Beatles Anthology 1

It's the entire Part 1. Enjoy.

Davy Jones 1945-2012

Aging teenyboppers are beside themselves with grief today. Jones formed one-quarter of the Monkees, a group I had no respect for when I was a lad. I realized later that the Monkees had been making fun of all the things I loved to ridicule, and they were great vocalists to boot.

Jones was 66.

Lucy Rose--Scar

Catch Lucy Rose on her US tour, which continues through March 10. 

Elvis Costello--Either Side Of The Same Town

Live in Poland. June 28, 2008.

Tomorrow Never Knows

More wisdom from Lennon.

Jenny Lewis--Born Secular

From 2009 in Washington, DC.

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club--Shuffle Your Feet

From the Henry Rollins Show. 

McCartney And Costello - One After 909

It's the Nurk Twins Revisited.

A Day In The Life

We are playing John Lennon every day of 2012 because some people claim that they world is going to end. OK then, if it is going to end, Lennon is going to have the last word.

But I suspect it is not going to end.

Belle & Sebastian--The Boy Done Wrong Again (Black Sessions 1998)

Lovely tune from their album If You’re Feeling Sinister.

Sleater-Kinney - Jumper

Excellent.

John Lennon - Woman

We are playing John Lennon every day of 2012, because we do not want the world to end.

Lady Gaga And Yoko Ono

Now Gaga with Ono is a match made in...I'm not sure where...anyway, this is a very good performance.

Sleater-Kinney - Entertain

Just to be fatherly, I have sat through more than one Twilight torture film. I mean, aside from Kristen Stewart's face, they are so boring. Every one of those films is crammed with scenes of beautiful but dark and dripping forests. Maybe I am not into grunge because it reminds me of the Pacific Northwest. Or perhaps it is the other way around, I can't be sure.

Anyway, I am glad I played this video, which has broken through my grunge-bone-chilling rain forest aversion. Well, actually it was Carrie Brownstein that did the breaking...

Across The Universe

Jaya Guru Deva!

Shiva Mantra

Beautiful.

Badfinger--Without You

I don't recall ever having heard this version, which I see is the original recording. It's not bad. They don't make a meal of the vocals the way Nilsson and some of the others that have covered this did. 

George Harrison's Birthday Today

Beatles producer George Martin was quite fond of this song. So I'm in good company.

Tony Bennett - Legalize Drugs!

Bennett tells the truth.

Lisa Hannigan--Personal Jesus

Nice Depeche Mode cover with that weird instrument thingy. 

Don't Let Me Down

I would not want to let the man down, but I probably have.

Om Namah Shivaya

Just go straight to the Himalayas by clicking on this video.

Ryan Adams--Call Me On Your Way Back Home

Here's a sad one for all you brokenhearted people tonight. KTWS time is five minutes to one in the AM on the East coast. 



In case you're wondering why it's KTWS even though both Hector Diego and I live East of the Mississippi, it's because radio stations that start with K sound cooler.

Lisa Hannigan--Free Until They Cut Me Down

Former Damien Rice collaborator Lisa Hannigan covers Iron and Wine.

Stevie Ray Vaughn--Pride and Joy

From the man's 1983 debut album, Texas Flood.

The Shins--Simple Song

All signs point to the new album from The Shins being utterly brilliant. This is the video for the first single, "Simple Song".

Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds

Lennon takes you there...

Mary Timony - I Fire Myself

Sweet little, wistful, perhaps melancholy tune.

Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell--Ain't No Mountain High Enough (Carson)

The feel between the band and the singers is off, but still, it's Marvin and Tammi. When do you get to see this? Even in those clothes?

The Year Of John Lennon - Ticket To Ride

I aim to dismantle "the end of the world" by playing the vocals of John Lennon every day of 2012.

So ha ha.

Dirty Epics--Way Too Pretty

I'm digging this mildly aggro dance vibe. Good bass parts as well.

Dirty Epics--We're Coming Up

Here's another song I heard on the UK version of Skins.

The Spells - The Age Of Backwards

It's Mary Timony and Carrie Brownstein from Wild Flag.

The Year Of John Lennon - Norwegian Wood

It is my aim to post something from Lennon every day of 2012. To keep the Blue Meanies away.

