Yeah Yeah Yeahs, "Gold Lion"

Happy New Year's Eve, everybody.

OPEN REQUEST SUNDAY: DJ Earworm Mashup, "United States of Pop 2012 (Shine Brighter)"

An appropriate end-of-year request from Mom. Her first choice was disqualified by the editors for "not being an actual song." Sorry. Enjoy!

Ellie Goulding, "Anything Could Happen"

Making up for another miss yesterday... here's a creepy great one from Ellie Goulding. Enjoy!

Dan Auerbach, "When the Night Comes"

The Ropes, "Love Is a Chain Store"

Dire Straits, "Sultans of Swing"

Chicago, "25 or 6 to 4"

EVERY OTHER DAY IS CHRISTMAS: Leon Redbone and Dr. John, "Frosty the Snowman"

EVERY OTHER DAY IS CHRISTMAS: Darlene Love, "Christmas (Baby Please Please Come Home)" (Live on Letterman)

Didn't get a chance to post yesterday, so here goes... this is amazing. Darlene Love will return to the Late Show tonight as part of a long-running tradition. Enjoy!

The Kills, "The Last Goodbye" (Live on Letterman)

This might be it, friends. It's been real.

Joe Walsh, "Life's Been Good"

The pride of Wichita, Mr. Joseph Walsh:

EVERY OTHER DAY IS CHRISTMAS: Mariah Carey, Jimmy Fallon and The Roots, "All I Want for Christmas"

Arcade Fire, "Wake Up"

EVERY OTHER DAY IS CHRISTMAS OPEN REQUEST SUNDAY: Bing Crosby and David Bowie, "The Little Drummer Boy/Peace on Earth"

Courtesy of Brendan, here's a beautiful duet, performed for Bing Crosby's Merrie Olde Christmas special, which aired in 1977, just after his passing. Enjoy.

EVERY OTHER DAY IS CHRISTMAS: Barenaked Ladies with Sarah McLachlan, "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen/We Three Kings"

Paul McCartney, Dave Grohl, Krist Novoselic and Pat Smear, "Cut Me Some Slack" (Live)

The debut of a new song by Sir Paul and the remaining members of Nirvana, performed last night at the 12-12-12 Sandy benefit concert at Madison Square Garden... enjoy!

EVERY OTHER DAY IS CHRISTMAS: The Chieftains, "The Boar's Head Carol"

Portishead, "Glory Box"

And A CAPPELLA WEEK Begat EVERY OTHER DAY IS CHRISTMAS: Boyz II Men, "Silent Night"

Here at Tuna Day, we're a little behind the curve when it comes to blasting the holiday tunes. The long night is over, at long last. "Every Other Day Is Christmas" returns with Philly's favorite foursome.

A CAPPELLA WEEK OPEN REQUEST SUNDAY: Rockapella, "Where in the World Is Carmen Sandiego?"

Karrigan takes us back for an enjoyable globetrotting ride... just don't let Eartha Brute or Patty Larceny know what's happening.

A CAPPELLA WEEK: Seminaarinmäen Mieslaulajat, "Taina" (Live)

I don't have a clue about the lyrics, but the song is pretty amazing, as are the haircuts. Won-don, ka-tik-a-da-don-don. I love this stuff. What I also love: after watching the video on YouTube, what was recommended? Check Your Head, in its entirety. Peas in a pod.

A CAPPELLA WEEK: Lachi, "Paranoid Android" (Radiohead cover)

And this is the part of the week where it gets weird. Enjoy.

A CAPPELLA WEEK: Bobby McFerrin, "Opportunity" (Joan Armatrading cover)

Thank you, Mom, for the excellent suggestion. Everyone else--the rest of the week is wide open!

A CAPPELLA WEEK: Son House, "John the Revelator"

A CAPPELLA WEEK: Perpetuum Jazzile, "Africa" (Toto)

This has to be the best vocal approximation of rain and thunder I've ever heard. The singing's great, too. Thank you, Slovenia!

A CAPPELLA WEEK: Straight No Chaser, "Insomniac" (Billy Pilgrim)

December seems like as good a time as any to roll out a week's worth of a cappella. Kicking things off, here's the former a cappella group at Indiana University with its rendition of Billy Pilgrim's "Insomniac". Straight No Chaser has since re-formed and will be performing at the Beacon Theatre on Valentine's Day '13. 

 

Billy Pilgrim, on the other hand, dissolved at the end of the '90s. You may recognize half of the duo--Kristian Bush--as half of the country super duo Sugarland.

Jackson 5, "The Love You Save" (A Cappella)

Tegan and Sara, "Take Me Anywhere"

Edie Brickell & New Bohemians, "What I Am"

Traveling Wilburys, "Handle with Care"

Regina Spektor, "Blue Lips"

Feist, "How Come You Never Go There" (Live on Jools Holland)

Peter Gabriel, "Steam"

Happy Birthday (today), T! For whatever reason, this is the first time I've ever seen the video to this song. Very weird, very dated, and extremely fun.

George Michael, "Faith"

Happy Birthday (yesterday), T!

Ladyhawke, "Paris is Burning"

Jenny Lewis with the Watson Twins, "Run, Devil, Run/Big Guns" (Live on Letterman)

Metric, "Combat Baby"

Pure Prairie League, "Falling in and out of Love/Amie"

HTRMOS: Silversun Pickups, "Make Believe"

Make a leap with me... does this:


Not sound like the love child of this:


And this?

