MOTD redux

Greetings one and all,
I've been remiss in keeping up regular correspondence, but if you know me you'll realize that's pretty much been my M.O. from day one.

Part of the reason for the huge delay was a general lack of inspiration. I didn't know what I wanted to do for my next piece. Well the wheels continued to turn, rusty though they may be, and as I was sitting in a drive-thru the other day I realized what I wanted to do. There was a song on the radio by one Lady Gaga, whom some of you may be familiar with. For my own part, I was struck by some undeniable similarities between Lady Gaga and one of my favorite artists from yester-year, Blondie.

So I decided I'd do a piece on 'bridging the gap.' Now I'm not saying these new artists sound exactly like, look exactly like, act exactly like the predecessors I'm comparing them to. I'm only saying there are some uncanny similarities and ideally I'm opening the eyes (ears?) of some of my listeners. Sure it's new, sure it's not the same stuff you grew up listening to, but that doesn't mean it's not worth a listen. Remember all that 'classic' rock you and I grew up listening to was just a bunch of noise to our parents, grandparents, etc. Put it in perspective.

Submission #1:
Predecessor: Queen - Killer Queen
Newbies: The Darkness - I Believe in a Thing Called Love
If you don't see and hear some striking similarities here, well...you can't save them all, Hasselhoff. Big props to the Darkness for having the balls (or lack thereof) to not only go to the falsetto, but stay there for a live performance. I do think they should give Steven Tyler back his wardrobe, though.

Submission #2:
Predecessor: Blondie - Hangin on the Telephone
Newbies: Lady Gaga - Just Dance
The similarities aren't as obvious here but if you're familiar with Debbie Harry and Blondie from their hayday it gets a little easier. Debbie was a beautiful, glamorous young woman with a great voice. Her music was as much a part of the fashion of her day as the clothes she wore. Lady Gaga is doing much the same thing, creating an image that isn't just music, but fashion and style as well.

These are just a couple of examples that came pretty much right off the top of my head. I'm sure I could find more if I thought long and hard about it, but that sounds too much like work. So on a completely different note, here's a song I first stumbled across while playing Guitar Hero III. The riff that pretty much pervades the song is simple and addictive, and although the sound is sorta fuzzy on the video the cinematography is very cool. I love the use of the drumheads and the 'extending' shot. Decent lyrics too, if you can make them out. Enjoy.

The Fall of Troy - F.C.P.R.E.M.I.X.

Seeya next time,

Hooch

P.S. I am considering changing the format a bit by starting a blog. I'd set it up and send an email out the first time, and then once you follow the blog you'll get updates whenever I make them. So if you have any ideas or suggestions lemme have it.

P.P.S. Welcome to the list, Jack!