I believe this is one of Punchy's favourites...
Beth Hart (b. 1972) is an American singer who became famous with the hit "LA Song (Out of This Town)". Her musical influences include rock, blues and gospel. Her vocal style has been described as raw and passionate, with some similarities to Joan Armatrading and Janis Joplin. This song might appeal to many of you. At least the lyrics reminded me of something Pink could have written...

Beth Hart - Crazy Kind of Day (2003)

Like Pink, she is more popular outside her own home country. Beth Hart is incredibly popular in Denmark, btw. This is a live performance of her biggest hit here.

Beth Hart - Learning To Live (Live@DR)

It's Sundae, and people who has been spending their entire weekend in 'amusement parks' are on their way home now. Today's first song features one of Scotty's 'old flames', Stevie Nicks, ... reduced to a backing singer for Tom Petty and his Heartbreakers in this sparkling live (semi acoustic) version of their massive 1988 hit "Learning to Fly".

Tom Petty & Heartbreakers (w. Stevie Nicks) - Learning To Fly (Live 2006)

The second song today is perhaps the simplest vocal piece that has entered the top of the pop music charts during the last 40 years(!) Suzanne Vega's 'very New Yorkian' lyrics for "Tom's Diner" became an instant hit - not only because of it's intellectual appeal - but also because it's such a simple tune to sing and meorize. A song. Nothing else.

Suzanne Vega - Tom's Diner (1986)

Enjoy your day - or whatever there is left of it...

JJ is responsible for this Saturday's "Joni Mitchell Special"... Well. She asked me to post some of her songs for the Singalong. I haven't paid much attention to Mitchell's music, but she was probably the first broadly succesful female singer/songwriter of modern pop music.

Joni Mitchell, CC, (b. 1943 as Roberta Joan Anderson) is a Canadian musician, songwriter, and painter. Mitchell began singing in small nightclubs in her native Western Canada and then busking on the streets of Toronto. In the mid-1960s she left for New York City and its rich folk music scene, recording her debut album in 1968 and achieving fame first as a songwriter and then as a singer in her own right. Finally settling in Southern California, Mitchell played a key part in the folk rock movement then sweeping the musical landscape. "Blue", her starkly personal 1971 album, is regarded as one of the strongest and most influential records of the time.

Joni Mitchell - Urge for Going (Live 1966)
Joni Mitchell - California (Live@BBC 1970)
Joni Mitchell - You Turn Me On , I'm A Radio (Live Den Haag, NL, 1983)

The last one is somewhat more up-to-date mainstream pop, the second is a catchy original live performance, while the first one is considered one of her 'breakthrough' songs.

Mitchell's work is highly respected both by critics and fellow musicians. Rolling Stone magazine called her "one of the greatest songwriters ever," while Allmusic said, "When the dust settles, Joni Mitchell may stand as the most important and influential female recording artist of the late 20th century." Mitchell is also a visual artist. She created the artwork for each of her albums, and in 2000 described herself as a "painter derailed by circumstance." A blunt critic of the music industry, Mitchell had stopped recording over the last several years, focusing more attention on painting, but in 2007 she released "Shine", her first album of new songs in nine years.

It's Frigay... But today's singalongs aren't particularly gay!
"Wicked Game" is a 1989 song by Chris Isaak from his third studio album "Heart Shaped World". Despite being released as a single in 1989, it didn't become a hit until it was later featured in the David Lynch film Wild at Heart. Lee Chesnut, an Atlanta radio station music director who was obsessed with David Lynch films, began playing the song and it quickly became a nationwide top ten hit in January 1991. (Uploader's YouTube comment)

Chris Isaak - Wicked Game (1989)

The topless top model in the video is called Helena Christensen, btw.

"'Cos I'm yourrr layyyydeeee...!" Now. Watch out! Some would argue that the next song is incredibly straight and as such it shouldn't be on the Frigay Singalong. But it's such a saucy romantic classic, and most of you probably already know it all too well, so I hope you will forgive me for posting it anyway...

Jennifer Rush - The Power Of Love (1984)

Jennifer Rush (b. 1960) is a German-American singer, who enjoyed massive popularity for a brief period in the mid 1980s - right after the release of this song.

Happy Frigay, everyone.

The Singalong today is from... The Simpsons. A parody on the classic American variety tradition taken from the "Shari Bobbins" episode (a parody on the old Disney 'modern fairytale' musical "Mary Poppins"). Gotta love Barney Gumble for that voice... I couldn't find a YT clip showing the actual cartoon scene, so you'll have to do with the on-screen lyrics.

The Simpsons - A Boozehound Named Barney

But wait. There is more! A genuinely pompous piano pop-rock piece of Australian melancholy by the band Moving Pictures.

Moving Pictures - What About Me (1982)

... I actually think it's better than I made it sound.

It has only been three days since I celebrated Freddie Mercury's birthday in here, and I'm sure most of you people have already said what needs to be said about this particular day. A special thanks to all those fans who made special birthday greetings or chose to celebrate this day together in one way or another. Thank you for being so enthusiastic.

Of course, this also means that there probably isn't really any need to say any Moore about this day, so I won't even allow Pink to sing today. Instead I'll let the music do the talking, so here is one of the best official instrumental versions a Pink song so far.

Pink - Sober (Instrumental)

Well. OK. Let's have a vocal song as well. Apart from a nice chorus, this 'B-side' might not be hit material, but the lyrics brilliantly explain why most of us happen to like Pink so much. A breath of sanity in an insane world, so to speak.

