Radiohead, "Street Spirit"

Fade out again...

Bishop Allen, "True or False"

No. 1 Rule of Tuna Day: We are hopelessly behind the curve.  Case Study #37: Bishop Allen.  They're from Brooklyn, and I only just heard of them... because they came up on my last.fm radio!  Anyway, I love this song, and the video's great, too.  Lest you think we'll end the year on such an upbeat note, come back tomorrow to get depressed about the march of time.  Or not.  Maybe this is a good end to 2011.

Coconut Records, "Any Fun"

As an unwavering devotee of Rushmore, I'm irrationally a fan of almost anything Max Fischer--er, Jason Schwartzman--does.  Sometimes, though, it's rational.  In this case, I think it is.  Coconut Records, you have a fan.

The Heavy, "Colleen"

Q-Tip, "Vivrant Thing"

Sweeter than Ben 'n Jerry... Happy Birthday, Riggs!

M. Ward, "Requiem"

EVERY OTHER DAY IS CHRISTMAS! Otis Redding, "Merry Christmas, Baby"

I know we just gave some love to Otis a few days ago, but... is more Otis ever a bad thing?  I think not.  Merry Christmas to all!

Curtis Mayfield, "We Got To Have Peace"

On second thought, a little less violence never hurt.  And as Jenisonc says, "That bass is flying... No one does that anymore.  Damn it."  Merry Christmas, to you and yours!

EVERY OTHER DAY IS CHRISTMAS... The Killers, "Don't Shoot Me Santa"

A Very Important Holiday Public Service Announcement: Yes, children--Santa Claus is very real. And he has a gun and a shovel and is vindictive. Plus, he sorely needs to do laundry. Ho ho ho.

Otis Redding, "That's How Strong My Love Is"

Written by O.V. Wright in 1964 and covered by Otis the next year, it appeared on The Great Otis Redding Sings Soul Ballads.

EVERY OTHER DAY IS CHRISTMAS... Kurtis Blow, "Christmas Rappin'"

And the grown-ups got some presents, too
A new TV and a stere-ooh

Cheers!

Menomena, "Five Little Rooms"

So the last time I posted a Menomena song (also from Mines), the band caught wind of it, tweeted it to its followers, and... holy smokes.  "Taos" drove the biggest spike in traffic that Tuna Day has ever seen.  Thanks, guys.  In return, you join a short and very prestigious list of bands (TVOTR, YYYs, and a couple others) to make multiple appearances on TD.  I hope you're as excited as I am.

EVERY OTHER DAY IS CHRISTMAS... Run-DMC, "Christmas in Hollis"

A holiday classic, through and through, and a great way to start the week before Christmas!  Enjoy.

OPEN REQUEST SUNDAY: The Ditty Bops, "Sister Kate"

From Karrigan in Kansas... the Ditty Bops! He really wanted you to hear this song and see the charming, slightly gruesome video (but only gruesome in this sense and this).  Alas, those Warner Brothers are pretty vigilant when it comes to embedding.  Still, this one might be better to shimmy to... and if you need help figuring out when to dance, just read the helpful instructions on the screen. Enjoy!

EVERY OTHER DAY IS CHRISTMAS... A Fine Frenzy, "Let It Snow"

I don't think we're getting any snow here for awhile, but they might just have some in Minneapolis, so that's good enough for me!  This is perfect for a chilly Saturday spent inside by the fire (in your home, perhaps, or in my head).  Plus, I'm pretty sure there's a tuba thrown in for good measure towards the end of song.  Enjoy!

Stars, "Your Ex-Lover Is Dead"

Beautiful video for a beautiful song... from Set Yourself on Fire.

EVERY OTHER DAY IS CHRISTMAS... Death Cab for Cutie, "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)"

The Aquabats, "Red Sweater"

EVERY OTHER DAY IS CHRISTMAS... Amy Winehouse, "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus"

Maybe it's a bit of a cop-out for the month, and hopefully it's not overkill (it's only every two days)... but after Sunday's kick-off, TD is going for the holidays every other day this month.  Here's the late, great chanteuse with a great rendition...

Modest Mouse, "Ocean Breathes Salty"

From Good News for People Who Love Bad News...

OPEN REQUEST SUNDAY: Jack Johnson, "Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer"

Courtesy of Maura, here's a delightful take on the old classic...


But Rudolph--he didn't go for that
He said, "I see through your silly games"
How can you look me in the face
When only yesterday you called me names?


Enjoy!

Angie Stone, "Wish I Didn't Miss You"

Great song... vaguely reminiscent of another great song (future tuna?) from another era...

Stevie Wonder, "Contusion" (Live)

From Songs in the Key of Life...

The Supremes, "Love Child"

The Four Tops, "Walk Away Renee"

Koko Taylor f. Little Walter, "Wang Dang Doodle"

Koko's definitely feelin' it.  Crank it up.

Sarah Vaughan, "Black Coffee"

I'm hangin' out on Monday
My Sunday dreams to die...

OPEN REQUEST SUNDAY: The Animals, "We Gotta Get Out of This Place"

Thanks to Koko, from the Land of Plenty, speaking on behalf of her Brooklyn relatives.  New Year's Resolution--no more cranes at 5am or shouting street workers at 6am!

Etta James, "I'd Rather Go Blind"

From Tell Mama...

Mos Def, "The Embassy"

From 2009's The Ecstatic.  Peace.

Janelle Monáe, "Many Moons"

Today is her 26th birthday.

