Category: the catch-all-egory

cover it… or don’t?

First of all, dang! It has been more than a year since I have posted. I guess life is really preoccupied with other things, and there isn’t much time for the introspective blogger to pour out nonsensical musings on the daily anymore… at least not for this one. That being said, I have been thinking about this for a bit, and I wanted to sound off about it; cover songs.

Sometimes, a cover song is golden. Sometimes, it is the one you recognize, and it is the one that many people think of when you think of a particular song. Is it better than the original? Maybe! Is the cover more popular? Probably! Some notable examples include Whitney Houston’s cover of Dolly Parton’s I Will Always Love You, Aretha Franklin’s cover of Otis Redding’s Respect, and how could you forget Tina Turner’s cover of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s Proud Mary? I could go on and on, and some of these songs have become the “standard” version that you think of when you think of a particular song. Other notable contemporary examples, include Natalie Imbruliga’s cover of Ednaswap’s Torn and Mark Ronson and Amy Winehouse’s cover of Zuton’s Valerie; I honestly can’t say as I really “knew” the original, but instantly recognize the cover. Is that to say that the cover is better? Maybe (I have listed some GREAT covers)! That leads to my point in bringing this up… sometimes, it’s best NOT to cover a song.

As an artist, I feel like you need to ask yourself; can I do the song justice? Can I do it as good as or better than the original? Is my version just a fun little love song to the original, and will people really love it as much as I do? I feel like sometimes, the cover is probably just a fun little, “I love this song, and I can sing, so why not?”, and it really shows. Enter the “bad” cover song. Some times, you shouldn’t cover a song, just because you could, because to the listener, you really didn’t do it any justice, and nothing new or wonderful was brought to the table. Sometimes, the result is cringe-worthy. If you are a cover band, and it is fun show, then have at it; but if it is going on a record, or being released a single, I wonder what the motivation is to do (what I think is) a poor cover of a song.

I have a few examples:

Colbie Caillat’s cover of Roberta Flack’s Killing Me Softly With His Song. Now this is actually a cover of a cover, as far as I’m concerned, because most people think of the Fugees version when they think of this song. Not to pick on Colbie too much, but there is literally zero soul in this cover. It isn’t necessary, and I hear it more often than I should. This is a great example of how not to do a good cover.
Another prime example is Paris Hilton’s cover of Rod Stewart’s Do You Think I’m Sexy. The answer is a firm no on that one. There is nothing sexy about this cover, at all. One final of my least favorites, that was/is played TO DEATH on the radio not that long ago, is Ritt Momney’s cover of Corinne Bailey Rae’s Put Your Records On, which shows that sometimes, covering a song does nothing but take a good song, and make it really bad. This is a record that I do NOT want you to put on. It’s almost like they tried to do a half-assed, out-of-tune cover to make fun of the song, but I don’t know if there truly is irony or sarcasm here, or an attempt at something good; it’s difficult to tell. Either way, it is definitely one to skip.

Now, I know I am saying a lot as someone who cannot sing for themselves, so this is all a matter of opinion. There are tons of great songs out there, and cover them all you want; just do it justice! Add a little something, make it yours, give it life (think John Mayer’s live cover of Tom Petty’s Free Fallin’; THAT is a phenomenal cover)! Don’t just go through the motions, or make something that is just a filler track for your record. Again, just my two cents, but these bad covers made me think; what other covers are there that you can’t stand to hear? Sound off in the comments!

favorite albums of 2020

So, I have really been neglecting this blog, but really, I don’t have any excuses. Life is pretty crazy, and times aren’t like they were, BUT! Work is good, albeit sometimes stressful, and takes up a lot of my time. Life is good, but can also be stressful, and takes up the rest of my time.

That being said, I wanted to share some of my favorite albums from this year, as there were quite a few stellar albums released (I also included the songs from the cancelled Eurovision this year; there were some AMAZING entries, and it is sadly, another thing that covid-19 ruined). Here’s a playlist for you; play them in order or mix is up, it’s up to you! I know 2020 has been a crazy year for everyone, so here’s hoping next year is a little less traumatic!

