The Pretenders--I'll stand by you

"Won't let nobody hurt you..."

Bee Gees - I Started A Joke

A great live performance.

Peter, Bjorn, and John with Victoria Bergsman - Young Folks

John Coltrane And Miles Davis - So What

Pete Holmes Ruined by Google on His Phone

Nice Tom Petty reference. The answer is Gainesville.

Jenny and Johnny--Next Messiah

From Coachella 2011.

Tristen - Baby Drugs

The Station Agent really knows how to find the great music. Now he has discovered Tristen.

Tunng--Hustle

Liking this band.

Jimi Hendrix Talks to Dick Cavett

Dick Cavett looks back at his talk with Jimi.

Tom Petty--American Girl

Is it that hard for politicians--I'm looking at you Michele Bachmann--to get songs cleared before their rallies?

Tristen--Eager For Your Love

People of Boston, you must go see Tristen and the Elected tonight! More dates here.

Lennon and Ono on Dick Cavett

I've recently gotten into watching some of Dick Cavett's old interviews. He has a subtle way of making people uncomfortable that actually serves to evoke revealing answers, or at the very least, revealing body language.

In this clip he talks to John and Yoko about the demise of the Beatles.

Morgan Nagler--Time Will Welcome Anything

Live in L.A. back in early 2010.

System of a Down--Prison Song

The Justice Policy Institute released a study on the growing phenomenon of private prisons. The Young Turks talk about it here.

The Kali Yuga

This video begins the story of Maharaja Parikshit, the son of Arjuna installed upon the throne when the Pandavas left for the Himalayas to conclude their earthly career. Parikshit gives shelter to Kali Yuga personified, who now resides in whore houses, bars, etc., and wherever there is gold. Also in cities.

I like how Hinduism personifies the ages of cyclic time. Can any of us deny we have seen Kali Yuga face to face?



The Cro-Mags were one of the founding bands of the hard-core punk genre. And they were Hare Krishna devotees, singing about their beliefs. You can't tell what they are singing, of course, but I suppose the lyrics were printed somewhere?



This one is cute.

Rilo Kiley Megamix

Rilo Kiley and Side Projects Mix by Stationagent on Mixcloud

Jenny Lewis--Trying My Best to Love You

From her show in Lawrence, Kansas, a little over two years ago.

George Watsky's Speed Rap

This clip is being touted for the speed rapping going on here. I'm not a big rap fan, but I like it enough to know that there are plenty of faster rappers out there. But it's a very good fragment of a rap song. Nice lyrics.

Jimi Hendrix--House of the Rising Sun

Tapes 'n Tapes--Freak Out

The great music blog @TSURURADIO has an excellent summer mix available for download here.

One of the songs on it is "Freak Out" by Tapes 'n Tapes.

Sugar--If I Can't Change Your Mind

Bob Mould, the man who is Sugar, played this song in part on Jimmy Fallon's show earlier this week.

This is the full version:

Aimee Mann--Deathly

Aimee Mann is this week's guest on Howard Kremer's podcast, Who Charted?

Please Please Me

Dynamic! 1964.

Christopher Cross, Michael McDonald, and The Roots--Ride Like The Wind

On the latest episode of WTF with Marc Maron, Jimmy Fallon discusses how awesome it is to have The Roots as his house band. He specifically references this performance to illustrate the nearly limitless possibilities.

The Elected--Who Are You

Sometimes you give in to the blacklight
If a star burns out on you,
Would you give up what you wished for?
What's a boy to do?

Clem Snide--Moment in the Sun

I have a lot of things to say
and you'd be wise to listen good
I think that hunger, war and death
are bringin' everybody down...

Best Youth--Hang Out

This promising new band has a free EP available at their website (h/t You Ain't No Picasso).

Best Youth - Hang Out from Best Youth on Vimeo.

Moody Blues - Are You Sitting Comfortably

Be at peace.

Johnny Cash - What Is Truth

I like the subtle way he says that the country's drug laws are stupid. Please listen to the end.

Joni Mitchell - Both Sides Now

Joni Mitchell RULES.

Richie Havens At Woodstock - Freedom

A powerful performance. 1969.

Janis Joplin - Me And Bobby McGee

Composed by Kris Kristofferson.

Gordon Lightfoot - If You Could Read My Mind

A smooth mix on this fine morning. That's www.thewalrusspeaks.blogspot.com on your cyber radio dial.

Paul Stookey - There Is Love

This is surely only about heterosexual love, but it has a universal message nevertheless.

Rilo Kiley--Paints Peeling

With the encouragement of Dr. Diego, I present this montage of street art set to "Paints Peeling" by Rilo Kiley.

Radiohead--Staircase

Some impressive practice footage from Radiohead (h/t Gorilla v. Bear).

Rilo Kiley--Go Ahead

"I wish you would..."


Rilo Kiley - Go Ahead by oldfriend57

Jenny and Johnny--Just One of the Guys

People of Europe, Jenny and Johnny begin their tour of your continent this very day in a place you call Paris. Go to there!

The Real Intentions Of The GOP

Man Robs One Dollar To See A Doctor

He certainly looks like he's in pain!

