I've Been Listening to Whatever My Daughter's Listening to: Pixie Lott, Plasticines, and Phoenix
My oldest daughter, Grace, is now 12 years old and has become a major influence on the newer music that I find these days. I have always been an unapologetic fan of sometimes-cheesy pop music, and my ear will like things that others may find a little uncool. Oh, well. This week, take a trip with me into my daughter Grace's playlist, the newest and hippest stuff out there via YouTube:
Plastiscines Duff McKagan's column runs every Thursday on Reverb. He writes about what's circulating through his iPod every Monday.
Pixie Lott, "Boys and Girls"
I think this is one of Mark Ronson's new projects, as I saw this video a TON when I was recently in the UK. If you like Duffy and Amy Winehouse, Pixie Lott is a newer and perhaps poppier version of this ilk.
Plastiscines, "Barcelona"
Plasticines are a new all-girl rock/pop band with a knack for writing a good hook. This is really fun stuff that needs no high-brow critic to dissect them. Maybe like a cross between the Go-Gos and the Ting Tings. Check it out.
Phoenix, "1901"
"1901" was a song that at first listen did absolutely nothing for me. I remember thinking the same thing when I first heard the Strokes, though. But this single has grown on me to the point that I can't get the song out of my head now. Phoenix could be that next big thing.
56 comment(s)
mark says:
Grace is twelve?!! A couple blinks ago and it was '97! -time flies when you're rockin'
Posted On: Monday, Nov. 2 2009 @ 10:37AM
Marcel says:
Les bébés rockers: Paris Calling ! (hats off to any gal that rocks; it doesn't get any better than that...)
Posted On: Monday, Nov. 2 2009 @ 11:05AM
Sophia says:
This stuff isn't really my thing and I've never heard any of these songs, but hey, I'm at home sick today and I have nothing better to do so I'll give them a listen. Besides, I like listening to something new for a change.
After listening to all three I have to say that I probably like that first one the best, that chorus will be stuck in my head for the rest of the day!
I've been listening to everything from Lenny Kravitz to D.O.A. lately, again just mixing it up from what I usually listen to :)
Posted On: Monday, Nov. 2 2009 @ 11:40AM
London- says:
Cmon... Again? SHUT UP! ure fucked up dude. ou cant talk about dis s/*t after talkin about good bands, like pistols, ramones, damned, misfits, jk& the heartbreakers. Udont deserve dis column.-
Posted On: Monday, Nov. 2 2009 @ 12:19PM
Janean says:
Aretha, Billie, Mahalia. It is Monday after all.
Youtube will have to wait until later in the week.
Safe travels, btw. Hope SA rawks!
Cheers.
Posted On: Monday, Nov. 2 2009 @ 12:34PM
AxlReznor says:
On the subject of pop music, everyone should check out Orianthi. I've been talking this girl up a lot on Facebook lately, and with good reason.
To listen to her album - Believe - which was released last week, you may write her off as another Kelly Clarkson-type guitar pop. But when you take into account that all of those guitar solos that pop up in every song are played by Orianthi herself.
Whereas she is blessed with a pop star voice and good looks, she is actually primarily a guitarist from Adelaide, Australia. At 15 she was opening for Steve Vai. By 18 she was playing sets with Carlos Santana - a man who has been quoted as saying that if he had to pass the torch to anyone, it would be her.
Since then, she's played with Prince, Carrie Underwood, and her big break was to be as Michael Jackson's guitarist at the O2 Arena. Unfortunately things didn't work out, but you can see her shred her way through They Don't Care About Us, Beat It and Black & White in the movie.
The music on her album might not be to everyone here's tastes, but I do like it.
As for what else I've been listening to lately? Weezer's new album (which isn't very good really) has just finished playing. I'm pretty sure these were the kind of songs that the lyrics to Pork & Beans from their last record were rebelling against.
Posted On: Monday, Nov. 2 2009 @ 1:13PM
Karoline says:
Well, the world is changing, just like the music..
@AxlReznor I'll give Orianthi a listen. Actually I'm really looking forward to it!
And for the last week I've been listening a lot to White Lies. They're playing here in Norway on Thursday, can't wait. And I'm stilllistening to Parlor Mob like the whole time. Can't get that album out of my head. So a bunch of newer stuff this week.
