Random WAH???!!!

Now that we've driven everyone off by never posting, let's revive an old favorite, shall we?

01. Elvis Costello, "Tears Before Bedtime"
The opening track from Imperial Bedroom isn't the best thing from the album, but it serves as a good introduction for what's coming. Lots of layers and deceptively spiky, acid relationship lyrics. 7/10

02. Steeleye Span, "Longbone"
Surprisingly creepy. Possibly my favorite original Span song, which is damning with faint praise, but it really is good. They go to the giant's island to try to take the giant's gold, with disastrous results. 8/10

03. The Chieftains, "Tears of Stone"
Slow instrumental. Very nice musicianship, I must say. The point is, I approve. 8/10

04. Dexys Midnight Runners, "Plan B"
People only know "Come On Eileen," but this is my favorite DMR song. Starts slow, then explodes onto the scene at about the minute and a half mark, with electrifying results. Sincere and good in a moral sense. 9/10

05. Roxy Music, "Avalon"
Undoubtedly impeccably refined and sophisticated. Even if I don't love it, it certainly does what it sets out to do with great proficiency. 7/10

06. Psychedelic Furs, "Highwire Days"
There are those who complain about the Furs having gotten less punkish and more poppy in their latter years. I can sympathize with this in principle, but I didn't hear the band until long after they had broken up, so what do I care? I am not ashamed to proclaim that this is a thrilling song. 8/10

07. Gordon Bok, "These Dry Stone Walls"
A minimal kind of song. I like it, though that might be in large part due to nostalgia. I do wish I knew it's history--regardless, though, It isn't an all-time Bok classic. 6/10

08. Evensong, "Gypsie"
A gentle, hippyish, sixties folk thing. Melodic and wistful. 8/10

09. Stan Ridgway, "Stormy Side of Town"
If you know Ridgway at all, the title should give a good idea of what this sounds like. A vivid little portrait of the area in question. Hard to believe it wasn't an album track. 8/10

10. Johnny Dowd, "First there Was"
Languid little murder ballad. He seems very detached--almost bored--about being hanged. I mean that in a good way, mostly. 7/10