Krishna Das - Om Shivaya Namah

The Erotic Ascetic



Today is Shiva Ratri. Is am posting this rather late in the day, but my astrologer tells me that Shiva Ratri, in the Western Hemisphere, will last until about 5 am tomorrow morning.

Sleater-Kinney--God Is A Number

My main man Sheamus introduced me to Sleater-Kinney some years back, and though I enjoy the band quite a bit, I only know their history and their catalog in a cursory manner. So it was no surprise that Sheamus took me to task for posting "You're No Rock N' Roll Fun." So, here is a song that Sheamus considers to be much more representative of SK's best work, "God is a Number". I think the man has a fine point.

John Lennon- Nobody Told Me

Very strange.

Ghost Town Jenny--Somebody Else's Clothes (Rilo Kiley cover)

Ghost Town Jenny does a nice job with a choice unreleased Rilo Kiley track. Nice cinematography as well. 



As for the long-promised Rilo Kiley b-sides collection... how 'bout it? Let's get it out there, please. I'm dyin' over here.

Elliott Smith--Memory Lane

"Isolation chased you until every muscle ached down the only road it ever takes..."

6 Day Riot--Go Canada

I've been enjoying the British teen drama Skins. Not only is it a fantastic show, but it has proven to be a reliable window into the world of obscure, excellent British music. 6 Day Riot is one such band that has been featured on the show, though not this particular song. 

Broken Social Scene--Almost Crimes

Feist got nominated for four JUNOs. Here she is in the old days with broken Social Scene.

Elliott Smith at Bumbershoot 2000

Nice look at what the man could do live with a solid backing band.

John Lennon - Hold On

1970.

Low--Africa (Toto Cover)

"It's gonna take a lot to drag me away from you..."

Craig Finn on NPR

Craig Finn of The Hold Steady played a set for NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts.

Sleater-Kinney--Was It A Lie?

I want to cut the wires I want a day not made for you to see

Hitler's Concern For Romney's Dog

Station Agent, you must view this.

Jack White--Love Interruption

The first single from Jack White's debut solo album has been fairly well received, but for White the expectations are so high that it's doubtful critics can get a clear view of what's been delivered until they have a while to process it.

While it's not the same as the initial blast of White Stripes, this is a very cool tune. The choice of featuring a clarinet, which bothered me at first, now feels monumentally innovative after several listens. 

Los Campesinos--Songs About Your Girlfriend

New video from the LC camp. 

The Kills--The Last Goodbye

The Kills recently played a chilling rendition of "The Last Goodbye" on Letterman.

Sleater-Kinney--You're No Rock N' Roll Fun

From the 2000 album All Hands on the Bad One.

Happy Valentines Day!

Certainly one of Lennon's most enduring, beautiful melodies.



I like this unreleased, acoustic version. I posted this earlier in the month, but hey--it's Valentine's Day! Do you remember when you gave every single kid in the class a Valentine's Day card?

St. Vincent--Cheerleader (Acoustic)

Annie Clark re-imagines "Cheerleader," replacing the bombastic beat and the heavy guitars with a cute little guitar and a harmonica player.    

Jenny Owen Youngs--Voice on Tape

From last Fall at Ardent Studios.

Rajiv Locana Dasa

This is a photo of a deceased friend that I am posting for a mutual friend that is not deceased (I think) but who does not do In-Your-Facebook. Sorry I couldn't make it bigger. I like to think that Rajiv is in a better place. It was difficult to choose appropriate music for this sort-of-obituary. I once observed Rajiv in a rare display of emotion while he was listening to Cyndi Lauper's "Time After Time", so I dedicate that song to him.

Jenny Owen Youngs--Last Person

Live at WFUV back in 2009.

Lincoln's Death Dream

Three days before he was assassinated, Lincoln related a recent dream that he had to some friends. 