Pink - Disconnected (2006)

... But let's not forget that it is custom to let others do the talking on your birthday, so please enjoy this photographic tribute made by a YT user. Aerosmith's song was released a few years before Pink released her first album, so of course it was by no means intended as a tribute song to Pink... But only four years later, Pink and Steven Tyler recorded "Misery" together...

Aerosmith - Pink (video tribute)

Oh. I almost forgot to preach: "Make the most of this day!"

The legend of "The Midnight Special" is that a train would pass the prison each day at midnight and its headlight would flash through the bars and into the prison. The superstition was that if the light shone on you, that meant you would be the next man to get out of the prison.

Creedence Clearwater Revival - Midnight Special

Another interpretation is that The Midnight Special is a replay of the auld devil's black coach or hunt or horse myth which is coming to take us all away. (YT song post)

There are two requests on the Singalong today. The first one is from El Jay, who is sweating her ass off today. Travis "Travie" Lazarus McCoy (b. 1981) is the lead vocalist of the alternative hip-hop group Gym Class Heroes. He released his first solo album, Lazarus, in June 2010. The lead single from the album, "Billionaire," was pretty succesful, and I must admit this song has both som lighthearted elegance and straightforward singalong potential which is rarele heard these days. Good stuff.

Travis McCoy & Bruno Mars - Billionaire (2010)

Obviously, the song is about imagining what would happen if you became a billionaire.

The third song today is a request from Punchy.
Mark Gillespie, (born 17 November 1970, in Stockport, England) is a singer, songwriter, currently living and touring in Germany, where he has built himself a substantial fanbase, and has recently toured with Jethro Tull, Meat Loaf, Lisa Stansfield, Fool's Garden and Chris De Burgh. Punchy allowed me to pick any song I wanted, so I thought this one was pretty catchy.

Mark Gillespie - Don't Mess Around

German Tom Drost on the flute...

Yet another new week has begun, and I bet at least half of you just hate the very word "Monday". So... What's to be done about it? Maybe the old punk rocker, Iggy Pop (b. 1947), has the answer?

Iggy Pop - Real Wild Child (Wild One) (1984)
Iggy Pop - Real Wild Child (Wild One) (extended version)

Truth has to be told. Like so many other punk rock songs, Iggy's famous hit is just a cover of a much older rock & roll anthem. Of course, the original version was recorded by the infamous Jerry Lee Lewis. The older generations who never understood what the hippie and punk rebellion was about should pick this one instead... But if you also don't understand why Jerry became so popular, maybe you shouldn't listen to the Singalong today!

Jerry Lee Lewis - Real Wild Child

There is no live footage of a young Jerry performing this song, so I allowed myself to pick the scene from "Great Balls of Fire scene starring Dennis Quaid in one of his more remarkable roles.

Finally, Punchy made a request for this old Aussie protest hymn by the folk rock band Goanna (1977-1988).

Goanna - Solid Rock

Goanna's 1982 rock anthem 'Solid Rock' was the first Australian hit that dealt with Indigenous Australian land rights... and also the first pop song that included the didgeridoo.

aw he was the best euro

Words probably can't describe the affection I've had for Freddie and Queen since I was just 8 years old. Even today, almost 19 years after Freddie's death, I still get this 'special magic feeling' every time I hear his voice. And on this day, his 64th birthday, I hope you'll spend a few minutes with him as well...

Queen – Man On The Prowl (1984, extended version)
Queen – Love of My Life (Live@Montréal 1981, HD)

How can this guy always bring me to tears...?

EURO PLEASE PLEASE MARK GILLESPIE AND GOANNA " SOLID ROCK " PLEASE PLEASE OH WISE ONE

Hey Kaspin - I had pretty much given up on this website in recent weeks because of technical issues. I was actually pretty pissed too because I knew that based on my calculations you had begun the Singalong thread on September 1st of last year and I was looking forward to the first anniversary. Checked in tonight and found that the PP people had fixed whatever technical difficulties they had. Just sorry this is a few days late.

My contribution tonight is "What's Up" by 4 Non Blondes.

This song was my wifes favorite of all time, as when it came out she was 25 and recently divorced with a young daughter to take care of. I don't think we ever went out during our time together where she wouldn't play it on the Juke box if it was available:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZwCt0YQPn7g

Happy Anniversary!

Two 'golden oldies' are on the Singalong this Saturday...
Glenn Miller (1904-1944) was an American jazz musician, arranger, composer, and bandleader in the "swing" era. He was one of the best-selling recording artists from 1939 to 1943, leading one of the best known "Big bands". One of his most famous hits, "In The Mood", opens with a now-famous sax section theme, and is joined by trumpets and trombones after 13 counts. It has two main solo sections, notably an instrumental "tenor fight" solo.

Glenn Miller - In The Mood (1939)

While traveling to entertain U.S. troops in France during World War II, Miller's plane disappeared in bad weather over the English Channel. His body has never been found.

The second song on this first Saturday in September dates back to the 1960s, when Punchy, Scotty, Linda and Diane were young . Diana Ross and The Supremes were admired - not only for their catchy and brilliantly arranged pop tunes, but also because of their amazing hairdos.

The Supremes - Baby Love (1964)

Now, tap those feet and flick your fingers!

Beware of cowboys! They make their own rules and take what they want, when they want and where they want. So in case you're a handsome young man in your 20s wearing a pair of bottomless riding pants or anyone who with a slight resemblance, you should tread very carefully when entering a saloon. Ladies and gentlemen: This Frigay Erasure is back on the Singalong with their very first single hit from 1985.

