I wanted to share 'The Christmas Song' with the good kids at The Lost Soul of Rock and Roll. Haters are gonna hate on Weezer, but I'm here to defend their honor. I have the 2013 season of The Lost Soul of Rock and Roll planned and expect to hear a great tune from Weezer's overlooked classic, Pinkerton. Enjoy!

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Merry Xmas Everybody by Slade

Christmas Rocks at The Lost Soul of Rock and Roll. Are you hangin' up a stocking on your wall? The song of the day for December 11, 2012 is 'Merry Xmas Everybody' by Slade. This song was released in 1973 as a single.

Slade is one of those bands that gets overlooked in my opinion. They have some killer songs, and a great example of an overlooked Slade song is 'Merry Xmas Everybody'. This song is incredibly popular in the U.K., but 'Merry Xmas Everybody' does not even make a blip on the U.S. radar. Take a listen to the song below and enjoy.

Monday, December 10, 2012

Christmas Is The Time To Say I Love You by Billy Squier

Christmas Rocks at The Lost Soul of Rock and Roll. I want my MTV! The song of the day for December 10, 2102 is 'Christmas Is The Time To Say I Love You' by Billy Squier. This song was released in 1981 and was the B-side to 'My Kind of Lover'.

I see you, Nina Blackwood. I see you, Martha Quinn. I see you, J.J. Jackson. I see you, Mark Goodman. Where is Alan Hunter? This song may bring a tear or two to the eyes of Generation X readers who remember the days when MTV played music. Sorry for the poor video quality, but this is the best I could find of Billy rocking with the MTV crew in 1981.

Billy Squier has brought some hits and some major misses in his career. 'Christmas Is The Time To Say I Love You' is a hit in my opinion, and I decided to select this song after hearing my favorite Squier song, 'Lonely Is The Night', on the radio yesterday. That was a great example of Billy's hits. Now, let me show you his infamous miss. Enjoy!


Let's take a look at our YouTube brothers and sisters who have tried to cover this Billy classic. let's see who does a good job and who pulls a 'Rock Me Tonite'.

Here is a cover from Louden Swain, a band from L.A. You can learn more about the band here, and I say they did a good job with their cover.




This cover is from Nahaniel Kinsey's Christmas album. Nahaniel turns the metal to 11 with this cover.



That's all I could find, kids. Have a good day!

Friday, December 7, 2012

Christmastime in the Mountains by Palace Songs

Christmas Rocks at The Lost Soul of Rock and Roll. I'm saving all my rage for you. The song of the day for December 7, 2012 is 'Christmastime in the Mountains' by Palace Songs. This song was released in 1995 and is featured on the Hope release.

Will Oldham/Bonnie 'Prince' Billy/Palace Songs is a great American singer/songwriter who has had a career that has been under the radar, but I'm giving you a taste of his catalog today with 'Christmastime in the Mountains'. This is not your typical Christmas song with all of the gosh-golly-gee-whiz added, so be prepared for something different. How many Christmas songs have the line "We need an enemy/I'm saving all of my rage for you"? Take that, Burl Ives. Enjoy.


Thursday, December 6, 2012

Christmas (Sweeter Than Wine) by Heth and Jed

Christmas Rocks at The Lost Soul of Rock and Roll, and thank you for checking us out this holiday season. Christmas just might be sweeter than wine. The song of the day for December 6, 2012 is 'Christmas (Sweeter Than Wine)' by Heth and Jed. This song can be found at OurStage.com.

Heth and Jed Weinstein are busker duo from New York City. They have been busking in the Big Apple since 2005, have developed a large fan following, and have sold some 50,000 CDs. Last year, they released their memoir and I highly recommend getting a copy of the book because it is a fantastic read. Heth and Jed have a really cool pop sound layered with some funky but trippy music. If you want to know more about Heth and Jed then check out their website here.

I selected 'Christmas (Sweeter Than Wine)' because it is a great song that deserves some attention. Heth and Jed have produced some great pop numbers and I decided to show some love to my rock and roll brothers in the NYC. Enjoy the song below.

www.ourstage.com

If you want to hear some more from Heth and Jed then check out some clips below.

Check out the extra trippy 'Lavender Girl'


Check out their cover of Ryan Adams' 'When The Stars Go Blue'

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Silent Night by The Dickies

Christmas Rocks at The Lost Soul of Rock and Roll. All is calm and all is bright. The song of the day for December 5, 2012 is The Dickies cover of 'Silent Night'. This was released in 1978 as a single.

Southern California punk and a Christmas classic? Yes! 'Silent Night' was written during the early 19th Century in Austria by Joseph Mohr and the music was composed by Franz Gruber. The Dickies are considered to be one of the first Southern California punk bands that formed during the late 1970s. Take a classic Christmas song, give it a Ramones like punch, and you have a fun song. Enjoy!



While The Dickies did a great job of covering 'Silent Night', let's see who is out there in YouTube land covering this classic.

First is user ArrtiG who decides to drop an acoustic cover on us. I like that this dude looks like a Jonas brother but decides to give us some Damien Rice flavor. Very nice.


Micki and Debs, aka DaViglio, also have an acoustic version as well. They also do a very good job. I dig the Wonder Woman poster in the background. Girl power!


Listen to the Hawaiian version of 'Silent Night', which is very cool.


Here is a nice instrumental version by HubbardSax. I like the dude sitting in the back wearing the Bill Cosby approved sweater.I'm wondering if the guy in the back wants to be in the video or is waiting patiently to use the computer. If he's waiting to use the computer, then I wonder if he is thinking, "Hey Kenny G, get off the damn computer so I can check my fantasy football stats!"

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Linus and Lucy by The Vince Guaraldi Trio

We are having a rockin' Christmas this month at The Lost Soul of Rock and Roll. This is Christmas Rocks month, so don't be a blockhead. The song of the day for December 4, 2012 is 'Linus and Lucy' by The Vince Guaraldi Trio. This song was released in 1965 and is featured on the A Charlie Brown Christmas album.

'Linus and Lucy' is the Peanuts theme song, but it has also evolved into a Christmas classic. I don't know if any other song has accomplished the same feat. That's one for the Research Department at The Lost Soul of Rock and Roll. I don't have much to say about today's selection because it is one of those songs that everyone enjoys. I hope you dig this wonderful instrumental.

Monday, December 3, 2012

Everything's Gonna Be Cool This Christmas by Eels

December is Christmas Rocks at The Lost Soul of Rock and Roll. I love Rock and Roll and I love Christmas music, so I decided to combine the two and rock out for an entire month. Baby Jesus was born to rock. The song of the day for December 3, 2012 is 'Everything's Gonna Be Cool This Christmas' by the Eels.

It was early December some nine years ago when a guy on a music mailing list asked if anyone wanted a mix CD of Christmas tunes. I emailed the guy and a few weeks later the CD arrived. It had thirty great rock and roll Christmas tunes, plus there was a secret bonus song which was 'Everything's Gonna Be Cool This Christmas'. I didn't know who performed the song, but I did an internet search and found out it was the Eels.

Do you remember the Eels? They had the 90s alternative hit, 'Novocaine for the Soul'. That was a song I heard once and it was one time too many.

'Everything's Gonna Be Cool This Christmas' is a really cool up-tempo rocker. The video below was the only one I could find on YouTube. If you are a fan of the Eels and love The O.C. then you are in for a treat. Enjoy.