5ive Songs

5ive Songs for Autumn

2010-09-25T10:07:00.000-07:00

Multimedia Jones is down with Fall.

I'm Down (Fab 4)
One of many songs with the word 'down' in it. This one is from the greatest band of all time (but we can't say who or we'll get sued).

You Got To Go Down (Blind Gary)
Lots of blues musicians were blind, or at least used that term in their names. See for yourself at Playlist.com/MultimediaJones

Dark Was the Night (Blind Willie Johnson)
The days are getting shorter, what with them messing with the clocks and all.

Going Down (Freddy King)
Mr. King wasn't blind, so he didn't use it as part of his name. This song is an upbeat downer(?)

Mad World (Evergreen Terrace)
Tired of all the lame covers? This band named after the street where the Simpsons live has got it going on.

Comedown (Megabyte)
Every now and then you find yourself a nice cloud and you want to stay on it a while. Like this guy covering the Bush song.

Hear more songs at Playlist.com/MultimediaJones

5ive Songs: August 2010

2010-07-23T16:54:00.000-07:00

My daily commute is only 3 miles, but I cross an interstate highway, 2 rivers, and 3 railroad tracks. Yes, I'm living on the wrong side of the wrong side of the wrong tracks.

Working for the Bluegrass (The Outhouse Explosion)
Gotta earn that dollar, but I'm also living for the weekend.

Many Rivers to Cross (The Walkmen)
Metaphorically, I cross many rivers daily. Literally, it's just two.

Take Me to the River (Al Green)
So I can ride my bike across it.

Traveling Riverside Blues (Robert Johnson)
Continuing that river theme.

Heart Brings You Back (Blues Traveler)
And I make the return trip home every day, too.

hear the the songs that didn't make it at www.Playlist.com/MultimediaJones

5ive Songs: Summer (Jun/Jul) 2010

2010-06-20T20:00:00.000-07:00

Took the month off for holiday but now I'm back with a single edition for June & July. No surprise it's a summer theme.

5ive Songs: Apr 2010

2010-03-31T08:02:00.000-07:00

Didn't get a chance to post a playlist for March because I was too busy getting ready for my move to Texas. Now that I'm here, I can reflect back on the songs that helped with the transition (and 1800 mile drive).

Texas (Chris Rea)
How bad do things have to be where you're at for you to fantasize about Texas? I guess because I'm from here I hold no illusions and just love it for what it is.

Waltz Across Texas (Ernest Tubb)
Driving across Texas is hard enough, so it must be real love to waltz across it for someone who is important to you.

Come Back to Texas (Bowling For Soup)
I still don't know why this band isn't more popular, but I'm grateful for them anyway. They cover all the bases on why this state is so special to so many people.

Texas Bound & Flyin' (Jerry Reed)
Felt just like Bandit from the Burt Reynolds movie pulling heavy metal across the southwest at 75mph. (Technically, this song's title is 'East Bound & Down' but I never hear him sing it. Whatever.)

Take It Easy (The Eagles)
Don't let the sound of your own wheels drive you crazy.

Listen to more at www.Playlist.com/MultimediaJones

5ive Songs for Black Presidents History Day/Month

2010-02-02T10:04:00.000-08:00

So this playlist is a mashup of President's Day & Black History Month. Kind of makes sense with a black president, which is also historic.

Black History Month (Girl on Girl)
Not exactly sure what this song has to do with Black History Month, other than the title.

Funky President (James Brown)
This is more about Black History than the presidency.

Dance Mr. President (Mr. President)
The subtitle of this song is 'Love, Sex & Sunshine' and who could vote against that platform?

If a Song Could be President (Over The Rhine)
Some crazy hippie song about a new kind of president.

President (IAMX)
Leave it to the British to show us the presidency for what it is (at least I think that's what it's about).

