February 2023 – Never Truly Random

3 songs by Delicate Steve

Delicate Steve is mostly instrumental, almost ambient. Steve’s lead guitar often sounds like it’s conveying words in a voice of its own. Like he’s singing through the guitar! I love it when people do that. These songs are good for a listen on their own, but they also make great additions to eclectic playlists such as my own. Chances are there’s a Delicate Steve song out there to fit every mood and occasion. And yes, smartass, there’s even a Christmas album.

The first song in the links is Artificial. Guitar says artificial in a bluesy 80’s voice. Words can’t describe this absence of words, so I’m not going to apply myself here.

Butterfly is a song that I think was inspired by the behavioral characteristics of a butterfly. That’s quite a leap, I know, but please assess after listening. Frenetic drum synth loop with an overlay of…rustic…guitar picking. The song spreads its wings to rise on optimistic strums, then lands with slower, nostalgic chords, only to up tempo again with the picking. Always with the picking. After a couple of flights, deeper tones are layered in for a fuller sound to finish with a happy ending. We made it!

To the best of my recollection, Cartoon Rock sounds like a song written specifically for a movie in the 80’s. Like…cool kids are throwing a party for the last day of school without the parents finding out and things are going to get way wild! That kind of rad vibe. Or maybe it sounds like ZZ Top jamming on synthoid pope dope. Either way, it works for me!

If you enjoyed this song selection and would like to hear more, please consider looking for a fair and legitimate source…like the official website! delicatesteve.com, where you can purchase the band’s records on vinyl, or a t-shirt, or a corduroy hat! If you would like to know more about Delicate Steve but don’t know how Google works, here’s where I’d start…Delicate Steve – Wikipedia. Hmm, some interesting stuff over there in the Wikipedia article.

3 songs by Hoist the Colors

The Curse of Blackbeard Lavoie…Listen on Spotify

The Line on the Map…Listen on Spotify

KCT…Listen on Spotify

Sweet dear lord, listen to this! First, I’d like to say THIS IS NOT PIRATE MUSIC. Okay…it’s a little bit pirate music. BUT…it’s pirate-y in the best, BEST possible way. You need to hear some Hoist the Colors songs to understand, so listen you…scallywag…I’ll wait…

The first song link is The Curse of Blackbeard Lavoie. It has a…nautical…classical…tension-building intro vibe. Again, in the best possible way. BUT THEN! It gets going and, while it may be about some pirate somewhere, the lyrics are very relatable. Simple words, direct message, and paints a vibrant mental picture. The accompanying instrumentation is highly compelling and spiritedly paced. That’s a word, right? What I’m trying to say is…This song is a vessel that takes you away, away from this madness, away from this place.

Now, I don’t know who Blackbeard Lavoie is. Is he an historical figure or a fictional character? Perhaps neither or both? Is it just that the name sounded good as a song title? Maybe he’s just a dude that owed the drummer money and found himself in the wrong place at the wrong time. Who can say at this point…What I do know is that I like this song…maybe you’ll like it too!

I think The Line on the Map is timed like a waltz…again, in the best possible way. This song has simple lyrics and a simple message. And it’s about the meaning of life. Some might call it cliche, but I think it’s beautiful and relatable music. YARRR…

I’m not looking for an answer, I’ll let you float on in the breeze. I don’t want to count the stars in the sky, I just want you to hear KCT. It starts off soft and sweet, with fiddle, maybe some mandolin, and…maybe, just maybe…a standup bass that kicks over into a full-bodied jam in the last third.

I certainly hope you give these three songs a chance. They’re at least “C” worthy and these aren’t the only good songs by Hoist the Colors. So, if you do like what you hear, please consider getting more of their music from a fair and legitimate source. This is a band that needs some support. If you are looking for more information, I’d start with their website – hoistthecolors.com.

3 songs by Company of Thieves

Death of Communication…Listen on Spotify

Modern Waste…Listen on Spotify

New Letters…Listen on Spotify

I found Company of Thieves a while after their two albums were released. It was a recommendation based on a recommendation, based on a recommendation…type of scenario that let me to their music. It’s soft, loud, and well written. From my perspective, anyway…These are relatively recent albums, so I wouldn’t be surprised to learn that you’ve heard them before. Especially the first song up there, Death of Communication.

