Pop Shop (episode 3)

Ok, so here’s the score. My baby brother just got married a few days ago and this has made me somewhat mushy (it’s just the way I roll ha, ha, ha). So I decided I’d show a softer side of my music taste for this episode...

The first song up is one of the best cover versions of a Lionel Richie song (with the Commodores) a person will ever hear. Hell, it’s even better than the original! And it’s sung by one of yours and my favourite bands Faith No More. So boys and girls, without further ado... Here’s Easy (Like Sunday Mornings):



Like that did ya? Well, Faith No More is (was?) an alternative metal band that released some of the world’s best kickass music between the years 1984 and 1998. They were renowned for their infighting and creative differences, but yet still managed to blend heavy metal, rock, hip hop, punk, thrash and jazz into an eclectic symphonic mix. On February 24, 2009 they announced that they will reform for a European tour that will include the Download Festival at Donington Park in the UK (what no South Africa?).

Next up my fellow music lovers we’ve got an absolute treat for you from the gods of Metal. This song, Nothing Else Matters, was recorded by Metallica live with the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra. It is still one of the best versions of what has always been a very amazing song.



Metallica are one of the world’s most successful bands (in any genre). They have released nine studio albums, two live albums, two EP’s, twenty-two music videos and forty-three singles and have won nine Grammy Awards with five consecutive albums debuting at number one on the Billboard 200. Impressive? Oh hell yes!

So who’s next up I hear you cry! Kurt Cobain loved them, they have had an acknowledged influence on almost all alternative music and they are called the Pixies. They are one of my “old school” favourites and a band who recently reformed. Here they are playing Here Comes Your man:



Mmmmm, that song rocks! Who would have thought that a band that has written songs about UFO’s, Surrealism and violent Biblical imagery could make such a loving song? He, he, he!

So... Not mushy enough for you? Then take a listen to the song we will be playing out with today, Iris by the Goo Goo Dolls. This one's for you Vaughn and Jo! Happy honeymoon and thanks for a great wedding!

Till next episode, cheers.

Pop Shop (episode 2)

Well then, it seems like I’ve (if you excuse the pun) struck a chord with some of you guys out there! Thanks for the emails with advice, requests and a comment or two (although not on the actual blog *sigh*). I’m pleased my first “episode” was appreciated by you all.

Ok, let’s get right into the swing of things with one of the most talented lyricists that ever strutted (and I mean strutted) the stage... Mr Nick Cave! The man is a legend and the words of this next song get me every time.



Since 1994 the band has offered the world 14 studio albums and a glimpse into an eclectic mix of hybrid blues, gospel, rock and a dash of post-punk. Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds latest album is called Dig Lazarus, Dig and you can find it in most good music stores (read as not in Musica). “Into My Arms” is one of my all time favourite Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds tracks and was played at the Funeral of Michael Hutchence (he of INXS fame).

Ok then, lets up the tempo a little with another blast from the past. How about a song from a great little band called Talking Heads. I dedicate this one two my two beautiful little girls... And She Was!



The Talking Heads are one of those bands I mentioned in the previous “episode” that manages to transport you off to memories long gone. They also used to play as an opening act to the next band I’m going to play for you. A band that helped to kick-start the punk scene and in fact arguably started it. The Ramones!



Formed in Queens, New York in 1974 the Ramones never achieved great commercial success, but the undeniable influence they had on the punk music scene in both the US and Great Briton can still be seen today.

I’m playing out with another slower track by one of the bands that influenced my music and literary taste. A band that I had the privilege to see in a small intimate concert right here in Cape Town, South Africa. A band called The Mission, and a band that gave us this beautiful song – Butterfly on a Wheel...



Catch you all later on in the week. Cheers!