Posted On: Monday, Nov. 2 2009 @ 3:28PM
London- says:
@Karoline Jezz the world is changin' just like duff's mind.---
What goes next???? The Jonas Brothers????
with lov, London-
Posted On: Monday, Nov. 2 2009 @ 3:43PM
Zelasha says:
@ london:
stop bitchin duff around
Posted On: Monday, Nov. 2 2009 @ 5:01PM
Stari says:
I started off my Monday listening to Syd Barrett, but switched quickly to the Buzzcocks and Johnny Thunders...otherwise, I don't think I would've made out the door. Right now, I'm listening to the audio book for "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" and painting.
Posted On: Monday, Nov. 2 2009 @ 5:52PM
Very says:
Duff!!!
WE ARE WAITING FOR YOU AND LOADED HERE IN BRAZIL (SAN PAULO) NEXT WEEKEND(11/8)!!!
\O/
BRING THE KIDS AND WIFE (SUSAN) TOO!!!
See you next weekend!!!
THANKSSSSSS!
Cheers!
Posted On: Monday, Nov. 2 2009 @ 6:45PM
Sonny says:
Pop music is like junk food for the soul-- once in a while it tastes REAL GOOD-- but too much and you'll get a tummy ache.
right now listening to:
buddy holly - weezer
fear of the dark [live]- IM
isnt IPOD shuffle just great?
-------------------------
hey Duff, how are your workouts going? mountainclimbing and shit? it's such an empowering feeling to reach your aerobic threshold and to just KEEP PUSHING. every step, every breath at that point becomes a 'f you' to anyone and anything that ever got in your way... and every step, every breath, becomes a victory...
Posted On: Monday, Nov. 2 2009 @ 8:18PM
Sonny says:
thanks to this blog, i've just read:
band of brothers
undaunted courage
the underground empire
To give back, i recommend
the blank slate
the stuff of thought
both by Stephen Pinker
-since you like cheesy songs [as do I] if you do manage to climb another mtn, listen to The Touch by Stan Bush
I loved this song when i was 12... still do..
Posted On: Monday, Nov. 2 2009 @ 8:38PM
Liz says:
My worlds just collided a little..
That Plasticines song was produced by my fave artist ever - Mr. Butch Walker.
Great catchy song. The other 2 songs on the "Barcelona" EP (I Can Rob You and You're No Good) are also great. Haven't listened to the full album yet, but believe he was involved in the whole thing.
Posted On: Monday, Nov. 2 2009 @ 8:44PM
annk7 says:
My oldest is 12 almost 13 so I have no option but to hear the newer stuff a la Pixie Lott, La Roux etc. However, I am taking him to see Paramore in Glasgow in Dec so there may be hope!
I will def be checking out Orianthi - thanks to AR and after seeing This Is It.
Enjoy your SA gigs.
Posted On: Monday, Nov. 2 2009 @ 8:55PM
S. Marie says:
Are you kidding me? Is this for realz? I think my eyes are going bleed just reading this list of yours. I hope you feel better soon.
Posted On: Monday, Nov. 2 2009 @ 11:38PM
Nicole says:
Dajana loves Paisley: A Rockband from a little town in Germany (Bad Salzuflen). Check them on Youtube, mixture of blues, rock'n'roll and hard rock.
Posted On: Tuesday, Nov. 3 2009 @ 2:30AM
Sophia Shaikh says:
I recently went to visit a friend, and we heard that Pixie Lott song on the radio. I missed the DJ's speech but my friend told me who and what it was, and I had it stuck in my head alllll day! It's not too bad actually.
I barely know what's in the charts these days, that's why I always fail at the recent pop music questions in pub quizzes!
Posted On: Tuesday, Nov. 3 2009 @ 2:44AM
ckgent says:
i have recently taken to listening to ladyhawke, not normally my thing, but id suggest checking it out. very 80's pop, with a kim wilde edge.
Posted On: Tuesday, Nov. 3 2009 @ 4:13AM
mark says:
Nirvana's Live at Reading hits the shelves today, so I'll be checking that out. Saw a preview on a banner ad and it's incredible.
Jimmy Thackery is comin' to town so I'll get there early to help load in the equipment and crack a few jokes. I only asked him once to put me on a blues festival guest list and that was a real treat. Jimmy Page and Robert Plant have been on his guest list over in Europe, so that should tell ya something. I have fond memories of the Wild Night Out and Drive to Survive tours, as well as the subsequent tours.