(Note: The playlist is a lot longer than it appears… make sure you check out the full one on Spotify!)

I might make a playlist of my favorite songs, and if so, I will plan on another, rare post! Til then (hopefully)!!

Happy holidays, and happy new year everybody!

Silversun Pickups at the Tabernacle, ATL 6/19/10

I took a break from studying on Saturday, and James and I headed out to the Tabernacle to see the amazing Silversun Pickups, and what we got was nothing short of a damn fine concert. While I didn’t particularly care for the opening bands, Silversun Pickups completely wailed for the entire set, and were downright incredible. I’ve loved these guys (and girl!) ever since I first heard their incredible debut album Carnavas), which a friend turned me on to a few years ago. I’ve actually had the privilege of seeing them live once before; although, we were late, and only got to see like 3 songs (I made up for it by getting to meet them after their set, though); and I promised myself that I would make it a priority to see them the next time they were anywhere near Atlanta.
Silversun Pickups @ Tabernacle, ATL 6/19/10
After their previous album Swoon took me by storm (and given my previous near miss with their concert), it was a no-brainer that I had to go see them at the Tabernacle this past weekend, and I am more than glad that we went. James loved the show (which is saying something, because he doesn’t really “get” music that often), and all in all, it was an awesome show. It was the first time we decided to sit in the balcony for the show instead of the standing room only “pit” below, and I am glad we did; there was a little too much energy, and way too much crowd surfing for me (especially since I am pretty much exhausted from studying these days). Overall, they are an incredible band, who puts on an incredible show, and I am just glad that we were able to go. Whenever they come back this way, you can bet that I’ll do my best to be there.

holy shit it’s may; an update

I can’t believe we are in the 5th month of the year already. Damn, time is flying by.

So here’s a little update about what’s going on in duaneworld right now:
– We are still dealing with the bathroom remodel. This thing has seriously been 2 steps forward, 14 steps back. It is just a mountain of stress, and James and I have fought MANY times as a result. I am glad that in the end, we will get to take a nice relaxing spa shower to get over the stress. I am happy to report, however, that the last thing that the shower requires is the actual tiling and the installation of the door; we have framed everything out (plumbing too!), and the tiling SHOULD begin tonight (fingers crossed).
– Other than the bathroom, we haven’t been up to much. I need to write up a review of the Leslie Hall show from a couple of weeks ago (I know, mucho overdue), and I promise I will.
– We are seeing Death Cab For Cutie this week, and I am really excited about that; especially since it is my first time seeing them.
– That’s really about it… Oh yeah, as a friendly reminder, don’t forget to send you mother/grandmother/ any other mothers in your family a card/gift for Mother’s day… which is THIS Sunday!

Hope everyone is having a delightful (albeit dreadful) Monday! Other than an extended drive to work this morning, I am doing pretty well… seriously, Atlanta, how difficult is it to put up notice that the road is closed up ahead???! I mean, let us know before we go down the road and have to turn around; make things easier, won’t you?

what’s going on wednesday

I have been a bad blogger lately, but I blame my new PSP, in part. Lumines II has proven to be a highly addictive game, and so has Loco Roco. I can’t get enough of them, and find myself playing a lot in my free time. It seems like it was a good purchase after all!

I have been listening to music, and just trying to get through each day; my sinuses are still angry that they are expected to work properly, so they have been on strike for a few weeks now.

I am a quesadilla phase. I loves the cheesies and the crunchy tortillas. Yum.

I went on a photo stroll with Brody recently, and eventually, I will get around to posting the pictures. I really do love doing things with friends, and wonder why I don’t do more, more often.

Mr. Pickles has been a lot of fun, albeit a lot of annoying, overall. I am glad we got him. He’s a cutie, but I just wish he would stop biting at Sydney. If he would cut that out, he would be almost perfect. That and the chewing random things (like the eyes out of a toy… who does that?!).

