Memo Shmemo

As a matter of practice, I try to avoid blog filler the likes of quizzes and gratuitous re-posts. I cave occasionally, though. I started this more out of personal curiosity then a desire to share. It turned out to be a nostalgic and reflective research project.

Originally from Holley via Facebook:

So, here’s how it works:

1. Open your music library (iTunes, Winamp, Media Player, iPod, etc)

2. Put it on shuffle

3. Press play

4. For every question (phase of life), type the song that’s playing

5. When you go to a new question, press the next button

6. Don’t lie and try to pretend you’re cool . . .

Opening Credits: Blinded by the Light – Manfred Mann

I’ve been really in to this song lately. My favorite puzzle in PHA (the most recent Microsoft Puzzle Hunt) came in the form of a CD, loaded with songs, and no instructions. The key to the puzzle was to figure out that it contained a pattern of original songs and covers of that song which were more successful than the originals.

Coincidentally, the week before Puzzle Hunt was the first time I had ever heard the awesome, original Bruce Springsteen version of Blinded by the Light. The only reason I heard it is because my new car has XM, and XM has a station that plays deep album cuts, including songs that are good but weren’t popular. I remember exactly when this happened, too, since it is pinned to a happy memory: this song came on just as I was picking up Jackie from her hotel to go to Trivia.

Waking Up: Extended IITB – The Price is Right

This is from a set of songs and sound clips from TPiR which I downloaded a while ago. I didn’t even care to figure out what IITB was until today. Apparently, it is Price is Right shorthand for the pricing game “It’s in the Bag.” This 12-second track is the extra part of the audio cue for that game.

While looking up this info, I also discovered The Price is Right Font Library. This page is perplexing… it is the collision of banality and esoterica. And somehow, it has amassed 48,000 hits. (However, the fact that the site has an odometer-style hit counter is evidence that it has been online since 1993.)

First Day of School: Feeling No Pain – Josh Rouse

I got this on a Free “Virgin Recommends” CD when I bought a Virgin Mobile phone five years ago. I’ve never played it on purpose.

Falling in Love: Taxman – The Beatles

This could interpreted to mean that falling for someone is a tax on my emotional resources. Or it could just be about taxes.

Fight Song: Blowout –The Crystal Method

OK, whatever. I got a bunch of techno music from a friend at a LAN party. Since I never delete anything, it persists. At the LAN party, we were playing WWII Online, which is a fighting game. That game contained a really good 2-team multiplayer asymmetric strategy map – storming the beach and fighting up the rocky coast of Normandy.

Breaking Up: She Has a Girlfriend Now – Reel Big Fish

I swear I didn’t cheat. This is really the song that came up.

Prom: Now’s The TimeCharlie Parker

Fun Fact: My personal nickname for my date to senior prom was “Hot Cello Girl”. She’ll recognize herself if she reads this. J. Whether she cringes or laughs, I’m curious.

Not as fun fact: My strongest memory of that evening is the fact that I was really distracted by my feelings for a different girl. I regret that I wasn’t purely focused on having a good time with my lovely date.

Life: Prologue, August 29, 1968 – Chicago

This song is about the turmoil and protests surrounding the Democratic National Convention in that year. I hope my life is nothing like that.

Mental Breakdown: Things Are What You Make of Them – Bishop Allen

Back when thespark.com was cool, they had an intrepid young writer by the name of Christian Rudder. He was the mind behind projects such as “Stinkyfeet”, “The Date My Sister Project” and “The Fat Project”. Unfortunately, those are long gone. If you can find these somewhere online, please let me know.

It was a bittersweet pill when Christian posted on thespark that he would be leaving to spend time on his band Bishop Allen. He left us with a url to a site which contained a few mp3s. I’ve loved the band ever since.

Driving: Penguin in Bondage – Frank Zappa

Ahh, Zappa. This is from one of the best albums he ever put out. The 12+minute sequence of Echidna’s Arf (Of You) and Don’t You Ever Was That Thing? is a breathtaking live performance, including the hands-down best trombone solo in a rock song, performed by Bruce Fowler.

Flashback: California – Phantom Planet

This might bring back memories for people who watch The OC… Kayla?

Wedding: Piece of My Heart – Janis Joplin

Woah there. I sincerely hope this does not describe my wedding:

You’re out on the streets looking good,
And baby deep down in your heart I guess you know that it ain’t right,
Never, never, never, never, never, never hear me when I cry at night,
Babe, I cry all the time!

And each time I tell myself that I, well I can’t stand the pain,
But when you hold me in your arms, I’ll sing it once again.

I’ll say come on, come on, come on, come on and take it!
Take it!
Take another little piece of my heart now, baby.
Oh, oh, break it!

Birth of a Child: The Peanut Vendor – Latin Traditional

This is the song is playing after Milton sets fire to Initech in Office Space.

Final Battle: I Just Wasn’t Made For These Times – The Beach Boys

This song is horribly depressing. I will not go down like this. My final battle better be much more exciting than this song. I imagine it would involve speed, intrigue, flames, and possibly robots.

Death Scene: Television – Japan

I first discovered this band while shopping at Toy Joy in Austin. It was after a band rehearsal; Brendan and I were looking for bus toys for an upcoming away game. I had invited Brette to come along on the shopping trip, which was just one opportunity for me to steal her away and spend some one-on-one time with her. This was several weeks before we began dating.

Funeral Song: Get High – Sons of Champlin

Not inappropriate for a post being written on April 20. This song has a nice section where the audience gets to sing along … kind of like a hymn, except they’re singing “Get high”. That would beat your average funeral.

End Credits: (Everbody Wanna Get Rich) Rite Away – Dr. John

Funk would be perfect for the closing credits of life. My personal request would be for Give Up the Funk (Tear the Roof off the Sucker) by Parliament.

3 Responses

  • it certainly does.

  • what certainly what?

  • the phantom planet song “california” certainly does remind me of the o.c.

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