The name says it all...or does it? I bet there are some of you out there who are skeptical, which is fine...totally stupid, but fine. I suppose, this being a blog, I really should say something about why this jam is so obvious (as if it needed it). And here it is:
Those who know me well are well aware that no matter where I am, no matter who I'm with, I bust this jam out in the car. It usually happens on the drive home and it usually makes people a little uncomfortable, especially Abby. Perhaps it is the song's flagrant depictions of cocaine use. Perhaps it the image of cocaine and bananas being consumed simultaneously. Perhaps it is something I'm not even aware of.
I believe though, and I feel I'm right about this, that it is my behavior when this jam comes on that gives her cause for concern. Usually I've been drinking, perhaps a little smokey too...and I'm erratic and beaming. It's almost as if I were at a Ween concert, hence the footage:
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
Saturday, December 23, 2006
Cecilia - Simon & Garfunkel
Obvious, right? WRONG! Try finding a decent rendition of this jam on Youtube and you'll wind up a very unhappy blogger. 'Twas this very situation I found myself in recently when I tried to post Cecilia by S-dogg and G-Funk. Instead of relishing in the clap inspiring, folk sing-a-long of my youth, I was greeted with an aging, mousey-eyed Paul Simon and that grandstanding, pseudo-Alzheimer's patient Arthur Garfunkel squeezing out this jam the way all legacy acts do with their most precious material: shittily. I almost threw up on my keyboard.
So I did what any moderately educated web designer would do: I built my own flash interface, uploaded the resultant SWF file featuring the original studio version onto a server and embedded the URL here, on Obvious_Jams.
Most importantly, I did it so that we could all enjoy what is clearly a classic, rollicking, fun time party jam! Who among us can deny, as young children, listening to this folksy, organic jam about unrequited love and promiscuous girlfriends? Who among us did not sit by the stereo in their pajamas, listening to these nefarious harmonies issuing from the speakers, feverishly reading the liner notes for Bridge Over Troubled Water, looking for close to uncertain 60's fame? Anyone?
I thought not.
That is perhaps a part of what makes this jam so obvious. I myself, a singularity amongst a veritable galaxy of internet content providers, cannot lay claim to all that makes any one jam so obvious. But I will say this: when I was young, perhaps not yet a decade old, my father and I would drive around and sing this song aloud as it played on the tape player. And still today, I could place this song on my obvious_jams playlist, download it to my mp3 player and then blare it in the car with my friends. The result would be indistinguishable from those times with my father. If that isn't obvious, I dare not say what is.
So I did what any moderately educated web designer would do: I built my own flash interface, uploaded the resultant SWF file featuring the original studio version onto a server and embedded the URL here, on Obvious_Jams.
Most importantly, I did it so that we could all enjoy what is clearly a classic, rollicking, fun time party jam! Who among us can deny, as young children, listening to this folksy, organic jam about unrequited love and promiscuous girlfriends? Who among us did not sit by the stereo in their pajamas, listening to these nefarious harmonies issuing from the speakers, feverishly reading the liner notes for Bridge Over Troubled Water, looking for close to uncertain 60's fame? Anyone?
I thought not.
That is perhaps a part of what makes this jam so obvious. I myself, a singularity amongst a veritable galaxy of internet content providers, cannot lay claim to all that makes any one jam so obvious. But I will say this: when I was young, perhaps not yet a decade old, my father and I would drive around and sing this song aloud as it played on the tape player. And still today, I could place this song on my obvious_jams playlist, download it to my mp3 player and then blare it in the car with my friends. The result would be indistinguishable from those times with my father. If that isn't obvious, I dare not say what is.
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
the police - don't stand so close to me
ok so this song is such a jam. how wise sting was back then. its like if you're standing by me, obvs people are going to assume things so like DON'T. the teacher in this video is super hot though and if i was one of his students you best believe i'd be staying after class like everyday and hanging out in his warm car. i guess its too bad that the teacher is sting and he's like married or whatever.
& then its like they're having so much fun dancing around in their graduation gowns.
such a classic jam.
& then its like they're having so much fun dancing around in their graduation gowns.
such a classic jam.
fleetwood mac - rhiannon
its obviously hard to pick from fm's vast library. rhiannon is a classic, obvious jam. stevie nicks totally knew what was up even though she was pretty wasted most of the time. she was and still is a total legend. wouldn't you love to love her?
sade- no ordinary love
obvious, right?!
of course it is. and if you needed any proof the video below speaks for itself. sade has seriously out done herself with this. not only did she create such a jam but she made a jam of a video as well.
i'm not sure which part i like the most- the mermaidy, underwater parts or the part where she's running in the streets in a wedding dress she just sewed underwater.
this is the perfect jam to put on as the party is winding down or even in the beginning to limber your peeps.
of course it is. and if you needed any proof the video below speaks for itself. sade has seriously out done herself with this. not only did she create such a jam but she made a jam of a video as well.
i'm not sure which part i like the most- the mermaidy, underwater parts or the part where she's running in the streets in a wedding dress she just sewed underwater.
this is the perfect jam to put on as the party is winding down or even in the beginning to limber your peeps.
Monday, December 18, 2006
Friday, December 15, 2006
Spinning Wheel - Blood, Sweat and Tears
Again with the horns! My parents claim to have seen Blood, Sweat and Tears in concert, and I certainly have no reason to doubt them. However, it feels strange to me that BS&T would even hold concerts. I imagine the crowd was similar in composition and behavior to that of the Neil Diamond concert that appears on this blog. BORING!
Despite this, this jam represents some of the first music I was ever exposed to, along with Iron Butterfly, Bread, Jim Croce, Led Zeppelin and Mozart. A somewhat eclectic mix, yet always very respectful of its predecessors.
Spinning Wheel represents the culmination of BS&T's disparate roots: from funk to rock to jazz, they really seem to hold this jam down pretty well for a boring white band.
And let us not disregard the real reason this jam is so obvious: it makes me feel good! Others may disregard it as "lame" or "boring" and may visit it with remarks such as, "what the fuck, JamMasterD?! This is so old!" And they would be right in saying son, but I don't give a fuck. If the dance party is peaking, no one will really mind if you throw this shit unexpectedly. The crowd will all give you knowing glances and the beat will go on.