Erasure - Who Needs Love (Like That) (1985)

"See me, feel me, hear me, love me, touch meeee...". I wonder who played the robot (the "au-to-ma-tic lo-ver") in this hilarious video anno 1978, which was probably supposed to be more a fairly serious artistic now completely forgotten disco hit by Dee D. Jackson who was closely related to the Italian inventor and king of disco, Giorgio Moroder, during her short career as a professional performer. Jackson later became a music producer, if I remember correct, and she's probably both still alive and quite happy with her life despite this kitschy video...

Dee D. Jackson - Automatic Lover (1978)

The last Frigay singalong was picked by El Jay...
Copenhagen based lesbian ghetto-funk, pop-slamming MC/DJ duo Fagget Fairys met on the dancefloor in 2008 whilst DJ Sensimilla was spinning them records and Ena was in the club-kid stade (did not last long), and stagedived - hopeing to get Sensimillas attention! (Source)

Fagget Fairys - Feed The Horse (2009)

Happy Frigay, everyone.

A rather ambitious music video anno 1983 is on the Singalong today...
Duran Duran are an English pop rock band that formed in Birmingham, England in 1978. They were one of the most successful bands of the 1980s and a leading band in the MTV-driven "Second British Invasion" of the United States. While they were generally considered part of the New Romantic scene along with bands such as Spandau Ballet when they first emerged, they later shed this image. The band worked with fashion designers to build a sharp and elegant image that earned them the nickname "the prettiest boys in rock."

Duran Duran - Wild Boys (1983)

The band's controversial videos, which included partial nudity and suggestions of sexuality (Ooh, maybe that could be future Frigay Singalong material? ), became popular in the early 1980s on the then-new music video channel MTV. Duran Duran were among the first bands to have their videos shot by professional directors with 35 mm film movie cameras, which gave their videos a much more polished look. In 1984, the band were early innovators with video technology in their live stadium shows. (Wikipedia)

11 days with no Singalongs. That wasn't planned, but luckily PinksPage fixed their forum last night - just in time for me to celebrate this Singalong anniversary with you! On this first day of autumn (or spring if you live on the wrong side of the planet), Today's Singalong started exactly one year ago with this old hippie peace song by Uriah Heep.

Uriah Heep - Lady In Black (1971)

Now it's time to fulfill some requests. The first one is from El Jay who has kept me company during the 'blackout' here on PP since August 20th. Bobby Ray Simmons, Jr. (b. 1988), also known by his stage name B.o.B, is an American musician and record producer. "Airplanes" is the second official and third overall single from B.o.B's debut studio album. B.o.B shot his scenes for the video in April, while Williams was only able to shoot her parts after the end of Paramore's spring tour, so they were never in the same room during filming. (Wikipedia)

B.o.B. & Hayley Williams - Airplanes (2010)

It hasn't been that long since Pretenders was on the Singalong, but this request from Sam is several months old, so here comes their never dying classic giga hit from 1994... and yes (believe it or not): Sam actually requested the original version and not the Girls Aloud version.

The Pretenders - I'll Stand By You (1994)

And finally the song I had prepared for today. It's a live acoustic performance of a song I posted sometime last year by the (sorry about the cliché) 'critically acclaimed' punk rock band, Sort Sol (Black Sun) - by far the softest and most melancholic tune they ever recorded... and also their most popular.

Sort Sol - Let Your Fingers Do The Walking (Live 1993)

Welcome back, everyone!

Blimey! I'll be damned! It's Frigay again! (Scanning memory for what to do...). Ehmm, yes... I remember that El Jay requested a 50 Cent classic, and what might be more appropriate than the song that Pink has made references to in ”Bad Bad Day”?

50 Cent + Olivia – Candy Shop

Nini & Floh's favourite German pop producer, Dieter Bohlen (from Modern Talking), was the driving force behind C.C. Catch (Caroline Catharina Müller, b. 1964 in Oss, Netherland)'s breakthrough, writing and producing all the songs. This partnership led to a string of major Top 10 and #1 Pop chart hits. Müller went on to have Gold and Platinum selling albums and gain a sizable fanbase, particularly in Spain where most of her singles went to Number 1. In this 1987 video you should also look out for the two dancers behind C.C.. There are definetely too few men who dress like that these days...

C. C. Catch – Soul Survivor

And after all this 'fudge', it's now time for the icing on the cake! An outstanding gay disco classic. Unfortunately, both Sylvester and his companion on this track both died from AIDS-related diseases. But their disco hits live on, even though I couldn't find any clear video of this full version of the sung. Sylvester James (1947–1988) better known as Sylvester, was an American disco and soul singer, and a gay drag performer. Sylvester was sometimes known as the "Queen of Disco," although this moniker has also been bestowed on some of the women of the disco era (Wikipedia).

Sylvester – Do You Wanna Funk (1982)

There will be more Sylvester on future singalongs in here, I promise.
Happy Frigay, everyone.

The Singalong is posted a little later today, because I've just got back from my first long bike trip in a long time. The storng wind didn't exactly make it easier, but I s'pose it has been the healthiest thing I've done lately...

Stereophonics is a favourite band of one of my best friends. They have released seven studio albums, five of which have topped the UK Albums Chart. The band has been described as "classic UK rock delivered with whiskey vocals," the band have been summarised as possessing a sound akin to the genres of alternative rock and "British traditional rock." The band's drummer, Stuart Cable died only 40 years old (choked in his own vomit after excessive drinking) on June 7th a couple of months ago.

Stereophonics - Dakota (2005)

"Dakota" was the first Stereophonics single to reach #1 on the UK Singles Chart - and also the band's first chart hit in the US of A.

