Random Enqtries >circa 1997
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Random Enqtries

A New Kind of Music Page

My idea is to talk about whatever I'm hot on at any particular moment. So that I don't have to keep up with daily additions (I can't even keep up my journal, although I'm going to get back to that, I swear), it will just grow as needed. The inclusion requirement for the page will be the Repeat Factor. When it gets too big for one page, I'll just add nexts and backs at the bottom. Enough with the explanations already.

Ben Folds Five - One Angry Dwarf and 200 Solemn Faces
Whatever and Ever Amen is a fine record, and this song, being first on this record, was the first Ben Folds Five song I ever heard. What a great introduction. Doesn't everyone have a grudge against somebody from elementary school? Actually, I think all my long lasting grudges would have to be awarded to people from Jr. High. I'd mention their names, but I continue to be shocked by the server logs for my site.
Repeat Factor of 5.

Tricky - Black Steel
I finally got Maxinquaye, and if I ever get past this track, I'll let you know how it is. It's meandering yet rhythmic. It's a cynical view of our government. I love Martine's voice, and I think it's neat that the lyrics were written by and for a man to sing, but this chick with the cool voice is singin' em instead. What more could you ask for in a tune? Hmmmm???
Repeat Factor of 3.

Naked Raygun - Vanilla Blue
Actually, I listened to all of Jettison, and since all NR songs sound alike, I think I should get repeat factor bonus points for that. Sigh. No, I don't mean that in a BAD way, in fact I found myself with a silly grin on my face remember the mosh pits of my youth. Towards the end of the record, there are live tracks, and you can hear all the little punkers singin' along with Pazatti's anthemic oh-oh-oh's that are liberally strewn through all the songs. The runner up on the list has to be Roller Queen or Suspect Device. Yeah, I know it's a cover, and I've heard the Stiff Little Fingers version, and I found it a bit, um, slow.
Repeat Factor of 2.

Stereolab - Our Trinitone Blast
I'm amazed I like Stereolab, in the same way that I'm amazed that I like the Chemical Brothers. You see, many of my friends from my ex-dog life had me convinced that Electronic=Bad and Techno=Bad and Europop=Bad, but as it turned out, they were wrong. If I'd admitted to liking any of this stuff, I'd have been teased silly. God help me if I'd admitted that I listened to Seal Prayer for the Dying three times in the last 12 hours. So why isn't that my earworm of the day? I'm kind of embarrassed to like Seal. He's so...AC radio. Besides, that song isn't stuck in my brain anymore, and Our Trinitone Blast IS.
Repeat Factor of 2.

Liz Phair - Jealousy
It's the drums and the cadence of the lyrics and to some degree, her voice. Jack, if you're out there, I admit it. I like Liz Phair, OK? Okay? OKAY? Now that we have that settled, I'll admit to listening to all of Whip Smart and repeating Supernova once and Jealousy...
Repeat Factor of 4.

Soundgarden - Burden In My Hand
Soundgarden is my secret shame. I've spun this baby at least four times in the last two days. Please, don't be afraid. I decided that I really liked this band back in 1990 when I saw them open for Mudhoney at the Caberet Metro in Chicago. Yes, you heard that right. When they were both on Sub Pop, Mudhoney was the bigger deal, and I was actually there to see Mark Arm, Dan Peters and the rest of the genius that is Mudhoney. I thought Soundgarden was cool and Chris was cute and could sing. My friends made fun of me. I didn't pursue the Soundgarden thing, they got big, and I woke up one day and realized that I had most of their albums. Oops. ;)