What Are You Listening to Wednesday - Week 17

Once again I am slack on my music posts, but I have returned! This week I once again chose five songs off Ana's list and five songs off Vanessa's list using Random.org.

From Ana's List I Listened to:
27 - 'Summer on the Westhill' by Kings of Convenience
39 - 'Instant Street' by dEUS
21 - 'Let Down' by Radiohead
37 - 'Samson' by Regina Spektor
50 - 'Killing All the Flies' by Mogwai

'Summer on the Westhill' by Kings of Convenience


Thoughts: This is a quiet song. It's actually great for listening to in the background while you are doing something else or when you want to listening to a more meditative type of music. I actually really liked it more and more as I listened to it. I followed along with the lyrics and they are well written, too. It really is just an all around peaceful song.

'Instant Street' by dEUS


Thoughts: Unfortunately the only not live version of this song on YouTube has the end cut off. But, you get the idea of the song. I really liked it. It is actually getting catchy the more I listen to it.

'Let Down' by Radiohead


Thoughts: I actually went through a Radiohead stage at one point, so I was familiar with this song to begin with. I do like them, so I am not entirely sure why I stopped listening to them. This was another quiet song, but a good one. Once again I listened to it and followed along with the lyrics. (Well, sort of. Casey needed attention and then she knocked over her water dish. I listen to the songs off and on over the course of about two weeks, but then I pay close attention to them while watching YouTube videos in order to write up the posts.)

'Samson' by Regina Spektor


Thoughts: I really like both this song and the video. You should definitely check them out!

'Killing All the Flies' by Mogwai


Thoughts: This song is instrumental. I am not usually a huge fan of instrumental stuff, but I really liked this.

From Vanessa's List I Listened To:
45 - 'The Model' by Kraftwerk
117 - 'You and Whose Army' by Radiohead
93 - 'Jesus Built my Hotrod' by Ministry
95 - 'Walk' by Pantera
21 - 'I Wanna Be Your Dog' by The Stooges

'The Model' by Kraftwerk


Thoughts: This is an older song, but if you read the lyrics you can easily still compare them to right now. They still fit. It is not an amazing song, but it is good in its simplicity.

'You and Whose Army' by Radiohead


Thoughts: I thought it was funny how Radiohead was on both lists this week. I actually knew this song better than the one Ana suggested. I am not sure why. It has been a long time since I paid a lot of attention to Radiohead, so they are a distant memory until I listen to them again. (Apparently the lyrics are wrong in this video, but not enough to take away from anything.) And, apparently this was in a movie. That's probably why I know it better.

'Jesus Built my Hotrod' by Ministry


Thoughts: I just don't know on this one. One on the one hand I am not drawn to it, but on the other hand it is catchy. Does that make any sense to anyone? I couldn't entirely make out everything he was saying so I looked the lyrics up. It's an interesting song...

'Walk' by Pantera


Thoughts: Yep, so Pantera. I sort of cringed when I saw this on the list because I have heard this song before and I was never a huge fan... But, I was a dutiful list follower and when this song came up I listened to it again. It's not HORRIBLE, but I still can't picture me rushing out to listen to more from them... What I have been thinking about is what the song is really about. I was browsing through the comments while I was listening to it and people were saying it promotes aggression, fighting, etc... I don't get it. It says 'Respect' and actually says to walk away... How does that promote fighting? Did I get the meaning wrong? Please don't tell me that head-banging-type music is what promotes that stuff because that is just silly. I might not be a huge fan, but even I don't think that... Thoughts?


'I Wanna Be Your Dog' by The Stooges


Thoughts: I had heard this song before. Joan Jett also does a version that I am familiar with. Yep, music trivia from me of all people! Both versions are catchy.

If anyone is curious, this is my favourite Joan Jett song.

What Are You Listening to Wednesday - Week 16

What Are You Listening to Wednesday is a Meme started by Dolce Bellezza.

