I’ve been a little manic in my posts at Art Brut(e) lately. Disappear for a month and then you guys up with four back to back posts. Sorry about that– I’m trying to clear up my queue, which should be empty after this music dump, and then we can all go back to once a week postings at AB. But why JP, why did you go M.I.A. for so long? Glad you asked imaginary reader. In the last month or so I’ve:
- Was in danger of losing my job.
The photo department that I was in was moving to Jersey (knowing that I live in Brooklyn), and wouldn’t offer to comp me for transportation. Like I’d go to Jersey– but I offered. Because I’m a team player, and I’m willing to make compromises. That didn’t work out. - Drank a lot.
I also fell down at some point, and have a nasty scar on my elbow as a result of falling. - Lost my wallet.
- Had some out of town guests come over.
- Got a new roommate.
- Got a new job.
Which I kind of love. Like really. I get excited about going to work in the mornings. And I’m nervous about doing well, and doing things the right way. - Survived an earthquake*.
- Survived a hurricane.
Things have been a little topsy-turvy, to say the least. Which might explain why my music has been all over the place. In any case, here’s little musical snapshot.
Diamond Head’s “Am I Evil”.
This one’s a deep cut.
Maxwell’s “Bad Habits”.
Dio’s “Aye” (featuring Sef).
I don’t speak a word of Dutch, but the video is dope. I love the old found footage in the beginning of the video, the old VHS tape-like burps and transitions (Jeez JP, stop watching so much archival footage), and the wardrobe that looks they were raided from Run DMC and LL Cool J’s closets.
Amy Winehouse’s “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?”
This Shirelles cover caught me by surprise on my iPod the day after Amy’s death, which was both a little spooky, but mostly sad. Yeah, I get that she was an addict (I would too if my last name was Whiskeyhouse. That’s like naming your child Vodkamansion), and that she was most likely in a lot of pain, but part of me still held out the hope that she’d pull herself together and live a long and healthy life. I’m sorry, Amy. RIP.
Russell Brand (that guy? yeah that guy) wrote a beautiful eulogy for her, which is definitely worth reading.
Chromeo’s “I Can’t Tell You Why” (Eagles cover).
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers “I Won’t Back Down”.
I was in the midst of applying to new jobs, and worrying whether or not I’d be able to pay rent. There’s something pretty power about mouthing “You could stand me up at the gates of hell. But I won’t back down” to yourself while typing out cover letter after cover letter in front of your laptop.
Blue Cheer’s “Summertime Blues” (Eddie Cochran cover).
Ozzy’s “I Don’t Know”.
“It’s not how you play the game
It’s if you win or loseyou can choose
Don’t confuse win or lose, it’s up to you”
* WHICH WAS LAME BTW. Sorry, I lived on the West Coast and in Japan where we had earthquakes all the time. I rated the 5.9 a “bo-ring” on the Richter Scale.