Lydia Lunch, "Lady Scarface"

Yo La Tengo, "I Wanna Be Your Lover" (Bob Dylan Cover)

From I'm Not There…

Dawes, "When My Time Comes"

From 2009's North Hills...

OPEN REQUEST SUNDAY: DJ Lance Rock, "I Like to Dance"

Lauren--a good niece and an even better friend--has introduced me to the stellar cast of Yo Gabba Gabba!  Get on down, party people.

Chicago, "Saturday in the Park"

Thank you, Maura!  And thank you, Kocour-Carrs!

Kasabian, "Fast Fuse"

Kickin' song, kickin' (fan-made!) video--especially the escalator scene.  Enjoy!

The Redwalls, "Thank You"

From De Nova (2003)...

Jr. Walker & The All-Stars, "Shotgun"

And Happy Birthday, Mom!

Jackie Wilson, "(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher"

Happy Birthday, Dad!

Handsome Furs, "What We Had"

From 2007's Plague Park... Bonus points for floor plans on the cover art.  Enjoy!

OPEN REQUEST SUNDAY: Buddy Guy, "Sweet Home Chicago"

A joint request from the mysterious trio of Pulius Jeppers, Cay Jutler and Fatt Morte.  Says Pulius, "This one's tough to beat.  It's got that swing, and that attitude!  Buddy at his best is incomparable, in my opinion.  Have you ever seen him live?  He's phenomenal."  Adds Morte, "He's a Chicago institution, every bit as much as Harry Caray or the Billy Goat."  

"Also," says Cay, "San Diego sucks.  One could totally carve up their secondary.  You know, if one were so inclined."

Here is Buddy Guy, as introduced by Lyle Lovett on Live at the Woodlands, in Houston, ca. 1993.  Enjoy!

The Antlers, "Sylvia"

From 2009's Hospice.

LCD Soundsystem, "I Can Change"

Happy Friday!

Wolf Parade, "You Are a Runner and I Am My Father's Son"

I'll draw three figures on your heart...

Best Coast, "Crazy for You"

Hang in there, Kitty. ROTFL!!!

UPDATE: Evidently the content on YouTube is blocked. Let's try it again here...

Bat for Lashes, "Daniel"

The Dead Weather, "You Just Can't Win" (Live in Chicago)

At the Vic, ca. 2009.

OPEN REQUEST SUNDAY: Michael Jackson, "Ain't No Sunshine" (Bill Withers Cover)

Courtesy of P.K. Vitch, in Brooklyn...

They Might Be Giants, "Why Does the Sun Shine? (The Sun Is a Mass of Incandescent Gas)"

And for the original... go here.  Enjoy!

Muddy Waters, "I'm Ready"

Heavy D. & The Boyz, "Mr. Big Stuff"

R.I.P.

Mother Mother, "Burning Pile"

Playing tonight at Webster Hall... Mother Mother.  Check them out!

The Rolling Stones, "Sister Morphine"

Why does the doctor have no face?

Tegan and Sara, "Relief Next to Me" (Live in Vancouver)

OPEN REQUEST SUNDAY: Wilco, "Box Full of Letters" (Live)

From Mike in Chicago, here's a heavy dose of Wilco, from Chicago.  Rock.  Steady.

Kenny Rogers & The First Edition, "Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In)"

Antonín Dvořák, "New World Symphony - Part I, 4th Mvmt"

To continue our (poorly curated) Week of Dvořák... here's a grand one, performed by the Czech Philharmonic. Have an epic weekend!

Gary Clark, Jr., "Bright Lights"

H/T to Joe P. K. Vitch.

Eva Cassidy, "Time After Time" (Cyndi Lauper Cover)

On the 15th anniversary of her passing...

Art Tatum, "Humoresque"

Great rendition of Dvorak by Mr. Tatum.  Enjoy!

Michael Jackson, "Thriller"

OPEN REQUEST SUNDAY: Percy Sledge, "Take Time to Know Her"

Coming your way from... P.J. in Milwaukee!

Yeah Yeah Yeahs, "Heads Will Roll"

Counterpoint to yesterday's post... Another Saturday, another dose of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs.  From It's Blitz!, here's an homage to MJ and Thriller...

TV On The Radio, "Wolf Like Me"

Let's usher in Halloween weekend in a properly spooky fashion.  Here you go, from Return to Cookie Mountain...

The Carpenters, "Superstar"

The Raveonettes, "Uncertain Times"

Led Zeppelin, "Houses of the Holy"

Originally intended to lead the album of the same name, oddly enough it ended up on Physical Graffiti instead.

Gordon Lightfoot, "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald"

Happy Birthday, Brendan!

OPEN REQUEST SUNDAY: Otis Redding, "Hard to Handle"

My first interpretation/censorship of an open request... PATRICK S. requested (kind of) the Black Crowes' cover, or failing that, Wilson Pickett's version.  The thing is... I can't in good conscience post the Black Crowes over Otis, and I can't seem to find such a thing as a Wilson Pickett cover of it.  So... please enjoy Patrick's (highly edited) request!

Yeah Yeah Yeahs, "Skeletons"

Maura and I are heading to St. Ann's Warehouse tonight for Karen O's "psycho-rock opera" with a couple of friends.  So of course that gives me yet another excuse to play some Yeah Yeah Yeahs.  Expect more spookiness later this month...

The Sisters of Mercy, "Lucretia, My Reflection"

Jeff Buckley, "Lover, You Should've Come Over"

Feist, "Mushaboom"

From Let It Die...

Stevie Wonder, "I Was Made to Love Her"

From the album of the same name.

