"Everybody Knows This is Nowhere" - Neil Young

Living alone I find that late at night, when there's no one else around to talk to, I think of really bizarre things. My mind will wander about the most useless and random subjects. For example, I spent a good ten minutes the other night thinking about the large spider living above my patio door - which led to thoughts about poisonous spiders, spider bites leaving spider eggs under your skin, and finally Spiderman. One subject I often think about it is if my condo caught fire what would I grab? After the no-brainers, like the animals and my purse, I thought probably my laptop and most definitely my guitar.

Me and my baby

My acoustic guitar is one of my most prized possessions. It is incredibly special to me, not because it was my first guitar, but because it was given to me. When I was younger I played piano for years but was always begging my parents to buy me a guitar. The problem was I didn't know anyone that played guitar, and no one in the small "Nowhere" town that I grew up in taught lessons at the time. After years of repeatedly annoying them my parents finally had a solution. 

Before I was born my Dad's sister - Nina, succumbed to cancer. It was her one wish to stay alive long enough to see me born, but sadly we never met. My family often says I remind them of her, particularly when I'm being inappropriate my Gramma yells, in her broken-Ukrainian-English, "You just like Nina!" Nina had played guitar, and after she passed away my Dad remembered that it was probably still sitting at her old house. Sure enough when we phoned my Uncle, he brought over the Yamaha guitar - still in the original case, that had been collecting dust since her death.

That moment when I played her guitar was when I can remember my love affair with music began. I was young at the time - twelve or so - and really had no interest or preference in music. Teaching myself how to play acoustic naturally led me straight into the arms of all of the music greats - Springsteen, Petty, Dylan, and Neil Young. With bleeding fingers and disgusting calluses I finally learned to play a few songs. One of the first songs I ever learned to play was "Heart of Gold".

I learned to play "Heart of Gold" because it was fairly easy to play and a good beginner song. This song opened up the whole wide world of Neil Young for me. At that point I began to download anything Neil Young that I could find. I like Young's consistency for outstanding lyrics paired with simple, yet catchy guitar melodies, and his ability to tell stories. Like Dylan and Springsteen, Neil Young used his music not only to entertain, but to send a message.

Mr.Young

"Everybody Knows this is Nowhere" was released off of Neil's second solo album of the same name. I've always liked this Neil Young song best because it reminds me of back home. Essentially I grew up in a small Northwestern Ontario town that is best described by the chorus line, "Everybody knows this is nowhere". As small and isolated as it was, there is always a comfort in the simplicity of back home. I'll never truly be a "city girl", even though I do my best to fake it. There are times when I find myself  hating the city and fantasizing about "going back home, to take it easy". Young's roots are apparent by his reference to "back home", because only small town people refer to it as that. This song was written after Young had achieved a significant amount of success and fame. Being a small town boy and pretty low key, Young probably wanted nothing more than to go back to his small "Nowhere" town and chill out.

Nipigon, Ontario - Home Sweet Home

I especially like the line, "I wish that I could be there right now, just passing time." There was never really much to do back home except pass the time and just enjoy being there. A visitor could never appreciate its' peacefulness. As boring as it might have been it is amazingly beautiful. The air is different; it smells clean; like a combination of trees, water and soil. And everything is quiet. You can hear crickets and frogs chirping at night - just like in the movies. Sometimes I find myself feeling more lonely in a city full of people than I ever did when I was alone back home.

P.S. I couldn't find video for it - but Young does an amazing solo acoustic version of this song as well. It's a live version off of his "Acoustic Afternoon" album.

I think I'd like to go

back home
And take it easy
There's a woman that
I'd like to get to know
Living there

Everybody seems to wonder
What it's like down here
I gotta get away
from this day-to-day
running around,


Everybody knows
this is nowhere.
Everybody, everybody knows
Everybody knows.

Every time I think about
back home
It's cool and breezy
I wish that I could be there
right now
Just passing time.

Everybody seems to wonder
What it's like down here
I gotta get away
from this day-to-day
running around,
Everybody knows
this is nowhere.
Everybody, everybody knows
Everybody knows.

