I first heard this on the same cassette I discovered Move on up (see January 1st). It was some kind “best of funk” compilation and it was something of a revelation. I had never heard anything quite like it before.
I love the raucous horn section in this song to this day…
/RjK
Don’t know much about these guys other than I like this song. Their wikipedia page suggests they make “Kitchen sink indie” whatever that means!
It is a very enjoyable video containing some interesting imagery. Even if it mirrors the song’s rather grim lyrics – “The streets are bleak, the kids are running wild.” It must be depressing up north!
/RjK
I was unsure whether to post this or not. In the end I went for it as I want this blog to be an accurate reflection of what I am currently listening to. Even if, without doubt, I will look back at this and cringe. And I have to (guiltily) admit that I have been listening to this today. A lot. It is just so damn infectious.
It is fun though. I was going to have to embrace my kitsch side sooner or later. And this is kitsch in spades. An added bonus is the video which is camp-tastic. The Pet Shop Boys would be proud of it!
Enjoy…
/RjK
I don’t know much about these guys. I discovered them recently through the wonder of clicking on links suggested by youtube. Google’s search algorithm is all powerful.
I quite like this though, languid and smooth, the melody has inexorably wormed it’s way into my psyche.
/RjK
This is fun and catchy even if it is a little insubstantial.
Also, I happen to think Graham Parker and The Rumour to be a splendid name for a band.
/RjK
I remember the first time I heard The college dropout. It was an exhilarating experience.
It is hard to imagine now that Kanye West is pretty much ubiquitous but back then he was an unknown entity. I wasn’t even sure how to pronounce his name!
The album has stood the test of time pretty well, but this is still the highlight for me, full of poise, indignance and wit.
/RjK
If I ever find myself at a jukebox this is the first song I look for. It is irrepressibly upbeat and fun. Exactly my idea of a party anthem.
The uber-kitsch video here, if anything, adds to the effect….
/RjK
Just a quick post on Strava, an app I have found myself using more and more often recently.
In 2015 I ran the San Francisco marathon which was the first time I had tried a race of the 26 miles variety. I had been carried along on a wave of active classmates and clement weather (as an Irishman this is still a rare treat even after 18 months in the Bay Area) to be bitten by the runners bug.
I somewhat foolhardily signed up to run the marathon and as I researched training schedules I was feeling rather daunted! Thankfully one of my running buddies recommended Strava as a way to keep track and stay disciplined. Initially I was a little skeptical but the more I used the App the more I wanted to use it.
It’s “Activity Feed” which allows me to see what my training partners were doing (helpful for #Motivation):
Strava Activity Feed #Motivation
The simple mechanism to record, save and upload my runs allowed them to see what I was doing was a great way to keep on track and share my progress (Yes – I eventually finished the Marathon!):
SF Marathon Strava Style
Feeling nervous on the starting line:
Running Across the Golden Gate Bridge:
Feeling a lot of relief at the finish line:
#Relief
For me this song IS the 80’s. The intro is spectacular.
Also, Paul Weller is something of a hero of mine. The man is relentless in making good music, all the while displaying impeccable style.
/RjK