Hear more songs for Feb 2010 at www.Playlist.com/MultimediaJones

5ive Songs for the New Decade

2010-01-06T08:15:00.000-08:00

It's a new month, new year and new decade. To celebrate this turning point, here are some songs/artists having to do with that period of time.

Ten Years Pass (Sunny Sweeney)
A lot of changes can happen in ten years. Or in this case, nothing changes at all. Time is funny like that.

A Decade Under the Influence (Taking Back Sunday)
Maybe the changes are happening and you just don't notice. People are funny like that.

10 Years (Josie Field)
Looking to the future makes you wonder what your life will be like. Hopefully, it's better than this.

In the Year 2525 (Zager & Evans)
I doubt any of us will be around in 515 years. If you are, here's what you can look forward to. The playlist says it's by Ten Years After, which would have been ironic.

10,000 Years (Honeydogs)
And if half a millenium isn't far enough for you, here's a look at 20 times that.

Listen to the also rans at www.Playlist.com/MultimediaJones

5ive Songs for the Holidays

2009-12-07T14:31:00.000-08:00

I'm not necessarily trying to be politically correct when I say "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas." I do it because there's too many other great holidays going on at this time of year. I for one am looking forward to Solstice, when the northern hemisphere starts tilting back toward the sun. Season's Greetin's!

A Whiter Shade of Pale (Procol Harum)
This pipe organ always made me think of Christmas music, even though it has nothing to do with the holiday season.

Hallelujah (Shrek)
Semi-religious song I heard on the first Shrek movie. Now I hear it on every TV drama. It's Rufus Wainwright doing a Leonard Cohen song.

Imagine (John Lennon)

One (U2)
I'm surprised more people haven't covered this. Nothing holiday specific, but still a pretty good tune any time of year.

I Don't Believe You (Pink)
This one has nothing at all to do with the holidays, it's just stuck in my head.

5ive Songs About Five Dogs

2009-11-02T20:04:00.000-08:00

I've been spending a lot of time with my brother and his dogs, so this month's playlist is dedicated to them.

Come Out and Play (Richard Cheese)
Two of the three females are in season right now, so we've had to "keep them separated" just like in this Offspring tune. Except I never knew the lyrics until I heard this lounge version and realize it's about gang activity. Oh well, still appropriate, I guess.

James Bond Theme (Moby)
James is one of the puppies from their first litter who is now almost two years old. Much like his namesake, he's shakin' but never stirred.

White Sandy Beach of Hawai'i (Israel Kamakawiwo‘ole)
Sandy is the lucky(?) female not in season, so she gets to play with the boys. But they've only got one thing on their minds. So here's a romantic little ditty by everyone's favorite ukulele player.

Believe in Heaven (Detective Loki)
Loki is the Norse god of mischief and most songs about him are classical music (boring). The Mythical Detective Loki Ragnarok is a character from a Japanese manga (graphic novel) and anime series with a much cooler theme song.

Fields of Joy (Four Shadow)
Mudita is a Sanskrit word meaning rejoicing in others' joy. I didn't find any songs with that title, but plenty with (and without) Joy. And this Lenny Kravitz cover is my favorite.

Mikado (Passenger 10)
There's six songs this time because I almost overlooked Mika, which is very easy to do with this elusive beauty.

Listen to the full playlist at www.Playlist.com/MultimediaJones

5ive Songs About Gravity

2009-09-29T12:00:00.000-07:00

This month's theme is so obvious, it's a force of nature. And like time, it's the same for every "body." Or is it? Some let it get them down while others defy it.

Gravity (Tony C. and the Truth)
"The weight of the world ain't enough to hold us down." Their name sounds like a gospel group, but their sound is far from it.

Goin' Down (The Yardbirds)
Blues song from the 50s done by white kids from the UK in the 60s. Jeff Beck did it again in the 70s and SRV in the 80s (hear it on the full playlist).

Anti Gravity (Incubus)
Gravity is a serious matter. But if something isn't that serious, does that make it anti-matter? A little levity can be a good thing.