Death of Communication…drums fade in for a soft start, progressing gradually to louder and stronger tones. It’s the hardest of the three songs. This is the first Company of Thieves song I had ever heard, and I instantly connected to it. Now, it reminds me of person I came to understand too slowly…Ah, the memories of the turmoil they helped me create. I’m glad it’s behind me, but I’m equally glad I can listen to Death of Communication anytime thanks to our modern conveniences.

Modern Waste is probably about…being taken advantage of…probably. If that’s not of interest to you, that’s okay because the song is full of interesting timing changes…I think…and raging guitar. Cool! Look at the part that you like!

The more delicate and certainly less rageful song of the three, New Letters is sweet and touching. The intro…so gentle and direct, with lovely guitar sounds…if that’s what you call them. Gradually the song picks up in strength and changes tone after the…bridge…and swells into a layered…wall of pleasing and hopeful sounds. Timing and texture changes all over it. Me words do good? Anyway, I love the whole track. Listen and you might also. Wouldn’t that be awesome?!

Please don’t let my descriptions sway your opinion of the songs before listening to them yourself. If you like these songs, please consider finding more from a fair and legitimate source. If you’re interested in more information about the band or its members…there is no official website, but there is a good place to start: Company of Thieves (Band) – Wikipedia.

3 songs by The Mighty Regis

The Junkyard Dog and the Parlor Cat…Listen on Spotify

Brothers Rafferty…Listen on Spotify

Celtic Storm…Listen on Spotify

I opened my ears to this kind of sound a little too late to hear The Mighty Regis album, 21, when it was first released. All three of these songs are included on that album. I would have never heard any of it if not for a Pandora station I listened to at work. Let’s just say that musically I had a type…at the time. These three songs are built with compelling storytelling, complex music, and ridiculous guitar riffs. And the timing changes…like a roller coaster ride for your ears. At least I think that’s what’s going on…

The Junkyard Dog and The Parlor Cat is not a story about that one time the long-ago WWF star purchased a fancy house and a new pet kitten…That might actually make an interesting children’s book…putting a pin in that one. As you might have guessed, the song is actually about an altercation between a posh house cat and a neglected guard dog. Think that sounds boring? Are you kidding me? A compelling scene unfolds, at times from the dog’s perspective, under the unrelenting saw of guitar. You can practically feel the wind in your face. And the wind…smells like rain. Okay, the song is probably allegorical, but I won’t get into that now…For the narrative is good, even if only about a junkyard dog and a parlor cat.

The Brother’s Rafferty is a song about three Irish brothers that immigrate to America. There are differences between the three brothers, and yet they are still all three Rafferty’s. The song leaves you wanting more of the story. I desperately need Guy Ritchie to make a movie based on this song. Please let it be done. Oh yeah, and this song will melt your face off.

I don’t like boats. I don’t want to own a boat…or ride on a boat…and I shall take no part in sailing. I don’t know much about boats, other than that of them I want no part. Fine…they’re called ships. I don’t like ships, or any other water-floaty thing. It’s not for me, you can keep it. I do, however, enjoy many songs about ships. I love my boat music! Celtic Storm is a story that takes place on a ship…during a storm. The narrative of the song highlights exactly the things I don’t like about being on a ship. It’s not about the fun parts. It’s about…you know…fear turns to panic when there’s no safe place to hide. I’m not the kind of guy that goes around hiding from scary things…but oceans and storms are two things that don’t exist together anywhere ever in my life. I love the timing of this song. There are calm parts and frantic parts. And there’s this deep, deep thrum beneath all other notes toward the ending that has to be a stand-up bass.

I’m trying not to give too much with my discriptions, but hopefully I hightened your curiosity. It’s difficult because these are so good! I’ve provided links for convenience, but this isn’t the only place to find music. Listen for yourself and tell me they are not delightful.

If you do like what you hear, please considering finding more of The Mighty Regis from a fair and reputable source. There is no official band website and no Wikipedia page. You’re going to need to look to Google if you want to learn more about the band. Crazy! So good and yet such a small footprint…like America’s favorite morning host, Regis Philbin, may he rest in peace. It’s not a coincidence.