A note for this video: it's really depressing to see David Clayton-Thomas as a 50 year old, so please do not dwell on it too long.
Despite this, this jam represents some of the first music I was ever exposed to, along with Iron Butterfly, Bread, Jim Croce, Led Zeppelin and Mozart. A somewhat eclectic mix, yet always very respectful of its predecessors.
Spinning Wheel represents the culmination of BS&T's disparate roots: from funk to rock to jazz, they really seem to hold this jam down pretty well for a boring white band.
And let us not disregard the real reason this jam is so obvious: it makes me feel good! Others may disregard it as "lame" or "boring" and may visit it with remarks such as, "what the fuck, JamMasterD?! This is so old!" And they would be right in saying son, but I don't give a fuck. If the dance party is peaking, no one will really mind if you throw this shit unexpectedly. The crowd will all give you knowing glances and the beat will go on.
A note for this video: it's really depressing to see David Clayton-Thomas as a 50 year old, so please do not dwell on it too long.
Shakedown Street - Grateful Dead
This jam pretty much speaks for itself, but I will say one thing about it: for those among your crowd of party-goers who claim to 'hate' hippie music, or think the Grateful Dead is better left in the closet, this jam could possibly change their whole outlook.
Representing the Dead's satirical offering to the disco age, Shakedown Street turned out to be one of their most popular, cross-demographic hits. So please, regardless of who is at your party, focus more on the energy of the crowd. Being a disco-themed anthem, ou may want to sneak this carefully into a playlist that is similar to the example I have provided below:
...
...
24.)Boogie Oogie Oogie - Taste of Honey
25.)Get Down Tongiht - KC and the Sunshine Band
26.)Shakedown Street - The Grateful Dead
27.)Shinning Star - Earth, Wind and Fire
...
...
36.)Scarlet Begonias > Fire on the Mountian - The Grateful Dead
...
...
Ok, I was kind of pushing with that last set of jams. Jams though they may be, it is asking a lot of a given crowd to sit through what could be up to a half-hour of classic jam material. So, that ain't recommended.
btdubs...keep in mind when you're watching this that Jerry will be dead in less than 3 months.
Representing the Dead's satirical offering to the disco age, Shakedown Street turned out to be one of their most popular, cross-demographic hits. So please, regardless of who is at your party, focus more on the energy of the crowd. Being a disco-themed anthem, ou may want to sneak this carefully into a playlist that is similar to the example I have provided below:
...
...
24.)Boogie Oogie Oogie - Taste of Honey
25.)Get Down Tongiht - KC and the Sunshine Band
26.)Shakedown Street - The Grateful Dead
27.)Shinning Star - Earth, Wind and Fire
...
...
36.)Scarlet Begonias > Fire on the Mountian - The Grateful Dead
...
...
Ok, I was kind of pushing with that last set of jams. Jams though they may be, it is asking a lot of a given crowd to sit through what could be up to a half-hour of classic jam material. So, that ain't recommended.
btdubs...keep in mind when you're watching this that Jerry will be dead in less than 3 months.
Frankenstein - Edgar Winter Group
Despite what many may think about 70s progressive rock, there exists in this fertile crevasse of tempo changes and colorful stretch pants the possibility for obvious jams.
Perhaps it goes without saying, but one of the hallmarks of prog-rock was how it teetered on that fine edge between the unpredictable progressions of jazz and the accessible power chords of mainstream rock. Rick Wakemen couldn't really maintain this all-encompassing truth, nor could King Crimson successfully bridge this divide for very long.
And though this group was certainly light on the 'hits', the Edgar Winter group did make one important contribution to the golden age of music that was the 70s: Frankenstein.
Btdubs...Edgar Winters was not an albino, though he is a Scientologist. In fact, Winter's Mission Earth was written by L. Ron Hubbard himself! Read the wikipedia...it's bananas.
Perhaps it goes without saying, but one of the hallmarks of prog-rock was how it teetered on that fine edge between the unpredictable progressions of jazz and the accessible power chords of mainstream rock. Rick Wakemen couldn't really maintain this all-encompassing truth, nor could King Crimson successfully bridge this divide for very long.
And though this group was certainly light on the 'hits', the Edgar Winter group did make one important contribution to the golden age of music that was the 70s: Frankenstein.
Btdubs...Edgar Winters was not an albino, though he is a Scientologist. In fact, Winter's Mission Earth was written by L. Ron Hubbard himself! Read the wikipedia...it's bananas.
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Let's Stay Together - Al Green
Like many of the more skeptical among us, I initially distrusted the internet for the unscrupulous ways in which it brought us information. Doubtful that it's hypertext was an improvement over, or in any way supplanted the traditional subtext we employ everyday, I ignored it for most of its infancy. I should go on to say that I was fervently against the internet being used as a marketing medium, a technology that cellphone salesman and Viagra dealers would fawn over to shift more units. And, indeed, I had just cause to be so incredulous of peoples' motivations.
However, this negative view of the internet is just one of many possible opinions an individual could ascribe to the information highway. In point of fact, it isn't till one is truly in need of information that one appreciates a highway dedicated solely to its most expedient transmission. And here I find myself, continuously hating on - and singing the praises of - The Internet. Case in point: Al Green.
Many of today's younger generations probably don't understand the importance of Pulp Fiction's influence on the history of modern cinema, nor would my generation be guiltless of regarding seminal films from before its time with similar disinterest. For example, I would be surprised if more than 1 out of 10 of my peers could name the "Greatest Screenplay" ever written, or the first film to win Best Picture*
But that in no way limits nor discredits the case for this obvious jam: I don't care if your "frat boy" boyfriend rocks this jam on the regs in his Land Cruiser SUV, shoved haphazardly between Parliament and Dave Matthews. Likewise, I care not that you get a feeling of nostalgia when this song makes an appearance at the local super market. I most importantly do not care that this is your parents' wedding song and that you fully intended to make it your own as well: this song is now and forever an obvious jam...so play on, playa!
*btdubs..."Chinatown" is widely considered the "Greatest Screenplay Ever", and the first motion picture to win Best Picture was "Wings", about a World War I pilot...jsyk.
