Sheryl Crow--All I Wanna Do

Early performance of the song that started it all for Crow.

Dido--Isobel

Dido's music has always seemed pleasant enough to me, but this rocking rearrangement of "Isobel" is a massive improvement on her studio work.

Yer Blues

He's "suicidal, just like Dylan's Mr. Jones."

Soul Asylum--Summer of Drugs

Amazing what can happen when a marginal band gets their hands on a great song. The song in question is "Summer of Drugs," written by Victoria Williams and perfected by Soul Asylum, who played it when they reunited a few years ago.

Sheryl Crow--Maybe Angels

In this clip from 1996, Crow takes an oddly unassuming spot on stage for a lead singer. Nevertheless, this is one of my favorite Crow tunes.

The Who - Teenage Wasteland

Let's get together before we get much older.

Blue Oyster Cult - Don't Fear The Reaper

We can be like they are.

Led Zeppelin - Since I've Been Loving You

Talk about a blistering guitar solo...

Steely Dan--Reelin' in the Years

Check out Bill Cosby introducing the song. Reeling in the years indeed.

Moments Of Happiness

"Flowers of Japan" features traditional Japanese music and flowers.

92 Year Old Yoga Master

I am having back problems, and remembering the postures I learned in a yoga class I took many years ago, I seek a teacher. You Tube teachers do not charge you a dime!

Rilo Kiley--The Execution of All Things

Raw live performance from 2003.

Drug Test Only The Poor?

Let's suppose the woman in this picture has the wherewithal to apply for any social services to which she is legally entitled. Why should we embarrass her further by requiring a drug test? The government hands out lots of money to corporations run by people that never get drug tested, but somehow it has become popular to require drug testing of people getting welfare checks. This is nothing but stigmatization of the poor, because they are poor, and defenseless.

Read the article.

Dave Matthews Band--Say Goodbye

I don't think I've ever turned against a band as thoroughly as I did DMB. Right in the middle of the third album, which I had been enjoying, the whole operation went to hell in a hand-basket. But I can't deny the first two albums are great and recently I've been enjoying them.

Keni Thomas--Circle on the Cross

Keni Thomas appears in the recent episode of Louie as himself. Thomas, a former Army Ranger, plays this song on a visit to troops in Afghanistan. For more on the episode, see my post here.

With The Beatles Part Four

In 1964 I said that there would never be a band as great as the Beatles. And I still have never heard one.

Martin Scorsese Finishes Film On George Harrison - Living In The Material World

The documentary will air on HBO in two parts on October 5th and 6th in the United States and on the BBC in the United Kingdom.

Calexico--Crystal Frontier

The Ventura County Star recently interviewed the band.

This is their video for "Crystal Frontier".

Jenny Lewis - Acid Tongue

Now, who wouldn't love Jenny Lewis?

Judy Garland - Over The Rainbow

The Goddess in the flesh.

Regina Spektor - The Calculation

A truly great live performer.

Tokyo Police Club--Nature Of The Experiment

From their 2007 appearance on David Letterman's esteemed late night program.



The band has embarked on a new experiment that you can read all aboot (they are Canadian) over at Cover Me.

The Four Tops - Reach Out I'll Be There

The Golden Age of Motown, indeed.

St. Vincent--Cruel

Annie Clark recounts her experience on the set of this video over at Huffington Post (via YANP).

St. Vincent - "Cruel"

Emily Davis--Suffer

Taking on Bad Religion made a strong first impression on me. I'm going to find out what this Emily Davis person is all about, but first I absolutely had to post this genius acoustic rendering of BR's "Suffer".

Norah Jones--Don't Know Why

Live performance... I don't know when.

Bob Marley - Rastaman Vibration

This guy was a great live performer.

Fall TV Preview--Parks and Recreation

Parks and Rec is back in less than a month. I recently caught up on the first two seasons of this show, making it one of two network sitcoms I will watch this fall.



