fripodding and heavy rotation: vol. 1 - pre-me

So this is the first of a few of what I call "Heavy Rotation" which in radio land means songs that are played frequently... since back in the day, radio stations used records which rotate! (There you go, you learned something today!) The term can still apply since a lot of us still use CDs, even though those are slowly becoming obsolete and now we rotate our fingers around our iPods' wheel.

Anyway, I compiled a list of top albums I truly love and can have the title of being in Heavy Rotation when it comes to being played on my late stereos (may they rest in piece, collecting dust), car and computer CD players alike, and of course iSaac and other MP3 playing devices.

This list feature albums that came out before my time. Since we live in an age of countless "best of" albums, a majority of this list features those compilation albums or collections. However, I will provide the title of the album I actually own, just so you know I'm not making it up. So here are my favorite albums of my past. And by past, I mean before I was around in the later 80's.


10. Earth Wind & Fire - Greatest Hits: Vol. 1 - This album only has 10 tracks on it, and this was the 3rd CD I ever owned I bought when I began my music listening career. Songs like Singasong, September and Getaway among countless others are always great songs to fall back on when I need to get out of a bad or gloomy mood.

9. The Jacksons - I don't really have a specific album to cite here, but their music played a vital role while I was growing up. Yeah, I grew up in the late 80's early 90's, but this was the only music I was exposed to (besides Christmas songs and Disney tunes). Needless to say, I grew up listening to Michael's entire catalogue and I have my reasons for not having the songs (not albums) Bad orThriller in iSaac's memory. (Long story short, overplayed.)


8. The Isley Brothers -It's Your Thing: The Story of the Isley Brothers - I found a 3 disc, "best of" collection. I love how half the songs can be upbeat and semi-partyish songs, especially a song like Shout, while others are for those making love songs like Don't Say Goodnight. And hey, we all need a little romance in our lives sometimes. Even if there isn't anyone around to romance with... as a writer, it puts me in the mood to pen something that needs that slow burn of seduction the Isleys easily churn out. Especially when such songs have their longer versions... and we can take a guess as to why they would make an extended version... Anyway, notable songs I love: Summer Breeze, This Old Heart of Mine, Love the One You're With, Footsteps in the Dark, Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight, and my all time favorite For the Love of You.


7. Marvin Gaye - Let's Get It On - I would choose again a "best of" collection for this guy, but I can't find one that has ALL my favorites. So instead I'll just pick the one that has the most, or at least one I actually own which features one of his most popular songs. This album is pretty much a baby-making album. Anytime you hear those beginning guitar wah-wahs, you know what time it is. But once I heard the EXTENDED version, I was like... I gotta own this. Little did I know that what I heard was someone who mixed Let's Get It On with another track on the album called Keep Gettin' it On. I don't really need to explain what the song is about, do I? Anyway, there are some other lovely tracks. But by no means is that all of the Marvin Gaye songs I like.


6. Prince - Purple Rain - Thanks to some proofreading, scrolling through iSaac's library, and some second and third glances, I realized I forgot to include Prince. There's still so much more music I need to hear from this genius, but if I had to choose an album, it would be this one. I was going to include one of his many "greatest hits" albums, but c'mon now... Purple Rain! Plus this one qualifies to be on this list being released before I was born. The movie might be lacking in some respect, but the music is awesome, and for that I say it's worth watching, especially when the title song is performed. When it comes to my iPod, this album is joined by many other Prince hits--past and present.


5. The Temptations - Emperors Of Soul - This is a 5 disc collector's set. I begged my mom to loan me $70 at the time (I was 15 and refused to get a paper route). It was also a year or so after their bio-movie was on TV. Let me say this... I haven't listened to the 4th disc of this collection at all. If I can, allow me to rate the discs: 2, 3, 1, 5, 4. Disc 2 contains what you would call "Classic Temptations" which has the legendary line-up including the one and only David Ruffin (My Girl, Losing You, Ain't Too Proud to Beg). There are also a few awesome bonus previously unreleased tracks on that one (I love Heaven on Earth). Disc 3 has their rougher/psychadelic side (Cloud Nine, Can't Get Next To You, Papa Was A Rollin' Stone) , disc 1 has their earliest "hits"... I say that because at that time, they were still struggling. Then disc 5 has their most recent material, and the only song I was familiar with was Treat her Like A Lady.

