title

So yeah, this song isn’t fun. Not fun at all.

Okay, I keed, I keed.

This song in particular is about a man being compared to his “perfect” neighbor (although I have to say, I think a man like Endicott would drive many women insane over time), and why he isn’t like the titular character. Additionally, the singer is a bit of a rake himself, a bit of a gigolo and gold digger, pretty much what you expect from a Kid Creole song. The Coconuts chime in nicely with their mocking chorus “why can’t you be like Endicott?“, and the song has a nice, funky bassline and a bit of calypso as well.

Here’s a link to the video

And of course, the lyrics:

Endicott’s up by 5 o’clock
Endicott’s givin’ it all he got
Endicott’s job is six to nine but
Endicott’s home by nine O five
Endicott helps to cook the steak
Endicott helps to wash the plates
Endicott puts the kids to bed
Endicott reads a book to them

Our love will be…

I’ve always enjoyed LL Cool J. While he’s best known for his boisterous, boasting style rap, for me it’s generally been the quieter, more low-key tunes where he really shines. This is one of those songs.

The smooth jazz style of Going Back To Cali really set the song apart back when it first came out. Additionally, LL’s quietly understated rap gives a great feeling of a laid back fish out of water. The sax vs. the pounding 808 also works nicely too.

Here’s a link to the video

And of course, the lyrics:

I’m going back to Cali, Cali, Cali
I’m going back to Cali.. hmm, I don’t think so
I’m going back to Cali, Cali, Cali
I’m going back to Cali.. I don’t think so

[saxophone solo]

I honestly don’t know that much about the song Sticky Jazz–I have no idea what it’s about, if it has any meaning whatsoever, what anyone was thinking that day, no clue.

I do know that I loved it from the first time I heard it. The bass line captivated me and got me dancing. The moody feel got me into my head a little bit, and the sheer joy of the combination of instruments, melody and rhythm made me sit up and say, “Hell yeah!”. It was easily a three banana song.

Back in the days before the internet, I would sometimes hear a song I loved but rarely heard on the radio, and write my own lyrics for it, and I know I did this for Sticky Jazz. And no, even if I had any idea where those lyrics were, I wouldn’t post them.

You can listen to the song below:

And of course, the lyrics:

Wider than the sea - bigger than my big canoe and me
Blacker than a bullet - shiny as the stars we cannot find
And the blue, blue music - nothing ever was so sweet
Everything is fine: Higher Mathematics of the mind…

…Do-do the cruel immersion: do-do the flaming tongue
…Do-do the holy mash-up: (something for everyone)
…Do-do the cruel immersion: do-do the flaming tongue
…Do-do the holy mash-up…

(You Dyed Your Hair) Chartreuse isn’t the best known Louis Jordan song, nor would I even rank it as one of his best. That being said, it’s still a lot better than so many other songs out there.

The subject matter is a little dated–after all, dyeing one’s hair Chartreuse these days would be somewhat tame–but it’s still got a nice, gentle humor that’s quite enjoyable. Also there’s a bit of wistfulness at innocence lost as well, as the narrator casts a nostalgic eye on the young lady in question, back to the days when her hair was black and she loved ginger-ale.

You can listen to the song below:

And of course, the lyrics:

You’re a freckled gal,
You’re a pug-nosed cutey, sweet as Charlotte Russe
You’ve got big blue eyes,
So I ask you why have you dyed your hair chartreuse?

Chartreuse (chartreuse)
Chartreuse (chartreuse)
Though you think it’s mighty cute
Just wait ’til I write and tell your ma
That you dyed your hair chartreuse
Chartreuse (chartreuse)
Chartreuse (chartreuse)
Though you think it’s mighty cute
But just wait ’til I write and tell your ma
You didn’t like black, you didn’t like red
You hated blondes, well, it’s no use
You got mad and dyed your hair…
Chartreuse

New Frontier is one of those cool songs that you’re supposed to like–but I like it anywhere.

I personally think it’s just a cool sounding song. Like many, I enjoyed Steely Dan, and this isn’t too far removed. I like the feel, the story behind the song, and the music.

Speaking of the story behind the song, from SongFacts:

On The Charlie Gillett Show on London’s Capital Radio in 1988, Fagen said: “You’ll hear a little blues guitar played by Larry Carlton, and it’s kind of a track reflecting the spirit of the times. The storyline is basically about a bunch of kids who have a party in a fall-out shelter while their parents are away for the weekend.” (thanks, Edward Pearce - Ashford, Kent, England)

Here’s a link to the video

And of course, the lyrics:

Yes we’re gonna have a wingding
A summer smoker underground
It’s just a dugout that my dad built
In case the reds decide to push the button down
We’ve got provisions and lots of beer
The key word is survival on the new frontier

Well I can’t wait ’til I move to the city
‘Til I finally make up my mind
To learn design and study overseas
Let’s pretend that it’s the real thing
And stay together all night long
And when I really get to know you
We’ll open up the doors and climb into the dawn
Confess your passion your secret fear
Prepare to meet the challenge of the new frontier

—————-
Now playing: Sublime - Doin’ Time
via FoxyTunes

I first heard this song years ago on The Box (remember that, kiddies?) and I was very amused initially. Over time, however, I found that I really liked this song. I like Scatman John’s scat-singing, and I very much enjoy the rhythm and the beat. As to the story behind the song, from Wikipedia:

The lyrics detail how he overcame his difficulties with stuttering by turning them into the ability to scat-sing, and encourages children who stutter not to give up.

