Sad news 80's fans. After 25 years, A-Ha are breaking up. You may think to yourself, 'I didn't know they were still together.' And neither did I. BUT they were, and now they're not anymore. That is, until the end of their 2010 Farewell Tour. So, not broken up, but planning to breakup. It's like it's the summer after high school graduation and A-Ha are that couple that's going to colleges on different coasts; together for now, definitely over by Christmas.
But who knows? Didn't The Who have like 6 Farewell Tours? There's still hope!
Here's "Take on Me" Live (definitely post-80's):
Making that face is totally necessary to hit those high notes. Also, I think full band in leather pants is a good policy. I'm not so sure about Ms. Backupsinger's full-length vinyl dress, however.
Showing posts with label The "Take on Me" Promise. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The "Take on Me" Promise. Show all posts
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
My Vinyl Weekend
What a successful weekend it was! If one measures the success of a weekend by how many awesome records one buys. And everyone does, so, again, what a successful weekend it was!
What with finances being tight, I haven't wiled away as many hours searching for records as I might like these days. But on Saturday, my roommate and I took a walk down to Bedford Avenue and the first stop was naturally Academy Records. I love this place. It's 95% vinyl and 100% awesome. They even have an adorable cat!
Anyway, I wasn't planning to buy. That is, of course, unless I found Combat Rock, the only Clash LP I didn't yet have (Cut the Crap doesn't count as a real Clash LP). And I did find it. Along with the single for Rock the Casbah. And then I found Thriller, and I HAD to get that too! (I also found a HILARIOUS record that I can't post about just yet, but I will soon, promise). My roommate came away with a $4 big band-y Frank Sinatra record.
Monday, finding ourselves with another day off, my roommate and I headed down the block to The Vortex, a great junk/thrift store across from the Montrose L station (after egg sandwiches at our favorite cafe, natch). I was actually looking for a nightstand, but we ended up looking through the vinyl crates anyway. I was pumped to come across Black Market Clash, a B-sides and rarities LP. And I was THRILLED when I found Hunting High and Low, by A-Ha featuring, you guessed it, "Take on Me." AND THUS RETURNS THE DINOSAUR IN BROOKLYN TAKE ON ME PROMISE. Missed it, didn't you? To finish off the story of my great vinyl weekend, my roommate found a copy of Boston's self-titled (with "More Than a Feeling") that I informed her if she didn't buy, I would. And she did.
Ch-ch-ch-check it OUT:
Why yes, I did buy Rock the Casbah almost exclusively for that amazing cover.
Anyway, I spent way too much much money, but dancing with my roommate to "Take on Me" or sitting here now listening to "Straight to Hell," I am way too much happy. So it's worth it.
On a related note, Insound is having another Wharehouse sale coming up on October 23-24, in case you also want to stock up on some vinyl (or CD's or free beer). Here's the flier with details.
What with finances being tight, I haven't wiled away as many hours searching for records as I might like these days. But on Saturday, my roommate and I took a walk down to Bedford Avenue and the first stop was naturally Academy Records. I love this place. It's 95% vinyl and 100% awesome. They even have an adorable cat!
Anyway, I wasn't planning to buy. That is, of course, unless I found Combat Rock, the only Clash LP I didn't yet have (Cut the Crap doesn't count as a real Clash LP). And I did find it. Along with the single for Rock the Casbah. And then I found Thriller, and I HAD to get that too! (I also found a HILARIOUS record that I can't post about just yet, but I will soon, promise). My roommate came away with a $4 big band-y Frank Sinatra record.
Monday, finding ourselves with another day off, my roommate and I headed down the block to The Vortex, a great junk/thrift store across from the Montrose L station (after egg sandwiches at our favorite cafe, natch). I was actually looking for a nightstand, but we ended up looking through the vinyl crates anyway. I was pumped to come across Black Market Clash, a B-sides and rarities LP. And I was THRILLED when I found Hunting High and Low, by A-Ha featuring, you guessed it, "Take on Me." AND THUS RETURNS THE DINOSAUR IN BROOKLYN TAKE ON ME PROMISE. Missed it, didn't you? To finish off the story of my great vinyl weekend, my roommate found a copy of Boston's self-titled (with "More Than a Feeling") that I informed her if she didn't buy, I would. And she did.
