The Turks Have Fun Names

Did you know that music can sometimes educate you better than school? For example: did you know that Istanbul was once called Constantinople? Well you're about to. The Four Lads, a swing group from the '50s, came out with in 1953 called Istanbul (not Constantinople) which was about the name changing of the city of Constantinople. If you've heard the song you probably haven't heard the Four Lads version. Why? Because a band called They Might Be Giants did a cover which is much more well known. Their version is a lot of fun just to listen to, and even more fun to sing along with. If you don't have Spotify, you can check out the Four Lads version here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-YPnXBWl9Tk And They Might Be Giants version here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dsRuurcTTSk



Until next time, roll the Mellow Dice and hope for Midnight.

The Dead is the Best Live!

The Grateful Dead is just one of those bands you have to listen to before you die. Their songwriting was truly unique and they always sounded great live. In matter of fact sometimes live recordings are better than studio versions. The Grateful Dead were just good that's all there is to it. One of my favorite songs by them is Dire Wolf. The song is about a prehistoric wolf going around killing people. They beg the wolf not to kill them especially after one of them beats him at cards after realizing all the cards were the Queen of Spades. I guess I like the song because it's unique and it's ironic that the Dead would be begging not to be murdered. The first time I heard the song it was a live version. A few months later I finally heard the studio recording and didn't like it nearly as much as the live. Give both songs a listen and see which version you like better. After watching these videos look up your favorite song and see if you like it better live or in the studio. Sorry for Dead fans out there that like the studio version better, just "please don't murder me."http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hhqyg_dTaTg live version. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UaStAAOUao8 studio version.

Danger Zone!

So today I spent the day at Pensacola's, most impressive, Naval air museum. Other than seeing hundreds of aircraft one of the best parts was seeing a movie about the Blue Angels on the I-max screen. Being there brought back a lot of memories of me as a kid. I had a great time. As I watched the movie on the Blue Angels I wondered what music they would listen to before their flight to get them pumped up, if they even needed music. Then it hit me. This is the ultimate song for anything you do that is epic and involves heavy machinery. HIGHWAY TO THE DANGER ZOOOOOOOOONNNNEEE! Having that stuck in my head the whole time there made it that much more awesome. Danger zone is written by Kenny Loggins. You may recognize it as the opening song in Top Gun. Enjoy this amazing song. Do yourself a favor and watch Top Gun too. A trip to the Naval Air Museum wouldn't hurt either.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yK0P1Bk8Cx4

Under Cover of Blankets

So I admit there may be a few things wrong with me. Maybe I use too many music puns in my posts. Perhaps, but they aren't corny puns. I think most of them are alright. You were probably expect me to make a Korn pun there but I didn't, are you proud? One thing that is weird is that I rarely listen to slow, soothing music when I go to sleep. I prefer more upbeat music and of course Rock n' Roll before I go to bed. Whatever 2,000 things may be wrong with me, liking the Strokes is not one of them. Check out this great song by the Strokes called Under Cover of Darkness. The song is actually about a long distance relationship brought about when one of them joins the army. Although it sounds sad it's actually a happy upbeat song. Anyway enjoy the song and enjoy the Strokes. Until next time keep Rolling the Mellow Dice.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OwxcQvB_vcQ

Good Ole Freedom

Well it's 4th of July weekend so how about a song about freedom? Although it's one of Hendrix's underrated tunes its grown on me and is now one of my favorites. However, the song is not about freedom from oppressive government, or politicians, what Hendrix really wants is freedom from being used. Although Freedom gives you a lot of great things it doesn't guarantee you fair treatment from everyone. In the song Hendrix's woman is cheating on him and also his kids are being mistreated. The Freedom Jimi really needs is freedom from being used by a woman just for his money and fame. Hendrix never did escape the limelight but at least we have the freedom to enjoy his music and share his legacy to other generations to come. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6VXVIjbeTc

Everyday I'm Shufflin'

It's been a slow weekend on the blog due to my moving into a new house, but now I'm back!! Now, it's time to hit shuffle on the Mellow Dice radio once again. This time I came up with the song Is There A Ghost by Band of Horses. Is There a Ghost was the first single off of their second album, Cease to Begin, which was released on August of 2007. Even though there is only one line repeated throughout the song, the instruments make a very effective impact on the listener. Rolling Stone put the song at #93 for the Best Songs of 2007. If you don't have Spotify you can check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QremHCvOG-I
Until next time, roll the Mellow Dice and hope for Midnight

Mexico Would Be Good Right About Now

Well Summer is about half way through and all we can really think about is taking a big vacation off work. How about Mexico? Beautiful beaches, great food, Mariachi music, nice people. Well if you can't take a trip to Mexico just listen to this awesome James Taylor song. Don't worry the song doesn't require you to take off work or risk traveling by Carnival Cruise. Enjoy it! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SoOC3ISvhfw