Secrets of the City

Diana DeGarma’s American Idol performance of “Don’t Cry Out Loud.” Where do I pick up the prize?

Its not embarrassing to me, but my wife and friends find it hilarious and alarming. In about 1986 Tracey Ullman did an album of 50’s 60’s style ballads. I love that record.

I’m never embarrassed by my music purchases, but my friends are.

I did attend a Jonas Brothers concert that was way embarrassing as I am well above the age of 16 and I can’t begin to scream in that high of a pitch. I didn’t have to pay for it though. Let’s just say my friendship dues are updated and paid in full.

I was quite a Uriah Heep fan when I was a boy. In fact, I had a Uriah Heep cover band called “Simon the ‘Simon the Bullet Freak’ Bullet Freak.”

I used to own the Jets albums.

I got pretty embarrassed when the iTunes on my work computer decided to share the Peaches album I’d just bought with my coworkers.

Man, I love the Grateful Dead!

Probably the second CD I ever purchased, after receiving a CD player for Christmas in, oh, 1990 or something? 1991? Who knows. C + C Music Factory’s… whatever, I don’t even remember. But shortly after that I found my (former) step-brother’s Metal Health tape and it was just all awesome from there.

No embarrassing concerts either. Again, just all awesome.

Color Me Bad. My excuse is that I was only in jr high at the time.

The Bodyguard Soundtrack.

I love Justin Timberlake. And Fugazi.

WTF? Crazy spam deleted.

Concerts I’ve been to that are slightly embarassing:
The Jets
Skid Row
Poison, with Warrant
The Scorpions

Music we own that’s embarassing:
a lot. sometimes SOMEONE in my house gets drunk and buys shit off iTunes that is not acceptable when company is over.

Almost none of my music is appropriate for general company. But I’m rather proud of the fact.

My iTunes is basically all audio porn, now that I think about it. But, you know, classy.

I was once dared into buying TV Terror: Felching a Dead Horse. (sfw, except for the name)

I don’t even know how to describe it.

Poison, with Warrant

That’s not embarassing, that’s AWESOME.

My personal pick: Amy Grant, Heart in Motion.

Limited Warrenty…Tape and Concert.

My first single was Carl Douglas’s “Kung Fu Fighting,” a song that to this day I consider sublime.

My first “rock” show was Limited Warranty and The Jets at the state fair. But I’m pretty proud of that, so no dice.

I know: Spyro Gyra’s Point of View.

I also owed Color Me Badd, but my crazy Catholic aunt shamed my mother into making me take it back. I do own an Amy Grant CD as well. I also recently downloaded a couple of Fall Out Boy and My Chemical Romance tracks…but they. are. awesome. (to me, anyway)

I’m not embarrassed by any of my musical purchases! Not by that Carpenters 45, not by “Betcha By Golly Wow”, not even for buying my daughter The Backstreet Boys Greatest Hits DVD (at her request). She, on the other hand, is mortified that she ever listened to them, and edits her iTunes to get rid of all songs she thinks are no longer worthy.

My father did mock me mercilessly for buying “Baby I’m-a Want You” by Bread in 1972. My mother, on the other hand, let me listen to the soundtrack to Hair about 5 million times, even though I didn’t know what all the dirty words meant in that one song.

My first single was Carl Douglas’s “Kung Fu Fighting,” a song that to this day I consider sublime.

Are you plagued by as much ennui as I suspect, Max?

If “ennui” is a word for “a desire to practice nunchucks,” then the answer is yes.

Concerts I’ve been to that are slightly embarassing:
The Jets

See, she said in the TC so I didn’t include the trip to The Jets concert I made up in the GR in 1993? 1992?

OH MY GOD WHY IS MY MEMORY SO BAD?

Years of headbanging. It’s also why one of your pupils is larger than the other.

In junior high I bought ElDebarge’s “Rhythm of the Night” cassingle.

And, I’ve been repeatedly embarrassed to be in attendance to any Vinne & The Stardusters shows over the years.

My first single was Carl Douglas’s “Kung Fu Fighting,” a song that to this day I consider sublime.

This is the greatest example of one person’s pleasure is another person’s total freakin’ open a vein pain. Along with Turning Japanese.

It’s a love hate thing.

God I love “Tuning Japanese.”

Max, when you’re right, you’re right.