Sorry about the double-posting today. I didn't want to skip a week with the music as I have all ready listened to the songs and taken notes. As I did 2 weeks ago, I listened to 5 songs off Ana's list and 5 songs off of Vanessa's list. I used Random.org to select them.

From Vanessa's List I Listened to:
98 - 'Doll Parts' by Hole
24 - 'Up Around the Bend' by CCR
12 - 'Venus in Furs' by The Velvet Underground
73 - 'The Killing Moon' by Echo & the Bunnymen
52 - 'Voulez Vous' by ABBA

'Doll Parts' by Hole:


Thoughts: I have heard Hole before because I remember Vanessa listening to them. I never really minded them, but I never set out to listen to them on my own either. This is probably the first time I have heard anything by them in about 10 years or more and I didn't mind the experience. I actually like this song. I am not so sure they would be a band I listened to all the time, but if they were to come up on a music player I wouldn't mind. I think at some point this year I am going to refresh my memory of other songs by them.

'Up Around the Bend' by CCR:


Thoughts: CCR is one of my favourite bands ever. I have one of their greatest hits albums, so listening to this song was a breeze because it was on it of course. I always enjoy an excuse to listening to their music, so I was happy to have this song on my list. One of their best!

'Venus in Furs' by The Velvet Underground


Thoughts: This song has an interesting beginning. And then the song overall has a very different sound to it. I found it a bit catchy. I have heard of The Velvet Underground before, but this was my first time listening to them as far as I remember. This different sound they have makes me curious about more of their stuff. My only quibble with this song is another lead singer with a bit of a flat voice, but it only really bothered me the first couple times. If you listen to it a few more times you start to see that his voice works.

'The Killing Moon' by Echo & the Bunnymen


Thoughts: When I listened to this song the first couple times I knew I knew it, but I couldn't place it. Sharing that observation with Vanessa revealed it is from the movie Donnie Darko. We watched that movie sometime in the last few months, so obviously the song was still in the back of my mind. This song has grown on me and I added it to my playlist so I can hear it once in a while. I tried listening to the CD it was off, but this was the only song that impressed me with the first run-through. I plan to listen again, though, and should be posting about it next Wednesday.

'Voulez Vous' by ABBA


Thoughts: I know who ABBA is and sometimes you can hear them played on the radio. I have probably heard most of their popular songs over the years, but I have never pursued them. That is not to even say they are bad. Their songs are catchy and they can sing rather well. That fact that their is an entire musical based around their music is saying something about the lasting power of their songs. A fun diversion.

From Ana's List I Listened To:
33 - 'Somewhere There's a Feather' by Nico
23 - 'Lost Verses' by Sun Kil Moon
29 - 'Listzomania' by Phoenix
31 - 'Elderly Woman Behind the Counter in a Small Town' by Pearl Jam
47 - 'Wrapped Up in Book' by Belle & Sebastian

'Somewhere There's a Feather' by Nico


Thoughs: I am not crazy about Nico's voice, but I really like the song. I seem to be very critical of singers voices, huh? I think she could grow on me if I explored her a bit more, though. It is just different.

'Lost Verses' by Sun Kil Moon


Thoughts: In the beginning I thought I wouldn't mind this song, but I have to admit that every time I have listened to it I have found myself getting distracted and doing something else. I think it is just too long for me... I don't mind the singers voice or anything, though, so it could just be this one song. This band is on my list to explore a bit more. The reason I have started listening to CDs of the bands from this project is just because Ana (or Vanessa) love a song, doesn't mean I will. Or, I could listen to the CD and find something I love 10 times better even if I did like the song they chose.

'Listzomania' by Phoenix


Thoughts: This is another song I felt like I had heard before. Maybe on Satellite Radio? Anyway, I actually really liked this song. I don't know what is up with the video, though. I have listened to all those other songs with no problem, but I had to turn the volume up for this one. With the video it is not so obvious, but when I was listening to this song over the last two weeks I felt it ended rather abruptly.