However, this negative view of the internet is just one of many possible opinions an individual could ascribe to the information highway. In point of fact, it isn't till one is truly in need of information that one appreciates a highway dedicated solely to its most expedient transmission. And here I find myself, continuously hating on - and singing the praises of - The Internet. Case in point: Al Green.
Many of today's younger generations probably don't understand the importance of Pulp Fiction's influence on the history of modern cinema, nor would my generation be guiltless of regarding seminal films from before its time with similar disinterest. For example, I would be surprised if more than 1 out of 10 of my peers could name the "Greatest Screenplay" ever written, or the first film to win Best Picture*
But that in no way limits nor discredits the case for this obvious jam: I don't care if your "frat boy" boyfriend rocks this jam on the regs in his Land Cruiser SUV, shoved haphazardly between Parliament and Dave Matthews. Likewise, I care not that you get a feeling of nostalgia when this song makes an appearance at the local super market. I most importantly do not care that this is your parents' wedding song and that you fully intended to make it your own as well: this song is now and forever an obvious jam...so play on, playa!
*btdubs..."Chinatown" is widely considered the "Greatest Screenplay Ever", and the first motion picture to win Best Picture was "Wings", about a World War I pilot...jsyk.
Everybody Wants to Rule the World - Tears for Fears
I claim this jam as my own. If you listen closely to the lyrics of this jam, you'll see that it is something of an Orwellian love story: a cautionary tale obviously inspired by the disastrous domestic policy of the Reagan administration. Had Michael Radford not made his film adaptation of 1984 with an industrial-flavored soundtrack, it may well have featured this jam to play while the credits rolled.
Despite this, Everybody Wants to Rule the World didn't escape a very prominent place in the canon of American Film Soundtracks: for those who you appreciate the filmic equivalent of an obvious jam, I needn't mention the song's use at the end of Real Genius, and how it no doubt transformed our childhoods for the better.
But let us reminisce on that incredibly awesome movie at a later date. Right now it's Tears for Fears time. Admittedly, they had few jams (or, to be fair, a few good 80s anthems), but no one jam from any pre-emo, 80s, "sensitive-boy groups so touches the heart as this proving jam of undying, even rebellious love; love unhindered by the tyranny of the ruling class. Listen up yaul:
btdubs...this video is fucking retarded. What's with Curt Smith's pony tail?! What's with his severely tapered leggings?! Who the fuck are those two dancing black guys just before the coda?! God!!!
Still......that was quite a jam!
Despite this, Everybody Wants to Rule the World didn't escape a very prominent place in the canon of American Film Soundtracks: for those who you appreciate the filmic equivalent of an obvious jam, I needn't mention the song's use at the end of Real Genius, and how it no doubt transformed our childhoods for the better.
But let us reminisce on that incredibly awesome movie at a later date. Right now it's Tears for Fears time. Admittedly, they had few jams (or, to be fair, a few good 80s anthems), but no one jam from any pre-emo, 80s, "sensitive-boy groups so touches the heart as this proving jam of undying, even rebellious love; love unhindered by the tyranny of the ruling class. Listen up yaul:
btdubs...this video is fucking retarded. What's with Curt Smith's pony tail?! What's with his severely tapered leggings?! Who the fuck are those two dancing black guys just before the coda?! God!!!
Still......that was quite a jam!
Monday, December 11, 2006
steve winwood- higher love
what steve lacks in dance moves, he certainly makes up for it in content. this song offically never ends. its going on right now- and has been since 1986. chaka khan even throws a little back up steves way to add to the jam.
party goers might be leary of its capabilities, if so throw them any substances you have on hand and the rest will be history.
JamMasterDizzyD, isn't this one of your personal fav jams?
party goers might be leary of its capabilities, if so throw them any substances you have on hand and the rest will be history.
JamMasterDizzyD, isn't this one of your personal fav jams?
janet jackson- pleasure principle
try- just try to stay in your seat when this jam comes on. something about the way she just like walks in and jams out to her song.... its like its her job or whatever. her job to put on skinny jeans & knee pads, bust out some sweet dance moves and sing with a microphone less microphone stand- cause afterall she's not here to feed your insecurities....
while this jam may be intimidating for some at first, i guarantee it will swiftly become one of your favs. long live jj!
while this jam may be intimidating for some at first, i guarantee it will swiftly become one of your favs. long live jj!
Bennie and the Jets - Elton John
In modern times, Elton John is something of an over-rippened, self-enamored poof who has lost the singer/songwriter vibe that distinguished him in the 70s (the undisputed Age of Singer/Songwriters). It's hard to listen to his over-produced collaborations with Tim Rice, or the disappointing exercise in nostalgia he and Bernie Taupin squeezed out of their assholes in the form of "The Captain and the Kid" just last September.
The bright side is, if you look back of time, Elton John's career gets progressively less sucky and maintains a much higher concentration of obvious jams. Thus do I propose the "Reverse Elton John" theory, wherein the audience views Elton John's catalog in reverse.
1.)Begin with all the sterilized Disney crap.
2.)Playing nice with Eminem.
3.)Totally hatin' on Eminem for his ignorant and homophobic comments.
4.)His obsessive Princess Diana phase (gay).
5.)And finally a successive series of better and more organic anthems.
Which brings us to this obvious jam: Bennie and the Jets. No silly frock
wearing...no young Asian boy toys...no fake expressions of gratitude at the Grammys:
just a cool cat spinning a funky tale about a glam-rock act named Bennie and the Jets!
I recommend this jam when everyone at your party is hovering around the coffee table, where your roommate is using the framed portrait of you and your family to cut up a giant rock of cocaine. In a situation such as this, I guarantee this will make everyone feel at home, and you not so depressed when you see your mom's disapproving face as you do a line.
The bright side is, if you look back of time, Elton John's career gets progressively less sucky and maintains a much higher concentration of obvious jams. Thus do I propose the "Reverse Elton John" theory, wherein the audience views Elton John's catalog in reverse.
1.)Begin with all the sterilized Disney crap.
2.)Playing nice with Eminem.
3.)Totally hatin' on Eminem for his ignorant and homophobic comments.
4.)His obsessive Princess Diana phase (gay).
5.)And finally a successive series of better and more organic anthems.
Which brings us to this obvious jam: Bennie and the Jets. No silly frock
wearing...no young Asian boy toys...no fake expressions of gratitude at the Grammys:
just a cool cat spinning a funky tale about a glam-rock act named Bennie and the Jets!