Heatmiser, "Plainclothes Man"

Elliott Smith before ELLIOTT SMITH, ca. 1996...

OPEN REQUEST SUNDAY: INXS, "Mediate"

Steve M. in New Haven wants you to check out this video of INXS, taking a page straight out of the Bob D. playbook... with the additional treat of a sax solo. Enjoy!

Sparklehorse & Radiohead, "Wish You Were Here" (Pink Floyd Cover)

From the compilation album Come Again... From what I have just read, Thom Yorke's parts were recorded over the phone in his hotel room to mimic the sound of the original.

J.Period & Nneka, "Walking 2" (featuring Nas)

YouTube is great.  I accidentally came across Nneka after listening to something completely different (The Antlers).  She's from Nigeria and Germany, and this one's from a compilation/remix album collaboration with J.Period.  Coincidentally, you can download the entire album for free here.  Enjoy!

Iron & Wine, "House by the Sea"

Playing at Terminal 5 tonight... Iron Wine (a.k.a. Sam Beam). 

Mates of State, "Get Better"

From... LAWRENCE, KS (originally)!  It's Mates of State, who are playing at Webster Hall tonight.  Enjoy!  Smile!

New Order, "Bizarre Love Triangle"

The Ting Tings, "That's Not My Name"

OPEN REQUEST SUNDAY: Geographer, "Verona"

Compliments of long-time listener MARIT, from San Francisco!

Scissor Sisters, "Take Your Mama"

Nouvelle Vague, "The Guns of Brixton" (The Clash Cover)

The Cars, "Since You're Gone"

Cars - Since You're Gone by jpdc11

U2, "Trip through Your Wires"

Sonia Dada, "Planes and Satellites"

From A Day at the Beach...

Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, "Fishin' in the Dark"

OPEN REQUEST SUNDAY: Young Empires, "Enter through the Sun"

Many thanks to... JESSICA, for this discovery--Young Empires, a new-ish unsigned band from Canada.  Enjoy!

The White Stripes, "Bone Broke"

From 2009's Icky Thump...

Ray Charles, "Hard-hearted Hannah" (Jazz Standard)

For the newest, smallest express delivery in the Carr Collection... but the similarities end at the name.  

The Kills, "Black Balloon"

From 2008's Midnight Boom...

Inspectah Deck, "Hyperdermix" (Explicit Lyrics)

Tom Petty, "Free Fallin'"

For Cribb.

The Band, "Up on Cripple Creek"

If I spring a leak, she mends me...

OPEN REQUEST SUNDAY: Ladytron, "White Elephant"

Courtesy of Gustavo... enjoy!

Candi Staton, "Evidence"

Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, "Low Road"

Grace Potter will be playing at the Central Park Rumsey Playfield tomorrow night. Check her out if you can.

R.E.M., "Nightswimming"

It's been a nice run.

Jenny Lewis, "Barking at the Moon"

Jenny Lewis' (Rilo Kiley) contribution to the BOLT soundtrack. Enjoy!

Bobby Womack, "California Dreamin'" (The Mamas and the Papas Cover)

Gotta get some sunshine... gonna blow my mind...

The Kinks, "A Well Respected Man"

OPEN REQUEST SUNDAY: Willie Nelson, "The Scientist" (Coldplay Cover)

This week, we hear from the land of cover appreciation... Prague, where Bryan has requested this Willie Nelson take on Coldplay.  Enjoy!

Bettye LaVette, "Little Sparrow" (Dolly Parton Cover)

Mm-hmm.

The Head and the Heart, "Sounds Like Hallelujah"

From Seattle, may I present--to those who have never heard of them (like I hadn't till now)... The Head and the Heart!  Enjoy.

Eilen Jewell, "Queen of the Minor Key"

Eilen Jewell - Queen of the Minor Key from Here Comes The Flood on Vimeo.

The Yardbirds, "For Your Love"

From 1965...

2Pac, "Life Goes On" (Explicit Lyrics)

In Memoriam. It's been 15 years since his premature departure.

Rufus Thomas, "Do the Funky Penguin"

You can't do it without shuffling your feet, peeps.

OPEN REQUEST SUNDAY: Chubby Checker, "Pony Time"

Thanks to Coe, we now have the chance to rediscover a CLASSIC dance.  Watch below to learn with Chubby, and if you want to hear the full song, go here.  Boogity boogity boogity boogity SHOOP.

Wilson Pickett, "Hey Joe"

Slightly less famous than the Jimi Hendrix version (which was released a few years earlier), but great in its own right. Enjoy!

The Last Shadow Puppets, "Separate and Ever Deadly"

The Last Shadow Puppets evidently arose from the friendship between Alex Turner (of the Arctic Monkeys) and Miles Kane (of The Rascals... not those Rascals).  Based on what little I've heard of them, I'm beginning to like them more than the Monkeys.  Enjoy.

Chaka Khan, "Ain't Nobody"

Ozzy Osbourne, "Mama, I'm Coming Home"

From 1991's No More Tears...

Solomon Burke, "None of Us Are Free"

Talib Kweli, "Get By"

Dope song, with great scenes of NYC, beautifully shot.  Enjoy.

OPEN REQUEST SUNDAY: King Pleasure with Annie Ross, "I'm in the Mood for Love"

Compliments of Damien, proprietor of Brooklyn's own--and newest--Dog Day Cyclery, at Van Brunt and Union (our downstairs neighbor).  Enjoy!

The Temptations, "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone"

Wilco with Feist, "You and I" (Live on Letterman)

Performed two years ago, following the release of Wilco (The Album).