"Bette Davis Eyes" - Kim Carnes

Oh eighties

I just realized that in all of my time as a "blogger", I have yet to write about a hit from the Eighties. In my opinion the Eighties was the MOST significant music era. Bands like Heart, KISS, Bon Jovi, Madonna and Guns N' Roses reigned supreme. Music from the Eighties has a certain "je ne sais qoui". Songs like "Don't Stop Believing" can make you scream your vocal chords hoarse while songs like "Every Rose Has It's Thorn" can bring tears to your eyes. Songs today never match the intensity and power of those Eighties hits.

Last night I was sitting at The Cactus, (A bar, not a plant),  listening to the live entertainment (who is amazing by the way - check him out), when he started to play "Bette Davis Eyes". I've heard this song countless times but always seem to forget about it. This morning I finally remembered it when scanning through my cell phone notes, (yes, I keep notes in my phone on songs I want to download). Every once in awhile you stumble on a song that just does it for you. This song has literally been on repeat for the last five hours of my life and I'm still loving it.

The ever so lovely Bette Davis

The song was originally written in 1974 by Jackie DeShannon and Donna Weiss, but made famous by Kim Carnes in 1981. For those of you who don't know, Bette Davis was an actress most famous in the 1930's for playing a variety of roles - mainly strong, liberated women. While not traditionally beautiful she did possess huge, doe-like, bedroom eyes. Jack Warner described Bette as "having a magic quality that transformed this sometimes bland and not beautiful little girl into a great artist." Davis has commented, "Hollywood always wanted me to be pretty, but I fought for realism." This is further proof that beauty without personality is meaningless. Being yourself will make you more beautiful than any makeup or hair product ever could. Eye candy is nice but let's be honest, at the end of the day it's not as fun to take home a trophy as it is to take home someone that can make you laugh.

This is how I bend over

Davis actually wrote Carnes and the writers of the song to let them know she was a fan of the song, and thanked them for "making her a part of modern times." Although I always prefer men over women vocalists Carnes and her raspy growl perfectly suit this song. The song describes a femme fatale, with "Greta Garbo's stand off sighs" and "Bette Davis Eyes"." The woman in the song is "ferocious", "precocious" and "can make a pro blush". Although the song isn't about Bette Davis it certainly describes the type of woman she was known for being. It talks about a woman that uses her sexuality to her advantage - something I think every woman should do. I believe you get a better response from people by wearing a push up bra rather than burning one. Shake your head if you want but I've never been a girl that has gotten into the women's liberation movement because my motto has always been, "Do what you can with what you have." ;)


P.S. Found an amazing cover of this song by Brandon Flowers (Killers) --> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2kg8hxn8myw



Her hair is Harlowe gold

Her lips sweet surprise
Her hands are never cold
She's got Bette Davis eyes


She'll turn her music on you
You won't have to think twice
She's pure as New York snow
She got Bette Davis eyes

And she'll tease you
She'll unease you
All the better just to please you


She's precocious and she knows just
What it takes to make a pro blush
She got Greta Garbo stand off sighs
She's got Bette Davis eyes


She'll let you take her home
It whets her appetite
She'll lay you on her throne
She got Bette Davis eyes

She'll take a tumble on you
Roll you like you were dice
Until you come out blue
She's got Bette Davis eyes

She'll expose you, when she snows you
Off your feet with the crumbs she throws you
She's ferocious and she knows just
What it takes to make a pro blush
All the boys think she's a spy
She's got Bette Davis eyes


And she'll tease you
She'll unease you
All the better just to please ya


She's precocious, and she knows just
What it takes to make a pro blush
All the boys think she's a spy
She's got Bette Davis eyes


She'll tease you
She'll unease you
Just to please ya
She's got Bette Davis eyes

She'll expose you, when she snows you
She knows ya
She's got Bette Davis eyes

Rihanna

"Rihanna - Only Girl In The World Extended Club Mix"

Burning The Mix

"Dave Kurtis Feat. Akil Wingate - Burning Massivedrum Remix"

Living It Up

"Yacine Soufiane - Living It Up Feat Mouse Killer Original Club Mix"

"The Number of the Beast" - Djali Zwan (Cover of Iron Maiden)

I'm not opposed to metal or hard rock. I think that if you are open to it you'll find that even if you hate a specific genre, there's always a few gems to be found within it, (yes... even top 40 I�ll admit). I wouldn't call myself a fan of Iron Maiden, but I do like a few of their songs. One song particularly I've always liked is"Number of the Beast", not just because of the rhythm but also because of the symbolism and story behind it. And let's be honest - anything taboo or spooky is always fucking fascinating.  

