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Song of the Day #411: ‘Stupid’ – Toad the Wet Sprocket

toad2Many songs are written about the most important and profound issues we face… love, loss, the search for meaning, that sort of stuff. A song that touches people on that level is a special thing indeed.

But far less ambitious songs can be special, too.

Toad the Wet Sprocket has released its share of both kinds of songs. In particular, Dulcinea (their best album) is a wonderful mix of depth and frivolity. On the one hand, the album is named after Don Quixote’s lover and features a song called ‘Windmills‘ that explores that novel’s most famous metaphor.

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Song of the Day #410: ‘Sweet Surrender’ – Sarah McLachlan

mclachlanWhat the hell does Sarah McLachlan do with her time? She’s in the 21st year of her recording career and she’s released only five albums of original material. I appreciate the idea of not churning out product just for the sake of staying on the charts, but doesn’t she owe her fans a bit more than that?

This is particularly galling because I know what McLachlan is capable of when she’s inspired. 1993’s Fumbling Towards Ecstasy is one of the finest albums I’ve ever heard, and 1997’s Surfacing is almost its equal. She has written and performed a dozen songs I consider perfect.

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Extract

extractAbout ten minutes into the new Mike Judge comedy Extract, I realized how long it’s been since I’ve seen a really bad movie. I’m just not used to that feeling of “Oh my god… I have to spend another hour and a half forcing myself to laugh at something that isn’t funny.”

At one point I contemplated walking out, imagining that if I came across something this dull on TV, I would certainly change the channel. Even a DVD rental would likely get ejected before the halfway point. But when I pay my $20 and take my seat before the lights go down, it feels like I’ve entered into a contract. And my end of the bargain is staying until the lights come back up again. I might be forgetting something, but I don’t think I’ve ever left a theater mid-movie in my life.

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Song of the Day #409: ‘Someday We’ll Be Together’ – Diana Ross & The Supremes

supsomedayI’m bypassing a few of The Supremes’ other #1 hits — specifically, ‘Love is Here and Now You’re Gone,’ ‘Come See About Me’ and ‘The Happening’ — and finishing off the Motown series with today’s song, their final #1 single.

This is my 28th Motown song — 3 1/2 months’ worth. I hope you’ve enjoyed the exploration of some of the finest music America has ever produced. I know I have. I do like the idea of keeping a theme on the weekends, and I think I know what I’ll try next. Stay tuned.

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Song of the Day #408: ‘Love Child’ – Diana Ross & The Supremes

suplovechildOf all The Supremes’ #1 hits, this one strikes me as among the most interesting because of the way it reflects the changing dynamic in both the music industry and the band itself.

For one thing, note that the song is credited to Diana Ross & The Supremes, a name change that took place in 1967 and led to a growing rift within the group. Indeed, Florence Ballard left the band just a year later and was replaced by Cindy Birdsong. ‘Love Child’ was The Supremes’ first #1 single without Ballard, and the first under their new moniker.

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