4. & 3. Definitive Collections - I can't choose between the next two greats. I mean, I had a hard time putting the Tempts in 5th place on this awesome list. And the next few all deserve #2 next to my #1. So without really saying there's a 3rd or 4th, find their defining best of's...

Al Green - I never owned an actual Al Green album, but he recently came out with one last year that he's been nominated for a Grammy. I shall definitely pick it up in the near future. But he's been making hits all his life and idolizes my idol, Sam Cooke. The songs on this best of album, truly hit after hit. Tired of Being Alone, Love and Happiness, L-O-V-E... Those three alone I could set on repeat for an hour. Between the lyrics, the instruments, and the voice only Al Green could sing with... However, thanks to this album I gained some new favorites like Perfect to Me which I swear I'd sing to some lucky girl some day. ;o) I just want to make an honorable mention of Simply Beautiful which isn't on this album, but worth checking out. I wrote it into a scene and I pray whenever I get to make the movie I wrote it into, I get the clearance for it.

Stevie Wonder - Another living legend that has a career that puts so many to shame. Well, I don't know who I'm referring to by that... but this double album speaks for itself. I got to be honest (as I usually am) but I seriously forget that this man is blind. And once I take that into account, I just marvel that much more about the wonderful music he has created. However, on this album, one of my favorite songs, As, is the short version. If you can find it, and you upload it to your iPod, make sure you switch it out with the extended version of that song. Other favorite songs of mine: I Wish, Yester-me Yester-You Yesterday, Signed Sealed Delivered and Living For the City. And I guess it's a song that wasn't that well known, but I've grown to love I'm Wondering. Needless to say (yet I'm saying it anyway) there are tons of other greats on here. Me being picky, I shortened this double album to just one... but that's just me.


2. Curtis Mayfield - Live 1971 - I don't really know if that's the name of the album, but it's one of my favorites at the moment. It was hard to choose just one because there's the Superfly soundtrack and yet another collection of his greatest hits when he was solo, and with The Impressions--which by the way are must owns--but I chose this live album because I felt it contained some real soul, groove and funk of his personality and music. It just felt raw and I loved that. And I love hear the audience react to what he was saying and singing. The other thing it did is made me feel like I was there, at that time, and I know a little bit of history so I know what was going on and how Blacks in America were going through. Mayfield knew it to and kept it real with his audience. Besides that album, I highly respect all the music he has made over his impressive career. Notable songs I really enjoy are The Makings of You (this version I think is better than the studio version), I Plan to Stay a Believer, We're a Winner and People Get Ready. A song very few people seem to know about but is supremely awesome and deserves an honorable mention: P.S. I Love You. The album it's on is hard to find, so I suggest picking up the Superbad movie soundtrack. There are a number of other awesome songs on that album, but it doesn't fit this list.


1. Sam Cooke - One Night Stand! Live at the Harlem Club Square, 1963 - According to history, this album didn't get it's first release date until about 20 years after it was recorded. Instead, Sam at the Copa was released but compared, this album was much more superior. Similar to the Curtis's live album I mentioned before... it's raw, it's real, it's what soul is all about. This is one album I refuse to listen to any old way--it must be played beginning to end. It's only under 40 minutes, but it's the best 40 minutes I can spend in my life. It's the subject of one of my recent screenplays. And it's the album I say time and time again that if I had to take one CD with me on a deserted album, this is the one I'd bring. There's so much I could say about this but I don't think even I could do it justice... but I'm willing to do my best if I ever get the chance to get that script produced. Now I'm still just talking about the music and emotion that the album sets you in, as a listener. This is the album that made me wish I was alive and able to be at this show. But let's talk about the legend. Mr.. Soul. I've said it countless times before, but he needs his own biopic. Sure, the movies we have so far of Ray Charles, The Temptations, Little Richard and the rumored biopic of Marvin Gaye are all well deserved... but this is the man who started it all! I even have the perfect teaser trailer for it. But more on that later. If you don't know Sam, I suggest you do some homework. Fortunately, the CD people have made it easy and released a 4 disc album with practically every song he's recorded. Almost. They gave his gospel recordings with the Soul Stirrers it's own collection of discs. Surprisingly, I don't own all of these, shame on me. However, any recording of him live? Awe. Some. You want some real singing? Bump American Idol! This is what it's all about. No, A Change is Gonna Come isn't sung live here. According to my research, he didn't record or release it yet. However, what I believe is the highlight is the intro to and the actual song Bring It On Home to Me. To get a taste of what this album is, I suggest checking out the first 10 minutes of the movie Ali starring Will Smith. In fact, this is the very movie that started my fascination with Sam Cooke's music and I was determined to find that song and specifically that version. David Elliot, who starred as Sam, was good and it is on the Ali soundtrack... but it still doesn't compare to the original. And you can believe I nearly exploded once I learned that there even was an original. Since it came in the mail, this has been the #1 album that has the heaviest rotation of all time. Well, with me anyway.