I've received a lot of song requests lately, so I better start posting some of them...
Our good friend Scotty recommended this quiet, solemn song by former Fleetwood Mac frontwoman Stevie Nicks. After the release of her first solo album, Rolling Stone deemed her "The Reigning Queen of Rock and Roll". Overcoming cocaine addiction, dependency on tranquilizers, and chronic fatigue syndrome, Nicks remains a popular solo performer (even though she has only released five solo albums since then). (Wikipedia)

Stevie Nicks - God's Garden

Here's Scotty's presentation: I am not religious, but I am very spiritual. Stevie Nicks of Fleetwood Mac was always a favorite, but I don't think any of her songs were ever as moving as this solo piece.

Thank you both of you. I will post them as requests during the following days. That's the least I can do to promote those songs.

There are two songs on the Singalong today. They're quite different, and there's no 'theme' to connect them, I'm afraid.

The undisputed soft reggae pop star of the 1980s was Eddy Grant (b. 1948 in Guyana). When he was still a young boy, his parents emigrated to London, UK, where he settled. He had his first number one hit in 1968, when he was the lead guitarist and main songwriter of the multiracial group The Equals, with his self-penned song "Baby Come Back". Notably, he openly used his songwriting for political purposes, especially against the then-current apartheid regime of South Africa. "I Don't Wanna Dance" was his second major chart hit (followed by "Gimme Hope Jo'Anna" in 1988).

Eddy Grant - I Don't Wanna Dance (1982)

Several Canadian bands are dominating the charts these days, and Arcade Fire are perhaps the most celebrated band among them. This is the official video for the song, but actually it is a tribute to the 1925 silent film masterpiece "Battleship Potemkin" directed by Sergei Eisenstein.

Arcade Fire - Intervention (2007)

The film presents a dramatised version of the mutiny that occurred in 1905 when the crew of the Russian battleship Potemkin rebelled against their officers of the Tsarist regime.
The Battleship Potemkin has been called one of the most influential propaganda films of all time, and was named the greatest film of all time at the Brussels World's Fair in 1958.
--
'we must hurry or we will be late for church'

I am not religious but am very spiritual.

Stevie Nicks of Fleetwood Mac was always a favorite, but I don't think any of her songs were ever as moving as this solo piece:

http://www.youtube.com/user/ScottyG1961#p/f/1/uavRh9TNq5A

GaGa

Hey Kaspin - Thought I would dump another 80's underground band on you.

The band is Red Lorry Yellow Lorry, from Leeds, but they just became known as "The Lorrys"
Probably because of the tongue twister.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tpjdhukXTVk

GaGa

Thanks Punchy - I knew I could count on you!

GaGa

oi euro oh wise one do ya reckon u could find sum vid of this dude called mark gillespie esp from his first album called ... only human
dr doris i wonder wat adventures await ya mate
gaga when ever ya need that punch i"ll b first in line ok
--
ITS ALL ABOUT THE TRIANGLE

DR DORIS THE LIVING LEGEND .... BLESSED AND BRANDED BY THE GODDESS,WETTING WALKER'S WHISTLE , AND CUDDLING WITH CAREY

POEPY AND DIPCLIT MMMMMMMM GAY GERMS HE WILL LOVE IT WIPE SUM MOORE

PINK'S BANGED UP HOE"

Great, Scotty. I'll fit in some more darkwave, new wave etc... I promise.
I have an excentric musician friend, whose taste is firmly rooted somewhere between The Residents, Bauhaus, Einstürzende Neubauten, David Bowie, Gary Numan... and Jean-Michel Jarre... and here he is.
I am very happy that you decided to drop by, Scotty (and also in the 'Record thread', I noticed). Please post as much as you like in this thread. I'm not the only one who reads it, I think...

There's an absolutely beauiful song on the Singalong today. Madame Édith Piaf's live performance of "Milord" on American television in 1959. The song itself is of course in French, but thanks to Édith's brilliantly acted spoken and dramatised introduction, even the non-French-speaking part of audience got served.

Édith Piaf - Milord (Live 1959)

Any of you who have seen "La Vie en Rose" a.k.a. "The Sparrow" (no, not Jack Sparrow... ) a few years ago probably have an idea about who she was - or rather: might have been.
But no matter who she was, fact remains that she was one of the most convincing musical performers - and also live singers - of the last century.

I doubt that any of you prefer instrumental music, but I have a lot of mainly instrumental artists among my personal favourites. One of them is the Greek, Vangelis (b. 1943), who is a very inspiring melody maker as well as a guy who knows ancient music history very well and has even managed to incorporate it in his music - and not just as a musical gimmick.
This one has nothing to do with ancient music history. This is just the opening scene from the timeless sci-fi masterpiece "Blade Runner" (1982).

Vangelis - Blade Runner Opening Titles (1982)

I feel like watching it again... and again. The film that reminds me about how much that is lost, when someone dies. If you haven't seen it yet, then I strongly encourage you to do so.

Hey Kaspin - been away for health reasons. Thought I would drop an 80's band on you:
Remake of Ziggy by Bauhaus:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6a_YQXFs7Ts

GaGa

No teeny or hippie pop "rock" songs on the Singalong today. No, today we shall be listening to real powerful, yet decent and orderly music! So straighten those necks and backs and get that hair and those clothes done properly! Today, boys and girls, today we MARCH! |-[ (very stern and militaristic looking smiley).