Ben Harper, "Strawberry Fields Forever" (Beatles Cover)

For Maura :)

Roxette, "Fading Like a Flower (Every Time You Leave)"

And now, for your early-90s power pop dose of the week!

The Killers, "All These Things That I've Done"

Jeannie C. Riley, "Harper Valley P.T.A." (Live)

This one's for you, Peter.

Johnny Cash, "Man in Black"

Iron Butterfly, "In-a-Gadda-da-Vida"

In the Garden of Eden...

Cream, "Sunshine of Your Love" (Live)

From their farewell concert at the Royal Albert Hall in 1968:

The Ramones, "Rockaway Beach"

Loggins and Messina, "Danny's Song"

Electric Light Orchestra, "It's Over"

And now, with an assist from ELO, it's time to move on. Finally. #Election2016 is just around the corner. Ugh.

Stevie Wonder, "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" (Live)

Stevie slows it down and lays the funk.

Roy Orbison, "Mean Woman Blues"

Check the purring at 2:28...

Santigold, "Shove It"

Grateful Dead, "Friend of the Devil"

Catching up...

George Harrison, "My Sweet Lord" (Live)

I've got a little catching up to do... due to the storm, TD's a couple of posts behind. So, without further ado, here's Mr. Harrison performing at the Concert for Bangladesh. If you haven't yet seen, you should really check out the recent documentary George Harrison: Living in the Material World.  Enjoy!

HTRMOS: LCD Soundsystem, "Daft Punk Is Playing at My House"

Cat Power, "Good Woman"

Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, "Red Right Hand"

Happy Halloween!

Phantogram, "When I'm Small"

OPEN REQUEST SUNDAY: Huey Lewis & The News, "The Power of Love"

Rockford Pete writes in with this special request:

This is my request for next open Sunday slot. Preferably with clips of Michael J. Fox on skateboard and in Toyota 4x4. (I thought/think skateboarding is stupid, but loved/love that truck.)

Mr. Lewis may be the absolutely destitute man's Bruce Springsteen, but Power of Love is a rockin' good time. Listen to it and try not to sing along. Can't be done! If you try too hard, you'll hurt yourself. Let it out!

Peter, your wish is granted. In full.

Talib Kweli f. Mary J. Blige, "I Try"

The Ramones, "Bonzo Goes to Bitburg"

Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, "Bad Reputation"

Maybe it's time to change the name to Two-na Two-day (Tuna Today?). Or something. Anyway, here's a little Joan to start your morning. Enjoy!

The Breeders, "Cannonball"

Cake, "Dime"

From Pressure Chief...

Ladyhawke, "My Delirium"

Of Monsters and Men, "Little Talks"

Smashing Pumpkins, "Disarm"

I guess I've got the '90s alterna-bug this week...

Weezer, "Undone (The Sweater Song)"

And then one thing led to another... life's so rad.

Fastball, "Out of My Head"

Yes, Nostalgia Week is still a few months away... but for some reason, the rainy day transported me back to summers at the Wellington Municipal Pool. 

Fine Young Cannibals, "She Drives Me Crazy"

Indelible song, with an even better video...

The Human League, "Don't You Want Me"

For yesterday's second...

Spiral Staircase, "I Love You More Today Than Yesterday"

OK... so maybe three in one day was too much to ask. How about two more today?

OPEN REQUEST "SUNDAY": Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, "Man on Fire"

Courtesy of Karrigan in Kansas, Tuna Day's resident Hippie. Enjoy!

Kermit Ruffins, "Didn't He Ramble"

OK... making up for some serious lost time, here's the first of THREE for today. A little Kermit to start the morning never hurt anyone. Not coincidentally, Mr. Ruffins played a phenomenal show on Saturday at Brooklyn Bowl. New Orleans, here we come...

Pulp, "Common People"

The The, "Love is Stronger than Death"

From 1993's Dusk...

Suzanne Vega, "Tom's Diner"

From the "Mother of the MP3," the song that spawned the moniker... I'm looking for the funnies...

The Kills, "Cheap and Cheerful"

The Swell Season, "Falling Slowly" (Live on Letterman)

Glen Hansard & Marketa Irglova...

OPEN REQUEST SUNDAY: Crosby, Stills and Nash, "Southern Cross" (Live)

Retep Nadroj, of the Greater Milwaukee metro area writes:

"I want a "Southern Cross" cover. Not the CSNY version (I like that version, but think others have done it better). And NOT Jimmy Buffet. He's basically the Gauguin of music... a sponging, derivative leech. Here's why I like the song: Musically it's probably ho-hum. But the lyrics put you in another world. I imagine sailing some old trading scow in the South Pacific. I think it's what I was born to do..."

Well, unfortunately, I couldn't track down a good cover, so here it goes with a  live version.  Enjoy!

Adele, "Skyfall" (James Bond Theme)

Iris Dement, "Our Town" (Live w/ Emmylou Harris)

Grizzly Bear, "Yet Again"

For today...

Garth Brooks, "Callin' Baton Rouge" (Live)

For yesterday...