I also blame twitter for my lack of blogging. I tend to think nonsensically, and twitter is PERFECT for that. I could seriously do movie quotes, song lyrics, and random thoughts all day long; and I tend to do just that on twitter. All of those people that wonder what the point of twitter is, well, that’s my take, so put that in your bonnet.

Other than this random crap, not much else is going on of note with the old duane. How’s everyone else?

tuesday january 20

Tuesday, January 20, 2009… a historical date? Looks like it. As someone who is definitely proud to have voted for Barack Obama, I can say that it is pretty cool to have our first black president taking the oath this morning (now, when is spell check going to be updated to recognize his name?). While everyone is a flutter with excitement, I can’t help but just be happy, and nothing more. I have been going through some personal stuff lately, and while I am okay (don’t worry, people!), I am still very ho hum and a bit depressed. Here’s a few random updates so you can get a feel for what’s going on in duaneland these days:

  • I hate when people talk about the weather like it’s a revelation. Yes, I noticed it was cold outside, because I walked through the brisk wind to get into the building; just like you did. Now, can we go back to not talking? There were two women talking at the gas pump this morning about how cold it was, and well, they were just annoying. Maybe I’m just annoyed too easily by things like this, but it is like I have said before, any time you want to point out the completely obvious, just know that you are opening yourself up to my ridicule.
  • James and I have been talking about the wedding, and honestly, the whole thing has caused us to have to re-think the entire event. Yes, we are still moving forward, but I don’t know what’s actually going to happen, nor do I know when. So, just stay tuned.
  • I’ve seen some really entertaining movies lately. That’s always a good thing.
  • I think a lot of my funk has to do with this snail’s pace that life seems to be taking for me, especially with regards to keeping the whole nursing thing going. After not getting into the accelerated program, I have just been met with more and more frustration, but I am determined to keep going. I am applying to two different programs for Fall, so fingers crossed, I will keep moving this juggernaut forward. It’s hard not to feel like Sisyphus right now, which again, is probably a huge part of my frustration/depressive state.
  • Apathy is a motherfucker. It’s got me by the balls right now, and I can’t figure out how to shake it. It makes me think of my friend Michael’s tag line on his LJ; fight apathy! or not… So funny, but so true.
  • I feel like I am just coasting right now, and I think that is part of the problem. I am working on it, but I just wish everything wasn’t an uphill battle. Is it so bad that one might want to just stay in bed all day?!
  • After having issues with my iPod Touch, I decided to restore it, and now, it seems a lot happier, and appears to be working normally. I just wish Apple products weren’t so bitchy when you use them with windows. Seriously, Apple, we like you, but don’t punish us because we cannot afford your amazing, but expensive, computers too.

Enough doom and gloom… I just thought it would be beneficial to get some of this stuff out. I hope everyone has a fantastical inauguration day. Congratulations to the Obama’s is certainly in order, and I for one, hope that the nation gets better because of the fact that they are taking the reigns from here.

the top three

This is where you would be reading about my top three CDs of 2008 right now, if I hadn’t procrastinated like a pro, and put off writing these entries one a day like I was planning. So… you will just have to wait until tomorrow to find out my three favorite CDs of 2008. I hope that you will be able to make it, because I feel bad enough for not being able to get in “under the wire”; seriously, don’t pummel me with tomatoes or shout too fervently at me, I know I let you down.

Now, I’m off to imbibe some cocktails with friends, and celebrate the one minute of the year where everyone seems far too focused on! Happy New Years everyone, and rest assured, I promise to deliver the goods tomorrow!

the 31 best of 2008 – 25: Joshua Radin – Simple Times

Continuing with the acoustic folk-rock, in at number 25 on my countdown this year, is the amazing sophomore disc by Joshua Radin, Simple Times.I first fell in instant love with Joshua after hearing his amazing song Today, from his first album, and I knew that I had to hear more. With this most recent release, Joshua has solidly put himself amongst the artists that I will always follow, and anxiously wait in anticipation for new material from them. This album is a soft, almost whisper-driven folk/pop album, which showcases song after song rooted in the same style as work from other acoustic guitar-picking style artists like Bright Eyes, Nick Drake, and especially Simon and Garfunkel.

