“I Heard It On T.V.” – Finding New Music On the Tube

In 1999, I flipped on HBO to watch a new show called “The Sopranos.”  The opening sequence featured Tony Soprano driving through New Jersey to a very cool tune that I had never heard before. After digging around, I found out it was called “Woke Up This Morning” by Alabama 3. Who? 

In one of the last scenes of Jerry Maguire, Tom Cruise is running through what appears to be an airport to get home and here the now famous phrase “you had me from hello.” I always loved the haunting song in that scene, but never knew what it was. Then earlier this year I was watching the Showtime show “Californication,” starring David Duchovny. It’s the saga of a down-and-out writer who gets laid more than one man probably should.  One of the episodes featured the song.  I went to the website and found out it was “Through the Hill” by Harold Budd and Andy Partrigde of XTC. Who knew?  

 

Hurricane Ike Is Here

There are probably many things one could sensibly be doing as a major hurricane moves in to the neighborhood, but I’m writing this post for a music blog.  Hurricane Ike is poised to come onshore off the Texas coast within an hour or so.  Galveston, that fine city to our south, has apparently taken a major blow in the form of flooding and nasty winds.  In the days ahead we’ll count our losses.  But now is the time to hide from the wind – and listen to a few tunes.  If you are in a place where the wind is not blowing and the power is still flowing, count your blessings and dedicate your next beer to the good folks in Galveston. 

MP3: “Mighty Storm” by The Duhks

MP3: “Galveston” by Glen Campbell

MP3: “Catch The Wind” by Donovan

MP3: “Buckets Of Rain” by Neko Case

MP3: “Galveston” by Ezra Thomas

MP3: “Hurricane” by Mindy Smith

MP3: “Four Strong Winds” by Johnny Cash

MP3: “Galveston Bay” (live) by Bruce Springsteen

MP3: “Hurricanes Carla and Esther” by Lightnin’ Hopkins

MP3: “Blue Tarp Blues” by Sonny Landreth