GARTH BROOKS CALLIN' BATON ROUGE by rawestern

Creedence Clearwater Revival, "Down on the Corner" (Live)

Jay-Z, "Encore"

As an intro, check out this great recap of Jay-Z's opening night concert at the Barclays, by Hua Hsu. 

Charles Wright and the Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band, "Express Yourself"

For yesterday...

Lianne La Havas, "Is Your Love Big Enough?"

Beyoncé, "Love On Top"

And Part 2...

Kanye West & Jay-Z, "Otis"

To commemorate the opening of the Barclays Center, here goes Part 1 of a Jay/Bey Double-Play Friday. Enjoy!

The Strokes, "Last Night"

Another make-up song for a missed day. I'm slipping like a Wet Banana.

Yeah Yeah Yeahs, "Date with the Night"

The Raveonettes, "Young and Cold"

From their new album, Observator...

OPEN REQUEST SUNDAY: Tristesse Contemporaine, "I Didn't Know"

Tuna Day stalwart Joe in Brooklyn points us to this fan-made video for some serious French electro-melancholy... I guess? Thanks, Joe.

Super Furry Animals, "Receptacle for the Respectable"

MC Solaar, "Nouveau Western"

The Killers, "Runaways"

Bruce Springsteen with a better voice, mixed in with some propulsive drumming and a little dab of The Buggles? Oh, and a video by Werner Herzog? Sure, why not?

Mazzy Star, "Fade into You"

The Black Ryder, "Sweet Come Down"

Nicole Atkins, "The Way It Is" (Live on Letterman)

The opening act for the Jayhawks on Saturday, Nicole Atkins was consistently solid, occasionally transcendent. Or maybe it's stated a little more accurately by the person who posted this YouTube clip: "Roy Orbison as a chick, fronting a band of elves."

The Jayhawks, "I'd Run Away"

Gary Louris

Saturday night, the inimitable Jayhawks graced Brooklyn with their presence for a free show at Williamsburg Park. It was great. While the voices have aged 20-some years, that only lends the music a certain self-confidence. The guitar solos--especially by Gary Louris (above)--were piercing and gut-rumbling. Karen Grotberg did some seriously killer work on her Hammond. And drummer Tim O'Reagan got to shine on a favorite of mine--"Tampa to Tulsa"--which he penned and sings. Bassist Marc Perlman maintained a steady hand all night, an understated counterpoint behind the gleefully dorky fronting of Mark Olson. Speaking of Olson--clad in argyle and jeans--Maura helpfully noted, "Now I know what you'll look like when you're fifty."

Even Maura, who was a little... resistant to going, ended up dancing and calling it "a pretty good show." I call that a success. The only thing better would be if the band got serious about their in-show musing about becoming "the Brooklyn-based Jayhawks." Please join the crowd! Brooklyn-based Jayhawks are a welcoming people. Anyway, here's the song I snoozed on posting yesterday. Enjoy!

Emily Jane White, "Bessie Smith" (Live)

PJ Harvey, "The Words That Maketh Murder"

What if I take my problems to the United Nations... 

Van Morrison, "Crazy Love"

The Moldy Peaches, "Anyone Else But You" (Live)

U2, "Walk On"

Traveling Wilburys, "Tweeter and the Monkey Man"

Sly & the Family Stone, "Dance to the Music"

Gary Puckett & The Union Gap, "Lady Willpower"

Words alone are insufficient to convey the glory that is this video:

Tom Petty, "Wildflowers"

Bill Withers, "I Don't Want You on My Mind"

Animal Collective, "Summertime Clothes"

Leaving the apartment 15 minutes late this morning = caught on the Vespa in a 10-minute-long torrential downpour. I put the poncho on about 5 minutes too late, resulting in an unplanned to the sale rack for a new outfit for the day. Hence, this... on September 5:

Pixies, "Where Is My Mind?" (Live at Austin City Limits)

Just finished watching loudQUIETloud, a documentary of the Pixies' 2004 Reunion Tour. Maura introduced me to the band, and took me to the Milwaukee show (at the Milwaukee Theater) that fall. One of the best concerts we've seen, and we lucked into third row seats. We bought the tickets five minutes before the show began, for a hair over face value. The rule, as always, never buy tickets in advance for a show in Milwaukee. Anyway, here's the band performing live in Austin on that same tour. Enjoy!

R.E.M., "The Ascent of Man" (Live)

Bob Neuwirth, "Rock Salt and Nails" (Live at the Gaslight Cafe)

Another pick inspired by Patti Smith... here's Bob Neuwirth, performing in 1967. Enjoy.

Patti Smith, "Horses" and "Hey Joe" (Live)

Yesterday was a lost cause, so to make up for it, y'all get a Two-for-Tuna Sunday! To kick it off, here's Patti Smith, performing at the Old Grey Whistle Test in 1976... a selection inspired by the thoroughly engrossing Just Kids.  Enjoy!

INXS, "Mystify"

INXS - Mystify - by chantalounette

The Hives, "Puppet on a String"

The Duke Spirit, "This Ship Was Built to Last"

John Prine, "Fish and Whistle"

Johnny Cash once called Prine one of the "Big Four" songwriters he turned to for inspiration.  It's easy to see why...

I been thinking lately about the people I meet
The carwash on the corner and the hole in the street
The way my ankles hurt with shoes on my feet
And I'm wondering if I'm gonna see tomorrow.