"Earlier this month, Verone (pictured), a 59-year-old convenience store clerk, walked into a Gaston, N.C., bank and handed the cashier a note demanding $1 and medical attention. Then he waited calmly for police to show up.

"He's now in jail and has an appointment with a doctor this week."

I had to post this to make sure everyone who did not see it on Yahoo, did. What sort of country are we living in, anyway? REPEAL Obamacare? I don't think so. It's bad enough the man would have to wait a few more years for it to kick in. I want to know WHAT the Republicans could say to address Verone's need. More trickle down bullshit, I am sure...

Read the article.

Jane's Addiction--Summertime Rolls

She sings a song and
I listen to what it says:
"If you want a friend
feed any animal..."
There was so much space
I could cut me a piece
With some fine wine
It brought peace to my mind
In the summertime and it rolled..."

Law Enforcement Against Prohibition

So you think every cop is a gung-ho drug warrior, right? Wrong, so wrong! Many of these guys are just doing their job and would prefer they did not have to mess with people and their drugs, especially cannabis. It is a shame that such fine people, who risk their lives every day in the service of their communities, have to prostitute themselves to the moneyed interests behind the phony drug war.

Some cops have organized to stop the stupid drug war. Read the article.

Tom Petty, Jeff Lynne... etc. – While My Guitar Gently Weeps

The man comedian Mike Schmidt refers to as the Funky Purple Yoda takes it on home with a blistering guitar solo.

The Listener's Guide to Comedy Podcasts

Over the last seven years, I've worked 40 hours a week in a cubicle. As bad as that sounds, it would have been much, much worse if I didn't have podcasts to pass the time.

In an attempt to pass on my experience in the growing realm of the comedy podcast, I have written an e-book called The Listener's Guide to Comedy Podcasts. The guide includes profiles of and links to more than fifty of the funniest comedy podcasts.

If you are trapped in office hell and would like a laugh or two, try out shows featuring the comedic genius of Ricky Gevais, Adam Carolla, Marc Maron, Jimmy Pardo, Doug Benson, Scott Auckerman and dozens more.

Thao and Mirah--How Dare You

Perfoming live over at Thao's place.

Obama Impersonator Shown The Door At Republican Party Affair

They couldn't take it-they wouldn't let him finish his set!

Beach Boys - Don't Worry Baby

I grew up in California, and witnessed this stuff first hand. The Summer of Love did not supplant the surf culture , but it did nuance it. After 1967, surfers were more likely to be seen as athletic naturalists than simply fun-loving beachcombers. But for a time, it was as simple as bikinis and beer.

The Elected--Who Are You

The Elected recently played at the Bardot in Hollywood, Ca. Several other videos are up on YouTube, just search "The Elected" + Bardot. I dig the stripped down line up.

Steak Made From Human Excrement In Japan

Kinda looks like shit, doesn't it?

No kidding. Researchers in Japan have made crap into something edible. I feel this is a very significant development for the cause of vegetarianism. By the way, the picture above is ordinary meat. What does it look like to you?

Read the article.

Rage Against the Machine--Killing in The Name

Rage crushes in this old radio appearance from the early 90s. Then they get to the inevitable part of the song that just can't be aired uncensored. Stick around for the climactic ending.

35 People Playing Radiohead's "Paranoid Android"

Radiohead's "Paranoid Android" is one of those great songs that could very be the song of a generation. Well, in what may be the greatest YouTube mash-up of all time, here's a whole generation playing it (h/t Vulture).

Henry Clay People--Working Part Time

We're working part time all the time.

Henry Clay People--Living in Debt

The new national anthem.

Florence and the Machine--Howl

From her appearance on Letterman last December.

Givers--Up, Up, Up

Great new band Givers played live on Late Night earlier this week.

So You're Telling Me There's a Chance

This is one of the best jokes in movie history. I love the way Jim Carrey slowly moves from desperation to hope derived from intense delusion. Too bad they don't make the kind of movies he excels in anymore.

George Harrison - Stuck Inside A Cloud

"The only thing that matters to me is to touch your lotus feet." Bhakta George, how we miss you.

Adele - Rolling In The Deep

This song is dedicated to Yashoda, daughter #4.

Owl Eyes--Pumped Up Kicks

Aussie band Owl Eyes cover the Foster the People hit (h/t Cover Me).

Laura Marling--Night After Night

Laura Marling previewed some songs from her upcoming album, which will be called A Creature I Don’t Know (h/t TwentyFourBit). This is "Night after Night."

The Mountain Goats--Birth Of Serpents

Summer tour starts today in your town people of Minneapolis. TODAY!

New Beatles Photos

As I said in the headline: New Beatles photos!

Paul McCartney - Blackbird

McCartney messing around in the studio, and Martin interrupting him.



It is hard to hear Old Mac's voice break like the wings of the Blackbird, but we all get old. Oh yes. But it is great to hear Paul singing in Russia. At one time, that was not allowed...



Here's the version from the White Album, aka The Beatles.

Nirvana--The Man Who Sold the World

Nirvana covered Bowie at their MTV Unplugged. It was great.