fripodding and dining

I had my first staff meeting at an off-site location on Wednesday. Just to break it down a bit further, "off-site" means not in or around the office. With most of my team being work-at-home, it seems like a really good idea to do. And I will agree that it was a good idea! We had our luncheon at one of my semi-favorite place's to eat: Chili's. It's "semi" now due to the ever changing menu and me not going as often as I once did. It's still a great place. And there's a picture of some of my fun times on this blog back a few months ago. Anyway, the meeting wasn't really business related. With everyone being at their home all the time, we forget what each other look like or what they're doing. I personally don't mind turning invisible. The only times that's impossible for me is at church and when I was at Purchase in certain areas.

Later today, more like an hour from now, I'll be dining at one of my top favorite pizza joints. The one and only Pizza Hut. Oh Pizza Hut, how I love thee. Shall I count the ways? No, not right now. It is sad these places are disappearing. Sometimes you'll get the Pizza Hut Express which everyone tells me is crap and not worth it, but c'mon! It's the closest to Pizza Hut pizza until I make it to an official hut! At least we are getting an IHOP built closer to us. Oh IHOP, how I love thee...

Today's friPod iPick is an actual band. I've been iPodding this band all week since I heard a little diddy called This Ain't a Scene, It's an Arms Race. Actually, what I was listening to was a Kanye West remix, then I finally dove into the band's catalogue, something I was supposed to do a year or so ago since they were on my list of artists to check out.

I'm talking about Fall Out Boy. A band that has been labelled "emo" to "alternative rock" and a whole bunch of other things I may or may not understand or agree with. Actually, I've heard many people complain that these boys aren't "rock" at all, but how can one define such a genre? At one point, Chuck Berry was considered rock. How would I define it? Well if you can rock out, then it's a rock band. I can rock out to The Temptations, John Legend, Panic at the Disco, Daft Punk, Justice... The list can go on.

But F.O.B. is our topic today. I've been particularly infatuated with their last album, Infinity on High. Their new album Folie a Deux. There's no doubt I'll pick up that album either via iTunes or Wal-Mart, whoever has more tracks. Some of you know what I'm talking about. Having heard parts of their first two albums and all of Infinity and having seen most of their music videos, this is a band I really enjoy all day long.

I will say that they have elements of screamo is some of their songs... basically just screaming lyrics and I needed to fins the lyrics to translate. I could do without all that screaming, but hey... I guess it works for them. As for their lyrics, Pete Wentz is responsible for most of them. And if you read them, they are rather cryptic. At least they are to me. Some I can figure out, but that might be due to having already been told what the theme of the song is about. I also wanted to know the lyrics because the music is so good, I wanted to sing along but couldn't figure out the words. The Carpal Tunnel of Love is a good example. I'd link it to the music video, but I'm not a fan of the video. Just my opinion, find it on your own. Just shield the eyes of your children. Most of their songs have interesting titles too, some with their own back stories. Another well liked song, Thnks Fr Th Mmrs. A bit hit of theirs actually. Funny video too. By the way, they are friends with the other bands on their record label including Panic at the Disco and Gym Class Heroes, so don't be surprised to see them in their videos.