The song is inspired by a nightmare bandleader, Steve Harris, had after watching the movie Damien: Omen II and also by the storyline of the poem "Tam O' Shanter". The ancient Scottish poem tells the story of a drunk man who sees a strange vision on his way home from the bar. The opening verse of the original Iron Maiden song features scripture from The Book of Revelation:

"Woe to you O earth and sea for the Devil sends the beast with wrath because he knows the time is short" in Chapter 12, Verse 12; "Let him who hath understanding reckon the number of the beast for it is a human number/its number is six hundred and sixty six," in Chapter 13, Verse 18.

Maiden was widely criticized by religious groups as devil worshipers following the release of this song. There were many rumors and weird coincidences associated with the recording of the song and album "Number of the Beast". Apparently the band manager crashed his car while they were recording this song and the total amount for his repairs was $666. The song reached 18 on the UK Charts, (6+6+6 = 18). Rumors circulated that while the band was in studio recording  the album there were creepy occurrences like strange noises, lights turning off by themselves etc. 

The short lived super group Djali Zwan covered "The Number of the Beast" and their version was featured on the soundtrack to the movie "Spun". Djali Zwan was formed by Smashing Pumpkins lead singer, Billy Corgan, and featured members from Slint, Tortoise, Chavez and A Perfect Circle. This song marked the first time Matt Sweeney stepped up to sing for Djali Zwan. Sweeney and his whiny drawl were the perfect choice for this mellowed out version of the legendary song. I love when artists take a fast-paced, heavy song and slow it down.  It gives the song a whole new identity.  In this version you are much more aware of the lyrics and the story the song is telling. 

I left alone, my mind was blank, I needed time to think

To get the memories from my mind
What did I see? Can I believe that what I saw
That night was real and not just fantasy?


Just what I saw in my old dreams
Were they reflections of my warped mind staring back at me
'Cause in my dreams, it's always there
The evil face that twists my mind and brings me to despair

Night was black, was no use holding back
'Cause I just had to see, was someone watching me?
In the mist, dark figures move and twist
Was all this for real or just some kind of Hell?

6 6 6, the number of the beast
Hell and fire was spawned to be released
Torches blazed and sacred chants were praised
As they start to cry, hands held to the sky
In the night, the fires are burning bright
The ritual has begun, Satan's work is done
6 6 6, the number of the beast
Sacrifice is going on tonight
This can't go on, I must inform the law
Can this still be real, or just some crazy dream?
But I feel drawn towards the chanting hordes
Seem to mesmerize, can't avoid their eyes
6 6 6, the number of the beast
6 6 6, the one for you and me

I'm coming back, I will return
And I'll possess your body, and I'll make you burn
I have the fire, I have the force
I have the power to make my evil take its course

Janelle Mon�e & Of Montreal

Possibly two of the most interesting musical talents currently making music...together for the first time, for the last time...

Tightrope - Janelle Mon�e Featuring Big Boi

Tightrope (Robbie Rivera's Juicy Mix) - Janelle Mon�e Featuring Big Boi

Wicked Wisdom - Of Montreal

RETRO REQUEST

Samantha Mumba

Always Come Back To Your Love

(Cevin Fisher Vocal Mix)

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"First Day of My Life" - Bright Eyes

Me and "The Enemy"

If you're lucky enough to have grown up with siblings you'll know that something bizarre happens to your relationship with them as you grow older. In most cases you evolve from enemies into friends. 

I grew up with a younger brother - and until just lately didn't even consider him a person. I don't mean that in a particularly cruel way, I just mean that I was always too busy fighting with and hating him for various sibling rivalry issues that I never realized he was a person too. I never knew he could be funny, witty or interesting. I certainly never thought he had decent taste in music, so when he offered up this song for me to listen to I barely acknowledged him. 