Janelle Monáe, "Sincerely, Jane."

Maura and I caught this song last night from outside the fence at Commodore Barry Park, as part of AfroPunk Fest 2012. Though we only caught glimpses over the heads and through the chain-link fence, it was enough to get us dancing, along with everyone else (temporarily) shut out from the festival. Flushing Avenue was the most hopping I've ever seen it. Monáe is a fantastic performer, and I know I don't have to remind you that she's from Kansas.

The performance below was captured at the Michigan Theater in 2009. Enjoy!

OPEN REQUEST SUNDAY: Gerry Rafferty, "Right Down the Line"

Santigold, "Lights Out"

Have you found yourself wondering what it would be like to watch the video for Santigold's "Lights Out" as a reverse image? Wonder no more! 

Ozzy Osbourne, "Crazy Train" (Live)

Peter Green, "Fool No More"

Peter Green (Fleetwood Mac) breaks it down on this track from 1979's In the Skies.  Enjoy.

Babyshambles, "Killamangiro"

Miles Kane, "Come Closer"

The Specials, "A Message to You Rudy"

OPEN REQUEST SUNDAY: Apocalyptica, "Nothing Else Matters" (Metallica cover)

Courtesy of Ashley, here's Finland's own--Apocalyptica--with their stringy, blue-toned take on Metallica:

Seals and Crofts, "Summer Breeze" (Live)

Three Dog Night, "Joy to the World"

Last night Maura and I saw The Big Chill for the first time at Brooklyn Bridge Park, so of course this is the song of the day. Maura dismissed it as hyperbole, but I stand by this: the opening to this song is one of the greatest in the history of rock and roll. How can you be anything but ecstatic when you hear the first line?

Talib Kweli f. Norah Jones, "Soon the New Day"

From Eardrum...

The Roots f. Cody Chestnutt, "The Seed (2.0)"

Amy Cook, "Hotel Lights"

Cat Power, "Maybe Not" (Live on Letterman)

OPEN REQUEST SUNDAY: The Beatles, "You Can't Do That" (Live 1964)

From Andrew in Kansas City (temporarily): 

It's just such a simple catchy tune coupled with a performance that personifies early Beatles: rockstar John on lead vocals, Paul and George with such sweet backing harmonies, and of course, a crowd that has been whipped into a frenzy. It's especially satisfying to watch [and listen to] early clips like this because you can just sense how much fun these newly anointed rockstars were having!

Little River Band, "Lonesome Loser" (Live)

Inspired to post this by the movie The Giant Mechanical Man (which Maura and I enjoyed watching last night)... here's the Little River Band, performing live in Melbourne in '83.

Elvis Presley vs. JXL, "A Little Less Conversation"

Today is a deadline for me, and I needed a spark.  Deadline, meet spark.  Dance.  OK.  Back to work.

B.B. King, "The Thrill Is Gone"

Sufjan Stevens, "Casimir Pulaski Day"

The 500 Club!: Otis Redding, "Chained and Bound" (Live)

Today marks Tuna Day's 500th post, and to mark the occasion, we turn to Maura's favorite performance from one of her favorite artists.  Here's the incomparable Otis Redding, performing at LA's Whisky Go Go in 1966.  Enjoy, and thanks for listening.

Elton John, "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road"

From "Top of the Pops" in 1973:

OPEN REQUEST SUNDAY: J. Geils Band, "Centerfold"

Peter J. Doe (I'm protecting your identity in the event of an insurrection) writes in from the Good Land: 


Absolute favorite song of my fifth/sixth grade years. Probably because it was a bit inappropriate for an 11 year old. I like the idea of you posting J. Geils and all your hipster NYC friends thinking it's some kind of ironic statement on bad 80's rock. Little do they know that I'm an ironic statement on everything bad from the 80's.


I couldn't have said it better myself.

Stevie Nicks, "Edge of Seventeen"

So, one thing led to another, and here we are.  Oh, Stevie.

The Kills, "Dreams" (Fleetwood Mac cover)

Love at first listen... here's a killer take on Stevie by Allison Mosshart and the other guy, for an upcoming Fleetwood Mac tribute album.  Enjoy!

Sonia Dada, "You Ain't Thinking about Me" (Live in Australia, 1993)

Here's some vintage Sonia Dada, from their 1993 tour of Australia, where the band soared to the top of the charts.  The original lineup, shown here, featured Michael Scott, Paris Delane and Sam Hogan on vocals, Dan Pritzker and Dave Resnick on guitar, Erik Scott on bass, Chris "Hambone" Cameron on keys, and Hank Guaglianone on drums.  Enjoy!

The Outfield, "Your Love"

TV on the Radio, "Staring at the Sun"

Frank Ocean, "Bad Religion"

David Gray, "Say Hello Wave Goodbye" (Soft Cell cover)

Courtesy of longtime F.O.T. (Friend of Tuna?) Brendan Woodbury, here's David Gray, covering an early-'80s Soft Cell number.  And you thought Soft Cell only produced one song of note.  Sheesh.  You people.

Janelle Monáe, "Tightrope (Live at Glastonbury 2011)

XV, "The Kick"

Reppin' the 316, baby... here's Wichita's own XV. 

And people think I relocated on the East Coast 

But I still hold it down in the town I speak for 

Towing my city behind me like it was repoed 

In a game full of sharks but there ain't no cheat codes

Enjoy!