In case you were wondering, the other show is How I Met Your Mother, which I like a lot, but come on you guys, let's get to it already with meeting the mother.

The World's Slowest Growing Religion

If you don't know who the Dude is, it is doubtful I can help you. However, for everyone who is already a devotee, there are resources to connect you to the Dudeist world. Dudeism will abide...but it might take awhile.

Read all about it.

Queen--Who Wants to Live Forever

The great Freddie Mercury asking the deep, heavy questions.

Fullerton Police Commit Murder

Have you heard of this recent outrage out in Fullerton, California? Reminds me of my own alma mater--don't tase me bro!

The Elected--You Got Lucky

The Elected cover Tom Petty's "You Got Lucky" again, this time with a fantastic bass line provided by Mike Bloom.

Today Is Shri Krishna Janmashtami

Traditionally, it is said that the god Krishna appeared on earth about 5,000 years ago. The date is disputed by Hindus and academics alike--no surprise there. Whatever the date was, people have been worshiping this deity for thousands of years as a charming little boy, as a prince, as a philosopher, and as a Divine Lover. Today is his birthday.

Tom Petty, Stevie Nicks and the Heartbreakers--Stop Draggin' My Heart Around

From Gainesville. 2006. Right up the street from my current residence.

The Band--The Weight

With the Staple singers. From Scorsese's The Last Waltz.

Meet The Beatles Part Four

I'm going to start my day with the Liverpool Four.

Paul, George, Ringo Remember Elvis

Harrison must have understood that his own creativity far outranked the King's--for, let's face it, Elvis was only a singer (a great singer, but this is not like writing songs)--yet he could not shake his awe of his idol from his teen years. However, he was disgusted with Elvis doing "My Way". So the human mind finds a way to be critical and awestruck at the same time.

Here's my favorite song by Elvis.

The Elected--Have You Been Cheated

KEXP posted the video from The Elected's recent performance on YouTube.

This is "Have You Been Cheated?".

Zombies - She's Not There

I expect to hear this song conclude an episode of True Blood.

Violent Femmes--Kiss Off

I need someone--
a person to talk to,
someone who'd care to love,
could it be you?
could it be you?

The End Of Rilo Kiley

Continuing our year of mourning here at the The Walrus Speaks for the greatest band of the 21st century, Rilo Kiley, I ask one important question--might the mist of the slow fade of love choke you? Or its soft edge cut you?

I think it might. Rilo Kiley people, one more question. Who is Diana? Or Jim?

Meet The Beatles - Part Three

Solid.

Foster The People--Heart of Gold

Foster the People, who have quickly emerged as a force on mainstream radio, covered "Heart of Gold" by the man--Mr. Neil Young--at Lollapalooza.

Strawberry Fields

Try these visuals.

Jimi Hendrix - Purple Haze

Excuse me while I kiss the sky.

Cream - White Room

Pretty damned good drumming here.

Buffalo Springfield - For What It's Worth

It's time we stopped, children, what's that sound...

Grateful Dead - Box Of Rain

1970.

The Elected--Babyface

Performed live at WFUV/The Alternate Side.

Grateful Dead - U.S. Blues

This song is dedicated to the Right Reverend Richard Warfield, Founder-Acarya of the (Dedicated) League of Demons, and pastor of the Psychedelic Church out in Wimberley, Texas. Pastor Warfield says that the world is controlled by reptilian demons. Apparently, they are not dedicated.

"We're all confused. What's to lose? You can call this song "The United States Blues!"

Warren Buffett - Raise Taxes On The Rich!

My kind of capitalist!

Raise taxes on the super-rich? Makes sense, right? It makes all the sense in the world, so why don't we hear more about this? Warren Buffett says that paying taxes never hindered a sensible investment, so the argument that higher taxes would hurt the economy is ridiculous. Why don't we listen to Buffett?

Read the article.

Sallie Ford & The Sound Outside--Against the Law

Live at KCRW.

Romney On The Campaign Trail

Nothing wrong with corporations...

