Sunday, May 21, 2006

Pearl Jam Video, My Favorite 100 CD's And Bad Shrimp

I went to VH1.com this weekend and was surprised to see a video advertised for Pearl Jam's song "Life Wasted". I clicked on it to see if it was a video they would actually be in, since they pretty much stopped making videos after the first album. I can't say I cared for the video itself because it was very gruesome and clearly based on the SAW movie styled album cover art. I'm just happy to see this band finally put itself back into the spotlight.

As I mentioned before, I'm going to start profiling my 100 favorite CDs. The obvious reason: I like to hear myself talk! Or in this case, type. Also, I enjoy reading other people's favorite CD lists and wanted to make one of my own. This list is based purely on my personal opinions, so keep in mind it will exclude many of the artists who usually show up on these lists (The Beatles, Bob Dylan) and emphasize the 80's. A lot.

My first entry at number 100 is:

David Bowie - Changesonebowie (1990)

When I first saw MTV, one of the videos on was David Bowie's "Let's Dance". I thought it was a strange song, it would say "Let's Dance" but the performer sounded so tired it seemed like dancing would be a chore. Then "China Girl" came out and needless to say, myself and probably other Asian Americans never heard the end of it. However, after two strikes against him Bowie released "Modern Love", which I thought was great. The commercial made me want to be a coffee achiever!

After that, I didn't think much about David Bowie. I had a college roommate who worshipped the guy, so I heard a lot of his music. Even then, I wasn't that impressed outside of "Suffragette City" and felt he was a bit overrated. It wasn't until about ten years ago, when I got this CD, that I changed my mind.

This CD, which includes many of his top hits, gave me his most popular songs in chronological order. I could see the progression from gender bending glam rocker to futuristic new waver and hear his bests moments up to the ill fated "Blue Jean" (hated that song!) Stand out songs included the classic "Space Oddity", the car commercial theme "Rebel Rebel" and the overplayed "Heroes". The "Fame '90" remix was also fun, though I am ashamed to admit enjoying it from the Pretty Woman soundtrack.

David Bowie's approach to music and self promotion blazed a trail for many other rock stars to follow. He always seemed ahead of the curve, finding new sounds and images that were original and provacative thorughout the 70's.

A final note about Bad Shrimp. My wife and I ate at a Chinese food restaurant we like to go to and encountered some bad sweet and sour shrimp. It was just one piece, but it was nassttyyy! I took one bite, it tasted like it had been marinated in public restroom drainage. I'm never ordering that dish again.

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