James, "Hey Ma"

From 2008's album of the same name...

Foster the People, "Pumped Up Kicks"

Jack White f. Ruby Amanfu, "Love Interruption"

My Brightest Diamond, "Inside a Boy"

OPEN REQUEST SUNDAY: Ween, "Voodoo Lady"

An offbeat request from Amy.  I'll let YouTube commenter nerezzatube introduce the video:

It is a common misconception that the scenes in this video were shot underwater. There was no water involved. The fact is, when Ween plays music it emits a physical 'wave' of complete awesome which directly disturbs the environment around it. It's usually edited out and suppressed at live shows, but they decided to leave it in the clip to Voodoo Lady.

Enjoy!

Pixies, "Gigantic" (Live)

Kim Deal taking the lead here, ca. 1988, in a big, big way.   

R.E.M., "Man on the Moon"

On the 43rd Anniversary of the Apollo 11 landing... unless you're on NASA time, in which case tomorrow is the anniversary.

MGMT, "Kids"

Treme Brass Band, "The Old Rugged Cross"

Rest in Peace, Mr. Lionel Batiste.

Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Fun., "Some Nights"

Evidently this is what the young ones are clamoring for these days, and really... who couldn't use a little more fun?  Especially when it involves an upbeat dance rock track played during a reenactment of a Civil War battle.  Did I miss something?

De La Soul, "Me, Myself and I"

OPEN REQUEST SUNDAY: A Tribe Called Quest, "Bonita Applebum"

Speaking of Q-Tip, Erin has requested this classic joint from Tribe.  Glad to meet ya.

Leaders of the New School, "Case of the P.T.A."

The 2012 Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival hits Pier 3 of Brooklyn Bridge Park today!  From noon until 3:00pm, come out to the park for Family Day and some slick DJing.  From 3 to 8:00pm, luminaries and up-and-comers such as Freeway, DJ Scratch, Prodigy (from Mobb Deep) and Ana Tijoux will take the stage.  Headlining and hitting cleanup... the legendary Busta Rhymes, who will reportedly be joined by Q-Tip (last year's headliner), Rakim and Raekwon.  

Additionally, Busta will be reuniting with the Leaders of the New School, shown here in 1991's "Case of the P.T.A."  Enjoy!

Elliott Smith, "Miss Misery"

Guster, "Architects and Engineers"

Featured recently in Safety Not Guaranteed...

Count Basie Orchestra, "One O'Clock Jump"

Charlie Parker, "Groovin' High"

Wilbert Harrison, "Kansas City"

OPEN REQUEST SUNDAY: Jim Noir, "Car"

Po Jikiewicz got a kick out of this song... perhaps you will, too.  Enjoy this tasty offering from Chef Noir.

Marc Almond, "Paint It Black" (Rolling Stones cover)

While not nearly as iconic a cover as his biggest hit as the frontman of Soft Cell, this can't be faulted for lack of ambition.  He wants to see the light go out in the sky.

Mungo Jerry, "In the Summertime"

It's impossible not to smile when I hear this.  Da-do-da-da-da... alright.  I especially love the worm's eye view of the toe tapping.

En Vogue, "Free Your Mind"

It's 1992, and En Vogue brings the high heat.  Drawing from George Clinton (the chorus) and paraphrasing In LIving Color (the spoken opening), the Funky Divas get sweet and salty.  Those harmonies... (ooh-la-la, ooh-la-la...") cut right into the guitar-riff-backed chorus with a hard edge.  Sometimes I forget how good they were (are).  Not today.  Enjoy.

Whitney Houston, "The Star-Spangled Banner"

The definitive performance and recording from 1991.  Happy Fourth of July!  Rest in peace, Whitney.

Theme from The Andy Griffith Show

Martika, "Toy Soldiers"

Watch out world, there's a new star on the scene.  Introducing... Martika!  I just heard this devastating tour de force, and I can't stop listening.  The pop-savvy visitor may recognize Martika (born Marta Marrero) from her recent role on Kids Incorporated and a few years back on Mr. T's Be Somebody... Or Be Somebody's Fool!  Keep an eye on this one.

Todd Terje, "Inspector Norse"

I'll give you all three guesses as to who requested this one, and the first two don't count.  Give up?  OK.  Here's a clue... it sounds like Rice Q-berts.  Dancing and bowling = the editor can tolerate electronica.

HTRMOS: Berlin, "Take My Breath Away"

Fleetwood Mac, "Say You Love Me (Live)"

Lord Finesse & DJ Mike Smooth, "Track the Movement"

From1990's Funky Technician...

Ann Peebles, "99 lbs"

Natural-born goodness, y'all.

R.E.M., "New Test Leper"

From 1996's New Adventures in Hi-Fi...

Elton John, "Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters"

OPEN REQUEST SUNDAY: Shirley Temple, "Animal Crackers in My Soup"

A very special song for Ingrid, a Shirley Temple for the 21st Century.  Fogo will never know what hit it.

Raveonettes, "Aly, Walk with Me"

Have a weird, trippy birthday, Alyson!

U2, "Stuck in a Moment" (Live on Letterman)

The Jayhawks, "Blue"

The lead-off track from 1995's Tomorrow the Green Grass.  Enjoy!