I will link you to a cover of Michael Jackson's Beat It which I really like, and one of their newer singles I Don't Care with the band being a crazy band. I enjoy driving to this song, but I amazing don't have road rage. Imagine that. Ooo! Pizza Hut time!

fripodding and changing

So I guess I'm still on my charity kick. Not a bad thing, but I enjoy writing the more light heart hearted material. I'll save the heavy stuff for those moving scenes in my movies. Speaking oh which, I'm formulating a plan in which I'll write short scripts for myself when I do podcasts. (Actually, I'm not sure if they'll be officially "podcasts" but it'd be cool if I could... and just the thought of me being in YOUR iPod... gives me chills all over my body. OoooOOoooo! Yeah, it's like that... which is a bit creepy... sorry.) Anyway, I'll bring my movie reviews to the Workforce, but after I'll actually film myself talking about it. I'd do it now, but I lack the capability of transferring video to PC... and I'm not about to just buy some run of the mill webcam when I know I can do better. In the meantime, I'll hone in on other crafts until I can afford that (and a Mac). The podcasts (which will have a special name all its own) will contain other fun things besides reviews... but we'll talk about that bridge when it's in sight.

Back to charity... Today's friPod iPick hails from the King... of Pop. And I'm sure it's some what inspired by the King... the Reverend. It's none other than the #1 hit in the '88 (and no, I don't remember it at the time, but I'm quite fond of it now), Michael Jackson's "Man In The Mirror" and I even provided a link which I wasn't going to do because EVERYONE should know this song.



The video is taken from the Moonwalker home video that was released back in his prime. I've watched it several times, I don't hide the fact that I'm a long time fan. I will say that at the time, I didn't know what or who were in most of those clips interlaced in the video. In fact, I didn't even really know what the song was about, but for some reason it made me wanna cry a little bit just because I could feel the emotion in the song. While it "randomly" iPodded the other day at work, it brought back a flood of memories like it normally does when I hear it. Then iSaac decided to keep repeating the song, what a weird iPod it is.

And it's a great song I love to lampoon because it's hard to translate some of his lyrics from what you actually hear, that is, if you don't know the song very well. At times I feel as though I'm singing with my teeth clenched. (Yes, I've sung this song many times in my room and in front of the mirror. Don't act like you haven't. Maybe not to this song, but there's something on Jackson's discography that makes you go into concert.) And of course there's the infamous "cha'mon!" Oh, these were the days. He practically ruled the world at this time. This is a time I was growing up listening to him and watching people go nuts. People don't pass out at concerts anymore. What a waste of money. Go see MMJ and you faint, then you're carried off to who knows where. And this dude has always been original with his wardrobe. I couldn't pull off have his outfits. But he did tend to pull them off. This is during the time he was... uh... fit? Young. We'll go with young. Can you believe this dude is 50? Have you seen my childhood?... (His? Yes.) I jest.

Again, I digress. With these times of change, I thought this song would be fitting. Even though we are looking for change from our new President, we must not forget that change starts with us. So go find a mirror right now (well, wait until you're done reading) and ask that man or woman or whatever to change their ways. (If the image talks back to you... I can't help you.) We all want, or should want to see this world change for the better and that can't happen if you don't do anything about it. Whether it's helping the environment, a wee child, your next door neighbor, their next door neighbor, a squirrel or the less fortunate: make that change.

fripodding and musical televisions

Since I've upgraded to iSaac's 6th generation Classic iPodness, I've been taking advantage of being able to WATCH things as well as listen to them. I also find myself playing solitaire a lot more, which really isn't that big of a deal because iPizzle had that too.

Anyway, since most iPods (except older models and especially screenless iPod Shuffles) can play movies/music videos, I thought for today's iPick, I'd pick a music video. Oddly enough, the video I'm going to pick isn't even in iSaac's library... yet. Before I reveal the pick, let's talk a little bit about the music video industry. (Aren't iPod commercials like really cool mini music videos? There's nothing like watching a commercial for an iPod on your iPod... and no I haven't done that... yet.)

Why doesn't the channel that popularized music videos play music videos anymore? MTV? VH1? Even BET? I'll let BET slide since it never exclusively focused on music videos like MTV and VH1 claimed to. VH1 is supposedly a product of MTV anyway, or it was... I don't know and I don't feel like researching right now.

Why did music videos start getting corny? This mainly relates to hip hop videos and sometimes, it's still the same "check out my car, my money, and my women." And it's usually all rented. Even the women. Sad. I can't really speak though... I haven't watched many music videos since I can't remember when... So maybe things have changed. But I like for videos to be as stimulating as the song is... if the song is stimulating at all. Sometimes the video will make me like the song if I don't care for it. It can make or break a song, really.

