Granted, neither of these songs is actually about the American Revolution, but last time we checked, there weren’t a whole lot of songs written about The Revolutionary War that would make for good background music during happy hour, so we’re going with songs that approach the theme, if not the subject. First up, the only band that matters: The Beatles.
There is a great story about Paul McCartney showing up at a record release party for the Rolling Stones’ Beggars Banquet, where lucky members of the public are hearing “Sympathy for the Devil” and “Street Fighting Man” for the first time, and they’re duly impressed. So Paul, innocently or not so innocently, asked if he could play an acetate of a couple tracks the Beatles had just recorded. They said sure, and Paul drops “Hey Jude” and “Revolution,” at which point Mick Jagger is absolutely furious because once again, the Beatles are two steps ahead of the Stones. And at their own record release party, no less. Ow.
There are no entertaining stories around our second song, though. The music video is a giant plea for lenience in the case against Leonard Peltier, a Nativa American activist who received to consecutive life sentences in 1977 for the deaths of two FBI agents. All right, who wants to party? Woooooooo!
Following last week’s tribute to “The Green Lantern” with a couple of green-themed songs, we would have been fools not to take advantage of a similar tie-in with a certain Pixar movie that a certain someone’s four-year-old son is positively dying to see. Maybe we’ll see someone singing this at a karaoke bar during one of the Tokyo scenes. (As it turns out, no one sings “Cars,” but Weezer sings “You Might Think” by the Cars. And it’s pretty lame.)
It seems amazing that this song was such a big hit at the time. Not because it didn’t deserve to be, because it absolutely did, but because there wasn’t anything else on American radio at the time that sounded remotely like it. What’s even more impressive is how well the song has held up sonically. Whenever someone makes a record using cutting-edge technology, it almost instantly sounds dated. Not this song, and it’s likely because Numan was smart enough to use real drums and an analog bass to anchor the track.
Bonus video: here’s a clip for the B-side to “Cars” (yes, we had the 45), a nifty little track called “Metal.” Almost as awesome as its A-side.
Some people really know how to throw a party and also have the means to do it. Thomas Kramer (also known as TK) has been hosting spectacular parties at his 5 Star Island Mansion for years, and he’s planning a huge bash for the Fourth of July. All of his parties feature tons of beautiful women and party girls and a much smaller group of successful men, and part of the proceeds for this party will go towards relief for the earthquake victims in Haiti. You can go to World of TK for more information on how to purchase tickets for this exclusive event or donate directly to the Haiti victims.
We’ve posted some photos from TK’s last party at 5 Star Island where our current Featured Model, Rose Chiauzzi attended, and below you can see a video prepared by TK’s staff for the last party. With a spectacular location, amazing guests and great music, everything is possible!
I spoke with TK this week to ask him about the upcoming Fourth of July party and I started with the selection of the charity. He explained, “I’m working closely with Michael Capponi, and part of the proceeds of whatever ticket sales we have will go to Haiti and the people in the camps, and that’s our main objective, to address the immediate needs of the earthquake victims.” TK hosts numerous charity events at 5 Star Island through his Thomas Kramer Foundation, saying that “it’s made for parties and events” so he takes advantage of that for charitable causes as well.
The party will be held on 5 Star Island, which we visited recently with the Bullz-Eye Bikini Team. TK told me how back in the 90s this island was used as a “waste bin” by Miami Beach until he bought up most of the homes on the island and began the process of transforming it into one of the most luxurious and exclusive residential areas in South Florida. TK is also known for his development South Pointe, which helped to transform South of Fifth neighborhood of South Beach with high-rise luxury apartments.
I asked TK what guests can expect at his Fourth of July party, and he said, “The greatest group of beautiful girls you’ve ever seen in bikinis all over this world! So far about 250 female guests are attending.” Women get in to all of his parties for free, but they need to apply for tickets. TK explained the importance of the ratio of having many more women compared to the small number of male guests make these parties. “That’s part of my whole pitch. I’m having people flying in from Saudi Arabia, Germany, London and from all over the world for my parties because they know the ratios are quite favorable for the boys at my events. I just don’t let anyone in like night clubs and that’s why I do events at my house.”
He also explained the importance of networking and how the parties he throws are more than just a great time. He’s sees his work and his lifestyle as intricately intertwined – “It’s a mindset. For me, it’s all one. You don’t divide it. My main work is networking. Instead of traveling through the world, nonstop, like most executives, I have the world come to me. With honey you catch bees, and that’s what I’m doing.”