Despite all inclinations to tell him it sucked as did he, I realized that I actually liked the song. Now i'm the kind of chick that is not overly impressed with jobs, statuses or connections, but mostly by a persons taste in music. It was at that point that I actually decided to give my bro a chance to be friends with me and this has since become one of my favorite songs.

??

Conor Oberst

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"First Day of my Life" was released in 2005 as single from Bright Eyes off the album, "I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning". While it did quite well on the UK and Indie Charts it failed to have any huge sort of commercial airplay. The video, which features a series of unconventional couples, (inter-racial, same-sex), received special recognition at the 17th annual GLAAD awards.  It's a very simple video but one that is very honest and has a certain element to it that makes me a bit teary eyed. This song was a departure from the band's usual style of music. On live versions of the song the lead singer, Conor Oberst, introduces the song by saying, "This is a love song. I myself have never been in love, but I imagine this is what it would be like."

I know I"ve mentioned this previously, but there are two things that I�m a huge sucker for; 1. Unconventional love songs, and 2. Love songs recorded by Artists that don't typically write love songs. Lucky for me this song encompasses both. Oberst describes love as "The first day of my life", and "You felt as if you just woke up." The whole song works with the theme that when you find love it's like a whole new life begins for you. Another symptom of being in love is when unreasonable things become perfectly reasonable to you.. "Remember the time you drove all night/ Just to meet me in the morning?". I can remember thinking nothing of driving to a boyfriend's house at 1am on a Tuesday morning, or scheduling my days in ridiculous ways so that I could fit in time to see him.

The most discussed line of the whole song is, "But I�d rather be working for a paycheck, then waiting to win the lottery." If you're a glass half empty type of person you'll think this line means that he's willing to settle for a sure thing rather than wait for something incredible to happen. If you're a glass half full type (like me), you�ll think that Oberst meant he believes in love as a long term commitment, something you work for, rather than a short-lived, rare event. Every line in this song is so honest and perfect that I could take up my whole blog dissecting each one, so I'll stop here. In short if there ever was a love song that hit home, a love song that best described REAL love this is it.



This is the first day of my life

Swear I was born right in the doorway
I went out in the rain, suddenly everything changed
They're spreading blankets on the beach


Yours was the first face that I saw
I think I was blind before I met you
I don't know where I am, I don't know where I've been
But I know where I want to go

So I thought I'd let you know
That these things take forever, I especially am slow
But I realized how I need you
And I wondered if I could come home

Remember the time you drove all night
Just to meet me in the morning?
And I thought it was strange, you said everything changed
You felt as if you just woke up
And you said


"This is the first day of my life
Glad I didn't die before I met you
Now I don't care, I could go anywhere with you
And I'd probably be happy"


So if you want to be with me
With these things there's no telling
We'll just have to wait and see

But I'd rather be working for a paycheck
Than waiting to win the lottery
Besides, maybe this time is different
I mean, I really think you like me

"Rain" - Jon Heintz

I am a huge fan of reality TV. Drama is always way more entertaining when it's real life drama. With the trend of reality TV becoming ridiculously popular there are always new "reality" concepts being developed. Some of these shows are absolute trash, (but so entertaining), like Jersey Shore, but there are a few shows that are the exception, and offer unique perspectives. Discovery Channel in particular offers insight into extraordinary jobs and ways of life through shows like "Whale Wars", "Ice Road Truckers", and "License to Drill". One of the first shows of this type to be presented by the Discovery Channel is "The Deadliest Catch."

"The Deadliest Catch", follows the captain and crews of crab fishing vessels involved in one of the deadliest jobs in the world - fishing for Alaskan King Crab. The series first premiered in 2005 and is still going strong today. To be honest I could have cared less about Alaskan King Crab fishing before watching this show. Now I find myself entranced by the everyday lives of these rough, blue collar, fishermen

One captain in particular, Phil Harris, was a fan favorite. The loud-mouthed, vulgar, rough around the edges, captain led his crew on the Cornelia Marie for over 20 years. This past year the hard-living fisherman suffered a heart attack and passed away on Feb.9, 2010. The crew, family and fans were all devastated by the loss. The episode "Empty Throne" shows Phils' son traveling to see him in the hospital while the song "Rain" plays in the background.