I think that’s pretty cool too.

Here’s a link to the video

And of course, the lyrics:

(Scatting by Scatman John)
I’m the Scatman
(Scatting by Scatman John)
I’m the Scatman
(Scatting by Scatman John)
Everybody stutters one way or the other
So check out my message to you.
As a matter of fact don’t let nothin’ hold you back.
If the Scatman can do it so can you.
Everybody’s sayin’ that the Scatman stutters
But doesn’t ever stutter when he sings.
But what you don’t know I’m gonna tell you right now
That the stutter and the scat is the same thing.
Yo I’m the Scatman.
Where’s the Scatman ? I’m the Scatman.
Why should we be pleasin’ all the politician heathens
Who would try to change the seasons if they could?
The state of the condition insults my intuitions
And it only makes me crazy and my heart like wood.
Everybody stutters one way or the other
So check out my message to you.
As a matter of fact don’t let nothin’ hold you back.
If the Scatman can do it brother so can you.
I’m the Scatman.
(Scatting by Scatman John)
Everybody stutters one way or the other
So check out my message to you.
As a matter of fact don’t let nothin’ hold you back.
If the Scatman can do it brother so can you.
I’m the Scatman.
I hear you all ask ’bout the meaning of scat.
Well I’m the professor and all I can tell you is
While you’re still sleepin’ the saints are still weepin’ cause
Things you call dead haven’t yet had the chance to be born.
I’m the Scatman.
(Scatting by Scatman John)
I’m the Scatman….repeat after me
It’s a scoobie oobie doobie scoobie doobie melody
I’m the Scatman….repeat after me
It’s a scoobie oobie doobie scoobie doobie melody
(Scatting by Scatman John)

—————-
Now playing: Beastie Boys - Unite
via FoxyTunes

Step Right Up is one of those great, funny songs that anyone can instantly identify with. We’ve all been pitched to our entire lives, and this song is particularly evocative of that fact. Waits’ gritty voice juxtaposed against the jazzy bass and saxaphone really bring it all off. A great song.

Here’s a link to a tribute video

And of course, the lyrics:

Step right up, step right up, step right up,
Everyone’s a winner, bargains galore
That’s right, you too can be the proud owner
Of the quality goes in before the name goes on
One-tenth of a dollar, one-tenth of a dollar, we got service after sales
You need perfume? we got perfume, how ’bout an engagement ring?
Something for the little lady, something for the little lady,
Something for the little lady, hmm
Three for a dollar
We got a year-end clearance, we got a white sale
And a smoke-damaged furniture, you can drive it away today
Act now, act now, and receive as our gift, our gift to you
They come in all colors, one size fits all
No muss, no fuss, no spills, you’re tired of kitchen drudgery
Everything must go, going out of business, going out of business
Going out of business sale
Fifty percent off original retail price, skip the middle man
Don’t settle for less
How do we do it? how do we do it? volume, volume, turn up the volume
Now you’ve heard it advertised, don’t hesitate
Don’t be caught with your drawers down,
Don’t be caught with your drawers down
You can step right up, step right up

‘Cause it forges your signature
If not completely satisfied, mail back unused portion of product
For complete refund of price of purchase
Step right up
Please allow thirty days for delivery, don’t be fooled by cheap imitations
You can live in it, live in it, laugh in it, love in it
Swim in it, sleep in it,
Live in it, swim in it, laugh in it, love in it
Removes embarrassing stains from contour sheets, that’s right
And it entertains visiting relatives, it turns a sandwich into a banquet
Tired of being the life of the party?
Change your shorts, change your life, change your life
Change into a nine-year-old Hindu boy, get rid of your wife,
And it walks your dog, and it doubles on sax
Doubles on sax, you can jump back Jack, see you later alligator
See you later alligator
And it steals your car
It gets rid of your gambling debts, it quits smoking
It’s a friend, and it’s a companion,
And it’s the only product you will ever need
Follow these easy assembly instructions it never needs ironing
Well it takes weights off hips, bust, thighs, chin, midriff,
Gives you dandruff, and it finds you a job, it is a job
And it strips the phone company free take ten for five exchange,
And it gives you denture breath
And you know it’s a friend, and it’s a companion
And it gets rid of your traveler’s checks
It’s new, it’s improved, it’s old-fashioned
Well it takes care of business, never needs winding,
Never needs winding, never needs winding
Gets rid of blackheads, the heartbreak of psoriasis,
Christ, you don’t know the meaning of heartbreak, buddy,
C’mon, c’mon, c’mon, c’mon
‘Cause it’s effective, it’s defective, it creates household odors,
It disinfects, it sanitizes for your protection
It gives you an erection, it wins the election
Why put up with painful corns any longer?
It’s a redeemable coupon, no obligation, no salesman will visit your home
We got a jackpot, jackpot, jackpot, prizes, prizes, prizes, all work guaranteed
How do we do it, how do we do it, how do we do it, how do we do it
We need your business, we’re going out of business
We’ll give you the business
Get on the business end of our going-out-of-business sale
Receive our free brochure, free brochure
Read the easy-to-follow assembly instructions, batteries not included
Send before midnight tomorrow, terms available,
Step right up, step right up, step right up
You got it buddy: the large print giveth, and the small print taketh away
Step right up, you can step right up, you can step right up
C’mon step right up
(Get away from me kid, you bother me…)
Step right up, step right up, step right up, c’mon, c’mon, c’mon, c’mon, c’mon
Step right up, you can step right up, c’mon and step right up,
C’mon and step right up

