A nasty flu forced me to take some sick days and spend time at home a few weeks ago. While I was stuck in the bed, I found myself watching some weird TV programming; at one point, I flipped to an episode of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood and I was immediately stunned by the quality of music being played on the show. Remember that closing theme song? It was filled with some seriously jazzy piano riffs. And that got me thinking about just how good music was on children's television back in the day. Yeah it was cheesy, but just on sheer musicality, the shit was on the up-and-up.
For example, let's check out that closing theme from Mister Rogers. Listen for that piano at the end. That's some fresh improvisation and it was different every episode:
Speaking of jazz in children's program, obviously the Charlie Brown cartoons always presented the best stuff. Here's a sample:
Going back to Mister Rogers, as I stated before, I dug his closing music; however, in other children's programming some of the best music came at the start of the show. My favorites were always the opening themes to those Marvel Comics cartoons from the late 1960s. The themes featured catchy lyrics and some rather off-beat musical accompaniment. Here's a sample:
And of course, Marvel's other mega-star superhero Spider-Man probably had the best theme of all:
Then again, I think I dig this 1970s version of Spidey's theme from the Electric Company a little more than the original one. And pay attention to the funky background music:
Pollstar.com lists Metallica as playing Time Warner Cable Arena on Oct. 18, 2009.
The band's site also lists the date, with tickets going on sale on April 4.
Here's a quick rundown of some of the albums being released today:
Sarah Borges & The Broken Singles The Stars Are Out
The Decemberists The Hazards of Love
Peter Doherty Grace/Wastelands
Indigo Girls Poseidon and the Bitter Bug
Shooter Jennings Bad Magick - The Best of Shooter Jennings
Jim Jones Prey IV Reign
Papa Roach Metamorphosis
Pearl Jam Ten (Collector's Edition)
Radiohead OK Computer (Collector's Edition)
Busta Rhymes Back on My BS
In case you didn't go to the SXSW music conference last week, here's some video from the G.O.O.D. Music showcase at The Levi's®/FADER Fort on Saturday night. The clip features hip-hoppers Common and Kanye West along with soul vocalist Erykah Badu for special rendition of "The Light" after which they both broke into freestyles for Austin crowd.
For more, visit The Fader. Aaaaaaannnd, here's the video:
I heard this news last week and wanted to share it...
Zach Deputy, who often packs the Double Door Inn when he performs there, had all of his stuff stolen last week. Now, when I say "all of his stuff," I mean it guitars, clothing, electronic gear, recordings for a new album and more totaling $85,000.
They've started a donation spot online for him, but also suggest just buying an album or going to one of his shows. He'll be back at the Double Door on May 8.
You can find out more here.
The Jonas Brothers are heading back to Charlotte this summer when they stop by The Cable Box (Time Warner Cable Arena) on Aug. 21 with Jordin Sparks and Honor Society.
Tickets go on sale to fan club members on March 23 and to the general public on March 28.
Granted, Jimmy Fallon is still finding his comfort level on his new late night show, but I'm starting to dig the "Slow jam the news" segment of his monologue.
Check out the video from last night when he gets down and dirty with AIG. (Click here if video does not load.)
From Flock of Seagulls to Static-X, who would you think has the dumbest hairstyles in music? Check out the top 10 from FoxNews here.