I recommend this jam when everyone at your party is hovering around the coffee table, where your roommate is using the framed portrait of you and your family to cut up a giant rock of cocaine. In a situation such as this, I guarantee this will make everyone feel at home, and you not so depressed when you see your mom's disapproving face as you do a line.
Saturday, December 9, 2006
The Next Episode - Dre ft. Snoop Dogg
In the anals of West Coast hiphop, there are few with the producing
clout of a Dr. Dre, nor the lyrical skills of one Snoop Doggy
Dogg. Therefore, the most precious promise given to us in 2000's The
Next Episode came with it this guarantee:
''When they bang this in the club, baby you've got to get up!''
You have your orders, bitches.
btdubs...Smoke weed everyday!
clout of a Dr. Dre, nor the lyrical skills of one Snoop Doggy
Dogg. Therefore, the most precious promise given to us in 2000's The
Next Episode came with it this guarantee:
''When they bang this in the club, baby you've got to get up!''
You have your orders, bitches.
btdubs...Smoke weed everyday!
Celebration - Kool & The Gang
Many have heard me speak of a 'holy grail' of obvious jams, so completely obvious that it obviates 'completeness' itself. In other words, it's sooo obvious, one needs not waist the keystrokes on even explaining it. One needs only present a simple video of the jam in question, embedded in the HTML, and let the people see that it was GOD'S subtle genius obviously at work. And it was good...really good.
However, in this instance I should elaborate: say for example that an unexpected cache of fragile, deified treasures, perhaps yet to be fully expressed in the physical Universe, existing solely in the mind of God, waits for us somewhere within our reach. We have only to disable the cagey mechanisms in our brains that sorrowfully inhibits this promise of serenity, and that fogs the bitter perception with illusion and certain catastrophy.
After these barriers have been struck down, we would be ready - nay, deserving - of this long lost, so obvious jam... Praise Jesus!
Listen to the insistent, even gleefully stabbing refrain: 'We're gonna have a good
time tonight! Let's celebrate...it's all right!''
I'm sorry, but as jams go... this shit is in the fucking stratosphere!!
No doubt, no doubt! One would be hard pressed to find
btdubs...this shit is hinges!
However, in this instance I should elaborate: say for example that an unexpected cache of fragile, deified treasures, perhaps yet to be fully expressed in the physical Universe, existing solely in the mind of God, waits for us somewhere within our reach. We have only to disable the cagey mechanisms in our brains that sorrowfully inhibits this promise of serenity, and that fogs the bitter perception with illusion and certain catastrophy.
After these barriers have been struck down, we would be ready - nay, deserving - of this long lost, so obvious jam... Praise Jesus!
Listen to the insistent, even gleefully stabbing refrain: 'We're gonna have a good
time tonight! Let's celebrate...it's all right!''
I'm sorry, but as jams go... this shit is in the fucking stratosphere!!
No doubt, no doubt! One would be hard pressed to find
btdubs...this shit is hinges!
Friday, December 8, 2006
It's Not Unusual - Thomas Jones
It's not unusual to think that this song is one of the most jammin jams of well... all time.
Carlton Banks first introduced me to this song when I was a mere girl and I haven't been the same ever since. I think the first time I saw Carlton's hot moves might have been the first time I was attracted to a black man. Watch how his untamed hips just embrace the jam.
Now watch Mr. Jones rockin out. It's just a man and a black curtain, singing and clapping, grooving and jammin. The simplicity of this video makes it so complex.
<
Carlton Banks first introduced me to this song when I was a mere girl and I haven't been the same ever since. I think the first time I saw Carlton's hot moves might have been the first time I was attracted to a black man. Watch how his untamed hips just embrace the jam.
Now watch Mr. Jones rockin out. It's just a man and a black curtain, singing and clapping, grooving and jammin. The simplicity of this video makes it so complex.
<
I Wanna Sex You Up - Color Me Badd
First we had George Michael introduce us to sexulity with his 1990 Freedom video and then just a mere year later, we had Color Me Badd drive the notion home for us with this next jam. A group so bad ass that they had to add two ds to their name for emphasis. That's hot. Could anyone pull that off today? Probably not my friends.
And who can forget, not that you'd ever want to forget, the night Color Me Badd showed up in Beverly Hills. I can't even describe the excitement.
Scene: Donna Martin & Kelly Taylor ride an elevator, making their way up to the hotel room the guys are stayinig in.
Donna Martin: I'm going to ask them what their favorite color is.
Kelly Taylor: It's Badd, of course.
Of course it is Kelly Taylor. Well put.
May I suggest hitting up youtube for the original video. It's amazingly jammin and embodies all that's 90s. Enjoy.
And who can forget, not that you'd ever want to forget, the night Color Me Badd showed up in Beverly Hills. I can't even describe the excitement.
Scene: Donna Martin & Kelly Taylor ride an elevator, making their way up to the hotel room the guys are stayinig in.
Donna Martin: I'm going to ask them what their favorite color is.
Kelly Taylor: It's Badd, of course.
Of course it is Kelly Taylor. Well put.
May I suggest hitting up youtube for the original video. It's amazingly jammin and embodies all that's 90s. Enjoy.
carry on - crosby stills nash & young
now witness the
quickness with which
we get along
to sing the blues
you've got to live the tunes and
carry on
need i say anything else? there is no vid- that i can find at least
& frankly you shouldn't need to reference one.
just strap on your headphones or even turn up the bass in your
speakers and lounge back in your chair & prepare for supreme delight.
-JamMasterDizzyD says, "Try this obvious jam video instead, kids.
It too is a jam!"
also a tried and true road trip song that never grows old- cause, well, its a classic obvious jam.
i can't wait for music to sound like this again...
Does Anybody Know What Time It Is? - Chicago
This not so obvious jam, after brief analysis, turned out to totes be jam-worthy. The sassy and brassy opening, the funky dance-able build up, and then the catchy chorus. Chicago made excellent use of horns, as all jazz-funk bands of the seventies had aspired to do. Chicago, however, combined their instrumental expertise with hyper-catchy songwriting skills.