Cheap Trick, "If You Want My Love"

Perhaps the best thing about the atrocious movie we rented last weekend was the soundtrack, which exhumed this gem for us. Enjoy! And enjoy the video... especially the wardrobe!

Cat's Eyes, "Face in the Crowd"

Trippy, bombastic, retro... enjoy!

Wreckless Eric, "(I'd Go the) Whole Wide World"

Like probably 2 million other people, it took Stranger than Fiction (which I highly recommend, if you haven't seen it) to introduce me to this delightfully punky, weird and sweet song. Enjoy!

The Duke Spirit, "Love is an Unfamiliar Name"

OPEN REQUEST SUNDAY: Lead Belly, "Goodnight Irene"

While the devious lady of the hour has been getting plenty of attention from the "lamestream media," what she really craves is the approval of Tuna Day.  Well, she ain't getting it.  She found a loophole, though, with my soft spot for Open Request Sunday, which she has defiantly abused to serenade herself.   Never again!

OutKast, "ATLiens" (Explicit Lyrics)

Cooler than a polar bear's toenails... the album of the same name was released 15 years ago today, and it sounds fresh as ever.  For the video, go here (the sound is better on the one below).  Enjoy...

Uncle Tupelo, "Moonshiner"

Jay Farrar, Jeff Tweedy and Mike Heidorn, performing the traditional folk song, sung earlier by Bob Dylan...

Carole King, "I Feel the Earth Move" (Live)

Looks like I'm not the only one to seek this one out (thanks to a message from Wade) after Tuesday's minor shiver on the East Coast. I think I might have been the only one in my office who was completely oblivous to the building shaking and the lights rattling. As Hao Duong noted, it is obviously a sign that I am hyper-focused and dedicated to my job. Just like Carole King. Enjoy!

Band of Skulls, "I Know What I Am"

From 2009's Baby Darling Doll Face Honey...

Menomena, "Taos"

From the Portland, OR-based group's 2010 album, Mines...

Lou Reed, "Perfect Day"

From Reed's 2nd solo album, Transformer...

OPEN REQUEST SUNDAY: King Missile, "Sensitive Artist"

This week's ORS arrives by way of DARLA, who--even by New York standards--has come across more than her fair share of these folks. Enjoy!

Ann Peebles, "I Can't Stand the Rain"

So just as soon as Maura suggested this song as a fitting soundtrack for the weekend, we woke up and it was sunny.  I don't want to jinx it, but maybe Mother Nature is open to reason?  Happy Saturday!

The Lovemongers, "The Battle of Evermore" (Led Zeppelin Cover)

The Lovemongers (née Heart), performing live in 1992...

Maximum Balloon f. Karen O, "Communion"

When Dave Sitek (TV on the Radio) teams up with Karen O (Yeah Yeah Yeahs)... I don't stand a chance.  This is from the first album of Sitek's pseudo-solo project, Maximum Balloon.  Enjoy!

The Spinners, "One of a Kind Love Affair"

Today is my parents' 38th Anniversary, and I think this Spinners' classic from 1973 says it all.  Actually, I take that back... it almost says it all.  For the whole story--and how I choose to picture their wedding day--take a peek at this version, recorded in 1976.  Happy Anniversary, Mom and Dad!

UPDATE: So I guess I didn't listen to the lyrics that closely... probably not exactly appropriate for an anniversary. Regardless, it's a good song, with great choreography (in the linked video).

Lisa Mitchell, "Neapolitan Dreams"

From 2009's Wonder...

Muddy Waters, "Rollin' and Tumblin'"

Blues standard later recorded by Cream, among others, and re-worked by Bob Dylan a few years back... Enjoy!

OPEN REQUEST SUNDAY: Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, "Janglin'"

Even though it's been less than a month since TD has featured a song from Mr. Sharpe (actually Alex Ebert)... TD's editorial staff is of the opinion that you can't have too much of a good thing.  So without further ado, VIOLETTE wants you to know that:

...we’re out to blow the trumpet
To wake you all from bed...

Jay Jay Pistolet, "Happy Birthday You"

From the EP of the same name... and from one Jay to another.  Happy Birthday Weekend, JB!

Slow Club, "It Doesn't Have to Be Beautiful"

I like Bright Eyes, and I like Tilly & the Wall.  So it follows that I would like what sounds like a joyous hybrid of the two.  Enjoy!

David Bowie, "Space Oddity"

Embedded below: an alternate version used in a 1969 promotional video.  Bowie's first television performance, from 1970, can be seen here.  And for the more commonly-heard take and less eyebrow, go here.  ... 3... 2... 1... Lift-off...

Lykke Li, "My Love"

From 2008's Youth Novels...

Dire Straits, "Romeo and Juliet"

From 1980's Making Movies...

Michael Hutchence f. Bono, "Slide Away"

From Hutchence's lone solo album, released posthumously at the turn of the millennium...

OPEN REQUEST SUNDAY: José Feliciano, "Billie Jean" (Michael Jackson Cover)

A long distance request from... MARI in Prague!  Evidently she and Bryan have smoothed their transition from the States by listening to something called "World Music."  Whatever works.  Regardless, this is some sick guitarin'.  Enjoy!

Queen, "Killer Queen"

Let's start the weekend off properly... just like a Baroness!

The Pretenders, "Bold As Love" (Jimi Hendrix Cover)

From Stone Free: A Tribute to Jimi Hendrix.  Enjoy!

My Brightest Diamond, "Lucky" (Radiohead Cover)

My Brightest Diamond (a.k.a. Shara Worden) digs into Radiohead for Stereogum's OKX: A Tribute to OK Computer, released 4 years ago on the 10th anniversary of OKC.