Well, I hope you don’t “TJ” in public cuz’ that would be pervy.

It is a rather offensive metaphor. Great melody, though.

I dropped 99 cents on a download of this gem from High School Musical 2. I’d like to blame it on my young son, but the truth is, it’s catchy and I like it.

On a not related note:

for those of you who work downtown, I’m bugging out of work to begin my ride home. I’m going to go slowly through downtown in order to gawk at beautiful people enjoying this weather.

If you are one of those said beautiful people, get outside now.

I didn’t buy it, but I was soooo embarassed when my dad would play anything by John Tesh.

whoops that should *embarrassed*

I never owned any embarrassing music until I got married. Now… see kc!’s comment.

Unless you count 2nd Chapter of Acts’ Roar of Love, which is, you know, a light rock concept album by Xian musicians based on The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.

It’s awesome.

I owned a copy of “Journey to the Centre of the Earth,” an odd concept album by Rick Wakeman.

As a kid, one of my favs was “The Ballad of Dwight Fye” an homage to a character actor from the classic Universal Studios horror flicks of the 1930s, sung by Alice Cooper! It was my neo-Goth period.

I somehow have The Ballad of the Unknown Stuntman on my iPod.

Oh, Miller. I’m so spreading that info. around.

He was a stuntman AND a bounty hunter. Double awesomeness. I have nothing to be embarrassed about.

One of the mix tapes I have made is entitled “A Big Pile of Shat” A collection of William Shatner “Songs” It’s all kinds of good!

I have a deep affection for Limited Warranty. They were, like, Minnesota’s answer to Duran Duran.

Does anyone remember the Smoke Free Generation concert in the mid-80s? I think it was at the Metrodome? The point was to get kids jazzed about not smoking. Anyway, Limited Warranty and the Jets were there (there were other bands, too, I think). My older sister worked for KARE at the time, and the station must’ve been a sponsor, because she got Limited Warranty to sign a poster and LP for me. (And, yes, I still have them.)

In about 1986 Tracey Ullman did an album of 50’s 60’s style ballads. I love that record.

It was 1984. The single off the album was titled “They Don’t Know,” done in a Spector-ish “wall of sound” style. Mondo magnifique! One of the first songs I downloaded from iTunes after I got a iPod.

Right on Noodleman, it was / is awesome. My prom date at the time (1986) turned me on to it

The Ketchup Song

*turns around and walks away*

What is has been, to people close to me, is an example where they could question my tatse. I dont agree. But I liked a lot of hair bands too.

I’ve bought a lot of bad music over the years — Cinderella, Dokken, Incubus, The Streets, Arctic Monkeys — but the purchase that makes me mad is the time I was duped into buying a CD by [a local band] at Cheapo. I’d never heard of the band (I lived in NYC at the time, and was just visiting MSP) but I think there was an endcap display in the Local Music selection. I’d had a lot of good luck with random Cheapo purchases in the past (Owls, Soviettes, Plastic Constellations, 12 Rods, Sweet JAP) so I figured any band with that sort of cred at Cheapo must be pretty good.

It wasn’t. It was horrible. It was bad enough that I complained to one of my friends about it. He explained, “The dude from [that band] works at Cheapo, so he hypes his CDs there.” Even though that made complete sense, it totally ruined Cheapo for me! I still shop there from time to time because it’s local, but I go out of my way to visit the Electric Fetus — and every time I see that CD, still featured prominently in the Local Music section at Cheapo, I kick myself for being a rube.

I’ve read through the responses, and…

Dokken (Monsters of Rock-Metrodome’88), Cinderella (saw them at the MYTH last year!), The Carpenters, Justin Timberlake, The Scorpions,… hell, even Warrant.

These are not embarrassing.

This is embarassing. Album owned, concert attended in the ’80s.

“Does anyone remember the Smoke Free Generation concert in the mid-80s? “

(ahem)

Above and beyond Tracy Ullman (about whose music I’m not the least bit embarrassed to admit enjoying), I will admit to enjoying The Carpenters and Barry Manilow. “Weekend in New England” is one of the sappiest love songs out there, only made more special by my living in Vermont when it was first released.

