Besides being pretty catchy, combined with the characterization, and the visual images of the guy, this carries a lot of pathos. It might sound dumb for talking about a cartoon, but I really feel Ruckus' pain. Grandpa Freeman apparently does too, emerging in the second episode as his new best friend, playing checkers in the park. That's good. Ruckus needs a friend.
"Cigarettes and Whiskey" by Buck Owens
This has been my favorite song to celebrate Buck Owens in the wake of his recent passing. It's a novelty song, cast as some kind of Salvation Army sermon. "A preachment, dear friends, you are about to receive on John Barleycorn, nicotine, and the temptations of Eve." The repeated interjections of the drunk calling for "Tiger by the Tail" really top it off.
"Re-hab" by Stew
Stew, The Negro Problem incarnate, is one of the best songwriters working today. The guy's a real composer with, like, melodies and such. This particular cut from his first solo album in 2000 sounds really sweet, with a pretty melody rolling along.
The tune is a spoonful of sugar, though, for a gently stated but tough judgment of a girlfriend in re-hab for the 22nd time. The coldest part is the key hook, a children's chorus singing "very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very optimistic." Don't worry — there's enough melody to carry the verys.
"Black Sweat" by Prince
Finally, I'm pleased to note that as I write, Prince has the #1 selling album in the country with his new 3121. I'm not saying this is going to make you forget Purple Rain, but some of this stuff is sounding pretty sharp.
"Black Sweat" fits into a recognizable vein of his work, built on some very sharp tricked out drum machine grooves. Hardly anyone but Prince seems able to really make the things come alive, but Prince sure can. This would fit roughly into a mix with stuff like "Tamborine" or "Tick Tick Bang."
Article comments
1 - Matthew T. Sussman
Oh, Al, they got to you too?
Is nothing sacred anymore?
2 - Christopher Rose
Don't worry, Suss, I'm with you. Enough of this list madness!
3 - Al Barger
It's not my fault. That evil Miss Sadi made me do it. Like David Byrne's "Animals," she's setting a bad example. That'll have to go on the next list.