Dr. Hook & The Medicine Show, "Carry Me, Carrie"

I don't know where it's leadin' to

But I know I can make it if I lean on you

Like many of their songs, this was penned by Shel Silverstein.  Enjoy!

Yeasayer, "Ambling Alp"

A reference to the 6'-6" Italian (controversial) world heavyweight boxing champion...

The Black Keys, "Too Afraid to Love You"

I've never seen a more brilliant video, presumably made by an ambitious fan.

The Moody Blues, "Your Wildest Dreams"

I'm cheating here... sneaking one in retroactively.  Dad, this is for you!

HTRMOS: Yeah Yeah Yeahs, "Dudley"

Yes, more Yeah Yeah Yeahs. What can I say? And the "reminds me of" tag probably suggests a more subtle connection than what's actually there. None of that's gonna hold it back. Enjoy!

The Walkmen, "Angela Surf City" (on KCRW)

Black Sheep, "Try Counting Sheep"

TV on the Radio, "DLZ" (Live at SXSW)

This is beginning to feel

Like the long-winded blues of the never

This is beginning to feel

Like it's curling up slowly and finding a throat to choke

From Dear Science...performed here at South by Southwest '11.  The album version is embedded below.

tUnE-yArDs, "Sunlight"

Spoon, "I Turn My Camera On"

From Gimme Fiction...

OPEN REQUEST SUNDAY: Las Ketchup, "Asereje"

Uh-oh... watch out, New York.  Looks like this is on rotation in the Midwest.  Thanks, Mom :)

Big Daddy Kane, "Ain't No Half Steppin'"

I’ll just break him and bake him and rake him
and take him and mold him and make him
Hold up the peace sign...
As-Salaam-Alaikum!

Modest Mouse, "Float On"

Arcade Fire, "Modern Man"

From The Suburbs...

Karen O with Jason Grisell, "Duet"

Finally!  A YouTube clip of music from Karen O's Stop the Virgens.  Here is a beautiful acoustic version of "Duet", recorded for Triple J Studios in Australia.  After a limited run last fall here in Brooklyn, the production opened recently at the Sydney Opera House.

Leaders of the New School, "Case of the P.T.A."

Florence and the Machine, "My Boy Builds Coffins"

From the Soul Kitchen Sessions... enjoy.

Rebirth Brass Band, "Do Whatcha Wanna"

Aeroplane vs. Friendly Fires vs. Flight Facilities, "I Crave Paris"

Bryce!

Run-D.M.C., "My Adidas"

EPMD, "Da Joint"

Spinnerette, "Sex Bomb"

Jeff Buckley, "Everybody Here Wants You"

Kermit Ruffins & the Rebirth Brass Band, "Just a Closer Walk with Thee"

OPEN REQUEST SUNDAY: The Jacksons, "Can You Feel It"

From reliable Tuna Day supplier Mari comes what in 2001 was deemed one of the 100 greatest music videos of all time. Mari: the fiery, floating, amorphous bodies exploding in space kind of creep me out. Thanks, though.


Jackson Five - Can You Feel It by sofresh305

HTRMOS: Kasabian, "Cutt Off"

Shades of Radiohead?

Happy Mondays, "Dennis and Lois"

LL Cool J, "Rock the Bells" (Live on Soul Train)

Ozma, "Eponine"

Metric, "Help I'm Alive"

The New Pornographers, "Myriad Harbour"

Thanks to Bettina for introducing me to this phenomenal video (and a pretty sweet song, too) last week.  Enjoy!

OPEN REQUEST SUNDAY: Tanlines, "All of Me"

Thanks to Jessica for a breath of fresh air on Tuna Day.  You know what they say... a little clapping never leaves anyone unhappy.  At least they should say that.  I love the little dance hops and the waddling by the bleak folks under fluorescent lights.  Also, bonus points for recommending a Brooklyn band.  Enjoy!

HTRMOS: The Beta Band, "She's the One"

Anyone else in the echo chamber hear strains of this and this in the beginning of this one from The Three E.P.'s?

The Knife, "Heartbeats"

Wilco, "Forget the Flowers"

I've been looking for this off and on since the dawn of (tuna day) time.  A great version of a fantastic song.  Enjoy!  You know I will...  KEY CHANGE!

Inspiral Carpets, "This Is How It Feels"

Oasis, "The Masterplan"

A favorite of Maura's, the song was originally the B-Side of "Wonderwall" (and otherwise without a home).  Maybe it's so good because Liam wasn't anywhere near it... though he did somehow make it into this ex post facto animation.

Emily Jane White, "Hole in the Middle"

Paul Simon, "Mother and Child Reunion"

Mom, this is a little more dramatic than the "Happy Mother's Day" sentiment I was going for!  But it's a great song... and still upbeat.  Did you know it's named after a chicken and egg dish on a Chinese menu?  How's that for some levity? :)

BEASTIES WEEK BONUS! Beastie Boys f. Santigold, "Don't Play No Game That I Can't Win"

As we all should know by now, the Beastie Boys cannot be contained--least of all by something as arbitrary as "a week."  We'll close our Tuna Day tribute in epic fashion, with the Beasties' bizarre and awesome mini action movie.  Explosions? Check.  Bazookas? Check.  Yeti? Check.  Zombies? Check.  A water-skiing Santigold? Obviously.  The video was written by Adam Yauch (MCA) and directed by Spike Jonze.



