Random Music Friday: Celebrity Tributes

Hia guys and gals,

Here is a riddle for you: What do Michael Jackson, Bruce Willis, Barbra Streisand, David Bowie, and Clint Eastwood have in common?
A: They are all the central theme for some of my favorite songs!

This week, I want to try something new: instead of just picking any random song from my library, I figure a little structure is necessary. So the theme for this blog will be Random Celebrity Tribute Songs!

Here is a list (in no particular order) of some of my favorite random celebrity tribute songs:

1) Duck Sauce – Barbra Streisand
Duck Sauce is a DJ duo made up of A-Trak and Armand Van Helden. This song is their biggest hit, at one point reaching #1 on the chart for its genre.

2) The Scofflaws – William Shatner
Apparently the Scofflaws were Trekkies! They decided to write a whole song about Mr. Shatner and his role as Captain James Kirk.

3) Mr. Oizo - Bruce Willis is Dead
No, he’s not really dead, but this guy decided to write a song ahead of time. I guess he wanted to be prepared when the occasion arises? Mr. Oizo is one of my favorite musicians (I actually had the chance to see him in NYC last weekend. He was on the dance floor while the opening band played, and I got to dance rigth next to him – one of the best shows I’ve ever been to ever!), and I find this song to be super catchy. Although, I think it would be better without that guy going “WOOOOOooo’ all the freaking time….

4) Flight of the Conchords - Bowie
Since Jemain and Brett talk alot about Bowie in space, I think this song is probably about David Bowie’s “Space Oddity.” If have ever heard the Flight of the Conchords before, you know how hilarious they are. This one is just as strange and funny as any other!

5) Boys Noize – This is Michael Jackson  + Cocotte
More like an intro to another song, but close enough. I don’t know what it is about these DJs, but

6) Gorilliaz - Clint Eastwood
So alright, no actual mention of Clint Eastwood in the song, but I’m sure you can relate it to him somehow. I just really love this song.

mmkay then, enjoy! ‘Til next time!
- Tim

Tragedies Come in Threes: Did your favorite band survive the past week?

Music may be able to live forever, but bands certainly cannot. That’s why it’s always a painful inevitability whenever a band calls it quits.

Within the past week, word broke out that many of the indie world’s favorites are officially no more. Cue massive amounts of hipsters bawling their eyes out.

First up to bat, LCD Soundsystem!

The dance-punk band’s frontman, James Murphy, has spoken much about a looming end for the past several years, but nothing was official until the band posted a statement on their website on Saturday. They’ll be playing their final show at Madison Square Garden on April 2nd, which works out for me since I’m already going to be in NYC that weekend!

Considering how I saw them twice within the span of four days last September, it’s kind of obvious that my appreciation for their music knows no bounds. I legitimately refer to them as my favorite band, with Robyn getting the title of favorite artist. While it saddens me that they’ll no longer be making new music, I already came to terms with the loss late last year when I thought they were already kaput.

Here’s perennial favorite, “All My Friends.” I see it as the anthem of our generation. Do you?

Next up, The White Stripes!

The rock duo composed of Jack White and Meg White put out a statement on their website that they dissolved the band to “preserve what is beautiful and special about the band and have it stay that way.” While never a genuine fan of the band, I certainly appreciated hits like “Seven Nation Army” and “We’re Going To Be Friends.” I don’t have much else to say about the band’s breakup, but I’m sure it’s impacting many a BU student. Here’s the memorable Michel Gondry-directed music video for “Fell in Love with a Girl.”

The third group that has supposedly broken up in the past week is……*drumroll*….Gorillaz? No official statement yet, but the Internet is rife with speculation. For now it should only be treated as a rumor, but their recent tour that hit Agganis Arena last fall may have possibly been their last.

Don’t Be Such A Plastic Beach!

Quick! What do you get when you cross British accents, primates, and Mick Jones and Paul Simonon of the Clash (Yes, that’s 50% of the Clash)? The answer: THE GORILLAZ. They will be coming to Agganis Arena this Wednesday, October 6th as part of their first ever World Tour!!!

With the Gorillaz third studio album, Plastic Beach, they returned to the stage last March for the first time since 2006, bringing with them the two punk rock legends. Other new additions to the live band include Gabriel Wallace, from the Chicago based Hypnotic Brass Ensemble, and new lead guitarist Jeff Wotton.

Now I know many of you have seen footage from Gorillaz concerts in the past, but the band decided to switch it up this time. Usually, they have four giant screens showing the animated band members. This time, they actually have real live fleshy people! Apparently lugging huge amounts of video around the world is too costly for them.

Here is a little taste of what the Gorillaz are like live. This is footage from Coachella last April, one of their first few time back on stage. De La Soul makes a special guest appearance to preform “Feel Good Inc.”

QOTD: What is your favorite Gorillaz album? And also, who is going to the show on Wednesday? Leave a comment below!

‘Til next time,
Tim