Ch-ch-ch-check it OUT:
Why yes, I did buy Rock the Casbah almost exclusively for that amazing cover.
Anyway, I spent way too much much money, but dancing with my roommate to "Take on Me" or sitting here now listening to "Straight to Hell," I am way too much happy. So it's worth it.
On a related note, Insound is having another Wharehouse sale coming up on October 23-24, in case you also want to stock up on some vinyl (or CD's or free beer). Here's the flier with details.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
oh, brandon flowers...
I can't decide if this is horrible or amazing. both? My favorite part is their trying to sing without knowing any of the words. And the end note OF COURSE.
Friday, April 10, 2009
This is why I have a "Take on Me" google alert
because otherwise I would miss out on FABULOUS things, like this...
A ToM cover by Shiny and the Spoon. It's quite beautiful. And probably the most original one I've heard so far, and that's really saying something. I think you'll like it, cause I mean, who doesn't love a good ukulele?
thanks to The Smiths' Occasional Blog for originally posting about this.
A ToM cover by Shiny and the Spoon. It's quite beautiful. And probably the most original one I've heard so far, and that's really saying something. I think you'll like it, cause I mean, who doesn't love a good ukulele?
thanks to The Smiths' Occasional Blog for originally posting about this.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Remix time!
A brand new remix of "Take on Me," who would have guessed?
This one's by the Brazilian producing duo The Twelves. Their other remixes are of modern acts like MIA, Black Kids, The Virgins, etc. According to electronic rumors, a few artists have recently remixed ToM for a Norwegian Chrysler promotion. What a great idea! This is the first one I've come across, and it's making its way round the interwebs right now.
When I first listened to it I didn't think it was anything spectacular. Honestly though, the more I hear it, the more I like it. It's fun and fresh. It retains the original's spirit while putting a totally modern spin on it.
Totally worth a listen, and inclusion on your next party playlist. Enjoy!
The Twelves also have a great remix of Black Kids' "I'm Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How to Dance With You" over on their myspace.
This one's by the Brazilian producing duo The Twelves. Their other remixes are of modern acts like MIA, Black Kids, The Virgins, etc. According to electronic rumors, a few artists have recently remixed ToM for a Norwegian Chrysler promotion. What a great idea! This is the first one I've come across, and it's making its way round the interwebs right now.
When I first listened to it I didn't think it was anything spectacular. Honestly though, the more I hear it, the more I like it. It's fun and fresh. It retains the original's spirit while putting a totally modern spin on it.
Totally worth a listen, and inclusion on your next party playlist. Enjoy!
The Twelves also have a great remix of Black Kids' "I'm Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How to Dance With You" over on their myspace.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Say what you want about Nine Inch Nails...
... but this shit is funny.
Check out the track list! Lolz. Good to know that Trent has a sense of humor.
EDIT: an incredible (fake) review of (fake) Strobe Light can be found at onethirtybpm.com. I particularly liked this bit:
Check out the track list! Lolz. Good to know that Trent has a sense of humor.
EDIT: an incredible (fake) review of (fake) Strobe Light can be found at onethirtybpm.com. I particularly liked this bit:
The title of “Feel Like Being Dead Again” is a nod to Lil Wayne’s classic codeine ode “I Feel Like Dying,” and features Reznor free-associating over an inspired sample of A-ha’s “Take On Me.”can you imagine? I might actually become a NIN fan if he made a song like this. Thanks again Google alert!
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Take on Me to Wonderwall
I think this may be the best thing the "Take on Me" promise has turned up so far.
You wouldn't expect a mash-up of "Take on Me" and "Wonderwall' to work, but it does. It really really does. (Though, some of my friends may think otherwise, KYLE).
Don't let the terrible midi drums at the start turn you off, if you keep listening, you shall be rewarded.
The layers are fantastic. I love when the cellos come in. And the competing choruses blend so well. I don't even know what to write, it leaves me bewildered in a really fantastic way.
cause above all, I CAN'T BELIEVE IT WORKS! Seriously, who would think to put these songs together? Who knew it would work so well??