Jerry Fielding - The Outlaw Josey Wales Main Theme (1976)

"March on, soldiers! March on...!" Classical conductor, radio and film music soundtrack composer, Jerry Fielding (1922-1980) wrote a fairly catchy main theme for Clint Eastwood's debut as a film director "The Outlaw Josey Wales" from 1976. This is mighty fine marching music, and I'm actually a little suprised that this tune didn't become more famous, but perhaps the reason is exactly that it is... marching music. I've heard that this musical discipline only appeals to very old men - notably those still in uniform!

awesome picks Kasper - i missed alot - sonia dada even - very nice
and punchy awww - Dr. Doris likes ur tag line mmmmmm nice memories
x
Di

--
I hope I don't end up in jail, but then again I don't really care!

thanks euro oh wise one i love yas as well

--
ITS ALL ABOUT THE TRIANGLE

DR DORIS THE LIVING LEGEND .... BLESSED AND BRANDED BY THE GODDESS,WETTING WALKER'S WHISTLE , AND CUDDLING WITH CAREY

POEPY AND DIPCLIT MMMMMMMM GAY GERMS HE WILL LOVE IT WIPE SUM MOORE

PINK'S BANGED UP HOE"

Great idea, Punchy. I'm way behind here on the singalong when it comes to posting Neil Young... In fact, I've never done it, so he will show up sometime next week. And by the way: We love you to bits in here. Thank you for being back. oxo

Last Thursday I let all you diehard rock fans down when I only posted Sonia Dada and Patsy Cline. Today, it's time for revenge.
Metallica rose to popular fame after releasing their "Black Album" in 1989, which quickly became a 'piece of furniture' in every heavy metal fan's living room. But compared to most other heavy metal bands from the 1980s, Metallica actually managed to unite artistic and musical quality, and (according to a rock documentary I saw recently) they 'matured' the heavy metal scene, which was dominated by the socalled 'poodle' or 'hair' rock bands at the time.

Metallica - One (1989)

This video isn't exactly fun... something that was seen as very unusual in heavy rock videos, because most music videos back then were aimed at teenage boys. I'm not a fan of 'pure heavy metal'. I still think the idea of defining as a genre and as something different from 'regular rock music' is a stupid commercially driven concept ("Ooh. That's a good song, but we gotta add growling vocals and some distorted guitars to make our main audience listen to it." )

--
'we must hurry or we will be late for church'

yes there is euro neil young the needle and the damage done

--
it's all about the triangle
DR DORIS I LOVE U MATE DRINK THAT WHITE TEA
POEPY AND DIPCLIT MMMMMMMM GAY GERMS HE WILL LOVE IT WIPE SUM MOORE

PINK'S BANGED UP HOE"

There's an extract from a little plant in the South American jungle that is apparently worth more than real happiness. This is of course both interesting, fascinating and scary... As you might know, John J. Cale wrote a song about it, which was made famous by Eric Clapton. Even though the song was never intended to be a tribute song to the white drug, that was exactly what a lot of people thought it was!

John J. Cale - Cocaine
Eric Clapton - Cocaine (Live, late 1980s)

... I wonder if there's also a famous song about heroin?

No other day of the week has had its reputation stained and tarnished more than Fri(d/g)ay. All thanks to these horrible musical selcetions that have become associated with it. And I'm afraid that today is no exception. In fact, all three singalongs on the menu today might even make it worse!
Behold (and beware): Oga Chacka, Oga, Oga, Oga Chacka Oga, Oga, Oga Chacka Oga, Oga, Oga Chacka Oga, Oga...

David Hasselhoff - Hooked On A Feeling (feat. Nu Flavor, 1997)

Modern Talking was a German dance pop duo consisting of Thomas Anders ('Mr. Tan Man') and Dieter Bohlen (the blonde). They've been classified under Europop, and despite the fact that lots of people just can't stand them, they are Germany's most successful pop duo, and have had a number of hit singles reaching the top-5 in many countries.

Modern Talking - Cheri Cheri Lady (1985)

Let's end this nightmare with one of Madonna's ... more lighthearted songs from her early years. Her "True Blue" album was more or less dedicated to Sean Penn (her boyfriend at the time), but I'm not sure who this Jimmy is then...?

Madonna - Jimmy Jimmy (1986, HQ no video)

Happy Frigay, everone.

There are two beautiful songs on the Singalong today. Both from artists we've heard before in here, but they're both too great to be left out for that reason.

Sonia Dada is an ensemble of talented singers and musicians from Chicago. The size of the band have given Sonia Dada a multi-facetted sound (which basically means that you'll at least like some of their music )... And of course, they're a favourite band of our own American chat-woman, Diane (aka. LadyDi).

Sonia Dada – Ragdoll (1998)

It's almost too tragic to hear good old, but also unlucky throughout her short life, Patsy Cline talk about ”when I'm 83” at the beginning of this videoclip. She died in a car crash less than three years after this interview – and at the time of this interview, another car crash had already scarred her face (which of course reduced her chances of getting on TV). But she was such a great singer. One of those flawless, yet very personal (characteristic) vocals that'll live on forever in movies etc.

Patsy Cline – Crazy (1960)

And finally a short announcement: The Frigay Singalong tomorrow will feature at least one terrible music video!

Say the name "Nena", and every European will recall the peace pop song, "99 Luftballons" from 1983. Well. That was 27 years ago. This year, it seems as if Nena (b. 1960 as Gabriela Susanne Kerner), who turned 50 earlier this year, is a better performer than ever before. Even though this is a fairly simple 'confession' and love song, her performance makes the song quite touching.

Nena - In meinen Leben (Live, 2010)

Nena has been a solo artist since 1987, and even though she hasn't had any international success since the 1980s, she has released many albums since then - all in German, of course...

Even though it's only Wednesday, I thought ought to compensate you for the lack of a singalong last Saturday, so here's an old hip hop hymn by The Fugees, the band who enjoyed massive success from their cover of the old classic "Killing Me Softly". This song is their own, but of course you might recognise the instrumental background theme.

The Fugees - Ready Or Not (1994)

The Fugees' success probably had a lot to do with their inclusion of the r&b star, Lauryn Hill, and of course the upcoming presidential candidate in Haïti, Wyclef Jean.