Captain Phil

The song couldn't be better suited to "The Deadliest Catch" or Captain Phil's passing. Heintz accompanies his beautiful vocals with piano backing. The main themes of the song are "rain" and "change", two things that are often associated with each other. "Rain is gonna come down", is a metaphor for washing the slate clean. The "rain" could also allude to tears of mourning. Heinz says "we're given these moments/we're given this time" and eventually everyone will be affected by loss. Whether or not Heinz wrote this song with death in mind this song is a stunning tribute for anyone that has lost a loved one.

R.I.P. Captain Phil (1956 - 2010)

Come sit with your angels,

And give us some time,
Forgive us this fragile frame of mind,
It's all right.

'Cause it's difficult changes for each in our turn,
And baby your angels they never learn,
No we never learned�
Rain is gonna come down
Change is gonna come �round.


We're given these moments,
We're given this time,
And we do what we must just,
Just to get by,
Just to stay high and dry

And as sure as these blue skies they're gonna turn gray.
You've given your angels all of your days
Oh but you can't stay�

Rain is gonna come down
Change is gonna come �round.
Rain is gonna come down
Change is gonna come �round.

50 DANCE HITS

• 1. Afrojack Feat. Eva Simons - Take Over Control (Original Mix) (6:38)
• 2. Alicia Keys - Un-Thinkable (Beat Thrillerz Radio Mix) (3:08)
• 3. Allan Natal Feat. Joe Welch - Lollipop (Edson Pride Acid & Sugar Mix) (8:25)
• 4. Armin van Buuren & Sophie Ellis Bextor - Not Giving Up On Love (Extended Version) (6:52)
• 5. Astorga & Nohales feat. Estela Martin - Dreaming Awake (Marcos Rodriguez Remix) (6:38)
• 6. Basshunter - Saturday (Payami Remix) (5:48)
• 7. Beat Factory - Baroque (Original Mix) (7:28)
• 8. Blake Lewis - Till We See The Sun (Danny Verde Radio Edit) (3:47)
• 9. Brandon Flowers - Crossfire (David Morales Vocal Club Mix) (8:02)
• 10. Carmelo Tornatore y Los Tonatos - Mexico (Sammy Love vs Fabrizio Nicolosi Remix) (5:55)
• 11. Conways Vs. Dominoe - Here I Am (2010 Club Version) (5:12)
• 12. Daruso - Since You Been Gone (Frisco Radio Edit) (3:30)
• 13. Dean Coleman & The Partysquad ft Michael Bryan - I'M Back (Original Bang) (4:18)
• 14. Dero & Robbie Rivera Feat. Juan Magan - Oh Baby (Thomas Gold Mix) (6:47)
• 15. Diana Vickers - The Boy Who Murdered Love (Romeyboy Club Mix) (5:41)
• 16. Dirty South - Phazing (Spencer & Hill Hotelroom Booty) (5:54)
• 17. DJ Chus & Supernova - Carnavalesco (Original InStereo Mix) (6:09)
• 18. Edward Maya - Stereo Love (Magnux Remix) (3:20)
• 19. Geo Da Silva Feat. Karmin Shiff - Shake It Bulu Bulu (Extended Mix) (5:46)
• 20. Jaswho? Feat. Chloe Jarvis - Wake Up Call (Soulspin Remix) (8:48)
• 21. Jordy Lishious - Jordy Lishious Window Of Joy (Lakedance Anthem 2010) (Instrumental) (8:03)
• 22. Katy Perry - Teenage Dream (Dark Intensity Radio Edit) (3:36)
• 23. Kelly Mueller - She Cries (Bassmonkeys Radio Edit) (3:32)
• 24. Kesha - Tik Tok (Bintangmeister Remix) (6:20)
• 25. Ilker Akay - U Want Me (D-Rashid Remix) (5:01)
• 26. Kylie - Get Outta My Way (7th Heaven Radio Edit) (3:35)
• 27. Kylie Minogue - Cupid Boy (Argonauts SHM Extended Mix) (6:36)
• 28. Maroon 5 - Misery (Cutmore Radio Edit) (3:40)
• 29. mr pink - the day after (pat farell remix) (6:22)
• 30. Pat Farrell & Patrick Miller feat. Gunda Wechee - I need U (Josh Green Remix) (7:09)
• 31. Prometey - Check This Out (8:17)
• 32. Pryda - M.S.B.O.Y. (7:13)
• 33. QBA - Colombian Rush 2010 (Original Mix) (7:45)
• 34. Rektchordz - Lush (Arrow!!! Remix) (6:32)
• 35. Rico Bernasconi Feat Oraine - Undercover (Walker & Daniels.Rmx Edit) (3:22)
• 36. Roberto De Haro - The Morning Show (Original Mix) (7:12)
• 37. Sandro Silva - Only You (East & Young Remix) (6:01)
• 38. Scotty vs. Pitbull & Danny English - Let the beat hits freaky, shorty (Haze Bootleg) (3:59)
• 39. Something Good Feat. Joanna - Hold on (Tarmo Remix) (6:39)
• 40. Steve Brookstein - Promised Land (7th Heaven Radio Edit) (3:24)
• 41. Stockholm Disco Feat. Kaysee - Forever (Carl Hanaghan and Ted Nilsson Radio Edit) (3:20)
• 42. Stromae - Alors On Danse (Ian Kane Mix) (6:14)
• 43. Swedish House Mafia - One (Congorock Remix) (6:14)
• 44. The Hoosiers - Choices (Glam As You Extended Mix) (5:12)
• 45. The Underdog P. - Summer Jam (Dj Neptun & GS Summer Hits 2010) (6:12)
• 46. Tiesto Feat Kirsty Hawkshaw - Just Be (Wally Lopez La Factoria Vocal Remix) (8:59)
• 47. Tomcraft - Loneliness (2010) (Laidback Luke & Sebastian Ingrosso Remix) (6:26)
• 48. Usher - Yeah 2010 (Barak S Dreamix) (7:43)
• 49. Vodka - Pumping (Pure Version) (5:52)
• 50. Zoe Badwi - Release Me (Mind Electric 12 Remix) (5:38)