I just wish the electronic drums weren't so bad, otherwise it could be truly majestic. As it is, it's merely golden wonderment.
You wouldn't expect a mash-up of "Take on Me" and "Wonderwall' to work, but it does. It really really does. (Though, some of my friends may think otherwise, KYLE).
Don't let the terrible midi drums at the start turn you off, if you keep listening, you shall be rewarded.
The layers are fantastic. I love when the cellos come in. And the competing choruses blend so well. I don't even know what to write, it leaves me bewildered in a really fantastic way.
cause above all, I CAN'T BELIEVE IT WORKS! Seriously, who would think to put these songs together? Who knew it would work so well??
I just wish the electronic drums weren't so bad, otherwise it could be truly majestic. As it is, it's merely golden wonderment.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Broadcast 2000
I love when my "Take on Me" google alert lead me to strange and wonderful things. First, it was the Muse mash-ups (and my subsequent love of "Starlight") and now this.
Should I explain? Apparently these dudes (well, this one dude, Joe Steer, and his live band) have been known to play "Take on Me" during their live show. According to the review that my google alert alerted me to, Joe handles the challenging vocals of ToM with ease. I wish I could find it, but there appears to be no recording.
But that's ok! That same review also said that they sound nothing like their name, Broadcast 2000, might make you think (which to me could either be some sort of electronic collective or a pop-punk band on Drive-Thru Records (no offense Evan!)). I looked into it, and I really dig what I hear.
They play dreamy, contemplative folk-pop. with a glockenspeil. Like Beirut meets Noah and the Whale. They hail from the UK and have only one release to date, 2008's Building Block (either a long EP, or a mini-album, whichever way you want to look at it). BUT you know their music without realizing it. Their song "Run" is featured in the macbook-is-the-greenest commercial.
Anyway, having heard most of their tunes, I can definitely say that "Get Up and Go" is the stand-out track. Check it ouuuuuut:
I can't even describe this song. It has an ethereal quality. It's another one of those lying-under-the-stars songs, but it's not as pure an simple all that either. It's gorgeous, light, and twinkling but with a lingering darkness. I can't explain what it is about it that I love so much, and it's driving me a little bit crazy. I mean, it's haunting.
So, this is definitely a band I'm going to be keeping tabs on. I don't expect "Get Up and Go" to be leaving my head anytime soon, anyway. Plus Joe Steer is HOT. Check him out:
He has so many feelings. oh baby.
Should I explain? Apparently these dudes (well, this one dude, Joe Steer, and his live band) have been known to play "Take on Me" during their live show. According to the review that my google alert alerted me to, Joe handles the challenging vocals of ToM with ease. I wish I could find it, but there appears to be no recording.
But that's ok! That same review also said that they sound nothing like their name, Broadcast 2000, might make you think (which to me could either be some sort of electronic collective or a pop-punk band on Drive-Thru Records (no offense Evan!)). I looked into it, and I really dig what I hear.
They play dreamy, contemplative folk-pop. with a glockenspeil. Like Beirut meets Noah and the Whale. They hail from the UK and have only one release to date, 2008's Building Block (either a long EP, or a mini-album, whichever way you want to look at it). BUT you know their music without realizing it. Their song "Run" is featured in the macbook-is-the-greenest commercial.
Anyway, having heard most of their tunes, I can definitely say that "Get Up and Go" is the stand-out track. Check it ouuuuuut:
I can't even describe this song. It has an ethereal quality. It's another one of those lying-under-the-stars songs, but it's not as pure an simple all that either. It's gorgeous, light, and twinkling but with a lingering darkness. I can't explain what it is about it that I love so much, and it's driving me a little bit crazy. I mean, it's haunting.
So, this is definitely a band I'm going to be keeping tabs on. I don't expect "Get Up and Go" to be leaving my head anytime soon, anyway. Plus Joe Steer is HOT. Check him out:
He has so many feelings. oh baby.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Topmodelz with a Z
I don't really know what releasing a techno cover of "Take on Me" accomplishes. It's already a synth-heavy dance song.
