Happy Halloween!

I took German in high school instead of Spanish or French. Mainly because very few other people took it, but also because I am of German ancestry. Also, since English is a germanic language, I thought it would be easier. One great way for learning a language is to watch movies/television and listen to music in the language. The problem is, there are no German language TV stations in East Texas, and the internet wasn't nearly as widespread as it is today, so finding German movies (apart from Run, Lola, Run and The Princess and the Warrior) was difficult. The same could be said of German music. The only bands I knew about were Rammstein, who I didn't like and a pretty lame band mentioned in my German textbook, Pilos Puntos. Fortunately I have an awesome big sister who found out about a German techno band and got me one of their CDs for Christmas. That band was Kraftwerk, one of the most influential bands in the Krautrock movement in the 70's, as well as a major pioneer in the techno genre. A few weeks ago I was spending quite a lot of time in front of my computer, brushing up on my AutoCAD skills when i rediscovered Kraftwerk's Computer World. It is amazing what a group can do with such a minimalist sound.

Happy birthday Mr. Bob Ross.

I love sharing music, that is one of the reasons I started this blog. I feel that you shouldn't keep your favorite music to yourself, but should go out of your way to introduce others to it. No matter how weird or obscure or even mainstream it is. Your taste in music is one of the things that defines you as a person. This is one of the problems I have with hipsters. They feel music is their sole domain and if you don't already have an encyclopedic knowledge of music, talking to you is a waste of time. I tend to get incredibly frustrated whenever I ask a person what their favorite band is or what they are listening to and they respond with "It is really obscure, you probably haven't heard of them." It is a very selfish, condescending view point to have. First of all, that person has no idea if I have ever heard of whatever band they are talking about, or what type of music I listen to. Secondly, if I haven't heard of them, you should be psyched to introduce someone to your favorite band and add to their musical education. I was talking about concerts I have been to with a friend at work and when I mentioned Flogging Molly. She said she hadn't heard of them, and instead of ridiculing her, and discouraging her from talking to me about music, I immediately started telling her about them and which songs she should check out. Introducing someone to my favorite bands one of my favorite things in life. So the next time someone asks you what you are listening to, tell them. And if they have never heard of the band, educate them.

I was at work the other day and was completely surprised to hear this song playing. The Psychedelic Furs are a British post-punk/New Wave band that formed in 1977.

This is a music video I honestly can't stop watching.

I tend to pick up my apartment on my days off, and this is a song I love to start off whatever quick playlist I throw together.

I've pretty much stopped drinking soft drinks, so I now rely on coffee for my caffeine intake.

Today's song is by a band I have seen several times live. I was introduced to them by a friend my freshman year in college and have been a fan ever since. I have so many memories associated with their songs I don't know where to begin. This is my absolute favorite of Matt Biven's songs.

I am honestly jealous of kids like my nephew that get to grow up watching Yo Gabba Gabba. The show is amazing. Not only is one of the creators MC Batcomander of the Aquabats, but their guests are phenomenal musicians. And the songs are educational without being annoying. Here is one song in particular I like.

I absolutely love Led Zeppelin, and this song is fast becoming my favorite.

I have a list of things I want to do/buy when I get a real job that changes constantly, but one of the things that is always on it is buy/learn to play bass. I even have it picked out. Probably one of my favorite bass players is Les Claypool. Don't get me wrong, Victor Wooten and Flea are both beasts and I love to listen to them play, but I personally love Les Claypool's style. For those of you who don't know who he is, Les is in Primus and Les Claypool's Flying Frog Brigade. Both amazing. This is one of my favorite Primus songs.

I've been watching The Young Ones recently, and their musical guests are pretty awesome. Madness makes two separate appearances as well as Motorhead, The Damned and Nine Below Zero. My favorite song however is Dexy's Midnight Runners version of Jackie Wilson Said, originally by Van Morrison.

Today's song is by a British trip-hop group I found out about when I was in high school. A friend of mine introduced me to Morcheeba's Fragments of Freedom and I instantly fell in love with them. Not only is the music amazing, but Skye Edwards, the singer, has a beautiful voice.