My record-buying consumerism came rather late in life. I was all of 14 when I purchased my first album: the soundtrack to the movie “The Glenn Miller Story.” Most all of the records I bought while in high school were jazz or big band. Most, but not all. I was big fan of Barry White, too, my senior year. My year in art school, though, did broaden my musical horizons quite a bit. Imagine going from Barry White to … Frank Zappa in a matter of months!

In high school, two friends loved Rick Springfield and bought tickets to his concert at the Met Stadium. At the last minute, one couldn’t go so I went. It was my first concert ever.

*sobs*

Quarterflash opened.

I’ve made up for it by carefully attending only very very cool concerts ever since. Still, the taint isn’t gone.

Quarterflash opened.

They did my theme song.

Looking over the local concert listing, I see my summer is going to be all funked up this year: George Clinton at First Ave., Bootsie Collins doing a James Brown Tribute Show, Morris Day and the Time at the Zoo!

The Music in the Zoo series is an odd lineup this year. No John Hiatt? And Billy Bob Thornton? I don’t know if I’d see him for free. He creeps me out.

Maz: That song couldn’t possibly be your theme song as one must have heart in order for it to harden.

/tease

Cat– had the same thought on BBT at the Zoo. huh?

I’m going to Soundset ‘08 on the 25th at the Metrodome parking lot. Should be hella fun if anyone is interested. Tix are $25 till the 18th and then go up to $30 till the day of the show.

one must have heart in order for it to harden.

Maz likes puppies.

Apart from having a Tracey Ullman tune on my iPod I save my ultimate shame for buying and still owning the CD single of “Mmm Bop” by Hanson. Even more embarrassing was a friend unearthing it at a party last winter and playing it.

Abd he likes country music like this Tom T. Hall classic

HA Ha!

Could be worse Jane… I saw Rick Springfield at the Medina Ballroom. I was over 18 so there is absolutely no excuse.

My first concert was New Kids on the Block. I was the envy of all the girls in my 6th grade class at the time.

Don’t spread lies, Rat – he’s not a puppy lover. And the Tom T. Hall song is wrong wrong wrong.

Oh, btw: Did you know that according to the Chinese calendar, it’s The Year of The Rat? Just thought you might want to know that.

I do have that Tom T Hall song in iTunes.

Ok, wait a minute. It’s an Embarrassing Music thread, not Air Your Dirty Laundry of Music thread.

Kurtis: I like you. Are you sure you want to say that you have the Tom T. Hall song or do you want to admit that it was a typo and it’s really in your Uncle’s iTunes?

Whenever I see “the Rat” I think of early Haruki Murakami novels… his surrealist pre Norwegian Wood stuff.

Just thought you might want to know that.

Was aware. In fact I was thinking about getting a little Rat sculpture when I was in Singapore a couple weeks ago.

Cat_, I have Ray Stevens singing “Everything is Beautiful.” I have Cal Smith singing “Country Bumpkin.” I have Debby Boone singing “You Light Up My Life.” I have Roger Miller singing “Little Green Apples,” and Ronnie Milsap singing “Any Day Now,” and Tanya Tucker singing “Delta Dawn” and Don Williams singing “Lord, I Hope this Day is Good.” It’s the AM Radio I grew up with, and I enjoy it without a trace of irony.

The second record I ever bought was Bay City Rollers. First convert I ever went to was Huey Lewis and the News. I’d have to be awfully drunk to give up my MOST embarrassing music purchase.

I think kurtis is the winner, if we can use that word…

Hey, I love bad 70’s ballads, Kurtis, so I really shouldn’t be teasing you.

Mnblrmkr: When you say “awfully drunk” is that 6 cocktails or 12 cocktails and 2 shots? Just askin’.

Hey, I won on the first post Bob.

The first album I ever bought was off an ad on the TV for “Super Gold of 1972″. I played the crap out of that record. The only songs I remember off it was “Brandy” (your a fine girl) and Song Sung Blue.

1972 was a good year.

I bought the CD single to “Dazzey duks” by Duice.

Oh, I also purchased the Kidz Bop version of “You’re Beautiful” from Amazon…because it’s hi-larious.

I have nothing but pure gold in my record collection, but a friend of mine has “Disco Duck” by Rick Dees on 45…

If you were wondering… (GRRFL)

Sweet–thanks Kurtis!

One of my fave covers is Richard Cheese’s version of Disturbed’s Down with the Sickness and the bonus is that it’s part of the soundtrack of “Dawn of the Dead.”