Laura Marling, "Ghosts"

The video is both sweet and a little creepy.  The song is just great.  Enjoy!

The Grass Roots, "Midnight Confessions"

From 1968, originally recorded as a demo by the Evergreen Blues Band...until I went to find this song, I had no idea that a founding member and the original lead guitarist of the Grass Roots was none other than... Creed Bratton!  He's on the left side of the frame, and doesn't get much face time.  But who's laughing now, Warren Entner?

Prince Conley, "I'm Going Home"

From 1961... quick step, but mournful...


Prince Conley - I'm Going Home (Satellite 108) from boogaludo on Vimeo.

OPEN REQUEST SUNDAY: Johnny Nash, "I Can See Clearly Now" (Live)

Overheard Wednesday on her way to the job site by... MAURA, who immensely enjoyed the impromptu performance by a guy unloading a truck the morning after a big rainstorm... but she probably would have been doubly impressed had he been dressed like this:

Blind Pilot, "I Buried a Bone"

Blind Pilot--out of Portland, OR--performing a couple of years ago at radio station WNRN in Charlottesville... Enjoy!

Noisettes, "Sister Rosetta (Capture the Spirit)"

Sometimes the iTunes single of the week is a worthless bucket of manufactured syrup.  And sometimes it alerts you to something really rad.  Learning of the Noisettes a couple of years ago was an emphatic example of the latter.  Make sure to watch (and not just listen)... the video effects on the chorus are gnarly.  Enjoy!

Pixies, "Wave of Mutilation (UK Surf)"

Here's an alternate version of a great one from the Pump Up the Volume soundtrack.

Marissa Nadler, "River of Dirt"

Marissa Nadler graces the Mercury Lounge with her ethereal presence tonight at 6:30. Check her out. In the meantime, enjoy this one from Little Hells.

Gene Chandler, "Duke of Earl"

From one of the first cassettes I remember buying, Billboard Top Rock 'n' Roll Hits: 1962.  Rest assured, this won't be the last you hear from this (personal) landmark collection.

We'll walk through my Dukedom/
And the paradise we will share...

Bell Biv DeVoe, "Poison"

Now that Wade has brought up childhood memories of basketball camp, I haven't been able to get the song that made the most indelible impression out of my head. My first year (1990), it was on constant rotation on the jukebox of the dorm game room. This was the first time I'd heard it, and it smacked me in face as soon as the opening rim shots cut through the beep-beep-boop-boop-bang-bang of Pac-Man, Contra and Rolling Thunder. The center of the game room turned into an impromptu dance circle.  21 years later, I love it just as much... and I think I can say the same for Maura.  Imagine our delight, then, when--unprompted--the band who played our wedding three years ago broke it out mid-reception.  Thank you, Johnny Sketch.


Enjoy!

OPEN REQUEST SUNDAY: Blur, "Coffee and TV"

This week's ORS comes courtesy of... Wade! From his letter of recommendation:

"It's one of my all-time favorite music videos. It gets bonus points for me because it reminds me of meals in the Naismith Hall cafeteria during KU basketball camp--the one time each year when we could watch MTV."

Jack Johnson ft. G. Love, "Rodeo Clowns"

Tell 'em what time it is...

Radiohead, "Talk Show Host"

A B-Side, also featured (in a slightly different form) on the Romeo + Juliet soundtrack.  One of my favorite songs of theirs (of many)... love the lazy coolness of it.  Enjoy.

Arctic Monkeys, "I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor"

From 2005's Whatever People Say I Am That's What I'm Not...

Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, "Home"

Holy moly, me-oh-my, you're the apple of my eye...

Lauryn Hill, "Final Hour"

Now I'm-a get the mozzarella like a Rockefeller...

The Zombies, "She's Not There"

Classic... particularly the fantastic solos on the Hohner Pianet.

OPEN REQUEST SUNDAY: The Irrepressibles, "In This Shirt"

We're starting a new tradition here at Tuna Day.  One of our (4) listeners, Bryce Hubertz, has requested a tunaday.  From this point forward, Sundays will be devoted to reader requests.  So I guess that means each of you get to pick a song every month!  Failing that, I suppose requests will start coming in from fictitious followers.  Either that, or Denmark, where Tuna Day apparently has amassed a sizable following.

Anyway, without further ado, I--Bryce presents a weird and creepy, melodramatic and operatic epic from The Irrepressibles.  Enjoy?

Boyz II Men, "Motownphilly"

Sitting in the park with Blue yesterday morning, I had the privilege of being whisked back into the same state of joy as 11-year-old me upon hearing "Motownphilly" for the first time.  It was blaring from the speakers in the café next door, and just as soon as I'd lamented the end of the song, I realized that the kitchen must have been thinking the same thing... as luck would have it, someone hit "repeat."  ABC-BBD... mm-mm-hmmm.

Bon Iver, "Skinny Love"

Here's one to ease you into the weekend... from From Emma, Forever Ago.  Bonus points for the band's Eau Claire (Wisconsin) origins.  Enjoy!

Tegan and Sara, "Walking with a Ghost"

As a White Stripes fan, I first learned of this song through them... simple, but extremely good at sinking its teeth into you. Enjoy!

Metric, "Gimme Sympathy"

From Fantasies...

The Subdudes, "Carved in Stone"

From the Cherokee Creek Music Festival in Texas last year, here's a nice one from New Orleans' very own... you can tell by the accordion :)

The Del Rios, "There's a Love"

An infectious trip, here's William Bell and Co. coming at you from Memphis circa 1956... Enjoy!