There also a classic hit on the Singalong today.
Journey's biggest hit is quite typical for late 1970s rock music... Great vocal arrangements... Short guitar solos and of course synth/keyboards. It reminds me a bit of The Who's Baba O'Riley (aka. "Teenage Wasteland") from 1971.

Journey - Don't Stop Believing (1981)
Journey - Don't Stop Believing (Live 1982)

Allmusic.com has described the song as "an anthem for the young who wanted to feel free and unrestricted", featuring "one of the best opening keyboard riffs in rock."

"Come Together" was one of the last songs released by The Beatles. As everything else, it is credited to Lennon/McCartney, but the lyrics are clearly John Lennon's. They sound a lot like some of the songs that Lennon recorded during his solo career in the 1970s. Lennon did perform it live in the 1970s, but the Beatles never did it live, so this 'recording' is a manipulation, because the uploader has added footage of McCartney, Harrison and Starr, but you can also see some less famous musicians playing the instruments.

John Lennon - Come Together (Live 1972)

Michael Jakcon was only 10 years old when the song was released, but 18 years later, he performed it live for the Moonwalker soundtrack, and the original intense sound from the original version actually shines through all the flashy and glittering stage imagery so common in American rock music in the 1980s (1987 was the year of the 'hair band' trend).

Michael Jackson - Come Together (1987)

After a short break yesterday (roleplaying weekend), Today's Singalong is back with a real classic that has become a legendary rock & roll anthem.
If I was asked to name a single song that 'caused' the youth protests in the 1960s, then I would probably pick this one. A simple song, but loaded with energy and a clear message. Hated by all parents and loved by the young. Mick Jagger is a clever guy, and he knew exactly what he was doing, and he loved it. Time was on his side... I don't know if it still is these days... but as we all know, the Stones are still performing.

Rolling Stones - Satisfaction (Live, 1965)

The first Frigay of August. Even though the month is named after the cleverest Roman emperor, I've always been a little moody every year when July turns into August, because it reminds me that summer holiday is just about over, and it's back to work and being serious again. We can't prevent it, but we can try and release some endorphines and fight it with escapism. Don't forget that it's Frigay every week.

Few bands are better at expresing pue escapism than the multi-cultural Swedish band Army of Lovers, who haunted the charts from 1991 to 1995. This is their biggest hit, even though I prefer ”Give My Life”. It has 'satire' and 'decadence' written all over, of course.

Army of Lovers – Crucified (1991)

I think it has been over a month since last time, so let's hear a forgotten classic by the gayest of all bands. Prepare yourself for an almost pointless video including a mountain of toys falling from above.... And there's also a cat and a pigeon. But above all, I love the idea of the ”Guilty!” chorus represented by ”divine finger” pointing down from the skies. Almost like Monty Python.

Erasure – Drama! (1989)

And finally a request: Anna has been screaming all week, so here's some more Michael Hutchence for her. One of their bigger hits, even though nothing compares to ”Need You Tonight”, of course.

INXS – Suicide Blonde (1990)

Happy Frigay.

It's Rock Thursday, but perhaps this song isn't quite hard enough..?
This is the song that can make every Australian wet their pants from ecstatic joy. The English-born Australian, John Farnham (b. 1949,) and his co-writing band members recorded the song in 1986. Keith Reid from farnham's band (who wrote the lyrics) said: "It's an anti-war song in a way, but it was more of a 'make your voice heard' kind of thing. Wake up to your own power"... and yes, there are also bagpipes in it.

John Farnham - You're The Voice (1986)

The song was awarded the 1987 Aria Award for "Single of the Year". The song was one of the biggest hits of the year in Australia, topping the singles chart there for many weeks. It is also one of Farnham's biggest international successes, reaching the top 10 in many European countries, although in the US it performed relatively poorly. (Wikipedia)
Happy Thursday.

Floh requested Paul Nutini last night, but her second option was an American band, who originally became famous through a talent show (I shan't mention the name of the show here). Daughtry was formed in 2006 and was named by the all dominant front figure and lead singer/songwriter, Chris Daughtry.
This is one of their less romantic songs (there are a lot of those, I noticed ). It is in fact a song about a conscious and well-considered breakup.

Daughtry – No Surprise (on-screen lyrics)

Today is the 63rd birthday of ”the godfather of electronic music”, Klaus Schulze (b. 1947 in West Berlin). He has released more music than almost any other musician alive today, and despite that, he has indeed taken music to strange new places as a famous Beatle once wanted to. This is one of his early solo works (the video has nothing to do with his music). I bet you have never heard music like this ever before.

Klaus Schulze – Totem (1974)

He usually records much longer tracks, so 9 minutes is indeed a short piece in this case.

August 3rd 2010
It has come to my attention that some people in here aren't exactly impressed with Britney Spears (b. 1981) and/or her music, but I'm sure that our Czech friend, Milan, who requested her for the Singalong´today, is able to explain why he is fascinated by the American performer.
I picked this particular song without any real knowledge of most of her works apart from all the chart hits you can barely avoid hearing. I did not pick it because there is any reason to pity someone who chose and still chooses to remain in big showbusiness herself, but rather because seems like it's a personal song from her, whether or not she wrote it all by herself or not. Apart form that, it's a pretty good tune.

Britney Spears - Lucky (2000)

Of course (as a Pink fan), the most striking difference between this song and some of Pink's songs about the hard life as a celebrity is the lack of humour and sarcasm. If this is indeed Britney's innermost thoughts about herself, then this is indeed a disturbing song, because this shows a complete lack of ability to distance herself from the celebrity life she is living. However, we should keep in mind that she was only 19 years old when this song was written/recorded, and it is clearly marketed towards a teenage audienc. It was co-written by the Swedish producer Max Martin, who has co-written a lot of Pink's songs as well. That guy is VERY influential!