Gravity (Circleslide)
Back down to earth with this title, but they actually sing about breaking the law.

Defying Gravity (Stephen Schwartz, Kristin Chenoweth)
This isn't anything at all what I thought it was going to be.

Listen to the also rans at Playlist.com/MultimediaJones

5ive Songs About Los Angeles

2009-08-29T15:15:00.000-07:00

This month's playlist is an ode to a city everyone loves to hate, but really hate loving as much as they do, myself included. And what's no to love/hate? Earthquakes, wildfires, heat waves, celebrities (and those who think they are) make L.A. the unique and special place it is.

I finally had to/got to leave this past month with every intention of returning someday soon. In the mean-time, I'm listening to music that reminds me what I love/hate about "The City That Never Wakes Up."

Steven's Last Night in Town (Ben Folds Five)
Even Steven can be a bit odd in a place like L.A. I've been threatening to leave ever since I got there and no one cared. It's just one more endearing quality about the promised land where everything is promised and little is delivered. I showed them...

Los Angeles (X)
She had to leave for many of the same reasons that still exist 25 years after this song was written. It's a big, international city where not everyone looks, talks, or thinks like her. Some give up and leave while others give up and stay. But that's from a Hall and Oates song, so forget I said that.

Los Angeles (Sugarcult)
"This city's killing me." -Along with millions of others, but we still keep coming by the thousands. And leaving by the hundreds. Speaking of hundreds, there's plenty of songs titled "Los Angeles" on the full playlist, which shows an ironic lack of originality.

Murio La Flor (Los Angeles Negros)
At first I thought this group was called the L.A. Negroes, but then realized it was Spanish for The Black Angels. If you want to hear an African-American's perspective on LA, check out "This is Los Angeles (Gang Capitol of the Nation)" on the full playlist.

Free Fallin' (The Summer Obsession)
There's absolutely nothing wrong with the Tom Petty version, but he's from Florida. I don't know or even care where these guys are from (even though this is the second time I've included one of their songs). They certainly remind us what a great song this is.

As always, there's a ton of great songs that didn't make the list, so please continue this L.A. celebration at Playlist.com/MultimediaJones

5ive Songs About Breathing

2009-07-23T15:07:00.000-07:00

I recently quit smoking (lasted almost a week this time) and the experience got me thinking about breathing. So that's where this month's theme comes from. My mantra this month is "meditate, not medicate" if you can classify nicotine as medicine.

Breathe (Telepopmusik)
Not matter what is happening in your life, just breathe. Never was much of a Europop fan, but I just love this song.

The Air That I Breathe (The Hollies)
No cigarettes, no sleep, no light. Sometimes all I need is the air that I breathe. Easier said than done, but I'm working on it.

Believe (The Bravery)
Everyone needs something to believe in and I believe I'll take another breath.

Breathe (Breathe)
Don't really know who this is doing a great jazz cover of this Pink Floyd classic, so I have no link for you. But like breathing, we can enjoy it without thinking too much about it.

Breathe Underwater (Emanuel)
More of us than ever are in financial trouble these days, a condition known as "being underwater." But the good news is that we can still breathe, so just hang in there and we'll all be back on dry land soon.

Hear the also rans at www.Playlist.com/MultimediaJones

5ive Songs About (or by) July

2009-07-04T22:40:00.000-07:00

I strongly encourage you to check out the songs I don't use on my Project Playlist site so you can fully appreciate the research that goes in to putting this together. Besides alternate cover versions, I come across some real interesting, obscure and fun songs (it's a whole big world of music out there).

Be Careful (Fourth of July)
There's fireworks going off all over my 'hood as I write this, but thankfully I haven't heard that many sirens. It's up to each of us to destroy stuff responsibly, so have fun but stay safe.

July, July! (The Decemberists)
I can't tell if they're celebrating or complaining about this wonderfully strange month (or is it strangely wonderful?). I love happy music with ambiguous lyrics. It makes me think.