The simplicity in each song speaks volumes about his music (perhaps, this is reflective of the album’s title), and I honestly think that it may be the very key to its beauty. I can picture Joshua standing before me with just his guitar in hand, as he sweetly sings each song, and tugs at my heartstrings with each one. I love music like this, because it is the type of music that I really identify with… well, definitely the romantic in me… and it’s how I know that I am a big softy inside.

Joshua’s sophomore album is filled with beautiful love songs, strung together with beautiful harmonies and elegant melodies. The overall theme of the record is upbeat, and loving, and many of the songs would be more than appropriate if played at a wedding; which is just another thing that I love about Joshua’s music and lyrical style. It is romantic, pleasing, peaceful, and it is hard not to smile and feel all warm and fuzzy inside while listening to this record. One of my favorite things that he does, is the way in which he blends his vocals with a soft and beautiful female vocal; making for a beautiful harmony, as well as the imagery of two people singing longing to one another.

If any of what I have said could be considered a bad thing (I’m looking at you, Stu), well, then I don’t want to be good, because everything about this album is wonderfully uplifting, romantic, and lovely. If that isn’t your thing, then I can’t help but wonder where your romantic side is, because this album definitely SHOUTS (well, if you can count a whisper as a shout) at mine. I would be more than honored to have Joshua play at our wedding… that is, if we could afford it…

Sparkle Factor:
Stand Outs: One Of Those Days, They Bring Me To You (this one is the one that could be played at my wedding, and I would be totally teary eyed — this song could totally be used as vows!), Free Of Me, You Got Growing Up To Do.

5SF: october 31

I guess this is the Halloween edition of five song Friday, not because it is Halloween themed, but simply because it is happening on Halloween this year. I am wearing a cute orange shirt today that has three ghosts on it, and when you turn off the lights, the word boo glows in the dark. It was too cute to pass up… and it was orange! I guess Halloween should be a favorite holiday of mine, since orange is everywhere, and it is an excuse to eat lots of candy, but I never really get into it to be honest. We are going to give out candy, and check in on our neighbor’s party, but that’s about it. Whatever you are up to this ghoulish “holiday”, rest assured that I have some great songs for you today, none of which have anything to do with Halloween, but are great nonetheless. Alright, here it goes…

Horse Feathers – Curs of Weeds
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_1031_horsefeathers-cursofweeds.mp3]
I first heard Horse Feathers on the indie channel of XM, and I thought they were mellow and delightful. I downloaded their most recent release, and after hearing this song once, I freaking loved it. The vocals remind me of the smoky/raspy vocals of artists like Ray LaMontagne, which are coupled with a backing female vocal that take something beautiful and make it gorgeous. The delicate nature of this song just makes me want to close my eyes and absorb it all. The violins are achingly beautiful, and the tenderness and composition of the instrumentation is fantastic. The rest of the record is quite good, and being that this song was such an instant favorite, I am happy that I could share it this week. I love discovering stuff like this.

Nicole Scherzinger Pussycat Dolls – I Hate This Part
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_1031_pcd-ihatethispart.mp3]
Now, I was originally a skeptic of PCD, but they wouldn’t go away, and eventually, I was lured into their pop web, and ended up becoming somewhat of a fan. Given that I loved the first single off of Doll Domination (When I Grow Up) so much, I had to give the rest of the record a chance, and in my time with it, I have found several great songs on the record. However, my favorite BY FAR, is this amazingly beautiful ballad that pretty much proves what we knew all along; not only is Nicole Scherzinger the voice behind the Pussycat Dolls, but she pretty much NEEDS a solo career. Seriously. Watch the video for this song. She’s definitely carrying this group, and that doesn’t bother me; so as long as they make fantastic songs like this one. I just hope that Nicole is happy, and keeps bringing the goods like she is doing here. Damn she sings the shit out of this song; just listen at about 3:10 in… wow.