But you can't get between Germans and their techno. The duo Topmodelz (does Tyra know about them?) obviously felt the need to release it as a single. Lord knows why. Sure, adding some thumping bass never hurt anyone, but if you don't have anything new to say, maybe you shouldn't say anything at all. But that brings up the whole argument of the merit of covers in general, and do i really want to get into that now? The answer to that question is no.
Because I love you, I won't embed, but if you really feel the need to hear it, here's the link. Silly Germans are silly.
Sorry. But you knew what we were getting into with the "Take on Me" promise. It was bound to turn up a few clunkers.
But you can't get between Germans and their techno. The duo Topmodelz (does Tyra know about them?) obviously felt the need to release it as a single. Lord knows why. Sure, adding some thumping bass never hurt anyone, but if you don't have anything new to say, maybe you shouldn't say anything at all. But that brings up the whole argument of the merit of covers in general, and do i really want to get into that now? The answer to that question is no.Because I love you, I won't embed, but if you really feel the need to hear it, here's the link. Silly Germans are silly.
Sorry. But you knew what we were getting into with the "Take on Me" promise. It was bound to turn up a few clunkers.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Synthtastic!
Thank God for the synthesizer, am i right?
Here are some tunes I'm pretty into right now. Get ready to dance!
1. Spaceman - The Killers
Of course I'm gonna start things off with the best song ever written bout alien abduction. duh.
2. Spiralling (Radio Edit) - Keane
Great tune. And I'm so glad to hear them explore other sounds, because it's easy to just try and replicate your own success and write the same song over and over (*cough* Coldplay). The spoken-ish bridge is weird though. And the "radio edit" is better, trust me.
3. I'm Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How to Dance With You - Black Kids
LOVE the bassline in this song. so hot.
4. Say Goodbye - Samuel
Catchy song. When I saw him perform, people were outside later singing and humming this song. i even caught myself doing it! and i swear i'm not biased just because i know him and the song's producer. Hahah, though the "You're making it hard for me" line makes me think of the 90's hit "Too Close," which then makes me laugh. (circa 1:10. also, WHAT IS THAT VIDEO?!? i'm not even gonna start)
5. Sleeping In - The Postal Service
Cause every playlist needs its slow jam.
6. Again & Again - Keane
Sorry to break the mix tape rules, but what can i say? Perfect Symmetry is a pretty synthtastic album.
7. Take on Me - RAC feat Karl Kling
It'll never get old. The granddaddy of synth tunes. obvs!
8. Time to Pretend - MGMT
Now THAT'S a synth riff.
9. Take a Bow - Muse
Cause every playlist needs its post-apocalyptic jam.
imeem GO!
Here are some tunes I'm pretty into right now. Get ready to dance!
1. Spaceman - The Killers
Of course I'm gonna start things off with the best song ever written bout alien abduction. duh.
2. Spiralling (Radio Edit) - Keane
Great tune. And I'm so glad to hear them explore other sounds, because it's easy to just try and replicate your own success and write the same song over and over (*cough* Coldplay). The spoken-ish bridge is weird though. And the "radio edit" is better, trust me.
3. I'm Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How to Dance With You - Black Kids
LOVE the bassline in this song. so hot.
4. Say Goodbye - Samuel
Catchy song. When I saw him perform, people were outside later singing and humming this song. i even caught myself doing it! and i swear i'm not biased just because i know him and the song's producer. Hahah, though the "You're making it hard for me" line makes me think of the 90's hit "Too Close," which then makes me laugh. (circa 1:10. also, WHAT IS THAT VIDEO?!? i'm not even gonna start)
5. Sleeping In - The Postal Service
Cause every playlist needs its slow jam.
6. Again & Again - Keane
Sorry to break the mix tape rules, but what can i say? Perfect Symmetry is a pretty synthtastic album.
7. Take on Me - RAC feat Karl Kling
It'll never get old. The granddaddy of synth tunes. obvs!
8. Time to Pretend - MGMT
Now THAT'S a synth riff.
9. Take a Bow - Muse
Cause every playlist needs its post-apocalyptic jam.
imeem GO!
Pure Nostalgia
Remember Mario Paint? Remember how you could compose songs with it?