I recommend throwing this jam on at the time of the party when things may be winding down and a dutchy is being passed around. These lush horns and sweet melody make for an excellent while just chillin. Having said that, I would not expect anyone to get up and dance like the peeps in the following video. It could happen, yes. But I would be prepared for dubious looks and rather weak attempts to sing along.
I recommend throwing this jam on at the time of the party when things may be winding down and a dutchy is being passed around. These lush horns and sweet melody make for an excellent while just chillin. Having said that, I would not expect anyone to get up and dance like the peeps in the following video. It could happen, yes. But I would be prepared for dubious looks and rather weak attempts to sing along.
earth wind & fire- september
picture this: a hott night in miami, you're on south beach at the ritz. there is a pool, champagne, a warm ocean breeze and all of the sudden a jam comes on. you look around to see if anyone else has recognized it as an obviouss jam but you're kinda of wasted off the champagne and scenery so all you can muster is to go over to the dj who is wearing mc hammer style zebra pants, a bright orange fishnet wife beater and a hat that says "wicked" and verify that yes, this is in fact a jam. then you stand next to the speaker so the full experience of the jam is maximized and call your friend in all things jam.
i'm not saying this happened, but i'm not saying it didn't either.
this song may have started off my career in obvious jams back in the day & trips to the mall wouldn't have been complete without it in the tape deck.
Do you remember the 21st night of september?
Love was changing the minds of pretenders
While chasing the clouds away
I do remember!
I can tell you that someone commented on youtube saying "that spells g-e-n-i-u-s" and they be right.
Take a listen for yourself, ya heard?
i'm not saying this happened, but i'm not saying it didn't either.
this song may have started off my career in obvious jams back in the day & trips to the mall wouldn't have been complete without it in the tape deck.
Do you remember the 21st night of september?
Love was changing the minds of pretenders
While chasing the clouds away
I do remember!
I can tell you that someone commented on youtube saying "that spells g-e-n-i-u-s" and they be right.
Take a listen for yourself, ya heard?
Carribean Queen - Billy Ocean
William Ocean...the 80s wouldn't have been the same without this sparkling diamond. When I hear this jam, I can't help but be reminded of hot neon lights, shiny automobiles and mountains of cocaine. The only other thing in this world that does that is Don Johnson in a white sports jacket with the sleeves rolled up. Thank god!
This video, though the action seems out of sync with the audio, provides the user with various facets of Billy Ocean's seemingly exciting life as a crooning paramour. Oddly out of place, however, is the sequence involving the marionette saxophone player. Undoubted this is some contrived comment on the servile life of an 80s studio musician. This sort of heady reflection is in keeping with the fact that Billy Ocean (born Leslie Sebastian Charles) has a Doctorate in Music from the University of Westminster. That's Dr. Ocean to you, punk!
This video, though the action seems out of sync with the audio, provides the user with various facets of Billy Ocean's seemingly exciting life as a crooning paramour. Oddly out of place, however, is the sequence involving the marionette saxophone player. Undoubted this is some contrived comment on the servile life of an 80s studio musician. This sort of heady reflection is in keeping with the fact that Billy Ocean (born Leslie Sebastian Charles) has a Doctorate in Music from the University of Westminster. That's Dr. Ocean to you, punk!
Freedom 90 - George Michael
Best played smack dab in the middle of a raging party, where everyone is wasted. Be prepared to see your friends fall into your coffee table or knock over a drink or two, cause this song is tight! (emphasis mine).
Now, seeing that I was not a 12 year old girl when this came out, I may not be the best person to analyze it. However, I find myself strangely compelled by the sexiness of it. Nevermind the video, which features mega-bitches Linda Evangelista and Naomi Campbell, and the tightest pair of pants ever to fit on a male body...just the incessant rhythm of this song qualifies it for obvious jam status.
There are a few stages to this song: the first where Michael delivers his introduction to a verse, then he elaborates and becomes incensed with a dynamic lyricism that rivals Dylan, and then....THEN.....FREEEDOMMMMM...FREEDOOOOMMMM......FREEEDDOOOOOMMMM....YOU GOT TO GIVE WHAT YOU TAKE!!!!
Numerous jams from the 80s and 90s were structured in such a way that they eventually morphed into a rollicking gospel tune. A Madonna Ciccone or a Steven Wonder were famous for revealing a choir of begowned gospel singers near the most emotional crescendo of their trite songs...just to add some ethnic flavor. But here, Mr. Michael doesn't bore us with the visuals: he satisfies us solely with the passionate voices, with which his seems to blend seamlessly.
And let's not forget the breakdown after the second chorus: the 90s were not known for their funky jams, so would really be wise to relish the one provided here. In summation, I don't give a toss about George Michael's bad press concerning his sexual mores: when I hear this song I am reminded of why obvious jams stand the test of time. It's how they make us feel.
btbuds...George Michael's not actually in this video. If you find that the settings and lighting remind you of Fight Club, well, that's because David Fincher directed the video.
Now, seeing that I was not a 12 year old girl when this came out, I may not be the best person to analyze it. However, I find myself strangely compelled by the sexiness of it. Nevermind the video, which features mega-bitches Linda Evangelista and Naomi Campbell, and the tightest pair of pants ever to fit on a male body...just the incessant rhythm of this song qualifies it for obvious jam status.
There are a few stages to this song: the first where Michael delivers his introduction to a verse, then he elaborates and becomes incensed with a dynamic lyricism that rivals Dylan, and then....THEN.....FREEEDOMMMMM...FREEDOOOOMMMM......FREEEDDOOOOOMMMM....YOU GOT TO GIVE WHAT YOU TAKE!!!!
Numerous jams from the 80s and 90s were structured in such a way that they eventually morphed into a rollicking gospel tune. A Madonna Ciccone or a Steven Wonder were famous for revealing a choir of begowned gospel singers near the most emotional crescendo of their trite songs...just to add some ethnic flavor. But here, Mr. Michael doesn't bore us with the visuals: he satisfies us solely with the passionate voices, with which his seems to blend seamlessly.
And let's not forget the breakdown after the second chorus: the 90s were not known for their funky jams, so would really be wise to relish the one provided here. In summation, I don't give a toss about George Michael's bad press concerning his sexual mores: when I hear this song I am reminded of why obvious jams stand the test of time. It's how they make us feel.
btbuds...George Michael's not actually in this video. If you find that the settings and lighting remind you of Fight Club, well, that's because David Fincher directed the video.
