There is one friend in every social circle that has little to no knowledge about music. I am that friend. Contextually, the circle in question has been changing from my time as a teenager right up to now. A consistent element among these shifting groups of friends has been that I’m usually the one who is behind in trends and unwilling to listen to whatever obscure band is just outside those trends. Music that spoke to me was in video games primarily and occasionally a throwback song from the 1980’s that I had heard presumably from a John Hughes movie. Traditionally, we leave the Music Monday slot for those who have a wide variety of selection to offer our readers of the arcade. In a break from this formula, The task is laid at my feet. Let us venture into a buffet of decidedly uncool songs. The songs that speak to me in times of tipsy dancing and spontaneously surfing YouTube for a tune to have in the background while I trawl Craigslist’s “strictly platonic” category.
sELF – Runaway
sELF is a band which has been going since the early nineties and is helmed by lead man Matt Mahaffey. The best way in which I can describe their music is that they should probably feature in more car commercials. ‘Runaway’ is a bouncy song that is hard to feel sad while listening too. Perfect for brand advertisements and just catchy enough to keep you listening. Their sound is heavily inspired by Electric Light Orchestra, Prince and some band called The Pixies (who I should probably know (Yes, you should – Ed).)
Hall and Oates – Private Eyes
This title is clever because the artists in question are dressed as private investigators and they are lurking on a person with their “Private Eyes.” Outstanding. Pick any track by Hall and Oates and you will get a sufficient level of cheese that is just too funky not to enjoy. Only the soulless among you will dislike this cracking tune.
Yungtown – Settle It in Smash (Feat. Garrett Williamson)
Remember that part where i mentioned video games? Yungtown! A YouTube user who makes funny video game reviews as well as really well produced raps themed around gaming. This style of rap appeals to the nerd in me as its reverential to things that i enjoy. This is in opposition to traditional rap which revolves around going to parties and big booties. This beat is good for bobbing your head to while playing your selected multiplayer game of choice – or twerking your big booty, if you are so inclined.
The Eskies – Fever
Who likes cults? I sure do! Although my membership to the Church of the Outer God Nyarlathotep may be expired — I still hold an interest in songs relateable to the heathen in me. This tune from The Eskies is a fast-paced barn burner that would assuredly be a blast to experience live. The video attached with the song is a homage to The Wicker Man, which gives it bonus points.
Ignis – Klaymen’s Theme (The Neverhood Cover)
Look at this bloke! He’s playing a harmonica and guitar at the same time. What a lad. This main theme from classic PC game, The Neverhood is belted out well by this artist named Ignis. The original soundtrack of the game was done by alternative rock/folk musician Terry Scott Taylor. I personally enjoy this simple cover of a childhood favorite done by a guy on a bench.
Inspector Gadget – The Inspector Gadget Theme
Did somebody call for Inspector Gadget? No? Well… He’s here anyway. The Inspector Gadget theme is great. When i am at work the theme buries its way into my head like any good ear-worm should do. There are much worse songs to have stuck in your head than this piece of classic nostalgic television. Go Gadget Go!
The Ronettes – Be My Baby
Valentines weekend has come and gone. This Monday is dedicated to those of us who are single out there and who occasionally sulk into our pillows over lost loves. Never fear singletons! The arcade is here to help. A quick listen to one of the greatest pop songs of all time will entice any mate to your bedside. This will probably not happen, but this is undeniably a harmonious, powerhouse of a ballad from the classic 1960’s pop group, The Ronettes.
Thank you for taking this journey with me down melody lane. Until next time, I wish you a musical Monday and a toe-tapping Tuesday. I don’t have clever names for the rest of the week.