Now those 3 channels I mentioned... If they do show music videos, they never show the whole video. I'm sure all of these complaints you've heard or had yourself. I'm just vocalizing it again, that's all. Plus with the world we live in, they know that we know we can find the whole interupted video online.

But alas my fellow Indoobians, there's hope! For those of you who have that digital or enhanced or advanced cable or a dish network and get 2,000+ channels, it's a good chance you have the "sister" or "sequel" channels. You cna call it a "sequel" channel if it's something like MTV2... Which was an all music channel for a while, but it's become a product of it's older brother. Or sister. Don't fret, MTV has just as many channels as HBO. Well, maybe a few less. I have about 5 altogether I think. MTVU, MTV Hit List, MTV Jams, MTV Latino or something... It's in Spanish. They moved MTV2 with them instead of being in the basic line up. I don't know why. But there they are and it kept me busy trying to find new music (which will lead into today's pick shortly).

VH1 has similar channels. Honestly, I don't know how many. I can only think of VH1 Classic right now. They have Pop Up Video. How many of you guys remember that one? Oh yes, it was awesome, indeed! That channel also show videos from the 70's and 80's... well... whenever I stopped by. And there are a few other music only channels I never watch. But at least they're there. So if you have some extra bucks, you can find these music channels and dive into your music videos. The nice thing is there aren't so many commercials, and when there are, it's about the channel. So you don't feel forced to run out and buy a car, Viagra, or shop at Macy's.

While surfing these channels, I came across a guy I liked when he first came out... but no one cared about. Well, they did when he came out with his second album, and now people are paying attention for sure now that his third album "Something Else" has recently been released. I haven't heard it yet, but I'm stuck on the single and especially the video that's been out since this past summer.

Again, I apologize to the Workforce and it's Indoobians, I'd embed the video, but the embedded feature has been disabled on them all. Meaning even if I wrote the code myself on my page, it wouldn't work OR I'd probably get asked to take it down. People are weird. Anyway, the artist formally known as Thicke (when he first came out), the one and only Robin Thicke and his hit single "Magic". Again, the song is hot on it's own... But I want to talk about the video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PlIQsrr-czE

After you watch it, then we can talk about it being on the same page and all. Again, the song is awesome. It works so well with the video and I'm glad I got to hear it for the first time while watching it. (Sometimes I'm disappointed with a video after listening to a song before seeing it, and it not being anything I expected.)

Robin Thicke himself has stated he was inspired by Kubrick's 2001: A Space Oddessy which is his favorite movie, and to me is a disgustingly long and trippy movie. It was the 60's. It's a work of art, I respect it and would probably watch it again. (For kicks and giggles, watch the shortend version someone made.) But that's another story for another post. He's also inspired by Michael Jackson and Fred Astaire, which those scenes you can recognize. (When he's dancing with the hat and cane. He said he saw Puttin' on the Ritz and wanted to put those moves in. I've seen it before, but it wows me everytime and who can blame him? That performance is astounding.) More so Michael Jackson near the end in the elevator doorway thingy. I don't know... it just looks so cool. Don't Stop til You Get Enough is one of the inspirations he used. Ya know, back when he was still black and not so weird.

I also saw some James Bond in there. Starting at 2:47 when they just keep panning upwards, it gave me a Bond feeling. Awesome shot by the way. At the same time, I thought of Michael Jackson's Leave Me Alone video and it's use of animations similar to this video. Which is why I and others agree he was the majority of the inspiration for the looks of this video. Among other things like just having a classic disco feel to it all.

Furthermore, I'm a surrealist. And seeing these images of beautiful women stretched out atop of planets or being fragments on gasous lights... Just sexy. The video is the epitome of awesome surrealist sexiness. I'm not against putting sexy women in music videos... it's just how they are shown. This way, they are like models you see in magazines advertizing make up or shoes. This one? Planets! Or they are just dancing and having a good time. I wish I was there... Sigh...

Lastly, on the YouTube site posted above, it says uncut and explicit... It's only different in very subtle ways. Robin Thicke's name appears like the THX logo. And the Fred Astaire scenes take place in space instead of on stage. I don't know what else differs other than that. I used that link also because it's got the best quality. Now I think I'm going to go BUY the video on iTunes and watch it repeatedly.

Oh yeah, and the guy who directed this video did some other awesome videos: LoveStoned & Crazy just to name a few. Robert Hales... you're awesome for originality and I envy you.