Thursday, December 7, 2006
I Wanna Be Your Lover - Prince
There's nothing quite like a jammin Prince song. Listen closely my friends because no one - not even your mom - jams the way this royal rocker does. This one's from back in the good ol' days, before he was formerly known and when he looked less like a rock star and more like your 15-year-old creepy cousin who can't quite grow facial hair.
Prince doesn't just provide the music for this jammin jam session but he shows you how. Just watch how he dances...captivating.
Prince doesn't just provide the music for this jammin jam session but he shows you how. Just watch how he dances...captivating.
I Ran - Flock of Seagulls
There are two different types of jams. The first jam is one where you rock out big and loud. Arms flail and your head rocks to the beat, side to side, front to back... whatevs. The other type of jam is one where movement can be minimal but on the inside - deep inside your core - you've got your jam on. This next song is so versatile that it's both types of jams.
btdubs, Aurora borealis, what?
btdubs, Aurora borealis, what?
Break My Stride - Matthew Wilder
Let me preface this uber-jam just a bit: unlike Michael Jackson, where
pretty much everything he's ever touched has either been a jam or a
small child, Matthew Wilder only had one hit really... and here it is.
Having said that, I shall recall the old saying: those who burn twice
as bright, burn half as long. In Wilder's case, he went fucking
super-nova immediately! And when the dust cleared, we saw that despite it all,
at the end of the day, ain't nobody was breaking his stride.
No doubt he still strides along, shooting off into the coldest regions of the Universe,
enlightening the minds of distant, alien civilizations who obviously
know a jam when they hear one. Mr. Wilder...Earth was never fully prepared
for this obvious jam.
Miles Davis had two bass players, The Allman Brothers had two drummers, and Matthew Wilder has three keyboard players. What's up with that?!
as per enkay's suggestion:
-Winner, Most Uplifting Song Ever; 1983.
pretty much everything he's ever touched has either been a jam or a
small child, Matthew Wilder only had one hit really... and here it is.
Having said that, I shall recall the old saying: those who burn twice
as bright, burn half as long. In Wilder's case, he went fucking
super-nova immediately! And when the dust cleared, we saw that despite it all,
at the end of the day, ain't nobody was breaking his stride.
No doubt he still strides along, shooting off into the coldest regions of the Universe,
enlightening the minds of distant, alien civilizations who obviously
know a jam when they hear one. Mr. Wilder...Earth was never fully prepared
for this obvious jam.
Miles Davis had two bass players, The Allman Brothers had two drummers, and Matthew Wilder has three keyboard players. What's up with that?!
as per enkay's suggestion:
-Winner, Most Uplifting Song Ever; 1983.
Galang - M.I.A
A more recent jam, this hot track came out in 2003. When I first caught wind of it, it was before the video hit the states, and I actually thought she was kind of lame. The way she jumps around, like a little girl. That wasn't until I finally realized how awesome M.I.A was.
You should definitely read her Wikipedia page, but I can provide you with one fun fact about this video, and M.I.A. (Maya to her friends): all the spray-painted backgrounds in this video were made by M.I.A. herself. She was also the video's art director. It seems she was a film and video maker first, then an artist, and then the jamster we all know and love. These days, it's as if M.I.A. is dropping jams the way you and I read the paper.
Put this on in the car, and be prepared to move ya rump out the seat.
btdubs... M.I.A. is my friend on MySpace: the only professional musician I will allow as my friend. Make note of this...
You should definitely read her Wikipedia page, but I can provide you with one fun fact about this video, and M.I.A. (Maya to her friends): all the spray-painted backgrounds in this video were made by M.I.A. herself. She was also the video's art director. It seems she was a film and video maker first, then an artist, and then the jamster we all know and love. These days, it's as if M.I.A. is dropping jams the way you and I read the paper.
Put this on in the car, and be prepared to move ya rump out the seat.
btdubs... M.I.A. is my friend on MySpace: the only professional musician I will allow as my friend. Make note of this...
Rocket Man - Elton John
Ok, so this is really a beautiful song, right? And we all know it well, no doubt. So that's why I chose a truly eerie performance of it by one William Shatner at the 1978 Sci-Fi Film Awards show.
You can tell, during his introduction, that Barry Taupin knows something cheesy is coming his way. You can see the hesitation on his face. "Should I do this? Is this the right thing to do?" No Barry, it isn't. Buy you go ahead...you go ahead and unleash this crazy shit on the world. Perhaps it'll end up on a blog someday...who knows.
"What's a 'blog'. Is that some freaky alien cat, or something.?"
no Barry...go sit on Elton's lap and leave us be. We need to consume some video content:
Always a good song to drive to (the Elton John version, that is). No drugs, no alcohol needed. Just good friends and good times. You can't say that about many tunes...perhaps "Tiny Dancer". Hey, that's a jam!
btdubs...the first time I saw this I nearly burst a uterus...and i'm a dude!
You can tell, during his introduction, that Barry Taupin knows something cheesy is coming his way. You can see the hesitation on his face. "Should I do this? Is this the right thing to do?" No Barry, it isn't. Buy you go ahead...you go ahead and unleash this crazy shit on the world. Perhaps it'll end up on a blog someday...who knows.
"What's a 'blog'. Is that some freaky alien cat, or something.?"
no Barry...go sit on Elton's lap and leave us be. We need to consume some video content:
Always a good song to drive to (the Elton John version, that is). No drugs, no alcohol needed. Just good friends and good times. You can't say that about many tunes...perhaps "Tiny Dancer". Hey, that's a jam!
btdubs...the first time I saw this I nearly burst a uterus...and i'm a dude!
Sweet Caroline - Neil Diamond
This jam is so obvious that my hands were actually shaking as I typed in this post, knowing full well that I was creating something really special! Who hasn't been in a college-town bar, making out with a mr. or ms. Wrong, waiting for the fateful moment to scream out "Whoa oh oh........!" in the middle of the chorus? I ask you....
The answer? Well, we've ALL been there, and we are all very thankful to have experienced it. I know I am. Maybe I've gone on too long...I'll let Mr. Diamond take over from here...straight from the heartland, this one:
btdubs...does Neil actually say, "and when I hurt, bubula..." Wow. Truly remarkable. Mr. Diamond, I salute you!