Peter, Bjorn and John, "Young Folks"

...with Victoria Bergsman of the Concretes.  If you're not one of the 20+ million people who already know this song, you might recognize it from a Kanye song, described kindly on wikipedia:

"Kanye West sampled this song for a track by the same name, and "Interviews (Interlude)" both on his mixtape Can't Tell Me Nothing. This cover is widely accepted as one of the worst things to ever happen to music, and should be listened to by no one who has any appreciation for taste."

Anyway, here's the original, which can be listened to by those who appreciate good taste...

Gossip, "Dimestore Diamond"

Beth Ditto and Co. with a straight-ahead, bluesy, Joan Jett-y thumper... Enjoy.

The Black Keys, "Tighten Up"

There's a reason this video has over 10 million YouTube hits.  There's also a reason those 10 million hits occurred before I even made my way to this song, courtesy of a friend.  If you're like me, the video will win you over by the time of the doughnut exchange.  Part 79 in an ongoing series: "Confessions of the Tragically Uncool."

Sam Cooke and Lou Rawls, "Bring It on Home to Me"

From 1962... for what it's worth, this is probably one of my 10 favorite songs of all time. What makes it? The cymbal.

Otis Redding, "Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa (Sad Song)"

Here's Otis, from Live in Europe, with one of his best--all the better because it's captured with the raw emotion of a live show.  I love the interplay with the crowd on the chorus...

M. Ward, "Epistemology"

From the album Hold Time...

King Harvest, "Dancing in the Moonlight"

The definition of a one-hit wonder, King Harvest nonetheless made it count. Lookin' good, feelin' good...

Suzanne Vega, "The Queen and the Soldier"

From Vega's eponymous 1985 debut...

Beck, "Sexx Laws"

From 1999's Midnite Vultures, a decidedly delightful romp... with Jack Black as a bonus!  Enjoy.

Nancy Sinatra, "Friday's Child"

What might be a distant ancestor of Monday's Greenhornes offering... chills.

Uncle Tupelo, "Looking for a Way Out" (Acoustic)

Put it out of your mind... and don't look at the table!

Cake, "Love You Madly"

The song is from Comfort Eagle. The video is from Left Field. Bonus points for Rick James' turn as a food critic. All the dishes rattle in the cupboard when the elephants arrive...

Garrison Starr, "Heart Collector"

Playing tonight at 9:30 at Rockwood Music Hall (Stage 2)... Garrison Starr!  Maura and I caught her once when she opened for Amy Correia, and she was great--and funny.  Enjoy.

The Greenhornes, "There Is an End"

While you might know two of the Greenhornes--Jack Lawrence and Patrick Keeler--better for their work with the Raconteurs, the Greenhornes are a fantastic band in their own right. And despite what one might suspect after a first listen, they were not formed in the early 1960s. Featuring Holly Golightly, here's a great song from 2002's Dual Mono, also featured in the movie Broken Flowers...

Scandal, "The Warrior"

Patty Smyth in her classically beautiful video.  Also, it's her 54th birthday.

Scandal - The Warrior
- Watch more Videos at Vodpod.

The Jackson 5, "Who's Loving You" (Smokey Robinson cover)

Today marks two years since the passing of the King of Pop. 

Santigold, "L.E.S. Artistes"

Majorly late as always, here's the breadwinner from 2008's Santogold.

The Staple Singers, "A Hard Rain's a-Gonna Fall" (Bob Dylan Cover)

Check out this beautiful version of the Dylan classic recorded by the Staples Singers in 1973 for Use What You Got.  I'd never heard it till a month or two ago... and now I've been playing it on repeat for the last two days.  Enjoy.

Blind Melon, "Three Is a Magic Number"

From Schoolhouse Rock! Rocks...

Talib Kweli, "Hostile Gospel Pt. I [Deliver Us]" (Explicit Lyrics)

Kweli is playing a free show tonight at 7:00 in Red Hook Park.  Don't miss it.  Here's a tour de force from Eardrum. Enjoy.


Talib Kweli - Hostile Gospel Part 1 (Deliver Us) by FresHipHop

Bill Withers, "Who Is He (and What Is He to You)"

Seeing as today is West Virginia Day, it seems fitting to pay tribute to one of its greatest musical exports--the great Bill Withers.  Enjoy. 

Ben Folds, "Still Fighting It"

From Rockin' the Suburbs.

U2, "The Ground Beneath Her Feet"

Tomorrow, Salman Rushdie turns 64.  Have a listen to U2's interpretation of his novel of the same name.  Musical interpretation, at least, as the words are taken directly from the book.  The song was included on the soundtrack of U2's Million Dollar Hotel.  Rushdie approved.  Hopefully you do, too.  Enjoy.

The Jayhawks, "Waiting for the Sun"

From 1992's Hollywood Town Hall.

Karen O and the Kids, "Building All Is Love"

From Where the Wild Things Are...

The Velvet Underground, "I Found a Reason"

From Loaded (1970), the Velvet Underground's first album post-John Cale... Enjoy.

Sarah Lee Guthrie and Johnny Irion, "Speed of Light"

Playing tonight at the City Winery, along with our favorites--Hotel Lights--here's a song from Sarah Lee and Johnny's Bright Examples EP.  Enjoy.

The Flaming Lips, "Fight Test"

The first track from the album Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots... and NOT ripped directly from Cat Stevens' "Father and Son"--no matter what a court of law would have you believe.  The song--and the video--is a little strange, and a bit silly... kind of like the Flaming Lips.  Enjoy!

