Week 31: RMB – Matisse

I listened to a lot of rave in the mid 90s, which has stuck with me until today. One of the best rave acts was a German duo called RMB, and this is one of their absolute best tracks. The main sample is taken from a Swedish movie from 1984, and they use it very cleverly. What I like about all RMB tracks is how they layer them, making them interesting to listen to again and again.

Week 30: Volbeat – Still Counting

I wanted a track from Volbeat’s 2008 album Guitar Gangsters & Cadillac Blood to be the track of the week, but I honestly had a very hard time choosing which of my two favorite tracks to go with. In the end, it was the first few lyrics from this track that made me go with this one over Hallelujah Goat, which has a great title. What I like most about this track is that it’s hard and heavy with great vocals.

Week 29: William Shatner – Has Been

Most people know the artist behind this week track as the original Captain Kirk, but William Shatner has also released three full length albums. This track, which is the titular track from his second album, is a rebuttal to everyone calling Mr. Shatner a has been. It features a great western theme written by Ben Folds accompanied by fun and interesting spoken lyrics.

Week 28: The White Stripes – My Doorbell

I’m not exactly sure when I heard The White Stripes the first time, but I’d guess it was sometime after their 2003 album Elephant. One thing I know for certain, though, is that when I heard this track I knew without a doubt that I’d keep listening to whatever else they decided to put out. This track is simplistic, smart and they will be missed.

Week 27: Steve Martin – Late For School

Steven Martin is a really good banjo player as it turns out. Of all the tracks on the album The Crow: New Songs for the 5-String Banjo this is the only one where Mr. Martin sings, which is why I chose it as the track of the week over the others on it. It’s an excellent bluegrass track with the added value of a fun story, which is told very well.