July Jones (The New Pornographers)
Yearning, longing, pining, or Jonesing for July. It's all the same and it's moot now that it's here. Enjoy it while you can.

Clean Again (Raccoon)
Recent vermin attacks on our garbage with actual sightings had me humming "Rocky Raccoon" by the Beatles. I found it, a couple of covers, and several bands with Raccoon in their names. You really need to check out the full playlist.

Hollywood Bungalow (The Great Crusades)
Another Beatles song stuck in my head is "Bungalow Bill" because of my walks around the 'hood. Technically, they're Echo Park Bungalows, but "Hollywood Bungalow" sounds better.

Hear the also rans at www.Playlist.com/MultimediaJones

5ive Songs About June and/or Summer

2009-06-10T21:11:00.000-07:00

The planet is tilted toward the sun for another few weeks and that means summertime is upon us. The days are getting hotter (unless you're lucky enough to live in southern California like me) and the air conditioners are working overtime (again, not for me). Be sure to wear a jacket to the office.

June Gloom (The Like)
This is what Angelenos call the overcast weather we experience every morning during this time of year. The days start around 6 and the sun comes out around noon. Sure it's depressing, but it always burns off (sometime around July).

Just a Guy (Crash Into June)
I would say it's all about me (most blogs are), but I also play it down with false humility and tell you I'm just a guy who likes to share his music finds with you good people.

Hola Amiga Banana (June's Not Faking)
Not sure what this song is about, but I love the title and the artist has the word June in their name. That's good enough to make this month's playlist.

Over My Head (The Summer Obsession)
Another song I found using the word "Summer" in my search. This one actually has some relevance to my situation, and probably yours, too. Just keep swimming and we'll all make it to shore soon enough.

MacArthur Park (Donna Summer)
After wading through several pages of songs from this artist, I finally gave in and chose this one because I actually live near MacArthur Park. But you'll never catch me down there (unless I need a fake passport for some reason).

hear the also-rans at Playlist.com/MultimediaJones

May Be Best Ever

2009-05-01T18:16:00.000-07:00

I've already done the season thing, but for me this month is special for another reason. My family is getting together for our triennial reunion. We're scattered all across the country so once every three years is about all we can manage.

Family Reunion (Saliva)
Warning! This is rap-metal (they are called Saliva). But there is a melody and a message, so stick it out until the chorus.

Poker Face (Lady GaGa)
"I want to hold 'em like they do in Texas please" is the only reason this over-played song is even included. But you know I'm also a fan of the alternate version, and this one is smoking hot.

Family Reunion (Corb Lund)
Another song with the same title as our first track, but this is a totally different kind of family. Makes ours look great by comparison.

Come On Get Happy (Partridge Family)
Who didn't want to be part of a performing family that traveled the country in a psychadelic bus? Okay, maybe in a different bus, but still a great way to grow up (unless you're Danny Bonaduce).

Mother and Child Reunion (Paul Simon)
One sentimental song in the bunch, but still a snappy ditty. Looking forward to seeing everyone real soon.

hear the also-rans at Playlist.com/MultimediaJones

5ive Songs For Avril

2009-03-20T12:08:00.000-07:00

Springtime means changes in the weather and with it comes showers, wildflowers and taxes. What a wonderful time of year.

Taxman (Ruder Than You)
It's that time of year again to drag out one of my favorite Beatles songs (because it was written by my favorite Beatle George). But I'm also a big fan of cover versions that make the originals sound new again.

I'd Love to Change the World (fous de la mer)
It's 40 years after this Ten Years After song and there's only one cover version? I picked this song because "skies are sunny, bees make honey" not the "don't know what to do, so I leave it up to you" part.

Changes (Los Chicros)
As long as we're talking about change, what better track than David Bowie's? Again, this cover is like a whole new song you've heard a thousand times before.

