James Taylor – Covers

So I have been without a record player for the past year and half, ever since the tragic day that I came home from spring break to find it mysteriously broken.  Having finally given up all efforts of trying to repair the old one, my wife so graciously got me a new for my birthday.  So I have been having a blast going through a part of my music collection that had been lost for the past few years.  And in doing so I have been reminded of how much I love folk music and the whole singer/songwriter genre. From Dylan to Denver to Stevens it has been a blast slowly going through my entire collection again.  But one guy that I have found myself continually going back to is good ol’ JT. And what perfect timing for me to go through this time of rediscovery.  For just this week our friend has not only released a new album, but an album of cover songs.  And we all know how much I love cover songs.  Not to mention that he made a guest appearance on everybody’s favorite satirical news show, The Colber Report.  I haven’t had a chance to hear all of the new album.  But what I have heard I thoroughly enjoy.  So I not only encourage you not only to check out James Taylor’s new album, but also to take some time out of your day to revisit some old friends.

Here’s a very enjoyable cover of the great Glen Campbell and a blast from the past, along with his performance on The Colber Report.

James Taylor – Wichita Lineman (removed 2/13/09)

James Taylor – Carolina In My Mind (removed 2/13/09)

So is it really a Glen Campbell cover if Campbell didn’t actually write the song?

Olympics Playlist

There are a few things that get me to sit on my butt and stare at a television set all day long and not regret doing so.  And on that short list along with March Madness and the World Cup, is the Olympics. The Olympics is the most recent addition to this list, because 2004 was the first time I really watched the Olympics.  And then I only really watched it because I wanted to spend time with this really hot girl I liked (who I later decided to marry). Anyway I decided that this event was worth of a post.  So here is my post in honor of the opening ceremonies for the Olympics.

So China in my opinion really raised the bar when it came to  the opening ceremonies.  I really enjoyed watching the theatrics of it all.  They continued to just wow the crowd and the millions watching all over the world.   So in honor of the events that have taken place and are going to be happening for next couple of weeks, I have created a little olympic-style playlist for you all. If you like you can leave a comment and vote for your favorite songs and then maybe I’ll hand out some medals. Anyway. Here is the playlist. Hope your ears bleed.

1. The Neighborhood – China Boy (removed 2/13/09)

2. Counting Crows – Holiday In Spain (removed 2/13/09)

3. Beirut – Postcards From Italy (removed 2/13/09)

4. James Taylor – Mexico (removed 2/13/09)

5. Five Iron Frenzy – Oh, Canada (removed 2/13/09)

6. Wilco – Impossible Germany (removed 2/13/09)

7. Jets to Brazil – Sweet Avenue (removed 2/13/09)

8. The Shins – Australia (removed 2/13/09)

9. Spoon – My Little Japanese Cigarette Case (removed 2/13/09)

10. The Beach Boys – Surfin’ U.S.A. (removed 2/13/09)