The answer? Well, we've ALL been there, and we are all very thankful to have experienced it. I know I am. Maybe I've gone on too long...I'll let Mr. Diamond take over from here...straight from the heartland, this one:
btdubs...does Neil actually say, "and when I hurt, bubula..." Wow. Truly remarkable. Mr. Diamond, I salute you!
Baby Come Back - Player
Maybe yaul not ready for this shit. Maybe JamMasterD don't give a shit, yo. This song was a jam long before I saw the strange, mulleted men generating it. Now that I've seen them, up close and highly compressed (thanks youtube!), I love this song all the more. It's got guts; it reminds me of my uncle in the seventies, living life in the fast lane, driving around an Iroc Z that alerted him when his door was ajar.
Just watch and learn. I shall dwell on it no longer:
Just watch and learn. I shall dwell on it no longer:
What A Fool Believes - Doobie Brothers
Ok, this jam needed some intimate reflection before i felt comfortable posting it, seeing that it happens to be my jam. Now, after some time, I feel i'm ready to tell you about it's long and storied past. This little yacht-rock gem was a huge hit back in the seventies and eighties, and it certainly raised that shlocky Michael McDonald to certain fame, but lets not hold that against it!
Throw this jam on like five songs into a playlist and it will add some momentum to an otherwise reticent group of party people. On the other hand, say you're getting depressed listening to Bright Eyes, Coheed and Cambria, Mars Volta, or some other modern shit: this is the perfect remedy. It's totally unexpected and, on the surface, cheesy as all get out. But at the end of the day, this song is a bright, gleaming reminder that our best years as a culture are blissfully behind us. And that is why, at long last, "What A Fool Believes" falls nicely into a list of obvious jams.
btdubs...my fav part is when the guitarist with the long hair busts out with the guitar stabs, all the while wearing this cheesy grin. Now doesn't he look pleased with himself.
Throw this jam on like five songs into a playlist and it will add some momentum to an otherwise reticent group of party people. On the other hand, say you're getting depressed listening to Bright Eyes, Coheed and Cambria, Mars Volta, or some other modern shit: this is the perfect remedy. It's totally unexpected and, on the surface, cheesy as all get out. But at the end of the day, this song is a bright, gleaming reminder that our best years as a culture are blissfully behind us. And that is why, at long last, "What A Fool Believes" falls nicely into a list of obvious jams.
btdubs...my fav part is when the guitarist with the long hair busts out with the guitar stabs, all the while wearing this cheesy grin. Now doesn't he look pleased with himself.
Sailing - Christopher Cross
Ok, this is a recent addition to my list of forgotten, yet happening jams. Sailing...Chris Cross...yeah!
---
Just imagine going back in time...all the way to 1979: you're wearing a tight shirt, bell bottoms, all polyester, of course! You just turned off Mork and Mindy, or perhaps Too Close for Comfort, and you feel like rolling a nice doobie.
So what do you do? You go get your stash, pop this shit into the 8-Track and lay back on the bean-bag chair. That shit is timeless.
Ok, it's time to return to 2006, but before you do, just make sure to read Ziggy that day...it's tight. I love the nutty situations he gets in!
----
Ok, we're back. a hot jam for a time long forgotten. If you're not in a situation similar to that described above (i.e. polyester, 8-track and Jim J Bullock on the TV), throw this shit on when you're extremely stoned and need to do inane tasks like cleaning the bathroom or doing the dishes. You'll be glad you did.
A fun fact about Chris Cross: other than Nora Jones, he is the only artist to win the "Big Four" Grammy Awards (Best Record, Song, Album, and New Artist) in the same year.
(source)
btdubs...this shit is live, so it's an intimate look in Mr. Cross as performer. Not so hot...but make no mistake: this jam it totes obvious.
---
Just imagine going back in time...all the way to 1979: you're wearing a tight shirt, bell bottoms, all polyester, of course! You just turned off Mork and Mindy, or perhaps Too Close for Comfort, and you feel like rolling a nice doobie.
So what do you do? You go get your stash, pop this shit into the 8-Track and lay back on the bean-bag chair. That shit is timeless.
Ok, it's time to return to 2006, but before you do, just make sure to read Ziggy that day...it's tight. I love the nutty situations he gets in!
----
Ok, we're back. a hot jam for a time long forgotten. If you're not in a situation similar to that described above (i.e. polyester, 8-track and Jim J Bullock on the TV), throw this shit on when you're extremely stoned and need to do inane tasks like cleaning the bathroom or doing the dishes. You'll be glad you did.
A fun fact about Chris Cross: other than Nora Jones, he is the only artist to win the "Big Four" Grammy Awards (Best Record, Song, Album, and New Artist) in the same year.
(source)
btdubs...this shit is live, so it's an intimate look in Mr. Cross as performer. Not so hot...but make no mistake: this jam it totes obvious.
guys- i don't know what to say
its me, from before! thank you for keeping the obvious jams spirit alive. you better believe that when my first jam recommendation comes to fruition it be a smoking hot jam.
for now, however, i'm soaking up some serious rays in mia- representing the obvious jams fl style.
for now, however, i'm soaking up some serious rays in mia- representing the obvious jams fl style.
You Got it - Roy Orbison
Is he even opening his mouth? Who cares when the product is a silky smooth rockin jam. Roy Orbison rocks this live version of one of his greatest jams. He's so cool.
Take note of the Don Johnson-inspired guitar jammers in the band (Doo do do dooo).
Take note of the Don Johnson-inspired guitar jammers in the band (Doo do do dooo).
P.Y.T. - Michael Jackson
Aaah, the early 80s... a time when it was hip for one of the biggest stars to rock a pink Mickey Mouse sweater in his latest video. If only we were that cool now.
Not only can you groove to this tune but it's a totes jam through and through.
-JamMasterD recommends freeing up your hands for the ample opportunities to do the double hand clap. They're spread all over this biatch!
btdubs...this video was low-fi even before low-fi was low-fi. Did Spike Jones have anything to do with this one?
Not only can you groove to this tune but it's a totes jam through and through.
