Guilty Pleasures #1: Areosmith - "Back in the Sadle Again"

I have decided to start a series of posts that I will add to over time about different guilty pleasures of mine. I belive that the atmosphere in which you choose to listen to a particaular song can dramatically effect the listenability of a particualr work. There are certain songs that I wouldnt be caught dead listening to in any normal settting. However, there are exceptions to this - i.e. - Areosmith, which I pretent to loath, and their song "Back in the Saddle Again." I want to go ahead and appologize to any Areosmith fans out there. I mean no ill will. I just don't really like the band or the music that much - on your average day. Yet, their are times in my life when I want to rock out to this song. Important times in my life. Not your average day mind you, but times when you need a little mood music. Times like - the begging of a road trip for instance. Thoese are times when music like this is appropriate and dare I say even needed, or wanted.

Who am I kidding I crave this song at the beginning of a road trip. This and Gene Autry or a little Willy Nelson, Kenny Rogers, the Muppet's (maybe that's the really guilty pleasure)... It just fits. I can't explain it. I just know for a fact that it is true. It's cheesy. It's wrong. It's dirty. But it's the truth and I love it.

So without further adieu I give you Aerosmith, "Back in the Sadle Again."

And I am so ashamed. How about you guys out there in cyberland... what music is your guilty pleasure?

Areosmith - "Back in the Saddle Again"

Top 5 Bands I Can't Get Into, but wish I could.

The Top 5 Bands I Can't Get Into, but wish I could...

Now don't get me wrong people, I am not saying that I hate these bands, I really want to like these bands. I have tried very hard to get them under my skin. Each of the bands that I am about to mention I even think are great bands and have great songs, I just can't connect. In fact, there are several songs from each band that I love - if not adore. However, I just cant get into them no matter how much I wish I could.

Yet alas, as a band - as a collection of work - I just can't sit down and listen to a whole album by any of these, even though I want to, even though I ave tried. The old me even lied to people... "yeah! I love that band...'s one song - what ever the hell it's name was, great stuff. There from _________ (insert random place that sounds close or cool), right?"

I know, I know what you are thinking. And sadly it's true, I am not so cool after all. So in an attempt to redeem some of my dignity I have posted below one of my favorite songs from each of these bands. Just to show you that I am not totally closed minded. If any of you out there want to post your favorite songs, or even albums, by these guys feel free to comment on this post - please prove me wrong. Help me see the light! Or just join me and tell me your "Top Five Bands I can't get into, but wish I could."

So here they are...

Number 1: Dare I say it, Led Zeppelin - Whole Lotta Love


Number 2: Dave Matthews - ummm...

Ok, I honestly can't think of any... sorry. I just don't care for good old Dave.


Number 3: Weezer - Buddy Holly (a little on the nose, I know)



Number 4: Bella & Sebastian



Number 5: Nirvana - Smells Like Teen Spirit - I know... the obvious choice.

Top 5 Albums of 2008

It is difficult for me to simply name my top 5 albums from 2008, however this list is a little more selective. It is based on the albums that I have actually listened to the most and not the ones that I want to like the most. There are so many great albums out there this year - and perhaps I will supply a list of runner ups in the future. But for now these are this years albums that I have been spinning the most. Below you will find the top 5 albums - each with my current favorite song from each album.

#1: Coldplay: Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends
- favorite track = strawberry swing -

Coldplay really stepped up to the plate with this album. Not only is the album remarkably positive and uplifting throughout the entire album, it also shows a broad range of influence ranging from Latin American style clapping rhythms, to African drum beats, to almost Asian sounding guitar riffs. It's just a brilliant album. One that I have a hard time getting sick of and even more importantly one that my wife doesn't get sick of.

#2: Radiohead: In Rainbows - favorite track = bodysnatchers

This is one of those albums that I looked forward to for weeks and weeks. Radiohead has constantly been one of my favorite artists since early high school. The have continually evolved and experimented with new instruments and sound landscapes. In many respects this album seems to signal a shift yet again for Radiohead, they seem to be moving back towards some of their earlier more alternative rock grounded music after years of more experimental music. However, they aren't returning alone they are bringing much of the experimental sounds with them to fuse together their rock roots and experimental music. I simply love this album. It come out kicking hard and then soothes your soul. Brilliant.

#3: Fleet Foxes: Fleet Foxes - favorite track = white winter hymnal

I fell in love with this album from the first moment I heard it. It is refreshingly simple and understated. The tracks are filled with vocal harmonies that are reminiscent of the Beach Boys but are more appropriate for cold fall days.

#4: TV on the Radio: Dear Science, - favorite track = golden age

This is a strange one. TV on the Radio creates a captivating sounds that mixes and confuses music genres like soul, rap, rock, and electronic. I have found this album to be one of my favorites this year, and I am guessing for years to come.

#5: Bon Iver: For Emma, Forever Ago - favorite track = Flume

This album is simply haunting. The vocals are mostly in falsetto - and continually astound me. It is an absolutely beautiful album.