Here’s a cute little ditty from Josh Rouse’s 2007 album Country Mouse, City House. That record marked the end of era for Rouse… it was the end of his acoustic folk pop sound. His next album, 2010’s El Turista, was performed half in Spanish and entirely in a world music style.
Basically, he transformed from Paul Simon of the 70s to Paul Simon of the 90s, but without the same excellent results.
The other day I was thinking about R.E.M. — that one could argue they called it quits about five albums too late. Certainly they released some worthy music in the post-Bill Berry years, but nothing that stands up to their best work.
I was reminded of that thought when this Dixie Chicks song popped up as today’s random selection. I don’t know if the Chicks have officially called it quits (Wikipedia suggests they haven’t) but their last album, Taking the Long Way, was released seven years ago and counting.
There is something about much of Joe Jackson’s music that keeps me at arm’s length. A broad, theatrical quality merged with a braininess that makes it difficult to form an emotional connection.
I don’t feel that way about all of his songs but I feel that way about enough of them to keep me from listening to him very often.
Randy Newman can probably write songs like this one in his sleep, but that doesn’t stop it from being freaking awesome. It’s amazing how much mileage he can get out of a jaunty New Orleans musical backdrop and some conversational lyrics.
For me, the genius of this song comes right in the first verse, when Newman says/sings “She may be hungry, but she won’t say. You better get a burger or something in her right away. If you don’t, you’re gonna pay.”
I downloaded Tom Waits classic 1985 album Rain Dogs because it’s one of those records that serious music lovers needs to know. Sort of the way that serious film lovers need to have seen Taxi Driver.
I haven’t actually listened to the whole thing through yet so today’s random selection is new to me. I like it well enough.
Meet Me In Montauk 