Speaking of rockin' blues I had a business trip to Alaska and tacked on a weekend trip to Waikiki, which reduced the flights pricing structure so I seized that opportunity. It was surreal going from nice beach weather in March to having to plug in the rental car into an electrical outlet in the hotel's parking lot so that the engine wouldn't freeze over. I've only seen that practice done in Alaska and hope it doesn't get cold enough in your neck of the woods to require such extreme measures. Anyways, I get into the Hawaii aiport and pick up the local paper to see if there were any cool shows. Stevie Ray Vaughn was playing that night and had his brother Jimmie, opening the show. Wow is a pretty good summary of that one. Seize any opportunity is all I can say and of course; Keep Rockin'
Posted On: Tuesday, Nov. 3 2009 @ 6:02AM
Anonymous says:
Hmmm, guess I need an iPhone in case the drummer doesn't show, ha. Catchy tune...
Posted On: Tuesday, Nov. 3 2009 @ 6:40AM
Nicole says:
@ london: You should better calm down.
Giving different kinds of music a chance is great. (Except perhaps "Tokio Hotel", these guys are scaring me)
Posted On: Tuesday, Nov. 3 2009 @ 7:21AM
Nicolas says:
I generally hate pop music of all kinds... I was kinda raised to despise the mainstream, and in the time of Britney Spears and the Backstreet Boys that was easy... and it still is.
When I was twelve my favorite song was probably "Tom Foolery" by an old 1950's vocal group called the Monotones. If you've heard of them, they're the group that did "Who Wrote the Book of Love?", the song was ripped off for a wonder ball commercial jingle a few years. In the five years since then, however, my musical tastes have gone forward a few decades.
Lately I've been listening to the Kills' "Last Day of Magic" a lot. It has a great combination of punk and blues in it, and it really helped me through a few frustrations with my girlfriend. I'm also listening to a few assorted bands, but the only other thing I can really think of is Robert Johnson's "Come On in My Kitchen"
and on a political note- don't judge Virginia by what happens today. Deeds is just a giant prick, and McDonnell hasn't been so negative on his campaigning, so people don't realize that he is also a giant prick who's also a gun-touting homophobe.
Posted On: Tuesday, Nov. 3 2009 @ 7:48AM
Yo Momma says:
@Nicole hahaaha, right on.
Posted On: Tuesday, Nov. 3 2009 @ 8:06AM
Pops says:
@Nicolas, you crack me up with 'I hate all pop...' ha.
I'd tell ya how I like many different genres and give examples but I don't feel like being tarred and feathered today.
Rock on.
Posted On: Tuesday, Nov. 3 2009 @ 8:20AM
Kate says:
Duff,
Yeah for you for listening to your kids' music. I endured years of The Spice Girls, The Backstreet Boys and countless Disney soundtracks with my girls. In turn, they had to listen to MY music. As the years have gone by we've all "evolved" into appreciating all music.
In some cases you just have to get past the noise to hear the sound.
Posted On: Tuesday, Nov. 3 2009 @ 8:34AM
Dagnabit says:
dag-nab-it Duff, now i can't get 1901 outta my head... ha.
Posted On: Tuesday, Nov. 3 2009 @ 8:34AM
London- says:
@Nicole jeez youre right, go n listen to lady gaga! That rawk dontya think!? SHUT UP, This is too much. I thought that Duff was Best of the Last. seems i was wrong.
ure down Duff! :(
Posted On: Tuesday, Nov. 3 2009 @ 1:04PM
AxlReznor says:
Oh no! He doesn't only listen to rock music! He must suck!
That was sarcasm, by the way.
Posted On: Tuesday, Nov. 3 2009 @ 1:59PM
London- says:
@AxlReznor I'm not sying that Ijust listen to Rock music, or whatever you think I listen to ;) I saying that I like MUSIC not computers that sounds like music. N stop kissing Duff's ass, thnx
Posted On: Tuesday, Nov. 3 2009 @ 2:51PM
London- says:
btw.- "Phoenix could be that next big thing."
damn!!!
Posted On: Tuesday, Nov. 3 2009 @ 2:56PM
Nicolas says:
@Pops- Don't get me wrong, I am not just limited to one genre of music. I just don't like the mainstream. Maybe putting it better would be saying that I don't like radio music, for the most part. (there are a few songs that are played on the radio that I really like, but a lot of it just overplayed, or was never good in the first part)
If you would like to give me examples of different music that you like, I'm all ears...er, eyes. I promise, not tar or feathers. well, maybe a feather or two... who doesn't like a nice feather every now and then?