August 2nd 2010
"Where Have All The Flowers Gone" is normally associated with the hippies in the 1960s ("Flower Power"), but the song was actually written by the protest singer, Pete Seeger, back in 1956 as an inspired response to the House of Representatives who voted 373 to 9 to cite Pete Seeger and seven others (including playwright Arthur Miller) for contempt, as they failed to cooperate with House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) in their attempts to investigate alleged subversives and communists. (YT uploader comment)

Pete Seeger - Where Have All The Flowers Gone? (1966)
Marlene Dietrich - Sag mir wo die Blumen sind? (1960)

German cabaret star and actress Marlene Dietrich's return to Germany in 1960 (she had moved to USA before the war) for a concert tour elicited a mixed response. Many Germans felt she had betrayed her homeland by her actions during World War II. During her performances at Berlin's Titania Palast theatre, protesters chanted, "Marlene Go Home!" On the other hand, Dietrich was warmly welcomed by other Germans, including Berlin Mayor Willy Brandt. The tour was an artistic triumph, but a financial failure. She also undertook a tour of Israel around the same time, which was well-received; she sang some songs in German during her concerts, including a German version of Pete Seeger's anti-war anthem "Where Have All the Flowers Gone", thus breaking the unofficial taboo against the use of German in Israel. (Wikipedia)

August 1st 2010
It's Sundae, and if you start working again tomorrow (or don't have a job), this simple singalong probably isn't enough to cheer you up. But I'm afraid this is the best I could come up with today...

Red Hot Chili Peppers have a reputation for being lazy and arrogant live performers, but their ability to make all those cool and stylish rock music videos has always attracted lots of fans. Lead singer, Anthony Kiedis, has remained a popular rock star since their debut in the late 1980s (it was back then when they became famous for playing naked on stage - apart from wearing (long, of course) socks around their 'urine pipes').

Red Hot Chili Peppers - Californication (1999)

The England-based American,Tori Amos, has always been compared to Kate Bush, and to be honest, Tori Amos is a much more significant music artist than her British predecessor has ever been despite her amazing debut back in 1977. Tori had her own debut as a punk pop rock artist in the late 1980s, but it wasn't until the early 90s that she became famous as the solo artist and piano virtuoso, she has been ever since. Her fans have always speculated in how much the rape by a drunk fan in circa 1990 has affected all her future songwriting. It probably has meant a lot, but probably not more than her religious upbringing by her Methodist priest father. Her sarcasm towards religion is evident in a lot of her lyrics.
However, this fairly recent song hasn't got much to do with any of these themes.

Tori Amos - 500 Miles (2008)

July 31st 2010
The Pretenders have never been on the Singalong before, and since they're not exactly the worst band on the planet, I thought they should get their chance on the Singalong as well. So here goes. This is obviously the original video starring lead singer Chrissie Hynde a.o.

The Pretenders - Don't Get Me Wrong (1986)

Dire Straits have been on the Singalong once before. Once again, we're dealing with a song from their massively popular album "Brothers In Arms" from 1986. Again, there's an original video to this song.

Dire Straits - Romeo & Juliet (1986)

It is Saturday (and also the last day of July), so of course there has to be a third song on the Singalong tonight. It's yet another pop ballad - one of Florida-born Tom Petty's biggest hits. I'm not sure it's his best song, but it was on the radio yesterday when I drove to North Jutland... and back home - and it was quite possibly the best song I heard on the entire trip!

Tom Petty - Free Falling

July 30th 2010
This is the last Frigay... in July.
For this (apparently pointless) reason, I will post no less than three singalongs today.

Let's start out with the oldest of the songs. The Sweet has been on the menu a couple of times before (always on Frigays, of course). Today is obviously no exception. The song title as well as some of the lyrics ("Little Willy won't stay down") could make someone get a wrong impression of what this song is about, so let me clear things up, before you get the impression that I'm a particularly perverted pervert: It's about a cat (please read the user comments on YT)

The Sweet - Little Willy (1972?)

Get up on your toes & sharpen those elbows, girls. Because here's a song from one of the most succesful dance & gymnastics movies from the 1980s: Donna Summer's "Romeo"... Oooh yeah. I wanna see some sweat.

Donna Summer - Romeo (1983)

The Lebanese-born British singer/songwriter, Mika (b. 1983 as Michael Holbrook Penniman) has made no attempts at hiding his bisexual preferences. But when you see this video, you might think he's simply just a dirty-minded young pervert...

Mika - Lollipop (2007)

... And finally, there's a bonus track, which El Jay forced me to post when three of us were chatting on MSN last night. If you're offended, please redirect your complaints to someone near Hartlepool...

Sunblock - Baby Baby (1995, uncensored version)

July 29th 2010
It's rock & roll Thursday, and it has been a while since we've had some really heavy stuff on the singalong. "Whole Lotta Love" is perhaps Led Zeppelin's most succesful, classic rock & roll hit. The lyrics are also some of their most perverted (such as: "I'm gonna give you every inch of my love", "I wanna be your backdoor man" etc.).

