An old Elvis track I love.  He sang this on his '68 comeback special.  Beautiful.  There are other Elvis songs that I dig - stuff like "I Need Somebody to Lean On" (similar to Sinatra's "One For My Baby"), "Follow That Dream", and the Junkie XL remix of "A Little Less Conversation."

Note: Blog's on hiatus for a couple weeks.  Playing "guilty pleasures" in my absence.

I didn't watch the show (honest), but I loved the opening theme.  Even today, I'll find myself singing it for no reason.  Sometimes in the shower.  Sometimes on the way to work.  "Who can turn the world on with a smile?", he asks.  ME!!!!  I CAN!  What?  The line is actually, "with her smile"?  Oh.  Fuck it.  It's my memory.  I'll sing it the way I want.  Don't look at me like that.

Other TV themes I like?

• Speed Racer
• Spider-Man
• All in the Family
• The Courtship of Eddie's Father
• The Love Boat
• Eight is Enough
• Green Acres
• Maverick
• Have Gun Will Travel
• Charles in Charge
• WKRP in Cincinnati
• The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson
• Welcome Back, Kotter
• Chico and The Man
• The Banana Splits
• Sesame Street
• Scooby Doo
• Little House on the Prairie

Note: Blog's on hiatus for a couple weeks.  Playing "guilty pleasures" in my absence.

First heard this song in Slapshot - the old Paul Newman movie.  It's a cheesy song, but I belt this out each time I hear it (with no one around, that is).  I start to dance.  It's not a pretty sight.

Note: Blog's on hiatus for a couple weeks.  Playing "guilty pleasures" in my absence.

I know he's a total dork, but Barry Manilow is one gifted songwriter.  "Mandy", "I Write the Songs." Please. You know you like him.  Anyway... like "Annie's Song", this is one of those tracks I hate to admit that I like... but it's also one of the greatest songs ever written.  It's in my Top 10. 

Note: Blog's on hiatus for a couple weeks.  Playing "guilty pleasures" in my absence.

I need to take a break for a couple weeks (secret spy mission in North Africa), so... I figured I'd use the time to plug some of my guilty pleasures - songs I love, but it's not cool to admit to. First up... "Annie's Song" from John Denver.  Laugh all you want, but I think this is one of the greatest songs ever written.  It's certainly one of the most romantic.  Yes, the video is pure cheese.

So many other great songs, too.  "Rocky Mountain High", "Take Me Home, Country Roads", "Sunshine On My Shoulders", "Starwood in Aspen, "Fly Away", "Leaving On a Jet Plane", "Calypso", "I'm Sorry", "Goodbye, Again", etc.,.  Talent is talent.   Who gives a fuck what he looked like.

Great song.  A bit cheeky.  John Prine deserves a wider audience.  Iris DeMent, well... she's got one of those unique voices. There's a bit of Stevie Nicks and Emmylou Harris in there.  Love her. It's a shame most people have never even heard of them.  See below for some other gems. 

• Hello in There
• Angel from Montgomery
• Clay Pigeons
• Day is Done
• Our Town
• The Old Gospel Ship
• Mama's Opry
• Sweet Hour of Prayer

Heard some good stuff this week.  Slap the headphones on and spank that music monkey.

Foxes' "Youth" is awesome.  "Mira" is lovely.  "Hurricane" sounds familiar, but good.  Now... I know I shouldn't like the Kitty Pryde track, but I do.  Can't help it.  She's not a star.  There's no studio behind her.  She's a 16-year-old kid who namechecks Frank Ocean, Lesley Gore and loves drunk dials.  Yeah... she's just fucking around, but it's a good song with a killer hook.  I have no clue what that background track is that's been slowed down on a loop, but I dig it.

• Big Bright World by Garbage
• Amalia by Melody Gardot
• Hurricane by Ms Mr
• Up All Night by Best Coast
• On My Way by Brothers of Brazil
• Round and Round by Imagine Dragons
• Maps by Cary Brothers 
• This Song Is Called Ragged by Jonathan Boulet

I normally hate cigarettes.  Instant turn-off.  I've been with girls who smoke and it's disgusting. Not only does it smell gross, but it affects the taste of their pussy and something as simple as a kiss.  Wow... how's that for a damning statement.  What?  You smoke?  Oh.  Um.  Well... I'm sure you're fine.  No, really.  Anyway... I abhor smoking, but this video is kind of hot.  It's clearly aimed at those with a smoking fetish (yes, there is such a thing), but it's beautifully executed. 

One of the coolest things I've seen in awhile.  Gorgeous animation.  Really interesting.

I recently talked about buying a Nespresso machine.  Yes, it's awesome.  Yes, I'm a pretentious ass.  Yes, I'm also lazy.  Anyway... can we stop bad-mouthing me?  Thanks.  If you're like me (oh how you wish) and you're addicted to a certain iced caramel beverage from Starbucks, well... I can help with that.  Yes, I love the Iced Caramel Macchicato.  I prefer espresso drinks over plain coffee.  Stronger, more intense.  I hate driving there, though... and waiting in line.  I also hate having to order using their ridiculous "grande", "venti" bullshit.  Small, medium, and large.  Thank you.  That, and... a "barista" (in my opinion) is just someone who works at a fancy coffee shop. Well, friends... I'm here to tell you that you can make the very same drink at home.  I promise it will taste the same.  All you need is a Nespresso machine, milk, French Vanilla syrup, and some caramel. Helps if you have a Starbucks double wall cup so you can take it on-the-go.  

I use a 16 oz cup.  Blah blah.  Here's how I make it:

1. Brew 3 cups of espresso (I use the Ristretto) and set aside
2. Drizzle caramel into the bottom of the cup (I use Smucker's Sundae Syrup)
3. Add a splash of vanilla syrup
4. Add the ice
5. Add the milk (I use 2%) so that it takes up half the cup
6. Add the espresso
7. Seal the lid and drink

One of my favorite 80's albums.  I doubt that anyone's even heard it.  Total eargasm.  

Ladies and gentlemen... if I could have your attention for just a moment.  Please ensure that your seatbelt is securely fastened and your seatback and widescreen monitor are in their full upright position.  I know you have a choice when listening to music and I thank you for tuning in today. Now... you ready to have your ears fucked good and hard?  Excellent.  Welcome aboard!

• Beat Down by Steve Aoki & Angger Dimas (feat. Iggy Azalea)
• Myth by Beach House
• I Love It by Icona Pop
• Divided Parallel by Led Er Est
• Impossible Man by The Kill Van Kulls
• Into the Night by The Raveonettes
• Doused by DIIV
• Beautiful Life by jj
• In Your Arms by Var
• La Plata (En Mi Carrito de Lata) by Chicha Libre
• Toitica Tuya by La Lupe
• Storms and Hurricanes by ALO

Not sure I like the tat, but I would like to smack that little ass.  So soft and creamy.  Yum.

Translation: Watch, Listen, Tell.  It's a new music addiction.  The concept is simple: Take a talented young band, film them in a public place (stripped down), post to YouTube, and ask people to spread the word.  No studio adjustments.  In addition to the clips above, also check out Alex Winston's "Choice Notes", Lissie's "Everywhere I Go", and Lucy Rose's "Night Bus."

I'm not sure I can even categorize this clip.  I wouldn't say that it falls under "Sexy Things", nor would I label it as a "Short Film."  It's definitely creative/artistic, but then... damn.   So... consider it... interesting.  For Cake magazine. Same director as Morning Coffee from last week.