'Elderly Woman Behind the Counter in a Small Town' by Pearl Jam


Thoughts: Was this song in a movie? I just thought I remembered it playing in the background of something... The simple thing to say about this song is I have heard of Pearl Jam for years, but I have no idea what they sing. I have just never pursued them myself. I liked this song, though. Maybe I should have listened to them a while ago...

'Wrapped up in Books' by Belle & Sebastian



Thoughts: I have to admit that I am all for a song called 'Wrapped up in Books' and with a video taking place in a book store? This is a song after my own heart! That being said, Belle & Sebastian is not a band I have a huge reaction to overall. I don't hate this song, but at the same time it didn't blow me away. They are a quiet band, judging by this song, and you can't help having a quiet reaction to this song. If that makes any sense.

What Are You Listening to Wednesday - Week 14

What Are You Listening to Wednesday is a meme started by Dolce Bellezza.

This post is a bit late, but I decided to wait until I had the house to myself and could really concentrate. This week I am going to be posting about 10 songs. I listened to 5 songs off Ana's list and 5 songs off Vanessa's list. When I started this project I was just going through Ana's list in order, but decided that I was going to start using random.org to decide my choices for the week.

From Ana's list I listened to:
46 - 'Lost Cause' by Beck
25 - 'There is a Light That Never Goes Out' by The Smiths
32 - 'The Only Living Boy in New York' by Simon & Garfunkel
45 - 'Neighbourhood #2' by The Arcade Fire
37 - 'The Jeep Song' by The Dresden Dolls

'Lost Cause' by Beck:




Thoughts: I have quickly discovered with Ana's songs it is as much about listening to the songs as paying attention to the lyrics. I always try to make sure to both listen to the song and, thanks to YouTube, familiarize myself with the lyrics. I have heard Beck before, but I was not familiar with this song. I actually really liked it. I wasn't sure with the first listen, but as I listened it grew on me. And, I think getting a feeling for the lyrics was a benefit. A keeper.

'There is a Light That Never Goes Out' by The Smiths




Thoughts: This was actually on my list to listen to before I changed my methods, so I had been listening to it for a while. I was all set for a week and then didn't get a chance to post. I think this song is my favourite off the list for this week. I have to say that following Ana's list has been hard for me because we actually listen to entirely different music, but I am starting to benefit from it. In the beginning I was not sure this was a good idea, but now I am so happy that I am sticking with it. I am starting to change my ways and find new music to explore. Also, this song makes me think I need to watch the movie 500 Days of Summer.

'The Only Living Boy in New York' by Simon and Garfunkel




Thoughts: I was very happy to see Simon & Garfunkel on this list. I actually quite like them and I had this song to begin with. I went through a period at the end of last year where I was listening to them while cooking supper. It was a nice trip down memory lane. I actually consider a few other of their songs more my favourites, but I do really enjoy this one. They are very talented and Simon and Garfunkel: The Concert in Central Park is one of my favourite concerts ever!

'Neighbourhood #2' by The Arcade Fire




Thoughts: Well, for those of you that do not know, Arcade Fire is a band from Montreal, Canada. They had a really good year last year... maybe the year before... and we were hearing about them all over the place. I have to admit I didn't quite get it when I heard them perform. I am still not so sure that I get the big deal over them. They do write very interesting lyrics, someone on YouTube calls them prophets, but they didn't really call to me at all. It is not even as though this song is bad. I just feel like I am missing something. I am thinking I might have to listen to them more. Maybe get a CD by them? (Saying that, I am humming this song at the moment, so maybe they are growing on me...) (I have to say that they do write some very good lyrics. I just got distracted browsing some of them...)


 'The Jeep Song' by The Dresden Dolls

I wasn't able to find a decent video of this song... If anyone has one, please share the link!

Thoughts: Well, first of all I had no idea there was a song called 'The Jeep Song'. I had heard of the Dresden Dolls before, but I was actually saying the other day that I wasn't really aware of what they sang. When they came up as a song choice for this week I was curious. So, I listened to the song and I couldn't help saying 'Seriously?'. Then, I looked up the lyrics and had a similar reaction. I can't believe this song actually works, but it does. The Dresden Dolls are a bit of an acquired taste, I think, but they are worth exploring a bit more.