Led Zeppelin - Whole Lotta Love (Live @ Royal Albert Hall, 1970)
Led Zeppelin - Whole Lotta Love (BBC Sessions 1970)

Don't forget to bang your head (into something)...
--
'we must hurry or we will be late for church'

July 28th 2010
Mr. Bowie (born as Mr. Jones in 1947) is probably the most critically acclaimed pop/rock singer alive today, so I think there's no valid excuse for not posting some of his songs in here now and then. Mr. Bowie had his breakthrough in 1969 with "Space Oddity" - a sound and musical style most people thought was 'ahead of its time', but it was rather an early definition of Bowie and his highly original style and appearance. The blue- and browneyed guy continued to amaze his audience for three decades, even though some of his fans were disappointed when he became a real pop artist in the mid-1980s.

David Bowie - Oh You Pretty Things (1972)

This is a live TV performance from his "Ziggy Stardust" period, even though Bowie doesn't look quite as dressed up in this clip as his androgynous Ziggy was supposed to be.

July 27th 2010
Lenny's ultimate hit from the late 1990s. "Fly Away" is of course about escapism - expressed as plainly as you possibly can. While the lyrics aren't exactly subtle, they fit the 'dirty' pop rock sound of this tune perfectly.

Lenny Kravitz - Fly Away (1998)

The music video for the single feature Kravitz and his band playing in a club. They were surrounded by the crowd dancing to the rhythm of the song, some of them were having fun and getting drunk, while other people were making out. There were also some topless women, which is probably the main reason why El Jay forced me to put this neo rock classic on the Singalong today... and it's still July btw.
--
'we must hurry or we will be late for church'

July 26th 2010
It's a little late in the afternoon, but I've been swimming at the beach at Nyborg this afternoon. I'm a pretty lousy swimmer, but it was pretty good today - and strangely enough the beach was almost empty. It's still summer holiday for most people here in DK.
It's good to hear you didn't suffocate last night, El Jay, because otherwise I probably wouldn't have been able to post a singalong today. I don't know if you have had your first driving lesson yet, but if not, then I'll just say listen, learn and enjoy the engine running. Someday you and it are gonna get along.

Now for the Singalong. There might never had been rock & roll if this guy hadn't 'invented' it.
Little Richard (b. 1932 as Richard Wayne Penniman) is an American singer, songwriter, pianist and recording artist, considered key in the transition from rhythm and blues to rock and roll in the 1950s. This song isn't exactly rock & roll, though.

Little Richard - Send Me Some Lovin' (soul version)
Little Richard - Send Me Some Lovin' (scream version)

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame web site entry on Penniman states that:
"He claims to be “the architect of rock and roll,” and history would seem to bear out Little Richard’s boast. More than any other performer - save, perhaps, Elvis Presley, Little Richard blew the lid off the Fifties, laying the foundation for rock and roll with his explosive music and charismatic persona..." (Wikipedia)

July 25th 2010
I have decided to combine my review from last night with Today's Singalong, so you will get a song link to each of the four bands who performed last night...!

It was a massive concert marathon yesterday at Parken in Copenhagen. I got there at 16.30 and expected it to be finished at 20.30... But at 23.30 Pink was still playing!

Butch Walker entered the stage at 17.30 and did a very energetic 'garage rock' 30 minute set. I can't help noticing his resemblance to Carey Hart(?!) Parken (The Park) is a large venue with a crappy audience sound, but Butch doesn't use that much bass, so that hardly ever became a problem.

Butch Walker - Pretty Melody
(He played that one, of course!)

After that, almost 45 minutes passed without anything going on. Then the Danish 'indie' rockband The Raveonettes came on and played for 30-40 minutes. It was kinda 'refreshing' to watch a band with a much more relaxed (calm) attitude. I've never paid much attention to their music, which I generally find a little boring - even their socalled 'hits'. It's their quiet songs that I like, and there was only one of those in the set.

The Raveonettes - This Is The last Dance
(Unfortunately they didn't play that one last night!)

After less than 30 minutes, the Danish 'hit house' rap duo, Nik & Jay, came on and played for at least 80 minutes! Some of us can't stand their cheesy 'teen appeal' lyrics (you're all lucky, because you don't understand Danish ). But I have to admit that they're highly skilled in what they do. Perfect soundlayers, impromptus and rhythm. And above all, their DJ, Morten Breum, is outstanding.

Nik & Jay - Boing!
(How do you rate a band, when you love their rhytmical qualities, but can't stand their songs?)

And after that I actually became a little angry. 30,000 people had been sweating inside for 4 hours, but still we had to wait MORE THAN AN HOUR before Pink came on. But most people were already semi drunk and fed up with pizzas, sausages and chips sold at a ridiculously high price. I bet most people spent more money on food & drinks than they spent on their ticket(!)

But finally at 2200 (five hours after people had entered the venue!), the real star of the show descended from above and gave the most sparkling and eneregtic perfomance I've seen from her so far. The only problem was the bad acoustic conditions at the venue, but that didn't take away the pleasure of watching Pink "Unwind" hanging upside down. The choir singers' 'vocal battle' at the end of "I'm Not Dead" was another great moment. Even though I wasn't familiar with several of the cover songs this time, I think it was great to hear something else than just the usual routine of Pink hits, and Butch seemed to have saved a lot of energy. Not more than Pink though. She really was in the mood for a sweaty 'givin' it all' performance last night. There was slightly more focus on the show than on the circus compared to the Funhouse Tour, and that seems to suit Pink well... and me too.

Pink - Unwind (Live, circa 2002)
(An old YT clip, sorry about the crappy sound)

Most critics haven't posted their reviews yet, but the Danish rock music magazine, Gaffa, who are usually sceptic to Pink's musical concept and attitude, gave her a 4/6 and posted a review that actually sounds like it was 5/6. Two other reviews: 3/6 (that tabloid usually only give her 2/6) and a 4/6 (I quote from that one: "Pink remains a vital and loveable heir to the spirit of Queen as well as Janis Joplin - and that ain't bad at all!")