Austin Powers was not the most recent use of Quincy Jones’ Soul Bossa Nova. That honor goes to Dream Warriors.

My Definition Of A Boombastic Jazz Style utilizes Jones’ 1962 recording very nicely, and counterpointed against the cool vocals, the song really works well. Definitely one I fell in love with the first time I heard it.

Here’s a link to the video

And of course, the lyrics:

here we go are you ready for one other
Dream Warriors’ noise is new discover-al
once again with a new blend so telephone a friend
(yo dude I just got this new song It’s dope man)
compact disc to the prime is optimist
fans and friends I’m universally cosmic
concrete jungles abound
you stand by the speakers
you’re smothered and covered up in the sound
you stand strong as you pump your fist
I’m talkin’ all that jazz
now what’s my definition
[Chorus:]
my definition
my definition
my definition is this
my definition
my definition
my definition is this
my definition
my definition is this
my definition
when I kick rhymes there’s something said to do damage
hits so strong even superman needs a hand
so bob your head dread as I kick the funk flow
this rhyme is subliminal yet you don’t think so
I walk with a gold cane a gold brain and no gold chain
behind the truth lies there lies a parafix
in the mix is where Dream Warriors go
define if you will but I know so
there is no definition
[Chorus]
rhyme thou I know it to flow it just like a poet
your definition of me is definetly wrong
why must I try to lie and build an alibi
when all you ask is just for me to be me
replace a replacable replacement with this
relax relax relaxtion boombastic
my name is King Lu
(mine is Capital Q)
bags of mostly water search to find my definition
[Chorus]
I sought beauty through the dust of strife
I sought meaning to my music addicition
arise awaken we have need to reverse
a plauge has befallen us no time to reherse
this rhyme speaks it speak and has spoken
this rhyme will not change things
it needs to be changed in a hurse
you find caskets in my rhyme baskets of rhyme
your definition can define
so what’s my definition
[Chorus]
(yo, where’d everybody go?)

Cantaloop (Flip Fantasia) is one of those songs that makes you want to get down and boogie. The beat, the horns, the smooth lyrical delivery all mesh together to make for a great, catchy sound. It’s one of those songs that’s great to play when a party is at it’s peak, as it will fill the dance floor–or at least, put people in a good frame of mind.

Here’s a link to the video

And of course, the lyrics:

Ladies and Gentlemen,
as you know we have something
special for you at
Birdland this evening.
A recording for
Blue Note Records

I’ve found it. At last.
Put it on.

There was a brief period in the early to mid 90’s where several artists showed up with a rap/jazz fusion at the same time, and Digable Planets was one of those bands. This particular song caught on in a big way, probably because of the cool jazz bass and the simple, funky beat. That’s the reason I like it, and I imagine that’s why it was a big hit.

Here’s a link to the video

And of course, the lyrics:

we like the breeze floats straight out of our lids
them they got moved by these hard rock brooklyn kids
us floor rush when the dj’s boomin classics
you dig the crew on the fattest hip hop record
he touch the kinks and sinks into the sounds
she frequents the fatter joints called undergrounds
our funk zooms like you hit the mary jane
they flock to booms man boogie had to change
who freaks the clips with mad amount percussion
where kinky hair goes to unthought of dimensions
why’s it so fly cause hip hop kept some drama
when butterfly rock the light blue suede pumas
what by the cut we push it off the corner
how was the buzz entire hip hop era
was fresh and fat since they started sayin outtie
cause funks made fat from right beneath my hoodie
the puba of the styles like miles and shit
like sixties funky worms wit waves and perms
just sendin chunky rhythms right down your block
we be to rap what key be to lock

(Butterfly)
we jazz like that
we freak like that
we zoom like that
we out (we out)