Overall Thoughts: I actually didn't mind any of these songs. I am not sure if they will all become favourites, but none of them really bothered me. I actually think I might explore some more songs by each artist. If anyone has any suggestions please share them in the comments. Thanks Ana!

From Vanessa's List I Listened to:
112 - 'Between the Bars' by Elliott Smith
31 - 'Search and Destroy' by Iggy and the Stooges
48 - 'Being Boiled' by The Human League
57 - 'Heartattack & Vine' by Tom Waits
89 - 'Touch Me I'm Sick' by Mudhoney

'Between the Bars' by Elliott Smith




Thoughts: So, apparently Ana and Vanessa are Elliott Smith fans. I had never heard of him before, but I listened to 'Waltz #2' back on week 10. Unfortunately there were many other things on my mind that week, so he sort of fell through the cracks. I was happy to have the chance to go back and explore him a bit because he did spark some interest with that song. He is very different than what I normally I listen to. I tend to listen to livelier music, so I am slower to appreciate him than some. I have to say, though, I am really starting to enjoy him. I am planning to explore more from him. Thanks to Ana and Vanessa for bringing him to my attention!

'Search and Destroy' by Iggy and the Stooges




Thoughts: Well, this was quite the contrast after listening to Elliott Smith. I had heard The Stooges before, but I am not so sure this was one of the songs. Punk is another type of music that I have not entirely come to love. I listened to this song several times, but it just didn't grow on me. That being said, I browsed other songs by them and I do like a few here and there. That's saying something!

'Being Boiled' by The Human League




Thoughts: I had never heard of this band before. This song is catchy in its own way. I enjoyed it for the most part and am curious about more from them. They actually seem to be still around. (And, upon a bit of exploring I have heard some of their songs before. I am bad with names.)

'Heartattack & Vine' by Tom Waits




Thoughts: I had heard of Tom Waits before and this song, so I was happy to re-listen. It had been ages since I heard it. I wasn't even entirely sure how it went any more, but I have been listening to it off and on for the last little while to refresh my memory. I wanted to concentrate on the songs that were on the actual list, but I think I am going to get one of his CDs. Thanks for reminding of him, Vanessa!

'Touch Me I'm Sick' by Mudhoney




Thoughts: As far as I know I have never heard of Mudhoney before. They do illustrate the importance of listening over and over again, though; because when I listened to them the first time I was not quite sure. I actually like it, though. It is apparently a song that grows on you with time. I actually find it almost catchy once it gets going.

Overall Thoughts: Well, Vanessa, I have come a long way with my music tastes. I remember when we were younger I didn't always get what you were listening to, and vice versa, but I would like to think I have progressed very well. In junior high I probably would have been trying to think of a polite way to get out of this music project, but instead I am very excited about it. Actually, between this list and your blog I have discovered you listen to a lot of music I never pictured you listening to. You have surprised me. And, I didn't really start listening to bands like Iron Maiden until I was older, so I have a very different taste in music now than I did before. I look forward to the next batch of songs!

What Are You Listening to Wednesday - Week 10

Debi at still with nothing of importance is doing this project where she had some of her favourite people send her lists of books she should read, movies she should watch, songs she should listen to, etc. Ana, from things mean a lot, sent her a list of songs that I will be working my way through over the coming Wednesdays. The meme itself is hosted at Dolce Bellezza.

Finally, I am back to the list...

The Songs for This Week Are:
The Butcher by Owen Pallet
Rambling Man by Laura Marling
Behold! The Nightmare by The Smashing Pumpkins
Friends as Lovers by Zwan
Waltz #2 by Elliott Smith

'The Butcher' by Owen Pallet
Do you want to know what is really cool about Owen Pallet? He is Canadian and he recorded a CD with the Nova Symphony Orchestra. For those thinking 'um, okay'; I live in Nova Scotia. I had never heard of him or the concert before, but I was intrigued and had to listen to it. As a result the song itself got a bit pushed aside.... This is not my favourite song necessarily, but it is the only video I could find where the music at least is Pallett and the Symphony.




