Because I like to make things up, I always thought “garage” rock and “surf” rock were pretty much the same thing. Now that I am more educated, I know they are quite different—surf is more guitar-heavy, with generally no lyrics, while garage is more drum-heavy, with lyrics that don’t make any sense. I’m keeping them lumped together, though, under the category “Songs that were played at every frat party I ever attended.”
top 10
Frank Zappa
Given how much I like the weird and unusual in music, you’d think I’d be a huge Frank Zappa fan. Truth be told, the only Zappa song I know is “Valley Girl” from the 80s. At least I have the decency to be embarrassed about that.
Frank Sinatra
I originally wasn’t going to do a Sinatra post—sorry, I just don’t “get” him—but enough people whose musical tastes I respect said, “Dude, you really need to do a Sinatra post.” Plus, I was afraid his ghost might find out and send some cronies to tie me up and toss me in the Bay (I can make that joke if I’m Italian, right?).
Four Tops
There’s a gay joke to be made about how unlikely it is that a group made up of four tops has managed to stay together for 50 years. But I’ll just listen to “Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch” again, start tapping my toes, and shut up.
Folk Women
Given my love affair with Joni Mitchell, you might think I’d be a big fan of these other women folkies. On the contrary … Judy Collins takes interesting songs and turns them into boring mush, Joan Baez seems famous mostly for once being involved with Neil Young, and Melanie makes me want to stab myself in the ears. Buffy Saint-Marie I can’t take seriously because her name sounds like a character on Dynasty. Odetta gets a pass, mostly because with song titles like “God’s Gonna Cut You Down,” I’m afraid of making her mad at me.
Fleetwood Mac
The best part about Fleetwood Mac is that the two members the group is named for are the ones nobody’s ever heard of. Which goes to show that if you want hits, having a borderline genius/coke fiend, a pretty blonde, and a witch in your lineup beats two old guys with beards any day. On the other hand, Fleetwood and Mac (Mc?) are pretty smart: “You guys do all the work—we still split the money five ways!”
Fela Kuti
When the kids, the uncles, and I saw the musical Fela, I was completely blown away by the music—and hated the script. Based on the monologue, Kuti’s life was 90% weed, 5% women, and 5% music/politics/protest/ everything else. Then I found out that Will Smith and Jay-Z were the executive producers, and it all made sense.
Fats Waller
I’ve got nothing for Fats Waller, except to point out that at some point in our history, being called “fat” was apparently not an insult.
Fats Domino
Proof that 50s music was more subversive than you might think, part 3: When Fats Domino found his thrill on Blueberry Hill, I’ll bet it had nothing to do with pie. Not to mention all that bad grammar. Just saying.
Everly Brothers
Proof that 50s music was more subversive than you might think, part 2: Despite their wholesome image, when Phil or Don (or both? the plot thickens) fell asleep in the car with little Susie, I’ll bet they weren’t discussing the impending Soviet threat. Just saying.
Playlist of the Day 