Musings from the Oracle

A few random thoughts coursing through my feeble mind the last few days.

On Valentine’s Day, I wondered what the best “Love Song” was. Literally, the best rock song with “Love song” in the title. Think about it and I’ll share my choice at the end.

After posting my thoughts on the passing of Meat Loaf, some of my friends shared some cool stories and tidbits with me.

• On an interview with Dan Rather, Meat Loaf shared his two favorite songs he ever performed. The first was “For Crying Out Loud,” which he considers the greatest love song ever written. #2 was a surprise, his tender cover of Tom Waits’ “Martha.” It’s an under-appreciated, rarely played song, and one that he absolutely nailed.
• Meat collected rubber ducks. Lots of rubber ducks…
• He loved the Yankees – even before meeting the Scooter.
• His father nearly murdered Meat while he slept.
• He was a youth softball coach and apparently a poor one.
• And my favorite, which was shared by a friend who got a text from his friend. It was an awesome story about Meat surprising a softball team (of total strangers) and joining the team when one of there players had to move. It was a wonderful tale, that showed how modest and fun he was as a teammate.

I recently began watching Dexter: New Blood. I watched all of the episodes, and loved the first incarnation of Dexter a decade ago. However, I had no recollection of the music being anything special. On the new series – it’s sweet. The show appropriately and perfectly starts off with Iggy Pop’s “Passenger.” Then as Dexter drives into town in upstate NY for the first time, we hear Blue Oyster Cult’s “Burnin For You.” It features appropriate lyrics and is from a band from upstate NY! Later, while Dexter works, they play a killer song from Love & Rockets – “Haunted When the Minutes Drag.” Somebody deserves credit for an ideal playlist. Great stuff!

Lately, I’ve found myself pondering the historical treatment of Modern Rock (New Wave, Alternative Rock, etc…). Not totally sure yet, but I’m fairly certain that my conclusion is going to be that the genre has been woefully under-appreciated. Lots of great music that has stood the test of time, but never received the widespread approval and acceptance that was due. I feel like I need to do some research and produce a feature backing up my suspicions.

Ok, that’s enough for today. My “Love Song” song? Some of you probably suspected I’d choose The Cure’s “Love Song” which would have been a nice selection. But, my favorite “Love Song” song is not a love song…