Keep coming back each month. You never know what style of music, song, or album might show up.
For the 2023-24 School year, the monthly recommendations will focus on my interests and likes. Why? Because I keep getting asked what I like. So, come back each month to see what things Graham likes. Who knows, you might find something new to add to your list of things you like.
For the 2023-24 School year, the monthly recommendations will focus on my interests and likes. Why? Because I keep getting asked what I like. So, come back each month to see what things Graham likes. Who knows, you might find something new to add to your list of things you like.
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May: "Eat the Rich" by Aerosmith
Here is another of those four decade bands. I have been listening to Aerosmith for ages, and have enjoyed seeing their shifts in styles/vibes throughout their career (especially once they all started getting sober and clean). “Eat the Rich” was definitely a time that could be considered the band’s heyday. They put out hit after hit in the late 80 and into the 90s. One of the greatest things about the band has always been lead singer Steven Tyler. He has a very distinctive voice that makes it easy to identify. If you have not been through Aerosmith’s catalogue, start with “Eat the Rich” and then move through older tracks like “Dream On” and then move into their biggest hit “I Don’t Want to Miss A Thing.” From there, it’s up to you to find your next Aerosmith favourite. |
April: "The Boys and Me" by Sawyer Brown
Yep, Graham even listens to country. What can I say? I listen to just about everything. My favourite country group is Mark Miller and company’s Sawyer Brown. The band hit it big by winning Star Search back in the 80s (kind of like American Idol). In time, Sawyer Brown became one of the biggest country bands in the 90s. A string of hits led to two greatest hits albums within about ten years of them breaking onto the country scene. One thing I really like about the band is they don’t take themselves too seriously. In concert, they make jokes at each other’s expense. Meanwhile, their music goes from thought provoking (“Café on the Corner”), to loving (“With this Ring”) to something lighthearted. That is where we go with this month’s recommendation. “The Boys and Me” is a great song about a group of guys that are trying to regain their “hip” status. In fact, the clothes they wear “have finally come back in style.” You can tell they had fun with this song, and if you watch the video, you can see the silliness there as well. Enjoy. |
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March: "Hanuman" by Rodrigo y Gabriela
I have my sister-in-law to thank for this one. She gave me one of Rodrigo y Gabriela’s albums as a gift, and I loved it. If you think you have heard their music before, it is because you may have. Their music has featured on Breaking Bad, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, and Puss in Boots. If you want to place their style of music in one category, you are in trouble. The duo’s music is inspired by many genres including Nuevo flamenco, rock and heavy metal. And their album Mettavolution won a Grammy. As you watch the video, pay attention to the hands as the guitars are masterfully played. These two are good. If you get a chance to see them live, do. Hearing and seeing live is more amazing than simply hearing or seeing on a video. |
February: "Captain Kidd" by Great Big Sea
I first heard Great Big Sea (out of Newfoundland and Labrador in Canada) while staying in Victoria, B.C.in 2004. My wife and I liked the music. It was a cross between traditional shanties, rock and country. It was nice. Fast forward to 2010. Great Big Sea were playing a concert at the Oregon Zoo in Portland. We were there with my oldest son—he was almost three at the time. We really enjoyed the show, but had to leave after their first set (they were doing two 45 minute sets) because the munchkin was nodding off to sleep. As we packed up to leave, “Captain Kidd” was the last song we heard. It has since become a favourite in our household and both boys really like this tale of the pirate Captain Kidd. Great Big Sea are no more, but the members are still out and about. In fact, Alan Doyle (the lead singer) was in Portland in 2019(and is coming around again soon), and we were there. Both boys were excited when the first chords of “Captain Kidd” began. I hope you enjoy the song as well. |
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January: "Regulate: by Warren G
Finally, something that is relatively new to me…only about twenty-five years of listening. Warren G hit the music scene when rap was still trying to find its perfect groove. Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg had recently hit the scene and moved gangsta rap into the forefront of the genre. And then Warren G rolls in with the G Funk. If you have not listened to “Regulate” before, you are in for a treat. From its opening lines (referencing dialogue from the movie Young Guns) through to the end, we are treated to a solid story with great musical hooks and beats throughout. If you like this one, Warren G continued putting out music that is worth listening to, including “What’s Love Got to Do With It” which samples both the music and lyrics from Tina Turner’s hit song of the same name. |
December: "Walking on Broken Glass" by Annie Lennox
Yep, another artist that I have been listening to for about four decades. In this case, it began with the group the Eurythmics (best known for the song “Sweet Dreams”). Annie was one half of that duo. While together, the group massed about a dozen bona fide hits. Once the band went their separate ways, Annie continued pumping out hits. For this month’s recommendation, I am focusing on her first big solo hit. When it came out you could not get away from “Walking on Broken Glass.” And really, with Annie’s voice, why would you want to. Her range is amazing. Want proof? Listen to this song, and then the Eurythmics “I Need a Man” and then Annie’s “No More ‘I Love You’s.’” Yep, that is her in all three of those songs. Oh, and a Mr. Graham bonus—Annie is Scottish. |
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November: "Sabotage" by Beastie Boys
Well, for the Beastie Boys, I have only been listening for…okay, it’s getting close to four decades. It is hard to put the Beastie Boys into a box. Their music has covered realms of punk, metal, rap, hip-hop, electronica, and more. My favourite song of theirs is “Paul Revere,” but for this month’s recommendation, I decided to go with one of their biggest hits—and most entertaining videos. “Sabotage” has become such a classic hit for the Beastie Boys that it even appeared in a Star Trek movie (where it was considered a piece of classical music). For those of you who don’t know the Beastie Boys, realise that alongside groups such as Run D.M.C., the B-Boys helped bring rap/hip-hop to a mainstream audience in the late 1980s. So, give them a listen—once again there is plenty there to find. |
October: "Wonderful" by Adam Ant
He started off focusing on punk (“Deutscher Girls”), but then shifted to a blend of New Wave/Glam Rock (“Prince Charming”), and by the 90s he had shifted styles again. Adam Ant, whether solo or with his Ants, has always been willing to try new things (even rap). With “Beautiful” he creates a wonderful song about a man who loves a woman, but realises he has made mistakes. The song is not deep, but it works as he lets her know how he feels. As with Queen, I have been listening to Adam Ant for more than four decades, and there is plenty to choose from. Try “Beautiful” and if the vibe doesn’t work for you, try another. Remember, Ant has dabbled in many musical styles. |
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September: "Princes of the Universe" by Queen
Many people already know the greatest band to ever exist is Queen*. Unfortunately, most people seem to only know a few of their songs. Songs such as “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “We Will Rock You., “We Are the Champions,” and “Another One Bites the Dust” are quite well known to modern audiences, but Queen’s catalogue is quite extensive and needs a deeper listen. I have been listening to Queen for more than four decades, and the song I have chosen for you comes from their mid-eighties album A Kind of Magic. “Princes of the Universe” holds a special place in my heart for two reasons. 1) it is the theme song to the movie Highlander (check out Something to Watch for this month), and 2) it served as my theme song when, as Highlander, I was a radio DJ in the 1990s. So, take a listen to “Princes of the Universe” and then continue going through Queen’s catalogue. There is a little something for everyone. *Yes, I am just a little biased on this one. |