Speaking of Santigold, see her thoughts on the passing of MCA here.

Thanks to the Beastie Boys for providing the soundtrack for our week (and beyond), and thanks to Adam Yauch for the inspiration, for keeping it real, and for keeping us young.

Beastie Boys, "Hold It Now, Hit It"

Going back to some very young Licensed to Ill-era Beasties.  Welcome to... Carnivale?  This is a riot.  Enjoy.

Beastie Boys, "Intergalactic"

As much as I hate to admit, after hearing their famous tracks from Licensed to Ill, I dismissed the Beastie Boys for the rest of my childhood as nothing more than party rock.  It wasn't until my brother bought Hello Nasty--their FIFTH album, by the way--that I caught a glimpse of what I'd missed.  Thank you, Wade.  And Happy Birthday!

Beastie Boys, "Three MC's and One DJ"

UPDATE: A few more links from the last few days... 

Hua Hsu at Grantland 

?uestlove remembers the Beasties

"MCA's Feminist Legacy," by Jessica Valenti at The Nation.

Beastie Boys, "Sure Shot"

Because they've got mad hits like Rod Carew.  Also, because they did a great interview with Terry Gross on Fresh Air in 2006... which has nothing to do with "Sure Shot" (well, it might be excerpted in the interview), but is excellent nonetheless.  Enjoy.

Beastie Boys, "Sabotage"

One of Maura's favorites, from Ill Communication... she did a mean karaoke tribute Saturday night at Montero's. Classic video by Spike Jonze. Enjoy! 

UPDATE: If you have time, check out these pieces on Adam Yauch's passing from around the web:

"MCA, Kid Forever: How the Beastie Boys United Us by Never Growing Up," by Jack Hamilton at The Atlantic

Obituary from The New York Times

Tribute by Amos Barshad at Grantland, who became a fan when Hello Nasty was released

"An Indie Impresario, Who Made His Mark Fast and Memorably," by Manohla Dargis at The New York Times (about his recent cannonball into the world of independent film)

Beastie Boys, "No Sleep Till Brooklyn"

UPDATE: If you haven't yet, make sure to read Sasha Frere-Jones' excellent tribute at The New Yorker today.

Beastie Boys, "Pass the Mic"

Rest in Peace, MCA.  All regularly scheduled Tuna Day programming will be postponed to make space for Beastie Boys week.  Enjoy.

Roberta Flack, "Compared to What"

From 1969's First Take...

Pete Seeger, "Waist Deep in the Big Muddy"

Today is Mr. Seeger's 93rd birthday, and he's still pushing on.  Happy Birthday!

Mercury Rev, "Goddess on a Hiway"

Grouplove, "Colours"

You know how it goes... first you start listening to the soundtrack of a movie you've just watched, then you suddenly wind up watching a bunch of hippies save their friend from the gallows, while taking out Bebop and Rocksteady in the process.  Or did they?

The Temper Trap, "Sweet Disposition"

Heard this weekend when we rented 500 Days of Summer... enjoy!

OPEN REQUEST SUNDAY: ∆, "Breezeblocks"

From Ray, a very cool, very unsettling video from alt-J (or ∆)... check it out.

The Band, "It Makes No Difference"

Rest in peace, Levon Helm.

Kool Moe Dee, "How Ya Like Me Now"

From 1987's album of the same name, this was one of many shots at LL Cool J (note the Kangol hat under the wheel of the car on the album cover). Perhaps more memorable for an impressionable youngster in the '80s was its pairing with Hakeem (or Akeem) Olajuwon highlights in the first NBA Superstars video.

Now brothers are riding me
Like a pony
I'm no phony
I'm the only real micaroni. 

Enjoy!

Pharaohe Monch, "Body Baby"

The Cars, "You are the Girl"

Another recommendation by Maura, Child of the '80s.  Enjoy...

U2, "Red Hill Mining Town"

One of Maura's favorites, Larry Mullen called this one (from The Joshua Tree) "one of the lost songs."
 

N.A.S.A., "Gifted" (f. Kanye West, Santigold & Lykke Li)

Perhaps Monday is too early for something like this.  Perhaps not.  Prepare to be taken away.

OPEN REQUEST SUNDAY: OutKast, "Jazzy Belle"

Compliments of Seiji, who takes you back to some old school, southern bounce with this track off ATLiens.  Enjoy!

HTRMOS: Cansei de Ser Sexy, "Music Is My Hot Hot Sex"

OK, so maybe this connection is a little tenuous, but if a couple of notes went down instead of up in that opening line... couldn't you splice it with this?  

Billie Holiday, "Strange Fruit"

Originally a poem by Abel Meeropol (aka "Lewis Allan"), "Strange Fruit" was conceived as a reaction to a photo published in 1930 of the lynching of Thomas Shipp and Abram Smith in Marion, Indiana.  An All Things Considered piece chronicled the event on its 80th anniversary in 2010.  The third young man targeted that day--James Cameron, a 16-year-old--escaped alive.  He went on to found the National Black Holocaust Museum (originally in Milwaukee, now residing online).

Holiday's haunting, definitive version of the song was recorded 73 years ago today.
 

