Weezer- Buddy Holly
This song is off of Weezer’s 1994 self titled debut album, also known as The Blue Album. Both song and album were produced by Ric Ocasek, lead singer of The Cars. The video was directed by Spike Jonze and uses remarkably unchanged actor Al Molinaro from Happy Days in a cameo.
Weezer are playing at the Belasco Theater in Los Angeles on 11/7.
Rockwell- Somebody’s Watching Me
LMFAO were not the first of Motown founder and CEO Berry Gordy’s relatives to achieve billboard success. In 1984, thirty years ago, Rockwell, (aka Kennedy William Gordy) Berry Gordy’s son, released this song. It peaked on the Billboard Hot 100 at number 2, thanks in no small part to his childhood friend Michael Jackson’s backing vocals.
Massive Attack- Angel
This song is from Massive Attack’s 1998 album, Mezzanine. It was also used quite memorably in the movie Snatch, from 2000.
They are playing the Greek Theater tonight (10/16).
Blitzen Trapper- Furr
This song is from the band’s fourth (and perhaps best) full length album Furr, released in 2008.
Blitzen Trapper are playing The Troubadour on 10/3.
Wu-Tang Clan- C.R.E.A.M (Cash Rules Everything Around Me)
Wu-Tang Clan are playing at The Forum with Talib Kweli and Pharoahe Monch, Friday 9/26.
The Breeders- Cannonball
“Cannonball” was The Breeders’ biggest hit off their 1993 album Last Splash. Lead singer Kim Deal started the band (while still with The Pixies) with Tanya Donelly, then with the Throwing Muses. Kim’s sister Kelley, seen in the video, joined later. The lineup for their current tour is Kim and Kelley Deal, Jim Macpherson, and Josephine Wiggs.
This video was directed by Spike Jonze and Kim Gordon.
They are playing with Neutral Milk Hotel and Daniel Johnston at the Hollywood Bowl, tonight, 9/18.
Nicky da B- Hot Potato Style
While looking up information for the Mad Decent Block Party, I was saddened to discover that Nicky da B had recently died on September 2, at only 24 years old. The up and coming New Orleans bounce artist had his biggest hit with Diplo, in 2012, Express Yourself, and at the time of his death was working on a full length album with him. This video, also from 2012, was created by Bob Wiesz and Casey Coleman, who also worked on Beasts of the Southern Wild.
Aphex Twin- 4
This song is off Aphex Twin‘s 1996 Richard D. James Album, which uses Aphex Twin’s real name for its title. The new album, Syro, releasing on September 23rd, is his first new album in 13 years.
There are several listening events going on around the world at undisclosed locations. The one for Los Angeles will take place on September 6th.