Then, we move on to 'Rambling Man' by Laura Marling. I actually really enjoyed this song and consider it my favourite off the list itself. I am going to explore Laura Marling more.




I had heard The Smashing Pumpkins song before. The only album I ever owned was Adore and this song was on it. I used to like Bill Corgan's voice, but I think I have moved away from it over the years. That is not to say I don't still enjoy his music to a point and I enjoyed 'Behold! The Nightmare' back when I heard it for the first time. Unfortunately I couldn't find a video to share that wasn't terrible, but it was a good song!

Then, there is Zwan. I know a few people that went to see them back when they toured back in the early 2000's. I had forgotten all about them until I got to their song on the list. I did listen to them a bit back when they came out, but they were not a 'go to' band. Still, this is a decent song by them that I hadn't heard in ages and probably never would have thought about without this project. Billy Corgan is a WAY better writer than a musician...




Lastly, we have 'Waltz #2' by Elliott Smith. I did like this song, but between discovering Owen Pallett's Nova Scotia connection, rediscovering The Smashing Pumpkins and Zwan, and really enjoying 'Rambling Man' it sort of fell to the wayside this week. You should still listen to it!

What Are You Listening to Wednesday - Week 5

Debi at still with nothing of importance is doing this project where she had some of her favourite people send her lists of books she should read, movies she should watch, songs she should listen to, etc. Ana, from things mean a lot, sent her a list of songs that I will be working my way through over the coming Wednesdays.

I am a bit late in the day getting this post up because the guy is working back shifts and was asleep for most of the day. I figured I would wait until he was awake and I could properly listen to the songs for this week.

The Songs for This Week Are:

O.K. With My Decay by Grandaddy
Go Long by Joanna Newsom
Tear in Your Hand by Tori Amos
Virus by Bjork
Thickets by Patrick Wolf

I was a bit 'meh' with last week and I felt bad. I think if this week was the same I probably would have thrown in the towel because Ana is a friend and I don't want to write posts about how I don't like her music. This week started off much better than last week, though. I really enjoyed the first song. I was intrigued by it when I glanced at my song choices for this week because that is an interesting name for a song. The song itself turned out to be really good. The video is terrible... I am thinking I will be exploring Grandaddy a bit more.

Moving on... The next artist is Joanna Newsom. The music is beautiful and I really enjoy the lyrics, but I don't like her voice... That disappoints me because she seems rather intriguing judging by this one song. Maybe I would like her voice better on a different song? I see she has lots to choose from. (I got a bit distracted and explored this idea a bit. Frankly, I don't like her voice, but the music is wonderful. I think I will have to see if her voice grows on me.)

And then there is Tori Amos. She is a singer I have heard lots about between bloggers and Neil Gaiman. Her songs even play a part in the short story collection Fragile Things. I explored the CD that was mentioned at the time and I didn't really get the big appeal. I have since explored her a bit more, like with this song, and she is way better than I thought. I can see why Chris, Ana, Carl, etc all really seem to enjoy her music. And, the best thing is that I like her voice, she has written wonderful lyrics, and the music is beautiful. It is the full package.

The next musician is Bjork. I had actually heard of her before, but I don't know if I have ever heard anything by her. The funny thing is that I am playing the music through our surround sound system and the one where most of the talking (or singing in this case) would be focused was pointed at where Casey was sleeping. I think she was trying to figure out what the noise was. I am not sure if that makes her pro or against Bjork. I personally would have to listen to more of her songs to really say with any assurance. She's not terrible, but the weird noises in the background are a bit to get used to.
I couldn't find a decent video on YouTube for this song.
And lastly we have Patrick Wolf. He is very intriguing I must say. It is almost like the music is doing one thing and then he is singing something entirely different. I am not so sure how to explain. I am really curious about him now. I got a bit distracted listening to a couple of his other songs and I am not entirely sure what I think yet. I just like it because, for me at least, it has a very different sound from the 'norm'.