Bright Eyes, "Lua"

2Pac & Snoop Dogg, "Hail Mary" and "2 of Amerikaz Most Wanted" ("Live" at Coachella 2012)

If you have been living on the bright side of a cave the last few days, you've likely already seen this (or at least heard about it).  Still, it deserves its own Tuna Day.  How far we've come since Leia's plaintive cry for help.
 

Common, "The People"

Elliott Smith, "Somebody That I Used to Know"

Not to confuse you, but a great, slightly older song by the same name...

OPEN REQUEST SUNDAY: Walk Off the Earth, "Somebody That I Used To Know" (Gotye Cover)

Courtesy of Shon, here's another one that millions and millions of people have gotten hip to before the Tuna did.  Regardless, both the cover by WOTE and the original are pretty great in their own ways.  Enjoy!

"Hey, that reminds me of..." SATURDAY: The xx, "Islands"

We've got our Open Request Sunday, and we just wrapped up a month of cover songs.  Now--just when you thought the Tuna Supercommittee couldn't introduce any more gimmicks--may we present a weekly (?) dose of songs that kind of remind us of other songs.  The inaugural selection comes from the Londoners of The xx, whose "Islands" makes us imagine what would result if "Tape Song" and "L.E.S. Artistes" had a baby, then slipped it some Ritalin.  Enjoy!

Jennifer O'Connor, "Exeter, Rhode Island"

Maura and I caught Jennifer when she opened for Hotel Lights a few years ago, and promptly bought two of her albums.  This one can be found on Over the Mountain Across the Valley and Back to the Stars.  If you ever get the chance to see her live, I would highly recommend it.  Enjoy!

Paul Revere & The Raiders, "Kicks"

I can't decide which is better: the high-stepping guitarists facing off or the faces the drummer makes for the camera.  Enjoy!

Dire Straits, "Lady Writer"

Tapes 'N Tapes, "Freak Out"

More great music out of MSP.  Enjoy!

Little Dragon, "Ritual Union"

From last year's album of the same name.  Enjoy!

Norah Jones, "Don't Know Why" (Sesame Street)

Sorry, Norah--Y couldn't make it to your gig because he had a prior commitment... Emily's birthday party.  Happy Birthday, Emily!

Jack White, "Sixteen Saltines"

First came his appearance on SNL last week, then the video to the second single (this was the first) from Mssr. White's first solo album, Blunderbuss, made its online debut two days ago.  Thwack!

Handsome Furs, "Officer of Hearts"

From 2009's Face Control.

Piney Gir, "Oh Lies"

Alison Krauss & Union Station, "On the Outside Looking In"

From last year's Paper Airplane, featuring a marvelous Dan Tyminski on vocals.  Enjoy!

James McMurtry, "God Bless America"

Over the Rhine, "Trouble"

OPEN REQUEST SUNDAY: Portishead, "Sour Times"

From Violette (on back order).  Hopefully your big day is opposite day... at least in terms of this song.  Wait, it's April Fool's, too... I'm so confused.  Happy Birthday!

MARCH OF THE COVERS: Johnny Cash, "Hurt" (Nine Inch Nails)

Let's wrap things up with one of the greatest covers in recent memory...

MARCH OF THE COVERS: Israel Kamakawiwo'ole, "Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World" (Judy Garland/Louis Armstrong)

Beautiful.

MARCH OF THE COVERS: Me First and the Gimme Gimmes, "Rocket Man" (Elton John)

Happy Birthday, Maura.  This is pretty rollicking... but not quite as much as your version :)

MARCH OF THE COVERS: The Hollies, "The Air That I Breathe" (Albert Hammond)

Until recently, I had no idea this was a cover... written by none other than Albert Hammond, father of the Strokes' guitarist.

MARCH OF THE COVERS! MILESTONE! WOO-HOO! The White Stripes, "Death Letter Blues" (Son House)

It has now officially become a Tuna Year!  One year ago, we kicked things off with Son House, and today we mark our first anniversary with the White Stripes' homage to Mr. House (with his original posted again below for posterity).  Thanks for checking in from time to time... hope to see you again in another year!  Enjoy.

MARCH OF THE COVERS: Playing for Change, "Stand by Me" (Ben E. King)

This is so incredibly awesome and uplifting. I can't get enough.

OPEN REQUEST SUNDAY / MARCH OF THE COVERS: Guns 'n Roses, "Knockin' on Heaven's Door" (Bob Dylan)

Via Brendan, who tried to convince me that since he grew up with the GnR version, the Dylan classic was really the cover for him.  I'm not buying it.  Enjoy!

MARCH OF THE COVERS: The Pointer Sisters, "Fire" (Bruce Springsteen)

Written and recorded by The Boss, it was actually first released by Robert Gordon, and then the Pointer Sisters (both in 1978).  While Springsteen performed the song live in the intervening years, his original version wasn't released until 1986.  Enjoy the stage presence in both versions... hams (in a good way) all around.  Thank you to Maura for the find(s)... :)

MARCH OF THE COVERS: Otis Redding, "Try a Little Tenderness" (Bing Crosby)

Quite possibly the greatest cover of all time.

MARCH OF THE COVERS: Seu Jorge, "Life on Mars?" (David Bowie)

MARCH OF THE COVERS: Lissie, "Bad Romance" (Lady Gaga)

MARCH OF THE COVERS: Ryan Adams, "Wonderwall" (Oasis)