Electric Light Orchestra, "Telephone Line"

Let it ring forevermore...

The Raconteurs, "Broken Boy Soldier"

Wake up, folks. From the album of (nearly) the same name... Great video from Floria Sigismondi, too.

A Tribe Called Quest, "Can I Kick It?"

From People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm.

Ella Fitzgerald, "Anything Goes"

Cole Porter would be 120 today.  Recorded in 1956 from the Cole Porter Songbook... Ella takes it home.  Enjoy.

Madeleine Peyroux, "Between the Bars" (Elliott Smith Cover)

Gorgeous take on a great Elliott Smith song.  Enjoy.

Trixie Whitley with Black Dub, "I'd Rather Go Blind"

The world is large, and it keeps on getting larger. Now I know who Trixie Whitley is, and it's thanks--again--to the commenters at TNC's place. Enjoy.

Fleetwood Mac, "Rhiannon" (Live on The Midnight Special)

So of course, now I must post this as a follow-up. Mm-hmm.

Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, "Medicine" (Live)

Maybe this one resonates because I'm such a big fan of Fleetwood Mac, and it kind of reminds me of "Rhiannon."  Or maybe it's just because these guys are really, really good.  Either way, you might want to view "Medicine" as a gateway into more and more Grace Potter.  Enjoy.

Amy Winehouse, "Back to Black"

Possibly my favorite track from the album of the same name... evidently she's slated to tour this summer if it doesn't get derailed.  Stay tuned.

Ben Harper, "Steal My Kisses" (Live at Hollywood Bowl)

I love this song, and it's even better when you factor in: the guy sprinting to the conga at 2:02, the deadly bass solo that begins at 3:16, and the phenomenal beatboxing that immediately follows.  Enjoy, folks!

John Legend, "Rolling in the Deep" (Adele Cover)

And then... Legend goes a cappella.  Also brilliant...

Adele, "Rolling in the Deep"

Brilliant... from 21.

My First Earthquake, "Outta the Band"

I randomly stumbled across MFE several months ago, and they've got some real doozies, including this one here.  Enjoy!

Common, "Be"

Beautiful track off of the album of the same name.  To see the video, go here.  Enjoy.

The Brian Jonestown Massacre, "Straight Up and Down"

From Take It from the Man, here's a song I hadn't heard till last week (though it's been out 15 years). Thanks to the comment section on Ta-Nehisi Coates' blog... a gold mine, as usual.  Sounds to be very much a descendant of the Velvet Underground. Enjoy!

Kelli Rae Powell, "Some Bridges Are Good to Burn"

Tomorrow night at 10:30, Kelli Rae Powell will be playing in our neighborhood at Jalopy!  Evidently this song was a response to an increasingly pesky stalker/fan of hers.  It's a good one.  Enjoy.

Hotel Lights, "Firecracker People"

From the album of the same name by the band loosely based in Brooklyn... though a vital component brings the ruckus from Richmond.  Happy Birth Weekend, Al!

The Kills, "Pale Blue Eyes" (Velvet Underground Cover)

From the Levi's Pioneer Sessions... enjoy.

We Have Band, "Divisive"

We Have Band have serious videobility.  I love the traveling yellow shoe...

Bob Dylan, "Love Sick"

70.

Radiohead, "Lucky"

Originally recorded for The Help Album to support war-ravaged Bosnia and Herzegovina, "Lucky" later appeared on OK Computer.

Billie Holiday, "Do Nothing Till You Hear from Me"

And far into the night he crooned that tune.
The stars went out and so did the moon.
The singer stopped playing and went to bed
While the Weary Blues echoed through his head.
He slept like a rock or a man that's dead.
        - from "The Weary Blues," by Langston Hughes

On the 44th Anniversary of Langston Hughes' passing, here's the Duke Ellington classic that was played at his funeral.

Phish, "Farmhouse"

The first track off the 2000 album of the same name... I would put this in the limited number of Phish songs I could listen to multiple times.  Let's just say I'm not a big "jam band" fan.  But this one's good, in my opinion.  Enjoy.

Deltron 3030, "Positive Contact"

From their eponymous debut album, released 11 years ago, here's Del tha Funkee Homosapien, Dan the Automator and DJ Kid Koala...  Step into the future, ladies and gentlemen.

Lauryn Hill, "Everything Is Everything"

An L-Boogie classic... from Miseducation.  Enjoy.

Guster, "Do You Love Me"

A friend of mine introduced me to Guster in college, and I summarily put them on heavy rotation... to the point of growing weary of them.  Until now!  I just came across this video yesterday, and I fear I'll wear out my Guster Love again.  Enjoy!

Taj Mahal, "You're Gonna Need Somebody on Your Bond"

Originally released on his 1969 album Giant Step/De Ole Folks at Home, here's one from Taj Mahal, who turns 69 today.

Elliott Smith, "Say Yes"

"I could be another fool/or an exception to the rule"... from Either/Or.

Mable John, "It's Catching"

Maybe best known for her single "Your Good Thing Is About To End," Mable John released "It's Catching" on the B-Side of that record.  Originally signed by Motown, she left when the label cut back its blues output.  John went on to become a Raelette (backing Ray Charles) for several years before going solo again, beginning with these two songs.  Enjoy!

Raphael Saadiq, "Radio"

Raphael Saadiq, who first leapt to most of our attention as the frontman for Tony! Toni! Toné!, turns 45 today.  This is from his latest album, Stone Rollin'. Enjoy!