Well, someone does.... "Take on Me" style!
(don't worry, it's not the whole song)
oh man. aren't you glad computers got better?
Mario Teaches Typing is still the sweetest though.
Well, someone does.... "Take on Me" style!
(don't worry, it's not the whole song)
oh man. aren't you glad computers got better?
Mario Teaches Typing is still the sweetest though.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Muse Mash-ups
I feel like i need to explain where this post is coming from (because I know how random it seems).
It starts with a google alert which promised a "Take on Me"/"Wonderwall" mash-up. I was like, "Holy shit! this sounds awesome! two of the best songs ever!" However, when I went to track it down, i found it had been part of a radio stream that was no longer working. Boo. (don't worry, i have since found it, and it is REALLY FREAKIN' GOOD!)
Anyway, that led me on a youtube search, where i again, didn't find what i was looking for. But it was then that I saw an A-Ha/Muse mash-up. Now I only really know one song by each of these bands ("Take on Me" obvs, and "Time is Running Out") but I thought I'd watch "The Sun Always Shines on TV"/"Starlight." Funnily, it didn't have a cute mash-up name like most two-song mash-ups do, so i will name it. "A-Ha vs Muse" video, you are now officially...
The Starlight Always Shines on TV
How fucking good is that? I'm pretty unashamed to love both these bands. But then again, I have a thing for the patently epic and ridiculous. Which explains a lot of things, actually. Also, I like how they edited together the videos too. nice touch. (side note: I can't believe how literal Muse was, filming their video on a ship? really? but then again, it is pretty epic...)
but my journey continues.
I decided I really like this "Starlight" song, and really want to hear the un-mashed version. But on the way, I found an AMAZING Killers/Muse mash-up. Because separately, they are pretty fantastically epic bands, but together??? well, the results blew my mind.
When You Were Starlight
I already loved "When You Were Young" and was quickly falling for "Starlight." But this works SO WELL. I do wish there was a little more Brendan Flowers. But I can't complain. That Killers riff sounds so natural with the Muse melody. God. I love it.
I also found a Streets/Muse mash-up. Not good. Well, the mash-up is fine, but I can't stand the Streets.
and now, I've downloaded Black Holes and Revelations (which includes "Take A Bow," the song in the Watchmen trailer... that i thought was Radiohead... silly me) and am taking a listen to the real version of the song. Not really the order I should have gone in, but whatever. Not gonna lie, I kind of like the mash-ups better. Not to say I don't like the song, it's pretty wonderful. but still, the mash-ups are more fun.
It starts with a google alert which promised a "Take on Me"/"Wonderwall" mash-up. I was like, "Holy shit! this sounds awesome! two of the best songs ever!" However, when I went to track it down, i found it had been part of a radio stream that was no longer working. Boo. (don't worry, i have since found it, and it is REALLY FREAKIN' GOOD!)
Anyway, that led me on a youtube search, where i again, didn't find what i was looking for. But it was then that I saw an A-Ha/Muse mash-up. Now I only really know one song by each of these bands ("Take on Me" obvs, and "Time is Running Out") but I thought I'd watch "The Sun Always Shines on TV"/"Starlight." Funnily, it didn't have a cute mash-up name like most two-song mash-ups do, so i will name it. "A-Ha vs Muse" video, you are now officially...
The Starlight Always Shines on TV
How fucking good is that? I'm pretty unashamed to love both these bands. But then again, I have a thing for the patently epic and ridiculous. Which explains a lot of things, actually. Also, I like how they edited together the videos too. nice touch. (side note: I can't believe how literal Muse was, filming their video on a ship? really? but then again, it is pretty epic...)
but my journey continues.
I decided I really like this "Starlight" song, and really want to hear the un-mashed version. But on the way, I found an AMAZING Killers/Muse mash-up. Because separately, they are pretty fantastically epic bands, but together??? well, the results blew my mind.
When You Were Starlight
I already loved "When You Were Young" and was quickly falling for "Starlight." But this works SO WELL. I do wish there was a little more Brendan Flowers. But I can't complain. That Killers riff sounds so natural with the Muse melody. God. I love it.