Foo Fighters--Everlong

Dave gets a bit nostalgic on stage at the 20th anniversary of Lollapalooza. Lots of F' bombs. Probably not safe for work or kids, but a danged tootin' fine performance.

Gold Motel--The Cruel One

The Illinois Entertainer spoke to Greta Morgan of Gold Motel, among others, backstage last week after GM's set at Lollapalooza.

This is a recent acoustic performance of their song, "The Cruel One".

Appearance Day Of Lord Balarama

Depending upon who you ask, the deity Krishna is the Supreme Lord, or an avatara of the Supreme Lord, Vishnu. However, in either scenario, Balarama is Krishna's older brother, and he is also the Supreme Lord, or his avatara. Today is his appearance, or birthday.

Jaya Balarama!

The White Stripes--Denial Twist

"She's been singing it all along, but you were hearing a different song..."

Rollins Band--Low Self Opinion

Henry Rollins recently contributed an editorial to about being ahttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifn audiophile.

Get real close to your low end speakers for what may very well be the heaviest song ever:

Raise Taxes On The Rich

I want to know why rich people pay so little in taxes. Oh yeah, I forgot, they claim that they are not actually rich. Now, that's rich...

Jimi Hendrix - All Along The Watchtower

Yeah.

Portishead--Numb

A couple of weeks ago Portishead's Geoff Barrow spoke to Pitchfork about the band's future, which includes dreaded festival dates and a North American tour.

The Staple Singers - The Last Time

I wonder if God is singing this song right now. I warned you people, and I'm sick and tired of your bull.

The Stones did a fine version of this song, but the original (well, actually it's traditional) has a certain charm, don't you think?

Today could be the last day of your life. I just don't know. I told you once and I told you twice!

The Kills--Future Starts Slow

The Kills played Fallon last night and... they killed (h/t Pitchfork).

Sugar--Hoover Dam

Standing on the edge
Of the Hoover Dam,
I'm on the centerline
Right between two states of mind,
And if the wind from the traffic
Should blow me away,
From this altitude
It will come back to you...

Bee Gees - Words

They wrote some great ballads.

Decemberists--If I Can't Change Your Mind

The Decemberists showed up at AV Club's studio to cover the great 90's act Sugar's "If I Can't Change Your Mind". They sure do know how to show up with a lot of acoustic guitars!


The Decemberists cover Sugar

Rand al Thor - In Search Of The Lost Chord

If anyone reading this is also reading the Wheel of Time series by the late, great Robert Jordan, stop reading this post here so my speculations will not spoil anything for you. Well, it probably won't spoil anything, but it is better to be careful and considerate.

Here is the speculation: Rand will win the Last Battle against the Dark Lord by singing. This is why the Tinkers are always in search of the lost chord.

Paul McCartney--Hey Jude

More Mac, this time with friends.

Nonpoint--Alive and Kickin'

The boys are alive, kicking and touring, starting in Flint, Michigan this Friday (August 12th). More dates here. Tell Ken Bastard that The Rooster sent you, he'll give you a funny look.

Sinéad O'Connor--Nothing Compares 2 U

Live, circa 2008. Archetypal love song.

Langhorne Slim--I Love You, But Goodbye

See this man:

August 20, Taos Mountain Music Festival Taos Ski Valley, NM - 7:00 PM.
August 22, Opolis Norman, OK - 7:00 PM.
August 23, Off Broadway St Louis, Missouri - 7:00 PM.
August 24, Lincoln Hall Chicago, IL, us - 7:00 PM.
August 25, Radio Radio Indianapolis, IN - 7:00 PM.

Paul McCartney - Golden Slumbers

A wonderful man, a wonderful performance.

Fiona Apple--Fast as you can

Here's some more Fiona, because it's nice.

Paul McCartney--Hello Goodbye

This is Paul's opener in Montreal. Matt from YANP has tons of pictures posted from the Cinncinati gig. The Cincy set list is here, and it is epic.