Enjoy (Sorta NSFW)

I saw Rick Springfield at an outdoor music festival in Kansas City about 10 years ago, and he was completely wasted and it was AWESOME! The soundtrack from “Hard to Hold” is still one of my favorite albums ever. I recently tried to find it only to find that it is out of print. Noooo!!!

Does anybody remember when Rick was in a pilot of a show called “Nick Night” where he played a vampire cop? It was brilliant, but for some unknown reason, it never got picked up.

I’m sure this is the most internet buzz Rick Springfield has gotten in… well, ever.

umm i will pick up the grand prize with… wait for it…. KENNY G, toni braxton opened at the target center. and i loved it (it was in the early 90s, i was 14 i didn’t know any better.)

Drive Shaft

One of the mix tapes I have made is entitled “A Big Pile of Shat” A collection of William Shatner “Songs” It’s all kinds of good!

Shatner’s “Has Been” CD is a goldmine of greatness!!

I have all of Shatner’s records. I celebrate the man’s entire catalog.

umm i will pick up the grand prize with… wait for it…. KENNY G, toni braxton opened at the target center. and i loved it (it was in the early 90s, i was 14 i didn’t know any better.)

Sweet Baby Jesus, that is a winner.

Well, I wouldn’t mind Toni Braxton but KG…ugh.

I once rode with two other friends from the Iron Range to the Cities in a snowstorm to see Eddie Money open for Cyndi Lauper, then we drove home that same night. We did stay for about two Cyndi Lauper songs, but basically spent about 8 hours in a car for an hour of entertainment.

I guess I should be embarrassed to own such CD’s as Ace Frehley’s “solo” KISS album, but really, I’m just a little sheepish about it.

I have to confess also to the Rick Springfield/Quarterflash show at Met Center. Man you do some stupid things to please the opposite sex

I knew you’d have some Shatner music love Max! MISTER TAMBOURINE MAN!!!

You should try Nimoy. That’s a whole new world of amazing, Douglas.

I’ve never made it past Nimoy’s “Ballad of Bilbo Baggins”…

Well, that really is the pinnacle.

Holy crap they made a video for it!

Yep. And it is a MASTERPIECE.

Listen, Led Zepplin sang about hobbits. So I think we can make a case that Nimoy was just as hard core.

Later I’m going to think I only dreamt that.

It’s sort of amazing how long he kept his Spock haircut.

Lou Reed’s Metal Machine Music on 8-track. I win.

That haircut really worked for him.

I’m not sure grote understands the contest.

Don’t look in my iPod’s Gorgon folder.

Or that you, Kurtis, have already won. Your list is awe inspiring.

Although I’m still waiting for mnblrmkr to tell us how many cocktails it will take to get him to give up the list drunk.

Hey, I love Tom T. Hall. Maybe because I have a kid, and it’s something that was sung to me as a kid.

If anyone has any time open and want to see bad bands in SD, here is what we have coming up.

Summer Jam in Sioux Falls with 311
Summer Jam

Dakota Rock Fest (just outside Sioux Falls) with:
SKID ROW, JACKYL, SLAUGHTER, FIREHOUSE, LA GUNS, BANG TANGO, FASTER PUSSYCAT, SMOKIN’, DEAD OR ALIVE, PARADISE CITY ( GnR tribute band) AND MORE
Dakota Rock Fest

Great times in South Dakota!

Although I’m still waiting for mnblrmkr to tell us how many cocktails it will take to get him to give up the list drunk.

Lucky for me, I was more a beer and tequila man before I gave up drinking this afternoon.

I once rode with two other friends from the Iron Range to the Cities in a snowstorm to see Eddie Money open for Cyndi Lauper …

Ooooh, that’s a fall from grace. Eddie was a strong B-grade rocker in the late ’70s. Every time I hear “Hold On To Me” on the radio, I’m reminded of the apartment I lived in when Eddie was moving up the charts. I knew my neighbors were rockin’ because they’d play that song LOUD (and I mean LOUD!!!!!). Didn’t matter what the time was, day or night. When that song was shaking the walls of my very humble $75 per month abode, they was a-rockin so don’t come a-knockin’.

Well, get ready for a major come back. He’s playing the Taster of Minnesota this summer.