Category: Music

Watched a wonderful film last night, a ‘slice-of-life’ Japanese film called Linda Linda Linda about an all-girl band rehearsing for a gig they will be performing during a school festival. The trailer is here. I highly recommend the film, so see it if you can (this includes borrow it from me if you can!)

The girls perform songs by The Blue Hearts (you can her the originals in the trailer), a famous Japanese punk band. The title song in particular was very familiar to me, as in very familiar, and after the movie ended I dug out the exact reason why. Yes – is was in Ouenden, the greatest game ever made! I immediately had a go at hard mode and set a new record, so it appears I haven’t lost it (or perhaps I was full of ganbare spirit after watching the film!)

The film made me remember school festivals, which we used to have annually. They were ‘same but different’ from the type they have in Japan, but the spirit of them was familiar, in that students would create stands and shops to (hopefully) make money for the school. In 12th grade we organized, as part of some sort of festival (the details of which I sadly forget) a talent contest, and it is here I humbly ask AW to fill in the details of my memory.

I was a judge. I vaguely recall being horrifically honest with some of the acts that were trying their hardest. I vaguely recall setting up a friend to embarrass himself. I don’t recall who won, but I know AW has a funny story about the event.

There’s nothing like those bittersweet memories of school days…

Last of the youtube music video posts for now (I promise) but another theme this time – interesting (for various reasons) cover versions!

Let’s start with something really off the wall…

< Yuko

Holding Out For A Hero – Yuuko Nakazawa (original song by Bonnie Tyler)
“Holding out for a heeeellllo!” You gotta love Nakazawa, the ‘yankee’ of Momusu for so many years. I have one of her art books!

Jolene – The Sisters Of Mercy (original song by Dolly Parton)
THIS VIDEO IS EVERY SORT OF AWESOME! Best Youtube find ever: 25-year old crappy PAL bootleg video of SoM doing one of their best covers. This is the reason Youtube is the best website on Earth.

I Should Be So Lucky – Mihimaru GT (original by Kylie)
Hiroko, the singer, is cute. The song ain’t.

…speaking of cute girls…

< Alizee

La Isla Bonita – Alizee (original version by Madonna)
When I watch this video I daydream that my name is San Pedro… and the song is ok as well 🙂

West End Girls – West End Girls (original song by Pet Shop Boys)
I like this! So much so, I added the CD to my Christmas list. Bonus props for naming your band after the song!

…in the same vein…

Always On My Mind – Pet Shop Boys (original song, by The King)
It’s my favourite PSB song, but listening to Elvis’s version here it’s clear which is better. The intro to the Elvis video makes it ever more poignant…

…which brings me to…

< Cave Man!

In The Ghetto – Nick Cave (original, again by The King)
Nick Cave’s done oodles of covers, but this is simply a work of art. Plus, he looks like a god in this video. Nick Cave – Visual Kei years before it existed!

…from one god to another…

Jesus Christ Superstar – Laibach (movie version)
Another band that has thrived on covers, virtually none of which are conventional. This is a prime example of the genius of the Laibach cover!

…and speaking of musicals…

Doctor Who Theme – Orbital (1980’s best original version)
This version makes me feel alive! But it’s still a far cry from the 1980’s version of the original, which for me is the defining version. That said, watch this and reflect on how incorrect I may be 🙂

…since we’ve gone all spacey…

< Karen

Calling Occupants Of Interplanetary Craft – The Carpenters (original by Klaatu)
I hereby dub this “Adam’s favourite song that he’s never heard!” Even though The Carpenters really never did a bad song, even they elevated to new heights with this obscure cover! Listen to this, beam your thoughts into space, and experience World Contact Day!

…so now that we’ve left the Planet…

Video Killed The Radio Star – Jon Bernhardt (original by The Buggles)
Finally I know what I really want for Christmas!

Bohemian Rhapsody – Mario Paint (original by Queen)
Holy Moses! Mario Paint was a SNES product! People are still using it! Like this! Again I say Holy Moses!

Battle Hymn Of The Republic – Stryper (traditional version)
Mmm, has this post become derailed somehow?

Could things get worse? Yes, yes they can. Just watch this…