Controversy and Carrie Underwood, Danica Patrick joins Miranda Lambert, The Wallflowers, Smashing Pumpkins

"BLOWN AWAY"    CARRIE UNDERWOOD

Who would have guessed that America's country music princess, Carrie Underwood, would be skirting controversy with her latest video.   On her new CD, she released "Two Black Limousines" that discussed two women dealing with a guy cheating on both of them.   Here on "Blown Away" she created a darker version of the Wizard Of Oz.   "There's not enough rain in Oklahoma to wash away the sins of that house".   Carrie said the acting in this video was so intense, she left with actual bruises after filming.

 
"FASTEST GIRL IN TOWN"   MIRANDA LAMBERT

Back in December, I posted a lyric video of this song and called it my pick as the best song on Miranda's new CD.  Check out the lyrics at my prior post.  Here's the premiere of Mrs. Blake Shelton's new video!  I don't spoil the fun but you just know when Miranda and NASCAR's Danica Patrick stroll into the bar, trouble is brewing!  Listen for the lightning quick guitar solo at the end of the song.  The video reminds me of Nicolas Cage and Angelina Jolie in "Gone In 60 Seconds". 

"REBOOT THE MISSION"  THE WALLFLOWERS with MICK JONES (of The Clash)

I absolutely love everything about this video!   First, it's the return of Jakob Dylan and The Wallflowers.  Like his father, Jakob's voice is one of a kind.  They add in Mick Jones of The Clash to create a hybrid mix of music that sounds like Big Audio Dynamite with a little reggae vibe. To add to the retro 90's sound, the video features some of the best moonwalking, breakdancing, and popping and locking since Ice-T in "Breakin'".   

DAILY MUSIC TRIVIA:   The Smashing Pumpkins performed at what concert on an episode of The Simpsons?  Yesterday:  young Lindsay Lohan dressed up as garbage on Late Night With David Letterman
  
"VIOLET RAYS"  SMASHING PUMPKINS 

While we're bringing back classic 90's rock heroes like the Wallflowers, Billy Corgan and The Smashing Pumpkins are back with an impressive NEW CD called Oceania.   The nine minute title track is epic with swirling guitars, a beautiful atmosphere, and one of those songs destined to be a concert favorite.   "Violet Rays" rocks hard highlighted by new drummer, Mike Byrne, a perfect compliment to Billy's lyrics.   The new CD doesn't have that big radio ready single but taken as a 13 track compilation, it's one of the best new releases of 2012.

 

London Calling : The Clash, Aretha Franklin, Rob Thomas

"LONDON CALLING"                    THE CLASH

My all-time favorite album cover is London Calling.    This was the third album by the Hall Of Fame English punk band.   What made the Clash so amazing was their ability to incorporate punk, reggae, ska, rock, folk, even funk into their songs.  They were so ahead of their time.    "London Calling" speaks to rising unemployment, Three Mile Island's near disaster in Pennsylvania, and racial disharmony in England.   A few years ago, a Clash Joe Strummer tribute band of Dave Grohl, Bruce Springsteen, and Elvis Costello played this live on the Grammys with Mick Jones!

"SMOOTH" (Unplugged)    ROB THOMAS      

"Smooth" mixed the brilliant guitar work of Carlos Santana with Rob Thomas.     Grammy winning song, #1 hit, voted Top 10 on the list of sexiest songs ever,.......then Rob does an unplugged version with a female singer on the hook and it's amazing with a totally different vibe.   The song is more mesmerizing, sexy as can be, but a chill-out vibe.   Brilliant song either version.

"DON'T PLAY THAT SONG (YOU LIED)"     ARETHA FRANKLIN

The queen of soul, Aretha, has that soulful voice that can reach into your soul.    Ben E. King of the Drifters was the first to record this song but Aretha took it to #1 in 1970.    It's a great song and the video shows Aretha on the piano singing this R&B classic with gospel passion.   You can see her facial expression and emotions play out, she's mad he'd lied and she's calling him out.    Great singer, great song!


Don't play that song for me
'Cause it brings back memories
Of days that I once knew
The days that I spent with you
Oh no, don't let him play it
It fills my heart with pain
Please stop it right away
I remember just-a what he said


He said darling, "Darling, I love you"
And I know that he lied