Posted On: Tuesday, Nov. 3 2009 @ 5:45PM
Gracielly Aragao says:
Duff...
Love you,I'm waiting for you in Brazil.
Posted On: Tuesday, Nov. 3 2009 @ 5:54PM
Pops says:
@Nicolas,
I wouldn't want to be drawn and quartered but here goes, just keep in mind that these are only occasional indulgences... Have you ever listened to Johnny Cash when he worked with Rick Rubin? How about Merle or maybe even Willie? Now this isn't everyday stuff but once in awhile it's cool. If you eat steak and lobster everyday you'll end up hating it pretty quickly, guaranteed. I had a co-worker make me a techno dance tape and it was amazing, although not something I'd go out and spend hard earned money on. But it sure opened me up to other types of musical expression. Here is another example - I'm caucasian and a black co-worker wanted to go out dancing. She told me that there was a lion inside of me that was ready to roar. I was intrigued so we made a date for the following friday and she took me to her favorite dance club. I was the only white person in that club and either had to put up or shut up. I guess you could say I learned how to dance that night and people were super cool to me. I had no idea it would turn out that way. I thought they'd want to knife me in the back parking lot or something. That night, there was no race. We were just humans, having a good time. I dare ya to step outside of your comfort zone sometime, and see what happens; you might even surprise yourself and others. Music is the same way. Search and you will find. Thanks for asking and I completely understand what you're saying about the mainstream.
Peace.
Posted On: Tuesday, Nov. 3 2009 @ 8:26PM
Zelasha says:
"N stop kissing Duff's ass, thnx"
@london
yeah and dogs should stop licking themselves ... thats not going to happen
Posted On: Tuesday, Nov. 3 2009 @ 8:57PM
Pops says:
Posted On: Tuesday, Nov. 3 2009 @ 10:02PM
Pops says:
Cool tune: Play That Funky Music White Boy, by Wild Cherry
Posted On: Tuesday, Nov. 3 2009 @ 10:04PM
mark says:
@Nicolas -here's a good one: Wild Cherry/Play That Funky Music White Boy
Posted On: Wednesday, Nov. 4 2009 @ 4:09AM
zebach says:
Warren Zevon-Lawyer, Guns and Money
Ringo Starr - No No No I Don't Smoke It No More
Sublime - What I Got
Pink Floyd - Wish You Were Here
Nirvana - Lithium @ Reading '92
mamas and the papas - it never rains in southern california
Led Zepplin - Black Dog
Jimmy Thackery & The Drivers - Red House
Edgar Winter Group - Frankenstien
Cheap Trick - The Flame
Blue Oyster Cult - Don't Fear The Reaper
Beach Boys - California Girls
Posted On: Wednesday, Nov. 4 2009 @ 6:07AM
Mary says:
Pixie Lott had a lot of success last summer, they played her video hundreds of times a day...I hated her! and I still do, she looks so fake!! I mean, everytime I saw that video, I could only think that she was a kind of a puppet with a pretty face and nothing more than this...
Posted On: Wednesday, Nov. 4 2009 @ 7:40AM
London- says:
@Zelasha Jeez, whatever you say! =)If you like kissing duff's ass.. I think he luvs it! Cos he only talk to @axlreznor n ppl like, not to real fans
Posted On: Wednesday, Nov. 4 2009 @ 12:33PM
mark says:
@London, that is totally not true. I'm a fan as Duff plays killer bass and he's responded to me and other fans as well. It does help to have something pertinent to say...
Posted On: Wednesday, Nov. 4 2009 @ 12:38PM
zebach says:
(Duff does more than just play bass, but you knew that!)
Posted On: Wednesday, Nov. 4 2009 @ 12:41PM
London- says:
@Mark yare right, Ill start kissing his ass ;) dat gonna help!
Posted On: Wednesday, Nov. 4 2009 @ 3:03PM
AxlReznor says:
If you think I kiss his ass, you've totally missed something. Seriously... that's all I'm going to say.