Cheese & Onions (The Rutles)
Don't take any of it too seriously and enjoy your life no matter what changes come your way.

Pickin' Wildflowers (Keith Anderson)
Springtime is also a good time to get outdoors and do fun activities (and make sure to bring a camera).

hear the also-rans at Playlist.com/MultimediaJones

5ive Songs For Lions & Lambs

2009-03-01T22:10:00.000-08:00

It's a month of changes and transition always comes with some pain, but these are good changes. Days are getting warmer and the helicopters are starting later in the mornings. I'm enjoying it while I can.

The Greener Isle (31st of February)
If February were as long as the other months, today would be the 31st. This Florida group came up with the Allman Brothers back in the late 60s.

Good Morning Starshine (???)
Don't know who is covering this classic piece of cheese from the musical Hair, but it's growing on me (like good cheese does).

Life's What You Make It (Talk Talk)
Just a reminder of what we should already know and be practicing every day. It's the other song from Talk Talk, the one that's not called Talk Talk.

We Care a Lot (Faith No More)
"...about the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines." Don't forget about the Coast Guard, too. My niece is graduating from tech school this month and taking her place on duty (Thanks).

Crossfire (Stevie Ray Vaughan)
Lately it feels like we're all getting caught in the crossfire. But we can all make it through if we just help each other out every now and then.

hear the also-rans at Playlist.com/MultimediaJones

5ive Songs About Darkness

2009-02-16T23:25:00.000-08:00

A little late with this month's playlist, but not for lack of music. If anything, I've been hearing too much these days, just not listening nearly enough.

February Air (Lights)
This group would have been perfect for last month's theme of Light, but the song is even perfect-er for this month.

California Dreaming (Lee Moses)
Plenty of artists covering this Mamas and Papas song, but this arrangement matches the mood better than any of them. Ever. So stop covering it already.

Something Better Change (The Stranglers)
I think we can all agree that it's time for winter to be moving on, and I'm in California.

Save Yourself (Stabbing Westward)
I don't always feel this anti-social, but sometimes 4 minutes at a time does the trick and I'm back to my compassionate self.

30 Days in the Hole (Government Mule)
More like 30 Days Behind on bills. Another good one to play loud, move the furniture against the walls, and go crazy.

hear the also-rans at Playlist.com/MultimediaJones

5ive Songs About Light

2009-01-04T20:53:00.000-08:00

Although you can't tell it yet, the days are getting longer for those of us up here in the northern hemisphere. In the meantime, we'll have to rely on the light we have inside us to get through the dark days.

Don't Let Your Light Stop Shining (Rench)
This is what happens when a string band from Milwaukee moves to Brooklyn. Or as they call it: Gangstagrass (which is a lot better than Hick-Hop).

Shine (Shannon Noll)
Not as many songs with the word "Light" in their title as I would have hoped, so I added "Shine" to my search and found this great song.

Mr. Blue Sky (Electric Light Orchestra)
Expanding my search, I added bands with the word "Light" in their name. And this one is about as feel-good as it gets.

Rise & Shine (Guster)
Waking up is something we should do everyday (think about it).

Shine On (Jet)
Let's all do our jobs and shine on like people are counting on us for the light.

hear the also-rans at Playlist.com/MultimediaJones

5ive Songs For December

2008-12-08T18:25:00.000-08:00

December is a time for reflection and being with family, neither of which I will be doing this year. So in my absence, I've chosen some songs that relate to home and the holiday season. Enjoy and we'll see you next year.

Whiter Shade of Pale (Annie Lennox)
The first time I heard this Procol Harum song as a kid, I thought it was a Christmas song (and wondered why they were playing it on the radio in June). It's still not a carol, but Annie's angelic voice puts me in the holiday spirit.

Please Come Home for Christmas (Etta James)
This song is a carol and one of my favorites (besides the Chipmunks and Charlie Brown), probably because it's a blues/rock number. I picked this version from Etta in keeping with the angel theme and also because of the movie "Cadillac Records" coming out this month.

