Slumberland

OK, this time the darned Random Ten is posted. Early on Friday, at that. Nothing new in this ten — strange. But c’est la vie for random shuffle.

“The Ghost In You” — The Psychedelic Furs
The chorus of this song is what made me buy it. I don’t remember liking it back in the 80s, but I like it now.

“That’s The Way of the World” — Earth, Wind & Fire
One of the most disappointing concerts I ever went to was a circa-1982 EW&F show. We were seated where a large hanging speaker would block our view of the stage. And they never played the song I wanted to hear most: “Got To Get You Into My Life.” But I suppose they played this one.

“Walking Through Walls” — Jon Brion
From his great Meaningless album. In this song you get to hear sweet background harmonies singing “Motherfucker!” A bit odd, that.

“Extrovert” — XTC
One of my favorite XTC songs; a b-side for… I forget, “Dear God”? or “Grass”? Anyway, I bought the 12″ single just to get this. I always wanted to cover this song.

“Fog Cutter” — The Frantics
The Frantics were a 1950s-60s Seattle band. My uncle was the drummer. This is not my favorite Frantics tune (that would probably be “The Whip”), but it’s a good example of instrumental dance music of the period.

“Is You Is or Is You Ain’t My Baby?” — Joe Jackson
Joe did an album of big band songs and this is one. Good stuff, though why not get the originals?

“Suspicious Minds” — Fine Young Cannibals
Another cover! I think liking FYC probably gets me no respect whatsoever. But I will admit to liking them a lot.

“Atomic Dog” — George Clinton
It’s Friday! Time to dance!

“Come Anytime” — Hoodoo Gurus
Ah, I do love the Hoodoo Gurus. This particular song is 3:21 of hooky double entendre (“Come anytime, I’m a man of measure”) and what’s not to like about that?

“Who’s Lovin’ You” — Jackson Five
Back when Michael Jackson was a child prodigy with an afro and a normal nose. And none of the weird vocal mannerisms he later adopted. This is just flat out great. (And another cover, actually — of Smokey Robinson.)