I also found a Streets/Muse mash-up. Not good. Well, the mash-up is fine, but I can't stand the Streets.
and now, I've downloaded Black Holes and Revelations (which includes "Take A Bow," the song in the Watchmen trailer... that i thought was Radiohead... silly me) and am taking a listen to the real version of the song. Not really the order I should have gone in, but whatever. Not gonna lie, I kind of like the mash-ups better. Not to say I don't like the song, it's pretty wonderful. but still, the mash-ups are more fun.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
OMGz!
The Jonas Brothers totally do a cover of "Take on Me" live!!!
Now, I waded through a lot of terrible, fan-generated concert recordings to find this one (i didn't know that white pants were back!). Shockingly, there is no screaming. Unshockingly, it is terrible.
Two thoughts:
1) Sadly, fans of the bothers most likely first heard this song from them. and were born at least a DECADE after it was released. AT LEAST. It's just so wrong.
2) Their bassist is ADORABLE!
All the goodwill they generated with that SNL short is gone.
Not true. That short is hilarious!
Now, I waded through a lot of terrible, fan-generated concert recordings to find this one (i didn't know that white pants were back!). Shockingly, there is no screaming. Unshockingly, it is terrible.
Two thoughts:
1) Sadly, fans of the bothers most likely first heard this song from them. and were born at least a DECADE after it was released. AT LEAST. It's just so wrong.
2) Their bassist is ADORABLE!
All the goodwill they generated with that SNL short is gone.
Not true. That short is hilarious!
a promise is a promise?
I just watched an acapella group from Michigan State University sing "Take On Me." As promised, I have told you about it. I will not post the video. You're welcome.
And Christian pop punk band (?) MxPx does a cover that I GUARANTEE you don't want to hear.
And Christian pop punk band (?) MxPx does a cover that I GUARANTEE you don't want to hear.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Metallo Italiano
I don't know what it is with metal bands and this song.
Here's a cover by Italian "progressive power metal" band Vision Divine. Fairly faithful cover, actually. The best part is the singer's accent.
I don't hear "progressive power metal," but that descriptor makes me curious....
The Finnish band still totally wins for best metal cover as far as the TOMP is concerned.
Here's a cover by Italian "progressive power metal" band Vision Divine. Fairly faithful cover, actually. The best part is the singer's accent.
I don't hear "progressive power metal," but that descriptor makes me curious....
The Finnish band still totally wins for best metal cover as far as the TOMP is concerned.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
I'll be coming for you anyway
Two additions to the TOMP, both not really new.
First we have a cover by British boy band a1 (like the steak sauce), released in 2000. Now, "Take on Me" is a brilliant song and all, but should you ever release a cover of it as a single? No. The answer to that question is no. Because this is what happens:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GjOgBqp61MM
(sorry, embedding was disabled. LAME)
This thing takes me straight back to 7th grade. That "metrosexual" boy band style is RAGING in this video; the waxed eyebrows, the dyed tips, the strategically gelled hair, the matching outfits. It doesn't help that they're European. I am proud to say American girls were never into these guys. (*Nsync forevs!)
Plus, they butcher the song. (But as hard as they try, they could never ruin it for me). It was a little hard to get through despite it's being visually HILARIOUS. It was worth it to see them fly in... i don' know, virtual reality? while fighting a deadly computer virus? what is going on here? And why does that one guy only have one sleeve???
We're obviously supposed to find these boys attractive. But I think it's telling that their upcoming reunion concert is being held at a venue called G-A-Y. I kind of wish I was kidding.
Glad that's over with. Moving on!
This one you may already be aware of: Reel Big Fish apparently did a cover of "Take on Me" for the movie Basketball? I'm not a fan of Reel Big Fish, and this cover sounds exactly the way you would expect a ska version of this song to. But it's fun, i guess. They obviously had a lot of fun with it, which I definitely appreciate. Though, the film tie-in makes it a bit dated. But I do like the vocal harmonies, and the horns playing the main riff (even if it's expected).
Honestly, I can only take so much ska at one time. It can be tiring.
Side note, I would kill for that one guy's leopard print blazer.