Better Be Home Soon (Andrea Zonn)
This Crowded House song is on the list because a) I like it, b) it's about home, and c) she has an even more angelic voice than Annie Lennox.

Happy Birthday (Cracker)
This one goes out to all the December birthdays, including a few siblings and of course our saviour, Santa Claus (at least we hope he comes through this year). And I've always loved this band's warped sense of humor. Their website is CrackerSoul.com.

I'll be Home for Christmas (Sarah McLachlan)
Another carol sung by an angel dedicated to all those people stuck in airports this time of year.

hear the also-rans at Playlist.com/MultimediaJones

5ive Songs for November

2008-11-04T22:51:00.000-08:00

The theme of this month's playlist is about the moods brought on by Autumn. Halloween, daylight savings, the election, and a change in the weather all landed within the same week. At least we can be grateful for Thanksgiving.

I'm Only Happy When It Rains (Garbage)
We had our first rain here in L.A. since I don't remember when and no one knows what to do, including me. Amazing how quickly I've become acclimated to the weather in southern California, and I'm not at all happy when it rains.

Black Hole Sun (Steve & Eydie)
Recently heard a Paul Anka album where he does big band versions of rock songs like this Soundgarden favorite. I couldn't find it, so we have this lounge version instead.

Llorando (Rebekah Del Rio)
The opening melody to this Roy Orbison & Joe Melson classic (Crying) is identical to the previous song and thought they'd make a good mashup. This Spanish version is from the David Lynch movie "Mulholland Drive."

Why Can't We Be Friends? (War)
This oldie but goodie takes on a whole new meaning in light of our recent historic presidential election. Listen again and reflect on their awesome wisdom and foresight.

Feelin' Alright (Kyprios)
Gotta end the day on the positive side, in spite of any external circumstances. F-bomb warning for those with delicate hearing.

listen to the also rans at Playlist.com/MultimediaJones

5ive Songs About the Beehive State

2008-07-04T18:38:00.000-07:00

This week's playlist was inspired by a recent road trip across the western US states. After searching the net for songs about Nevada or its cities, I discovered there's very little out there, much like the place itself. But the tracks I did find are a true audio bonanza.

Smashing the Speed of Sound on an Empty Lake in Utah (The John Steel Singers)
Interstate Highway 80 goes right past the Bonneville Salt Flats, where they do all the land speed testing. We got to drive fast, but nowhere near as fast as the speed of sound.

Alien Battle (UTAH)
Another track with lots of space, but a more ominous, X-Files / Area 51 mood. The mind tends to wander out in the desert.

Utah Man (University of Utah)
This track would sync up perfectly with footage of the drive over this winding mountain pass. Unfortunately, I don't have any footage like that as I was too busy staying on the road.

Utah Carol (Marty Robbins)
I really wanted "The Red Hills of Utah" but found this one instead, which is just as good.

Something Good (Utah Saints)
Another group with Utah in its name.

5ive Songs About the Silver State

2008-06-29T23:59:00.000-07:00

By The Time I Get To Nevada (Bill Myers)
Just getting there is an affair in itself and sometimes feels like it's never going to happen. This track fills the space, both sonically and temporally.

Frictional Nevada (Venetian Snares)
Another track with lots of space, but a more ominous, X-Files / Area 51 mood. The mind tends to wander out in the desert.

Road Rash - Sierra Nevada (Analoq)
This track would sync up perfectly with footage of the drive over this winding mountain pass. Unfortunately, I don't have any footage like that as I was too busy staying on the road.

Viva Las Vegas (Elvis Presley)
We drove Interstate 80 and went nowhere near Sin City, but I had to include at least one song by a name artist or no one would listen.

Reno 911! Theme (Reno 911!)
We did drive through the Biggest Little City, however, and happy to report no run-ins with Reno's finest.