P!nk – I Don’t Believe You
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_1031_pink-idontbelieveyou.mp3]
As I mentioned earlier this week, I was excited to snag P!nk’s newest album, which came out on Tuesday, and I will say that this record is definitely a grower. With the first listen, I liked it, but with each subsequent listen, many of these songs are really sticking with me in a great way. This song in particular is beautiful, heartbreaking, and perfect for her smoky voice. I have liked P!nk for a long time now, and with this record, she has just further solidified her fan base; it is a great album, and is already among my favorites of this year. I hate that she had to endure a break up, but at least she was able to channel some of that energy into making Funhouse such a great record.

The Saturdays – Work
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_1031_saturdays-work.mp3]
I was originally skeptical of the Saturdays (lots of skepticism this week!); mainly because I felt like they were a bit of a Girls Aloud wannabe. However, their first single, If This Is Love, found it’s way onto my ipod, and I found myself really liking it, and even featured it on a previous five song Friday. My buddy Stu (thanks Stu!!!!!) insisted that I check out the rest of their record, Chasing Lights, and I am VERY glad that I did. There are some very well produced pop songs on that record, and Work, by far, is my favorite. That chorus is just fierce. Girls Aloud have definitely got some competition from these beauties; but I am willing to bet that the world has room for more than a few studio-produced girl pop super groups, right!? With songs like this, I know that I definitely have room for them on my ipod!

Lady GaGa – Starstruck

[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_1031_ladygaga-starstruck.mp3]
Okay, it is no secret that I love Lady GaGa. I gushed yesterday about her amazing performance on Wednesday night, as well as her CD’s release earlier this week (FINALLY!), and since it was such a GaGa week, I felt compelled to bring at least one more track from her amazing record to the table. This song was the song that she closed with the other night, and she fucking tore it up! In fact, since the show, I have been playing this banger on repeat. This song is a new song for fellow GaGa fans; it was one of the two new songs that she put on her already impressive record for release here in the states. I have to say, that she definitely has my vote for best new talent of 2008, and if she keeps churning out impressive pop like this, she is going to be bigger than huge. I am so glad that I got to see her live in such an intimate setting, and I was (and still am) starstruck by the amazing Lady GaGa. Also, make sure you go and check out the video for Poker Face, the second AMAZING single from The Fame… it is FIERCE!

Well, there you have it; another week on the books, and five more songs to tantalize your ears. This week ranged all the way from the acoustic to the banging-est beats, and I hope that everyone found a little something that they enjoyed. As always, let me know what you are listening to, and let me know what you think of these tracks! Have a safe and happy Halloween!!!

5SF: october 17

After a relaxing weekend in the Bahamas, and a week off from bringing the music, I am glad to say that the five song Friday is back in a big way this week! All five of these songs are poptastic in their own way, and they are all great songs that have recently taken me by storm.

This week is also the “turning of a corner”, of sorts; I think that I am going to completely phase out posting videos from youtube as a part of the five song Friday. If you read yesterday’s post, you know why, and due to that frustration, I just don’t think it is worth my time. I haven’t looked back to see which videos I have posted in the past that have been removed, but I am sure that at least a few of them have, and that bothers me. So, we will focus on the music, and if the video is a must see, then I will try and post a link for it, even though I won’t be posting the actual video, mmmkay? Either way, the music will keep playing!

Beyonce – If I Were A Boy
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_1017_beyonce-ifiwereaboy.mp3]
I am going to start this one off with one word: Amazing. Seriously, Beyonce has captured my attention with several hits in the past, like Crazy in Love, and Baby Boy, but it wasn’t until her belting the SHIT out of Listen in Dreamgirls that I really fell in love with her. After that, I knew that Bey was the real deal, and ever since, I have been paying closer attention to this diva. With the buzz around the interwebs talking about Bey releasing a new record soon, my newfound dedication clearly sparked my interest, and after one listen of If I Were A Boy, I have to say that I was very impressed. This song is beautiful, powerful, and very well written. The accompanying video is magnificent. I am glad to see that Beyonce is doing songs like this one, and really showing some pop range, and some beauty in vulnerability. The jury is still out on the other song that is being simultaneously released, but I can definitely say that If I Were A Boy is an INSTANT favorite. One more thing, I have to say, that I can’t believe how instantly impressed I was with this song, it is seriously major, and it gets even better with each listen.

