To put it simply, music moves people. This blog is a collection of songs to move to, in some fashion or another. Whether it's physical - running, dancing, driving or what have you - or mental, music plays a tremendous role in many peoples' day to day lives. Some of these songs you'll probably have heard. Others will be completely new to you. Others still may be rediscoveries. My hope is to bring you a song each day that is not only enjoyable to listen to, but may also make your day just a little better.
Beastie Boys
"A Year And A Day"
A true pioneer and musical hero died today. Adam Yauch, better known as MCA, the raspy voiced soul of the Beastie Boys, lost his battle with cancer.
I’ve been a fan of the Beastie Boys for seemingly my entire life. I remember jamming out to “Intergalactic” when I was in elementary school. The line “I like my sugar with coffee and cream” was the first time I realized what wordplay was.
MCA, for his part, was equal parts Ringo and George. He was probably the most gifted MC of the group, but he was also the most grounded. MCA’s gravelly tones perfectly balanced the yawp of Adrock and the very New York twang of Mike D. The interplay between the three of them was why they were successful; I’d argue it was MCA’s voice that made them superstars.
When I started this blog, I couldn’t help but name it after one of my favorite Beastie Boys tracks. At the time, MCA had just announced that he was undergoing treatment for cancer - a plight I was particularly sensitive to at the time, as my father was undergoing treatment for cancer as well. I was as sure that MCA would beat it as I was that my dad would beat it. You always expect the people you look up to will end up alright.
My dad did end up beating cancer, and for the longest time, it seemed that MCA was on the road to recovery as well. We got the excellent Hot Sauce Committee, Part II almost exactly a year ago. I figured it would only be a matter of time before the Beastie Boys would be on tour supporting it, and I’d finally get to see them live. A tour never materialized, though, and today, the news of MCA’s death hit like a tidal wave, all but ending the Beastie Boys. Surprise, sadness, anger, all those emotions we encounter in death came to the fore.
But so did all the fond memories and reminiscences about the impeccable career that MCA, Adrock and Mike D had together. I saw hundreds of musicians, actors, writers and celebrities tweeting about what the Beastie Boys meant to them. At one point, all the trending topics on Twitter were Beastie Boys related. It was a stunning outpouring of great memories, happiness, sympathy and sorrow that I have only seen once in my lifetime - when Michael Jackson died.
I put Paul’s Boutique on my turntable, and I sang every fucking lyric. When “B-Boy Bouillabaisse” came on, I was filled with emotion. When the MCA showcase “A Year and a Day” started, I lost it.
So here’s “A Year and a Day”.
Namaste, MCA.
James Brown
"Try Me"
Former Boston mayor Kevin White passed away today at the age of 82. He was perhaps the greatest mayor Boston has ever had. He made Mayor Menino - a good, if incomprehensible mayor - look like as poor a politician as Warren G. Harding. White is perhaps best known for his action following the death of Martin Luther King Jr., when he successfully lobbied WGBH and James Brown to air Brown’s concert at the Boston Garden live, in order to keep potential rioters off the streets. The move was a success, and was recently immortalized in the documentary “The Night James Brown Saved Boston”.
In memory of the late former mayor, here’s some James Brown from his classic disc Live at the Apollo.
Dave Brubeck
"Take Five"
It’s really difficult to post any jazz on Tumblr because of the 10MB maximum. Any piece that has any real length to it is too big at a good sound quality, or too poor in quality once it’s downgraded such that it can fit. Really a shame.
On the upside, the classic, “Take Five” is like 9.9MB, so here’s that for your enjoyment.
There are really only two songs worth playing on Christmas - “Fairytale of New York” by the Pogues and “Christmas in Hollis” by Run-DMC.
Red Hot Chili Peppers
"The Power Of Equality"
Blood Sugar Sex Magik turned 20 a couple of months ago. While it holds up as a very good record, a lot of the songs don’t hold up well over time - even some of the singles. In listening to it the other day, I counted four songs that are indelible from the album - “I Could Have Lied”, “The Righteous & The Wicked”, “My Lovely Man”, and especially this, the album-opening “Power of Equality”. Enjoy
The Beach Boys
"Good Vibrations"
The Beach Boys have dozens of great songs, but I think “Good Vibrations” is probably my favorite, even over stuff like “God Only Knows”, “Barbara Ann”, and “Caroline, No”, all of which I love dearly. There’s just something about “Good Vibrations” that puts it into that top echelon of pop songs.
Run-D.M.C.
"My Adidas"
I’ve never worn a pair of Adidas in my life, but there’s no doubt this is a stone cold classic.
Bob Dylan
"If You See Her, Say Hello"
I try to avoid posting songs from the same artist close together, but this one is unavoidable. This is perhaps my favorite Dylan tune, at least as of late. Enjoy.
NIGHTNIGHT by DEDDY