Posted On: Thursday, Nov. 5 2009 @ 1:48AM
Dennis says:
My latest:
Hugh Cornwell-"Going To The City"
Glen Matlock & The Philistines-"White Knuckle Ride"
Cracker-"Yalla Yalla (Let's Go)"
The Damned-"Suicide"
Pink Fairies-"Do It"
Cheap Trick-"Sick Man of Europe"
Grand Mal-"Old Fashioned"
Wilco-"Casino Queen"
The A's-"After Last Night"
Posted On: Thursday, Nov. 5 2009 @ 5:32AM
Sophia says:
@Dennis, Wilco is cool :)
Posted On: Thursday, Nov. 5 2009 @ 6:42AM
Art in the Bay Area says:
@Dennis, I really dug a Cracker song when it came out about the lead singer being blitzed in Europe and ending up in some water fountain. If you remember the name of it, please let me know as it's been awhile.
Something cool that I accidentally wandered into last night was the SF Art Exchange and the owner, Jim Hartley has some mind blowing experiences. They had some framed photographs that were almost life size which will be part of the opening reception on Saturday the 7th from 7pm-10pm featuring the works of Ethan Russell and celebrating the music of 1969. I saw classic images and album covers by the Beatles, Stones, Who, Janis, Jimi, Keef, Mick and Jim Morrison, as well as tons of others. I don't see any of those images on their website yet, but hopefully they'll get posted. Jim Marshall the first Rolling Stone photographer always shows up at these events too, so he'll have some good stories too. Brian Wilson is inked in for an upcoming exhibit there and negotiations are in the works with others, although I probably shouldn't mention their names as they're not finalized. It's worth checking out if you're in the Union Square neighborhood.
Met up with a good friend from the road last night and those bluesy rockers were great for my soul. Everything is right with the world after Jimmy Thackery's show and he's got some great players in the band. Roy Buchanon took a shine to Jimmy and they shared a stage when Jimmy was just 17 years old. He also has some fond memories of playing with Danny Gatton and many others. Guitar pickers out there have heard these names and maybe even a few of the tunes, hopefully. There were a lot of great players in the D.C. area when Jimmy was starting out and they helped eachother to advance musically very quickly. I won't share too many stories as you can get them straight from the horses mouth if ya go to the shows. We're fortunate to have many living legends and their easily approachable at the smaller venues.
I have fond memories of meeting Duff and include him in the living legend category as well. I'm not blowing smoke either, just stating a fact. Go to the shows, you'll be glad you did and keep listenin'
cheers!
Posted On: Thursday, Nov. 5 2009 @ 7:32AM
AxlReznor says:
I seem to remember that there was some link between Cracker and Paul Westerberg from The Replacements. But I can't tell what it is, or even if I'm remembering wrong, because I can't find anything about it.
Posted On: Thursday, Nov. 5 2009 @ 7:40AM
mark says:
p.s. - I haven't seen AxlReznor kiss any ass here. Thanks for all of your insights Anthony!
Posted On: Thursday, Nov. 5 2009 @ 7:50AM
great guitarists of all time... says:
(i'd put them in a different order, especially prioritizing it by the ones i've met!)
Posted On: Thursday, Nov. 5 2009 @ 9:43AM
Anonymous says:
@Art in the bay Area, "I really dug a Cracker song when it came out about the lead singer being blitzed in Europe and ending up in some water fountain. If you remember the name of it, please let me know as it's been awhile."
That was "EuroTrash Girl" a hidden track from the Kerosene Hat album. it also shows up on their greatest hits.
Posted On: Friday, Nov. 6 2009 @ 6:32AM
Suisse says:
...interesting Duff....im going to listen this groups...Rock on man!!!!
Posted On: Saturday, Nov. 7 2009 @ 2:20PM
z says:
@AxlReznor, thanks for referring Orianthi, -just amazing!
Posted On: Sunday, Nov. 8 2009 @ 4:30AM
Anonymous says:
thanks Anonymous! ha.
Posted On: Sunday, Nov. 8 2009 @ 4:44AM
David R says:
@London
By the way you write (talk) you’re probably some 15 yr. old starving for attention, in quest of free porn in the net, listening to 50 Cent and Static X, trying to “canalize” your anger by means of being against everything and everybody.
The extents to which you open your senses to new things define your mental aperture dude. Remember that next time you look at yourself in the mirror other than to pop zits.
Paraguay present.
Posted On: Monday, Nov. 9 2009 @ 2:00PM