This music project is a lot of fun. I think if I went back and listened to last weeks music now I would have an entirely different thought about it. I seem to be in a different mood this evening. I look forward to the songs for next week!

So, has anyone else listened to any of the songs I have been talking about? Thoughts?

What Are You Listening to Wednesday - Week 4

Debi at still with nothing of importance is doing this project where she had some of her favourite people send her lists of books she should read, movies she should watch, songs she should listen to, etc. Ana, from things mean a lot, sent her a list of songs that I will be working my way through over the coming Wednesdays.

You can see week 1 of this project here.

The songs for this week are:

No Key, No Plan by Okkervil River

In the Aeroplane Over the Sea by Neutral Milk Honey
Passing Afternoon by Iron and Wine
I Feel Like the Mother of the World by Smog
Where the Birds Always Sing by The Cure

Okay, I really liked the songs from last week to the point where I have explored them a bit more. This week... I didn't love the songs. I think it is partly my mood, though. If I listened to them a couple more times each they would probably grow on me. I am pretty sure 'Passing Afternoon' was on an episode of House, and I liked it when I heard it in that context. The thing with me and music is I could hear all five of this songs next week and think they are the greatest things ever. There are some bands I listen to now that I hated in the beginning. (Rush for example.)

Why do I know it is my mood more than anything? Because afterwards I put on music I know I enjoy and wasn't really interested in that either. Hopefully next week will go a bit better for me! You should still checkout the songs if you have never heard of them before.

What Are You Listening to Wednesday - Week 3

Debi at still with nothing of importance is doing this project where she had some of her favourite people send her lists of books she should read, movies she should watch, songs she should listen to, etc. I was sitting here drinking my coffee and I remembered that Ana had sent her a list of 50 songs and it was Wednesday. I live under a rock when it comes to music. I listen to music that has been out for 20 or 30 years most of the time, so stealing the list Ana sent to Debi seemed like a good idea. I figure I will try and listen to 5 songs off the list every week until I run out.

The songs for this week:

1. Vesuvius by Sufjan Stevens
2. Edward is Dedward by Emmy the Great
3. About Today by The National
4. Heads Roll Off by Frightened Rabbit
5. Ocean Breathes Salty by Modest Mouse

Of the five I had only really heard of Modest Mouse before, but I am pretty sure I have seen mention of a couple of the others. My first opinion of the songs is that I didn't really hate any of them. If they were on a CD I would listen to them with no problem. My favourite of the batch was 'Edward is Dedward', though. I am thinking I will have to explore Emmy the Great in more depth.

The song 'About Today' lead to me looking into a movie called The Warrior. There were comments on YouTube saying that the song and a scene in the movie were great. I am not sure when I will get around to said movie, but that's another thing I am usually behind with. The title makes me think the cc will like it, so we will go with that. The song has nice lyrics, but it didn't really excite me enough to explore the band more.

'Vesuvius' by Sufjan Stevens is catchy. I am thinking I will probably explore him a bit more, too. I really enjoy the covers to his CDs, their titles, and the names for his songs. He is creative in that sense at least. I am thinking it probably transports over to his music. I also see he has a Christmas CD.

Modest Mouse is the only one of the singers I can say with certainty I have actually heard of before. They are not a terrible band, but they have never really caused me to listen to them religiously either. 'Ocean Breathes Salty' was a good enough song, but not my favourite of the group.

Lastly, there was the song 'Heads Roll Off' by Frightened Rabbit. That is a very interesting name for a band, I have to say. I really liked the video I watched for this song. I liked the song, too, so it was an enjoyable experience. I am going to share video below, but I wanted to apologize because it has an advertisement before you can watch it. (I am actually listening to the song again while I write this and it is growing on me.)

I will probably listen to all 5 songs randomly during the next week and see what happens. I hope this post leads to some exploration of your own and I look forward to listening to the next 5 songs very soon!