First we have a cover by British boy band a1 (like the steak sauce), released in 2000. Now, "Take on Me" is a brilliant song and all, but should you ever release a cover of it as a single? No. The answer to that question is no. Because this is what happens:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GjOgBqp61MM
(sorry, embedding was disabled. LAME)
This thing takes me straight back to 7th grade. That "metrosexual" boy band style is RAGING in this video; the waxed eyebrows, the dyed tips, the strategically gelled hair, the matching outfits. It doesn't help that they're European. I am proud to say American girls were never into these guys. (*Nsync forevs!)
Plus, they butcher the song. (But as hard as they try, they could never ruin it for me). It was a little hard to get through despite it's being visually HILARIOUS. It was worth it to see them fly in... i don' know, virtual reality? while fighting a deadly computer virus? what is going on here? And why does that one guy only have one sleeve???
We're obviously supposed to find these boys attractive. But I think it's telling that their upcoming reunion concert is being held at a venue called G-A-Y. I kind of wish I was kidding.
Glad that's over with. Moving on!
This one you may already be aware of: Reel Big Fish apparently did a cover of "Take on Me" for the movie Basketball? I'm not a fan of Reel Big Fish, and this cover sounds exactly the way you would expect a ska version of this song to. But it's fun, i guess. They obviously had a lot of fun with it, which I definitely appreciate. Though, the film tie-in makes it a bit dated. But I do like the vocal harmonies, and the horns playing the main riff (even if it's expected).
Honestly, I can only take so much ska at one time. It can be tiring.
Side note, I would kill for that one guy's leopard print blazer.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Who DOESN'T love Finnish hair metal???
As part of the TOMP ("take on me" promise), I bring to you the Northern Kings, the Finnish, tux-wearing cross between Metallica and Meat Loaf. Make that Metallica and four Meat Loafs. (They play a lot of covers)
And they certainly put their own twist on our tune, including a puzzling, harmony-ridden mid-song slowdown. Enjoy!(?)
I quite enjoyed that, actually. If only for the novelty and my secret, ironic love of metal.
via Blabbermouth.net
And they certainly put their own twist on our tune, including a puzzling, harmony-ridden mid-song slowdown. Enjoy!(?)
I quite enjoyed that, actually. If only for the novelty and my secret, ironic love of metal.
via Blabbermouth.net
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
I suppose you've already seen this, but...
...I'd hate to not deliver on a promise I've just made (see below). Plus, if you haven't seen it, it's pretty incredible.
Thus, I give you College Humor's "Take on Me," the literal version:
Isn't this promise going to be fun?
Thus, I give you College Humor's "Take on Me," the literal version:
Isn't this promise going to be fun?
The Dinosaur in Brooklyn "Take on Me" Promise
Namely, whenever I discover a cover of A-ha's "Take on Me," it will be reported here. I've already gone on about my love of RAC's version of the song (so good!). It is undoubtedly, as RAC said, "by far the catchiest song of the 80's."
On that note, A.C. Newman has covered the timeless tune for (of all things) a Starbucks compilation album. I take back all my evil thoughts about Starbucks. If Starbucks is the reason this cover exists, than it's OK by me.
Being played by A.C. Newman (of New Pornographers fame), it unfolds in a more mellow and acoustic manner, ala Challengers. I really enjoy the keyboard bringing back the signature riff in a delightfully bright manner during the bridge. And unlike in RAC's version, A.C., while relying on an at-times-heavy reverb, there is no audible auto-tune. I like that.
Take it away, Carl!
Because as long as there is music, there will be "Take on Me."
On that note, A.C. Newman has covered the timeless tune for (of all things) a Starbucks compilation album. I take back all my evil thoughts about Starbucks. If Starbucks is the reason this cover exists, than it's OK by me.
Being played by A.C. Newman (of New Pornographers fame), it unfolds in a more mellow and acoustic manner, ala Challengers. I really enjoy the keyboard bringing back the signature riff in a delightfully bright manner during the bridge. And unlike in RAC's version, A.C., while relying on an at-times-heavy reverb, there is no audible auto-tune. I like that.
Take it away, Carl!
Because as long as there is music, there will be "Take on Me."
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