"About ten days ago, I retired very late. I had been up waiting for important dispatches from the front. I could not have been long in bed when I fell into a slumber, for I was weary. I soon began to dream. There seemed to be a death-like stillness about me. Then I heard subdued sobs, as if a number of people were weeping. I thought I left my bed and wandered downstairs. There the silence was broken by the same pitiful sobbing, but the mourners were invisible. I went from room to room; no living person was in sight, but the same mournful sounds of distress met me as I passed along. I saw light in all the rooms; every object was familiar to me; but where were all the people who were grieving as if their hearts would break? I was puzzled and alarmed. What could be the meaning of all this? Determined to find the cause of a state of things so mysterious and so shocking, I kept on until I arrived at the East Room, which I entered. There I met with a sickening surprise. Before me was a catafalque, on which rested a corpse wrapped in funeral vestments. Around it were stationed soldiers who were acting as guards; and there was a throng of people, gazing mournfully upon the corpse, whose face was covered, others weeping pitifully. 'Who is dead in the White House?' I demanded of one of the soldiers, 'The President,' was his answer; 'he was killed by an assassin.' Then came a loud burst of grief from the crowd, which woke me from my dream. I slept no more that night; and although it was only a dream, I have been strangely annoyed by it ever since."

Lincoln Defeats Douglas In Debate

I had told myself that I was done posting stuff on Lincoln, whose birthday is today. I couldn't, however, resist this one. Abe tells it like it is. If today's Republicans were anything like Lincoln, perhaps I would not be a Democrat. But in your hearts you know that if Lincoln were alive today, he would be a Democrat!

Peter Fonda Plays Lincoln

Fonda expands the Lincoln myth.

Abe Lincoln Lectures Jimmy Stewart

Do not be ungrateful to your parents!

Abyssinian Baptist Church Sanctuary Sings The Battle Hymn Of The Republic

We are continuing our celebration of the anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln here at KTWS Radio. 

Lincoln's Birthday Today

Recent critics have taken the shine out of our greatest President, and some of their observations are fair. But I am too sentimental to pay them any mind. For me, Abraham Lincoln is the giant of all American history.

Bruce Springsteen--We Take Care Of Our Own

Here's the video for Springsteen's "We Take Care Of Our Own," which is on President Obama's reelection playlist.

Merle Haggard - Okie From Muscogee

White Lightning! That shit will make you go blind.

Ella Fitzgerald - When I Get Low, I Get High

I'll bet she does.

Cab Calloway - The Reefer Man

He's rather funny...

The Year Of John Lennon - Twist And Shout

I am posting this song because it features the lead vocals of John Lennon, who is being feted for an entire year on KTWS radio.

Shins Perform Set at San Diego's 91X

According to the station's site, the new song "It's Just Life" has been redacted until March 20, when the new album drops. Nevertheless, it's a damn fine set. 

Florence And The Machine - Dog Days Are Over

Jenny Owen Youngs--Transmitter Failure

JOY recently spoke to The Daily Nebraskan about her new album.

This is from her old album:

Obama Ignores Marijuana Issue

The Station Agent says that there is no way Obama can favor legalization and still get reelected. That may be true, but at least he could say it is a matter for the states to decide. I do not believe that would cost him politically in the least. So why doesn't he say that? Here is a comment I lifted from an article by the Marijuana Policy Project. I'm still going to vote for Obama, but I know how this person feels.

"I’m have been so disappointed in President Obama’s stance in this matter. It was one of the reasons I voted for him in the last election. I felt from his views before the election he would have been more compassionate and understanding about legalizing marijuana. I’m not really sure I can give him my vote in the next election, and I really wanted to support Obama."

Read the article.

PJ Harvey--Rid of Me

Who would want to be rid of PJ?

Rhythm Rockers - Real Cool

Very cool.

Hambone Hunter - Bacon Fat

Daughter #3 says that this song is "totally demented." I guess I must concur.

Ventures - Walk Don't Run

It's guitar instrumentals this morning at The Walrus Speaks. That's www.thewalrusspeaks.blogspot.com on your cyber radio dial.

The Shadows - Apache

Every guitar god to be learned "Apache". 1961.

John Lennon - Angel Baby

It's not that Lennon has anything to really add to Rosie's big hit, it's just that he's John Lennon. And that's why I have posted it.

Grateful Dead - Friend Of The Devil

My wife requested this one before work this morning.

St. Vincent--Cheerleader

St. Vincent's new video is both thrilling and unnerving at the same time. 

Jenny Owen Youngs--Your Apartment

Youngs's new album An Unwavering Band of Light came out Tuesday. 

Aaron Kaufman--Somebody That I Used To Know, Can't Buy Me Love

Goyte's monster hit "Somebody That I Used to Know" has spawned a cottage industry of covers, including a recent screamo take by Kapitan Korsakov. This one by Aaron Kaufman is a very clever mash-up cover that incorperates The Beatles' "Can't Buy Me Love".