JoJo – How To Touch a Girl
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_1017_jojo-howtotouchagirl.mp3]
While we were on the cruise, there were two channels that were dedicated to music on the TV in the room, and I found myself watching them from time to time when we were relaxing at night. Well, the video for this song came on, and I was about to change it, when I decided to let it go through to the chorus (seeing as I had never heard the song before). Well, cut to me being pretty impressed. Here, JoJo has a bona fide pop anthem on her hands, and I have had this CD all this time, and didn’t even know this gem existed!!! Needless to say, I quickly put this one back on my ipod, and I have been enjoying it since we returned home. Sometimes I ignore stuff for a while, but it is nice if it eventually comes back onto my radar screen; especially when it is great like this song!! Luck be a lady named JoJo in this case! Be sure to check out the video too.

Aqualung – Arrivals
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_1017_aqualung-arrivals.mp3]
Last week, I blogged about how I was extremely surprised and excited by the quiet release of a new Aqualung record. However, after a couple of lessons, I feel that the record sounds a bit incomplete and rushed; it is no where near as polished as Memory Man is. Now, I hadn’t written it off forever, but I was having trouble finding anything that could be considered redeeming in this release; it is kind of a disappointment. Cut to my blog-buddy Steve mentioning the final track, Arrivals, on his blog, and me going back for another listen. HOLY SHIT. This song is epic. It is gargantuan. It is massive. It is beautiful. It is flawed, but yet somehow perfect. This is Aqualung at his best, and I don’t know why it was reserved for the end of the record, but I am happier than a pig in shit that it is there. This song may not be a full fledged redeemer, but it is as close as this record could ever hope for. This song is poised to become an all time favorite.

Antony and the Johnsons – Another World
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_1017_antonyandthejohnsons-anotherworld.mp3]
I had kind of a love/hate relationship with Antony when I first heard their material. I didn’t care for Antony’s voice, and there was no consoling me… at first. I decided that maybe I was being hasty, so I listened, I mean really listened, and I felt and heard the ache and tenderness that is so powerful and unique about Antony. I quickly turned on my heal, and became a HUGE fan of Antony and the Johnsons, especially their previous record, I Am A Bird Now, which is pretty much a flawless record. Well, when I saw that they had released an EP of new songs last week, I HAD to have it. I am glad that I snagged it too, because in the same vein as I Am A Bird Now, Another World is full of amazing songs; my favorite being the title track, which I am glad to present to you this week. The part where they make it sound like a whale call with the distortion is an amazing touch. If you haven’t heard Antony’s stuff, do yourself a favor and check out this truly amazing artist.

Noah and The Whale – 5 Years Time
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_1017_noahandthewhale-5yearstime.mp3]
I know what you are thinking… is it something like, “Hey!! I have heard that before! In a commercial, right?!”? Well you would be right!! It is the song from the Saturn commercial, and it is fantastically catchy and fun song. I tried to resist this little gem for a while, but I have heard it again and again, and this song is such a damn ear worm that it wouldn’t give up until I went ahead and downloaded it. Well, I am glad I did, because I do quite like it, and I like how it really is like what a smile would probably sound like, if it were transformed into a song. Good stuff, eh? Be sure to check out the super cute video as well.

Well, there’s your five songs for this week, children. I hope that you enjoyed them, because there are definitely some AMAZING songs in this week’s collection. I am glad to be back, and I hope you didn’t miss the tunes too much last week. As always, be sure to let me know what you think, and definitely tell me what is playing on your appropriated musical device!!