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Firehouse

The newest Donald Glaude & Ross.FM mashup is here!

With our last one with Deadmau5 "Ghosts In Da Ayre" hitting #1 on the HypeMachine charts 3 different times, and getting world-wide dancefloor and radio airplay, we knew we had to follow it up with something massive!

We've been testing this baby out on the dancefloors for the last couple weeks and it has people goin crazy!

"Firehouse - Donald Gaulde Ross FM Mashup"

born to mix

ok yall here we go with another few of my urban posts... so if its slammin electro house your looking for its not here... this be for the head nodders :)

"dj moon - ladies of r&b"
some of the past and present ladies doing there r&b thing right now... nice long mix

"dj moon - r&b chillout mix"
around 70 mins of blends, artist such as... busta, j-lo, ja rule, ashanti, mary j, 112, next, luther... and more

"dj moon - mini mix"
mini mix of some new tunes just out... maroon 5 - misery, ne-yo - beautiful monster, robyn - dancing on my own...and more

2 of the Laziest

2 of the biggest club hits at the moment. I decided to add a little bootleg the pair and see what the reactions are, so far its got people dancing without fail.

Swedish House Mafia f/ Major Lazer - One Di Floor (TopFloorDjs Intro Booty) | LazyRecords

One of my favorite producers on Lazy Records right now with his new remix following his big L'Americano remix a short while ago. Griersondo gets the dancefloors hammered once again with Muse.

Muse f/ Griersondo - Supermassive Blackhole 2010 | LazyRecords

Alors On Dance (f/ Lumidee)

A track requested this weekend that i didnt have. Been tipped off to be a BIG BIG track over the end of the summer. Unfortunately the original french version just wasnt something id prefer to play in my mainstream sets. So here is an English version featuring Lumidee. Enjoy!

Lumidee Feat. Chase Manhatta - Alors On Dance | ZS