Video: "Brand New Key" - Suzanne Sherman Propp

I am gently entertained by this video for "Brand New Key," a pop hit for Melanie more than 35 years ago. It's a cover from Suzanne Sherman Propp, found on Propp's new album Play!. Propp's voice fits the ear-wormy descending line of the chorus, and the video art (from a 16-year-old out of North Carolina) is an appealingly lo-fi blend of images. And while Wikipedia explains how some of the song is open to interpretation, the key in question is a rollerskate key, meant for tightening the skates. So now you know. I'm all about the learning here. Suzanne Sherman Propp - "Brand New Key"

Concert Recap: Gustafer Yellowgold (Phoenix, March 2009)

MorganTaylor.jpgAgain, before it gets too far past the event, wanted to throw out a few thoughts about the first-ever Arizona appearance of Gustafer Yellowgold this past weekend. Morgan Taylor and Rachel Loshak performed a couple brief sets at the Children's Museum of Phoenix. Little Boy Blue and I attended the first set, which we enjoyed, except when I wouldn't let him use my tiny camcorder, at which point he pitched a fit. (Which is why you won't be seeing "Butter Pond Lake.") In any case, it was a good show, and what was interesting for me was seeing the DVD translate to a live setting. I mean, the insertion of between-song banter was something I'd never really considered while watching the DVDs (for obvious reasons). Taylor's a funny guy, which comes through in the videos, of course, but the concert confirmed the fact. We chatted a bit after the show (and before the noon show) and we bought a Gustafer doll. Now to figure out where to pose him for a picture... Gustafer Yellowgold - "Your Eel" (Live) One more picture after the jump...

International Songwriting Competition - Now It's Your Turn

I don't know much about the International Songwriting Competition. Their judges include Black Francis from the Pixies etc., Darryl McDonald from Run-DMC, and "Weird Al" Yankovic, so that's a plus in my book. There's an entry fee for folks to participate, so that's a demerit. But there's a children's music category. (I could dream that the folks above judge this category, but I'm guessing it's the Music for Little People CEO and the Senior VP at Nickelodeon.) Anyway, they've named the 2008 finalists, and there are few familiar names on the list -- Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer, Leeny and Steve, Babaloo, and Rock Daddy Rock. If you would like to demonstrate the power of the internet in action, you can go here to sign up and vote for the finalists. Alternately, you could just click through and see the list of finalists (songs and artists). Up to you.

Video: "Field Trip" - The Hipwaders

I know I already posted a video for this song by The Hipwaders a couple weeks ago. But it's going to be a little while before I can get all the video, etc for this weekend's shows up. So look at it as making an early withdrawal in the great overall YouTube karma. The animations are a little odd, but it sorta fits the song, which, as I said the first time around, is kinda "space-jazzy." The Hipwaders - "Field Trip"

Video: Cat O' Nine Tales - Captain Bogg & Salty

Well, Portland, Oregon's Captain Bogg & Salty have a new album coming out soon (Emphatical Piratical), and while there's no word regarding a new video for the album, the band's posted an animated video for "Cat O' Nine Tales" from their debut album Bedtime Stories For Pirates. Besides a groan-inducing rhyme including "Virgil and Homer," it's a jaunty pop tune that seems to have been preserved in amber for, like 35 years. It's no "Pieces of 8ight", but what is? Captain Bogg & Salty - "Cat O' Nine Tales"