Stevie Wonder, "Sir Duke"

Stevie turns 61 today.  Enjoy!

The White Buffalo, "Love Song #1"

I'd never heard of this guy until Maura and I saw him follow Amy Correia last Saturday night.  As usual, Amy was phenomenal.  The surprise--for us--was the White Buffalo (aka Jake Smith).  I'm not really sure how to describe his brand of music, other than a heavy mixture of alt/folk, with some bluesiness thrown in.  Maura and I both agreed we would see him the next time he came through town (he's currently from California).  As it happens, he's playing tonight at Union Hall in Brooklyn!  Hopefully you get the chance to see him.  This one was written shortly after he met his wife.  Enjoy!

Florence and the Machine, "Girl with One Eye" (Live on Letterman)

A knockout punch from the debut album of Florence Welch and Co.  Enjoy.

Black Star, "Definition" (Explicit Lyrics)

Happy Birthday, Wade.  Thanks for introducing me to Talib :)

Bob Dylan, "Tangled Up In Blue"

From Blood on the Tracks.

KanYe West, "Hey Mama" (Live at the 2008 Grammy Awards)

Happy Mother's Day.

OK Go and Bonerama, "A Million Ways" (Live on Letterman)

A few years ago, OK Go and Bonerama--a New Orleans Funk Brass Band--teamed up on an EP to benefit Al "Carnival Time" Johnson and other New Orleans musicians displaced by Katrina.  From You're Not Alone, here's "A Million Ways," written by OK Go and performed live on the Letterman show.  Buy the 5-song album--which includes a cover of Bob Dylan's "I Shall be Released" with Al Johnson on vocals--on iTunes or Amazon.  Enjoy!

The Meters, "Funkify Your Life"

How can you not love this one from the Meters (another N.O. institution)?  Get on down.

Irma Thomas, "Time Is on My Side"

Great version of a classic song by a New Orleans legend.  Irma's take heavily influenced the Stones, which released it a year later.  Enjoy.

The Roots, "Walk Alone"

From their latest album, How I Got Over.

James Brown, "I Feel Good"

Today would be the Godfather's 78th.  Here's a televised performance from what must have been the early '60s.  The audio isn't great, but just look at him.  He glides.  Also, MJ might have modeled his dancing on JB, but I've modeled my clapping on the woman in the headband over his right shoulder.  Enjoy.

Link Wray, "Rumble"

Link Wray would be 82 today.  From 1958... an electric guitar classic.  You might recognize it from the documentary It Might Get Loud, in which Jimmy Page puts this record on and proceeds to play along with his air guitar.  Enjoy.

Allen Toussaint, "St. James Infirmary"

A different take on the same number... made all the more haunting without the words.  Love the tempo (and the clapping)... enjoy.

Kermit Ruffins, "St. James Infirmary"

To continue with the NOLA tribute, here's Kermit Ruffins & Co. with the classic once recorded by Louis Armstrong... live from Tipitina's.  Ruffins, a New Orleans legend, kicked off his career by co-founding the Rebirth Brass Band while in high school in Tremé in the early 1980s.  These days, you may recognize him from his appearances on HBO's Tremé.  Enjoy. 

Hot 8 Brass Band, "What's My Name (Rock with the Hot 8)"

To kick off the first weekend of Jazz Fest, here's the Hot 8 performing live in Paris.  If you start getting funny looks for jumping up and shaking it... it's everybody else who is crazy, not you.  Enjoy.

Pixies, "Here Comes Your Man"

Exhibit A in the case of how much more uncool I'd be had I never met Maura: it took the Pixies' reunion tour in 2004 for me to realize what I'd been missing.  A little googling further educated me thusly: evidently the band's distaste for music videos in general, and lip-syncing in particular, led to the video of Frank Black and Kim Deal with mouths agape whenever their vocals were playing.  This supposedly hindered their popularity on MTV.  Awesome.  This is from the classic album Doolittle, released in 1989.  Enjoy.

Ladysmith Black Mambazo, "Mambazo"

Today is Freedom Day in South Africa.  To celebrate, have a listen to the beautiful Ladysmith Black Mambazo, which was formed around 50 years ago by Joseph Shabalala. and first heard by many of us on Paul Simon's Graceland.  For further exploration, check out this recent feature on NPR regarding their latest effort--a collection of Zulu children's songs.  Enjoy!

Oscar Peterson and Count Basie, "Jumpin' at the Woodside"

From their concert together in--I believe--1974.  Love the facial expressions.  Basie left us 27 years ago today.

Tilly and the Wall, "Rainbows in the Dark"

One of my favorite songs in recent memory... the Omaha band's album (Bottoms of Barrels) was recommended to me by the fine folks at the late Atomic Records in Milwaukee (ca. 2006).  It's been a long time since I've had that experience--standing in a record shop with headphones on, oblivious to my surroundings and completely engulfed in a new sound.  And the tap dancing in lieu of drums... genius.  Enjoy.

R.E.M., "You Are the Everything"

Beautiful song from Green.  Favorite line: "You're drifting off to sleep with your teeth in your mouth."  It also brings back fond memories of a 48-hour road trip from Lawrence to New Orleans... and back.  Total non sequitur, I realize.  Nonetheless, please enjoy for your own reasons!

Aretha Franklin, "Spanish Harlem" (Ben E. King Cover)

With Dr. John on the keys, Aretha outcharted the original with her decidedly rollicking take, 11 years later in 1971.  Enjoy!

Charles Mingus, "Peggy's Blue Skylight"

On what would be his 89th birthday, here is Mingus, live in Berlin in 1972.