This of course, is an added benefit for the people who purchase tickets to his events. Not only are they surrounded by beautiful women in the ultimate party atmosphere, the networking opportunities with the other guests are significant. “I have the highest average of billionaires per party than anyone else in the world.” He went on to explain: “I’m asking for a competitively high donation because I just want to have a certain group of people partying with my girlfriends and friends. And I don’t want to lower the standards and make the hurdle to low. You want less people and therefore higher quality and more beautiful girls, and the 30 to 40 guys you are going to meet here are something you aren’t usually going to be able to mingle with in such an intimate location.”
You can still >purchase tickets to this event and probably have the best Fourth of July you can remember. If you can’t make it, check back here for photos of videos from the party!
Welcome to another installment of All Work and No Playlist. This week’s victim (we really do feel bad stealing all these iPods) is Taking Back Sunday drummer Mark O’Connell (far left, kneeling, in photo below), whose band has reformed with the lineup from their Tell All Your Friends days and will release a new self-titled album June 28. Says Mark: “We couldn’t be more excited about it.” Perhaps these 10 songs will provide some insight into the sound of the new record. Or perhaps not. He did put a Billy Joel song on here, after all, and we don’t see the band making the next “Tell Her About It” anytime soon.
“Battery,” Metallica
I remember the first time I heard this song, I couldn’t believe what was happening. I had no idea music like that existed. They are the pioneers of thrash metal.
“The Downeaster – Alexa,” Billy Joel
I am from Long Island — Billy Joel is from Long Island. He has Long Island pride — I also have long island pride. I want to meet that guy so badly, it hurts.
“Choices Made,” CIV
This reminds me of when I was in high school, and I was constantly pissed off at my mom. Every time I listened to this, I had that ‘Fuck you mom, I’m gonna do whatever I want to’ mentality.
“Long as I Can See the Light,” Creedence Clearwater Revival
This is the perfect ‘sit on the porch while the stars are shining’ kind of song. It reminds me of my dad, because he loves Creedence Clearwater Revival, and because of him, so do I.
“Forever,” Dropkick Murphys
This song makes me think of people that were close to me who died. Even though no one close to me has ever died. But when they do, I’ll definitely listen to this song. It makes me cry.
“J.A.R.,” Green Day
This song came out on the “Angus” soundtrack. I loved that movie and Green Day so much, and still love them to this day. It kind of hits close to home, because the kid was fat, just like how I was…
“The Science of Myth,” Screeching Weasel
Ben Weasel is an idol to me. It kind of bummed me out when he punched two girls in their faces (Ed. Note: Yikes), but the lyrics and music to this song are unbelievable.
“Reach for the Sky,” Social Distortion
It kind of sounds corny, but anytime I feel shitty or down, I put this fucker on, and reminds me to stop being such a pussy, and live life to the fullest.
“My Name is Jonas,” Weezer
I was on my way to visit my brother at Scranton University when I convinced my parents to buy this album for me. When this song came on, I was instantly in love. It reminds me when I started rebelling at 13.
“I Won’t Back Down,” Tom Petty
The album, Full Moon Fever, came out when I was eight years old. I’ve loved Tom Petty ever since. I’ve dealt with a lot of bullshit in my life, just like everybody else, and this is one of those songs that helps me get through to this day. Thank you, Thomas.
With “The Green Lantern” assaulting the multiplexes this weekend, we thought we’d do a themed piece to go with it. First up: Dink, a Kent, OH quintet that scored a modern rock hit with this little aggro dance number “Green Mind.” (Think Soul Coughing, but more aggressive.) Always loved this song, and watching the video now is so amusing. Look at how much fun those kids are having. Not sure they’d be allowed to mosh like that now. Bonus points to the band for sampling Kenneth Mars from the 1968 version of “The Producers” (the 1-2-3-4 count-off in German). And of course, for that great, great intro. “Frankly, I’m getting a little ticked off.” “Go to hell.” Awesome.
Second, we have New Order’s “Everything’s Gone Green,” where the remaining members of Joy Division were still trying to find themselves after lead singer Ian Curtis committed suicide. You can definitely hear the groundwork for “Blue Monday,” which would appear a year and change later, being laid down here.
Lastly, for no real reason other than to pretty up this post when it hits our Facebook page, here is a picture of New Order. You have to hand it to them — they were pretty indifferent to fashion and style trends, and that’s a good thing. It gives them a timeless look, and ultimately, we believe that is how New Order will go down in history. These songs are going to live forever.