Bright Eyes--First Day of My Life

Conor Oberst's other band--The Mystic Valley Band--have a documentary and an album of outtakes coming out in May.

This is a live performance of perhaps my favorite Oberst song, the hopelessly romantic "First Day of My Life."

Lennon Performs Imagine Live

If you love John Lennon, you must see this.

Patti Smith - Smells Like Teen Spirit

Sounds like a banjo in there...

R Kelly - I Believe I Can Fly

Needless to say, this is R Kelly's best work.

Juliana Richer and Alex Cornell--Poison and Wine

Nice cover of The Civil Wars's "Poison and Wine". It was recorded over the internet from their respective locations, with fantastic results. The idea of sharing the same performance space is yet one more boundary being eliminated before our eyes.

Tool--Sober

By all accounts, Tool brought it hard last night in Ft. Lauderdale. No doubt they will deliver it again tonight in Orlando. 

Wye Oak--Civilian

Last Spring, Baltimore's Wye Oak stopped by KEXP for a set.

Rick Steves - Sensible Marijuana Laws

Now if you can't believe Rick Steves, the friendly travel guru, you are too cynical.

Lennon's Imagine Dubstep

Daughter #3 claims that you cannot mix the Beatles with dubstep. I disagree. From what I know about Lennon's views, he would welcome the opportunity to introduce his work to a new generation. He would not claim any importance for his work, but he would assert the importance of the message. I also explained to my daughter that Lennon practically invented street theater on an international scale. What do you say, Station Agent?

John Lennon - # 9 Dream

It seemed so very real...

Jon Stewart - Pee In A Cup

The Daily Show with Jon Stewart
Get More: Daily Show Full Episodes,Political Humor & Satire Blog,The Daily Show on Facebook

They require all recipients of government money to pee in a cup, but they will not do the same.

The Mountain Goats--The Best Ever Death Metal Band in Denton

This is from the Mountain Goats recent show at the Visulite Theatre in Charlotte, North Carolina. The entire show can be listened to and downloaded from The Internet Archive.

Amanda Mair--Sense

Mair's new album drops Febuary 15 on Labrador (h/t YANP).


Amanda Mair "Sense" from Labrador Records on Vimeo.

Man Of Constant Sorrow

The best thing about the film, O Brother Where Art Thou, is undoubtedly the music.

Norah Jones - Turn Me On

Yeah.

White Stripes - Jolene

I think this might be the first song from the White Stripes that I ever heard. I knew I had to take Jack White seriously.

Liz Phair - I Got My Own Thing

Men are just like Liz Phair says they are, right?

Los Campesinos!--Hello Sadness

 The kids from Cardiff stopped by BreakThruRadioTV for a set.

John Lennon - Love

Certainly one of Lennon's most enduring, beautiful melodies.



I like this unreleased, acoustic version.

Allied Radio--Face of the Earth

"Please keep me up to date on your future plans
but if I'm on your mind, then I'll slip through your hands..."

Eddie Izzard--Cake or Death?

Is America ready for sugar reform? Probably not.

Happy Groundhog Day Again!

Looks like six more weeks of non-winter. Here's a scene from the film that I'm pretty sure I posted before...  Hmm...

10,000 Maniacs--The Painted Desert

Nice clip showing the actual "painted desert" off of Route 66 in Arizona.

Wild Flag - See No Evil

Neither a good recording nor a good filming. I just like Mary's solo toward the end.

Hospitality--Friends of Friends

If you're in New York on Friday, go check out their record release party.


Hospitality - "Friends Of Friends" from stereogum on Vimeo.

John Lennon - Beautiful Boy

We are continuing The Year of John Lennon here at The Walrus Speaks. 

End The Stupid War On Drugs

A woman was sleeping with her child when the FBI raided her home looking for illegal drugs. She had none.

What else needs to happen before the whole country realizes that the war on drugs is idiotic and downright evil? Far worse than the drugs that are being "fought"?

Soul Train Don Cornelius 1936 - 2012

I figured Cornelius would prefer the tribute of the music featured in his groundbreaking Soul Train, but you can read tributes to Cornelius from people like Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson, Aretha Franklin and Quincy Jones here. 

Marilyn McCoo has a stellar voice, does she not?

R.E.M.--Nightswimming

"And what if there were two, side by side in orbit, around the fairest sun?"