3 songs by The Ditty Bops

Ooh La La…Listen on Spotify

Moon Over the Freeway…Listen on Spotify

Get Up ‘N’ Go…Listen on Spotify

Ditty Bops is a super weird or ironic name for a death metal band. You can take comfort in knowing that this here The Ditty Bops is not a metal band. Your instincts for band names and music genre is as accurate as it always has been. What this band offers is tight vocal harmony and highly competent technical skill…at least to my untrained mind. The music is soothing, yet interesting as it tells a story that’s easy to follow. Their music is not all happy, but it is beautiful and entertaining.

Ooh La La begins and ends with crickets. Oddly enough, I think The Ditty Bops use cricket sounds in more of their songs than any other band I know of. Impressive! The song builds tension as vocals overlay an increasingly complex instrument arrangement. Again…I think that’s what’s going on. There’s a synchronization of deeper guitar tones and bass at times that I find ominous and delightful.

Moon Over the Freeway is a wonderful song to listen to on the freeway at night as it captures the sounds and sentiment of open road travel…at night…so well. Bebopping along into whatever lies ahead. It was always a welcome addition to my commute when it would pop up in my random playlist.

You could rot sitting forever waiting for the coast to clear…or you could Get up and go. It’s a jaunty and inpatient song that would be frantic, if it weren’t so well arranged. The tension is well felt. It’s the kind of song that you can’t wait to end so that you can play it again.

The only way you’re going to know if you like these songs is if you listen to them. I don’t want to say too much that would color your opinion of the music…You do you. If you do listen and like what you hear, please consider obtaining more of their stuff from a fair and reputable source. I’d offer you a bootleg CD out of my trunk, but I’m fresh out. Damn…I really could have used the eight dollars.

I don’t make the music, but I believe it is important to support those that do as best we can. They don’t have a website that I can point you to, so I’d start with Google and this…The Ditty Bops – Wikipedia.

3 songs by The Tossers

Movin’ On…Listen on Spotify

Be…Listen on Spotify

Did It All for You…Listen on Spotify

Not all of The Tossers songs are up-tempo or upbeat…good for them! I wasn’t aware of these songs when they were first released. I found out about The Tossers a little later on, when I was going through a certain…phase…in my musical taste development. The phase sort of passed, but the taste remains. Movin’ On opens with slow, contemplative banjo and carries on with a highly relatable inner monologue to the conclusion that no matter what happens…nobody cares, and life goes on. At least, that’s what I think is going on. I like the idea of singing Be to someone that’s uncertain about what to do with their life. I long to tell someone…There’s a horse somewhere waiting for you. Brilliant! Did It All for You…have you ever found yourself in an uncomfortable situation caused by your need to do what was best for someone else? Yeah…

Listen to them, don’t listen to me! The Tossers don’t make songs about reading…nerd…And don’t let my opinions spoil your experience. If you liked it, please consider getting some of their stuff from a fair and legitimate source. They have released quite a few albums, but they don’t have an official website. If you really want to find out what’s going on with The Tossers…well, there’s not much information out there. Here’s probably where I’d start…The Tossers – Wikipedia.

3 songs by The Grates

Sukkafish…Listen on Spotify

Inside Outside…Listen on Spotify

The Biggest and Longest Adventure Ever…Listen on Spotify

Oh, The Grates…playing with texture and tempo. At least that’s how I’d describe it, what with my total lack of musical knowledge. I wasn’t aware of this band when these songs were released, but I have streaming service to thank for finding them. Sukkafish is…is that a banjo?! Meanwhile, The Biggest and Longest Adventure Ever…long name, short song. Thankfully we can always repeat, because it’s got this great cadence to the lyrics. Inside Outside was the first song I’d heard from them and it sent me off looking for similar sounds. The thing is, there’s nothing quite like The Grates. With so many other good songs in their catalog, it was really tough picking just three. Luckly, there’s more The Grates out there to discover!

I don’t want to taint your experience, so I won’t share too many of my opinions. Just…listen to this! If you like it, please consider getting some stuff from a fair and legitimate source. If you really want to find out what’s going on with The Grates, here’s where I’d start…The Grates – Wikipedia.