Laura Marling--Sophia

New music from Laura Marling, people.

Madonna - Border Line

1984.

Serena Ryder - Sweeping The Ashes

I don't know what she's doing now, but I would like to hear more from Ms. Ryder.

John Lennon - Instant Karma

It's up to you--yeah, you!

Paul McCartney - Here Today

Paul's famous tribute to John. Who could have known the man better?

I Met The Walrus

Levitan is a dumb-ass kid, by some of the things that he says. But he had the wits to get an interview with John Lennon. Quite remarkable, I would say.

Hamell On Trial - A Tribute To John Lennon

The Station Agent is a bloodhound for all things John Lennon.

Randy George & Co.--Crazy

This cover of Gnarls Barkley's "Crazy" is just that.

Deadrat6 - Very Exactly

Papa has gone crazy...

Carnival Of Light

Did you know the Beatles are an important contributor to the history of raves? I didn't. Daughter #3 is a fan of deadmou5, so I decided to research this genre. It turns out that "Carnival of Light" was recorded by the Beatles for "The Million Volt Light and Sound Rave" in London, early winter 1967. Electronic music, they called it. It is not recognizable as modern rave music, but the foot bone is connected to the leg bone.

I think.

Dead Mouse

What does it all mean?

Stars--Your Ex-Lover Is Dead

"Live through this and you won't look back..."

Fiona Apple--Criminal

The wait for the new Fiona Apple album is edging into Portishead territory.

Jenny Lewis - Pelican Bay

Now what would Ms. Lewis do that would get her sent off to Pelican Bay?

Bob Dylan - Tangled Up In Blue

1974.

Juliana Richer--Lover I Don't Have to Love

Nice Bright Eyes cover. Congrats to Juliana on 5 million views on her YouTube channel.

Jenny Owen Youngs--Great Big Plans

Jenny Owen Youngs plays us one of her new songs on her tumblr account because, as she says, "because I care." Awww~! Thanks, Jenny Owen Youngs!

Joni Mitchell - The Circle Game

Isn't this the way it is?

Rilo Kiley--Spectacular Views (Salute My Shorts)

We'll take a small private room, with a window please,
If it opens that's fine to let in the breeze,
We've been waiting all year for someone to just say,
Everyone fucks up it's going to be okay...

Rilo Kiley--Cleveland, House of Blues, 2008

This video strings together clips from the band's late May of 2008 show in Cleveland. About two and half weeks later, the band would play their last show ever on June 18th at the Greek in L.A. The video is a bit grainy and it jumps around a lot, but it's a good look at the band on stage in their last days.

Conservatives Reject Conservation

American rivers without the EPA

If environmental issues are extremely important to you--and they are to me--then you vote Democrat (or vote for Ralph Nader, and spoil everything). Otherwise, as a recent article affirms, the Republicans--who are taking symbolic measures to gut the EPA--are the people for you. I just have to bring this up because I have been ruminating over the notion claimed by a conservative friend (yes, I have one...did I say one?) that self-interest makes everything right (yes, far right!) and that somehow, only the self-interest of companies that sponsor the research of scientists who are anti-global warming is valid, but not the supposed self-interest of scientists who have tenured positions at universities. He is saying that the self-interest of corporations will prevent them from sponsoring bad science! Hmmm...

Anyway, read the article.

Valerie Carter - Ooh Child

When I was a kid--especially when I was a teenage kid--I knew in my bones that the older folks were totally twisted. Now I'm an old folk, and I know it now more than ever!

This is my favorite version of "Ooh Child."

Rilo Kiley - Hail To Whatever You Found In The Sunlight That Surrounds You

This song is dedicated to The Good Witch of the West, out in Ocean Beach, California. Here's to you, Lila.

Elliott Smith--Easy Way Out

From 1999, at the Yo Yo A Go-Go Festival in Olympia, Washington.

The Walrus Speaks Is Five Years Old Today

That's right folks, we were born August 1, 2006.