-JamMasterD recommends freeing up your hands for the ample opportunities to do the double hand clap. They're spread all over this biatch!
btdubs...this video was low-fi even before low-fi was low-fi. Did Spike Jones have anything to do with this one?
All Night Long - Lionel Richie
Karamu, fiesta, forever!
The lyrics speak for themselves: "Everyone you meet/ They're jamming in the street/All night long."
That's an obvs jam.
Sing it Lionel!
The lyrics speak for themselves: "Everyone you meet/ They're jamming in the street/All night long."
That's an obvs jam.
Sing it Lionel!
Poison - Bel Biv Devoe
Other than the fact that this is totes a jam, the video is fucking incredible: early 90s cheese at it's cheesiest. Look at those long leather coats! Look at the Cross Color threads! Look at those ankle boots!
May we, as a generation - nay, as a species - never forget how awesome this jam is. I recommend playing this guy at the start of the evening, to get the blood flowing, and then again, at the end of the evening, just before a slow, "the parties over" jam. I've outlined a sample playlist below:
1.)Poison - Bel Biv Devoe
.
.
.
35.)Poison - Bel Biv Devoe
36.)Bottle of Blues - Beck (Mutations)
...and there it is: a recipe for success!
Winner, Best Ending to a Video Ever; 1992.
May we, as a generation - nay, as a species - never forget how awesome this jam is. I recommend playing this guy at the start of the evening, to get the blood flowing, and then again, at the end of the evening, just before a slow, "the parties over" jam. I've outlined a sample playlist below:
1.)Poison - Bel Biv Devoe
.
.
.
35.)Poison - Bel Biv Devoe
36.)Bottle of Blues - Beck (Mutations)
...and there it is: a recipe for success!
Winner, Best Ending to a Video Ever; 1992.
Set Adrift On Memory Bliss - P.M. Dawn
Ok, we all know this old jam! Hence the term "obvious", so this one ain't difficult to understand. In 1988, brothers Attrell Cordes (aka Prince Be) and Jarrett Cordes (aka DJ Minute Mix), formed P.M. Dawn and basically started it all.
I recommend, as I tend to do with all early 90s R&B, buying a couple 40 ounces (like Old E or Ballantyne) and throwing this shit on like in the middle of the party, just to throw the whole room off. Every Gen Y cat in the room will, at first, pretend to hate this jam. However, eventually, just as a dying man gives into the cool hand of death, everyone will bow down to what is obviously a great jam!
p.s. A little fun fact about this early 90s dynamic duo: they were raised by their step-father George Brown, one of the founding members of Kool and the Gang! That's fucking eerie, n'es pas?
I recommend, as I tend to do with all early 90s R&B, buying a couple 40 ounces (like Old E or Ballantyne) and throwing this shit on like in the middle of the party, just to throw the whole room off. Every Gen Y cat in the room will, at first, pretend to hate this jam. However, eventually, just as a dying man gives into the cool hand of death, everyone will bow down to what is obviously a great jam!
p.s. A little fun fact about this early 90s dynamic duo: they were raised by their step-father George Brown, one of the founding members of Kool and the Gang! That's fucking eerie, n'es pas?
Wednesday, December 6, 2006
Lovely Day - Bill Withers
This jam is so smooth, it almost fell out of my hands on the way here! This shit is so tight, it barely uploaded! Don't believe the hype: The Gap may use this jam to hock their shitty threads, but they also use Common...and he's certainly not jam-worthy...certainly not. This jam is takin' OVER. Move out the way!
p.s. this song has so much soul, indigenous peoples are afraid to listen to it because of a superstitious fear that "Lovely Day" will steal their soul too!
here's a link to the song.
p.s. this song has so much soul, indigenous peoples are afraid to listen to it because of a superstitious fear that "Lovely Day" will steal their soul too!
here's a link to the song.
Ain't No Sunshine - Bill Withers
Listen yaul: this one's real easy. Fly to Florida, rent a car, smoke a bit, stop at Miami Subs for a philly cheese steak, and then.....THEN just pop this shit into the CD player. My friend, you'll be flyin.
This live version is particularly hot as their are some groovy cats backing up Mr. Withers.
Ok, here's a fun fact: that catchy sampled hook in the beginning of Blackstreet's "No Diggity" is Bill Withers. I like the way you work, kid!
Learn yourself about Bill Withers, dogg. You'll be glad you did.
This live version is particularly hot as their are some groovy cats backing up Mr. Withers.
Ok, here's a fun fact: that catchy sampled hook in the beginning of Blackstreet's "No Diggity" is Bill Withers. I like the way you work, kid!
Learn yourself about Bill Withers, dogg. You'll be glad you did.
This Is How We DoIt - Montell Jordan
As if I have to post this: this song....this song...let me tell you about this fucking song. No, you know what, I'm just gonna let you find out for yo self. peace
Montell Jordan's Wikipedia page: will wonders never cease? Apparently not...
Montell Jordan's Wikipedia page: will wonders never cease? Apparently not...
Down Under - Men At Work
Ok, ok. a few things about this song: I highly recommend buying some Foster's (Dark Lager), rolling some blunts and dispensing with the pleasentries when you throw this little gem on. Get all your friends together in your bed room and just throw this shit on. No jacket required! Sign me up for that! Could it be any simpler?!
Men At Work have MANY hot jams, but this is by far the best. Trivia: this was number one in both the US and the UK! "Who Can It Be Now", their first hit, deserves it's obvious jam time, but not today...not today. Right now it's all about "Down Under"
Men At Work Wikipedia Page
Men At Work have MANY hot jams, but this is by far the best. Trivia: this was number one in both the US and the UK! "Who Can It Be Now", their first hit, deserves it's obvious jam time, but not today...not today. Right now it's all about "Down Under"
Men At Work Wikipedia Page
Africa - Toto
This is perhaps the song of the century. Good for hot days, and hotter nights...i'm thinking you and me, we take off work, we jet down to Madagascar, you step into a sarong, i in my linen pants and straw hat. We pop "9 1/2 Weeks" or "Tequila Sunrise" into the beta deck and kick back with a tropical drink. Then, and only then, is it the right time to play "Africa".
Winner, Best Cover Song; 2003
Toto's Wiki...i know... totally awesome.
Winner, Best Cover Song; 2003
Toto's Wiki...i know... totally awesome.
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