There’s another band out there that call themselves The Grates. They’re quite different, but…maybe give them a listen, too. No need to dismiss them simply because these aren’t The Grates you’re looking for. Who knows, you might like neither…or both! Wouldn’t that be cool, finding two such contrasting bands in one haul?

Most importantly, make your own damned playlists! Don’t allow a machine or control system to make decisions for you. Such tools can serve a purpose, and so can you! Be the algorithm you wish to see in the world. Okay, that doesn’t make perfect sense. Function as the algorithm you wish to see operating in the world. That’s better, but still not quite right…I’ll keep working on it. Free the Playlists!

3 songs by Three Dog Night

Shambala…Listen on Spotify

Woman…Listen on Spotify

Never Been to Spain…Listen on Spotify

I’m old and Three Dog Night has been playing off and on in the background of my life for years. Okay, I’m not THAT old…I’ve been around older family members who listen to the music of their time. I knew some Three Dog Night, but I’d never really listen closely when it played. I’m easily distracted, probably, and chances are rare to just sit and listen. A few months ago, I got drawn into Shambala. Peaceful, yet rapturous. I played it over and over. This is highly unusual…I was distracted into the song rather than out. Before I knew it, I was playing through their catalog to find some gems that really resonated. Sure, it’s a well-known band and I’d heard it all before. On that day it was new to me, and nothing else matters. I know Never Been to Spain from way back, but I’ve never been to Oklahoma. I hear some family was born there, but I really don’t remember. In Oklahoma, not Arizona…what does it matter? Never Been to Spain and Woman are bluesy, but entirely different flavors. It feels so good!

I don’t want to alter the experience with my ideas. That would remove any potential for surprise. I’m not going to tell you what I think about any of this. I don’t really know anything about music anyway. The proposition is simple…listen to this! If you like it, please consider obtaining more of their stuff from a fair and legitimate source. They’ve been around and have been immensely popular at times. Who knows if anyone associated with Three Dog Night needs the support, but they’ve got a website…threedognight.com. If you like it, do it for you. If you would like to know more about the band, here’s where I’d start…Three Dog Night – Wikipedia. What a time to be alive!

3 songs by Frank Turner

Photosysnthesis…Listen on Spotify

The Way I Tend to Be…Listen on Spotify

Punches…Listen on Spotify

Photosynthesis is like an anthem to rage against society’s notions of maturity. The Way I Tend to Be is a bit gentle and dare-I-say romantic with a nostalgic vibe. Punches is a little loud and rough, and I think it’s put together in a really clever way. So many good songs in the catalog, and this isn’t the only band to feature Frank Turner! Imagine what delights await with just a little bit of typing and a few mouse clicks. Who is this Frank Turner and what has he done with that music?!

I don’t want to taint the experience with my own ideas. That would spoil the potential surprise. I’m not going to analyze or critique the songs or tell you what I think. I’m saying…hey, listen to this! If you like it, please consider supporting Mr. Turner by obtaining some stuff from a fair and legitimate source…music, merch, or tickets to see them. Frank Turner is a talented lad and he’s got a website…frank-turner.com. The nice thing about people who’ve had a long career is that there’s loads of interesting stuff they’ve been a part of. If you really want to start looking into it, here’s where I’d start…Frank Turner – Wikipedia.

3 songs by I Fight Dragons

Oh The Places You’ll Go…Listen on Spotify

Shit’s Gonna Be Okay…Listen on Spotify

The Faster The Treadmill…Listen on Spotify

Oh The Places You’ll Go and Shit’s Gonna Be Okay are kind of sage and inspirational. The Faster The Treadmill is a little angsty. Many more good songs in the catalog for those that appreciate the sound. This could be you! Wouldn’t it be amazing if one of these became your new favorite song? My money’s on Shit’s…

I don’t want to give the milk away for free and spoil the surprise of discovery. Heck, it’s not even my milk to give. So, I’m not going to analyze or critique the songs or tell you what I think. I’m more or less saying…hey, taste this milk! If you like it, please consider supporting this band by obtaining their stuff from a fair and legitimate source…music, merch, or tickets to see them. They’ve got a great website…ifightdragons.com. And if you really want to start geeking-out about them, here’s where I’d start…I Fight Dragons – Wikipedia