Saturday Morning Cartoon

Mornin' Ralph.
Mornin' Sam.

Rilo Kiley--Execution of All Things, It's a Hit

From 2003, this is the beginning of their record release show for More Adventurous.

My Dinner With Andre - Part One

Every time I visit the Station Agent, conversing for hours and hours in a hard-backed chair across a small table in his sparsely furnished garret, I am reminded of the 1981 film My Dinner With Andre. The film, like our conversation, would bore a child to tears. But this is not a bad thing. I never feel more like an adult than when I put my hat back on my head and venture out in the Florida heat and return to my own hovel and try to write. Sometimes, I actually get some writing done. The Station Agent is a writer too. What happens to him when My Conversation With Jay is concluded, I have no idea. Maybe, just maybe, he gets some writing done as well.

Anyway, Jay Allbritton, also known as Jayman, the Fuseman, or simply the Station Agent, holds a lien on me. How do you repay a man who introduces you to Rilo Kiley AND Robert Jordan's fantastic Wheel Of Time series? You don't, but you die trying.

So here is my next installment of grateful little gifts--My Dinner With Andre, a film about a conversation over dinner in a restaurant. That's it, nothing more. But, I ask, must a film for adults feature anything more?

Rilo Kiley--A Better Son/Daughter

I recently consumed the entire run of the father/daughter detective dramedy Veronica Mars. While the end of the third and final season didn't properly resolve the series, the show entertaining enough to make it well worth a look. The actress who played the series' titular character, Kristen Bell, is an excellent young actress who first attracted my attention in Forgetting Sarah Marshall, one of my favorite recent comedies.

Jason Dohring, the actor who plays Veronica's on-and-off love interest, Logan Echolls, is one of the many surprisingly talented young actors cast in this series. A fan of the show put together a montage, skillfully set to TWS house band Rilo Kiley's bipolar anthem "A Better Son/Daughter," of the Echolls/Mars storyline.

Rilo Kiley--Absence Of God

"Mike, I'll teach you how to swim if you turn the bad in me into good again."

Black Crowes--Midnight From the Inside Out

From 2005 in Chicago.

John Lennon - Watching The Wheels

My favorite ten Lennon songs are always changing, but this one makes the list often. Wonderfully conceived, performed, produced, inspired.

In the Year of Our John, 1982.

John Lennon - Instant Karma

It appears to be a live recording.

Björk--Hunter

Bjork performed the lead track off the Homogenic album live in Cambridge, Mass. with the Icelandic string octet.

Bruce Springsteen--My Hometown

Live in Paris, 1985.

Foo Fighters--Best Of You

NPR has highlights of the band's set at last month's Sasquatch Music Festival.

Agnes Obel--Riverside (official)

Agnes Obel was the opening act at The Elected's show in L.A. last night. Most impressive.

Across The Universe

The Blow--Peaceful, Easy Feeling

Khaela covers the Eagles sans instrumentation.

Happy Ferris Bueller Day

Call in sick, people. Today is the actual day Ferris went for his fateful ninth sick day.

Florence Welch--Not Fade Away

Florence Welch of Florence and the Machine covers Buddy Holly's "Not Fade Away" for an upcoming tribute album.

Florence Welch: Not Fade Awayfrom Tabitha Denholm on Nowness.com.

Pearl Jam--Let My Love Open the Door

PJ covers Peter Townsend's hit back in 1995.

2011 Graduation

This morning Daughter #2 is taking her SAT. I know she'll ace it and do the same in college. Where does the time go?

I went to Daughter #3's graduation from middle school yesterday. She was chosen to give a speech. Like thousands of schools throughout the country, Israel Kamakawiwo-Ole and Jack White provided music at the conclusion of the ceremony. These two songs are calculated to draw tears. Of course, there were plenty of eyes that were not dry.

Everyone has dreams. When we are older some of them have been fulfilled, and we also realize that some never will be. That is life. But we wish the best for those who follow us.

Best wishes to the class of 2011.

Pearl Jam--Corduroy

PJ opened their 2010 New York show with this scathing number.

Living Colour--Love Rears Its Ugly Head

"Please not that again..."

Slow Club--Trophy Room

Sam Briggs of Nouse posted a nice piece on Slow Club.

Merlin's Magic - The Heart Of Reiki

I'm no expert on the meditation music genre, but it probably does not get better than this.

Stevie Ray Vaughn--Voodoo Chile

Standing next to a mountain...

Peter Shumlin Wins TWS Governors Award

Peter Shumlin--a man with a clue

Vermont Governor Peter Shumlin has won The Walrus Speaks Governors Award for signing S.17 into law, which makes it legal to operate medical marijuana dispensaries in Vermont. Although the cannaphobic far right wing in America is determined to stop it, in their bones they know it is futile--marijuana will be legalized for medical purposes in one state after another until, finally, Congress will give in to reality and remove all unreasonable legal restrictions. It is not a matter of if, only a matter of when. Way to go, Governor Shumlin!

Read the article.

Cults--You Know What I Mean

The new album by Cults is streaming over at Spinner.

Jenny Lewis - Pretty Bird

As they might say in India, this is "too good."