Typing in the name of any popular song on YouTube will lead to a slew of parody videos – most of which were made in people’s basements. There’s also a number of professional parodies — most of you have probably seen Alanis Morrissette’s version of “My Humps” or any number of Weird Al videos.

However, some artists have referenced other bands in the videos for their own original songs. These videos, though often amusing, are many times done more as homage than parody — here’s a couple from the past few years that you might have missed…

Video: Dresden Dolls – “Shores of California”
References: David Lee Roth – “California Girls”

I remember Roth’s video receiving a lot of criticism for being sexist when it was first released in 1985. Looking back now, it seems pretty tame. The Dresden Dolls clearly saw the humor, creating a clever spoof for “Shores of California.” I have to say, I’d much rather have Amanda Palmer for my tour guide.

Video: Chromeo – “Bonafied Lovin”
References: Dire Straits – “Money for Nothin”

It’s amazing to look back at the Dire Straits video and remember how it was the height of high tech imagery when it came out in the early ‘80s. Chromeo, who clearly have a fair bit of affection for ‘80s music anyway, create a nice retro tribute in this clip.

Video: Fall Out Boy – “This Ain’t A Scene, It’s an Arms Race”
References: Avenged Sevenfold – “Seize the Day”/ Fall Out Boy’s internet scandal

Look, I’m certainly not the world’s biggest fan of Fall Out Boy, but I have to give credit where credit’s due — this is a well done satire and shows a charming willingness to self parody. There are two clear spoofs here: one being the incident in which FOB bassist Pete Wentz had naked photos of himself all over the internet, and the other Avenged Sevenfold’s ridiculous coffin guitar solo scene.

Video: The Matches – “Salty Eyes”
References: Bob Dylan – “Subterranean Homesick Blues”

Bob Dylan’s famous clip where he flips sheets of paper with his song’s lyrics on them is one of the most instantly recognizable in video history. In their video for “Salty Eyes,” The Matches update this concept using old televisions to “flip” the lyrics to their song. A great homage and an intriguing video all on its own.

Video: Lil Mama – “Shawty Get Loose”
References: Michael/Janet Jackson – “Scream”

The most interesting thing about this video is that, despite it being an homage to Michael and Janet’s “Scream” clip, it really doesn’t look so very different from a lot of other futuristic hip hop videos out there now. In fact, if it wasn’t for the anime screen shots in the background, I’m not entirely sure I would’ve picked up on what this was referencing. Interesting, since at the time “Scream” was made, it really was a one of a kind video.

What are some of your favorite parody videos? Leave a comment and let us know!

The same concept can be applied to certain songs. We’ll call them “reinterpretations” – songs that aren’t exactly originals, but are something more than covers. Let’s take a look at 10 artists who used older songs to create something new from their own unique perspectives.

Original: “That’s Not My Name” – The Ting Tings
Reinterpretation: “That’s Not My Name” – Dizzee Rascal

By making a slight change to the chorus, Dizzee Rascal completely altered the meaning of The Ting Tings indie dancefloor hit. In the original version, singer Katie White sings about feeling forgettable: “They call me ‘Hell’/They call me ‘Stacey’/They call me ‘her’/….That’s not my name.” In his version, British rapper Dizzee Rascal re-writes these lyrics, turning the song into a sly take on racisim: “They call me black/They call me rudeboy/They use the n-word/…That’s not my name.”

Nick Cave does one of many versions of the Stagger Lee saga

One of the most notable reinterpretations concerns the story of Lee Shelton (aka Stagger Lee) a St. Louis pimp who was convicted of murdering Billy Lyons in 1895. Many consider the 1928 blues version of the song titled “Stack O’ Lee” to be the definitive original, though there are actually folk versions dating back to 1910.

The song has been reinterpreted by numerous artists, including The Rulers, whose “Wrong Emboyo,” (later covered by The Clash as “Wrong ‘Em Boyo”) recreates the song with Stagger Lee as the hero. Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds also have a significantly different take with “Stagger Lee,” which details a violent, homoerotic version of events.

Original: “Happiness is a Warm Gun” – The Beatles
Reinterpretation: “Happiness is a Warm Gun” – Tori Amos

A perfect example of the difference between a cover and a reinterpretation. While Amos retains some of the lyrics from the original, her version, which is interspersed with soundbites from George Bush and her own preacher father, has been transformed into a discussion about gun control.

Original: “I’m Your Boogie Man” – KC and the Sunshine Band
Reinterpretation: “I’m Your Boogie Man” – White Zombie

It could be argued that this is simply a cover because none of the lyrics are altered. However, I would say that there is such a significant change in tone between the two songs that the meaning is quite different. In KC’s version the term “boogie man” is used to mean a groovy 70s dude that’s gonna rock your world. I get the distinct impression White Zombie was referring to the horror movie definition in theirs. Take a look at the video if you doubt me on this one.

Original: “God Save the Queen” – British Anthem
Reinterpretation: “God Save the Queen” – Sex Pistols

One of the most famous reinterpretations in punk history, “God Save the Queen” was translated by the Sex Pistols into a diatribe against British politics. “God save the queen/A fascist regime/That made you a moron/A potential H-bomb.”

Original: “It’s the Hard Knock Life” – Cast of “Annie”
Reinterpretation: “Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)” – Jay-Z

Jay-Z's 'orphans' from the Hard Knock Life video

Original: “Ladies Night” – Kool and the Gang
Reinterpretation: “Not Tonight” – Lil Kim feat. Missy Elliot, Angie Martinez, Da Brat, Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes

“Oh yes it’s ladies night/And the feeling’s right” goes the refrain from Kool and the Gang’s 1970s tribute to ladies night at the disco. In 1997, Lil Kim and friends reworked this as a showcase for female rappers with lines like, “Oh this is ladies night/And our rhymes is tight.”

Original: “I Fought the Law (And the Law Won) – Sonny Curtis and the Crickets
Reinterpretation: “I Fought the Law (And I Won) – Dead Kennedys

Most people are probably much more familiar with The Clash’s cover of this 1950s song, but it’s the Dead Kennedies who brought a whole new take to it, using the song as commentary on Dan White’s use of the “twinkie defense” to get his murder charges reduced.

Original: “He-Man” – TV Theme
Reinterpretation: “He-Man” – Ludacris

It’s not exactly unusual for rappers to use samples, but in this case Ludacris does more than simply rap over the theme song for 80s cartoon He-Man. He actually recasts himself as a rap superhero, and reworks the few lyrics that are in the original to fit. “Powers were revealed to me…by the Power of Greyskulll,” goes the He-Man theme, while Ludacris tells us he’s, “been appointed straight from the power of grade school.”

Original: “Do Ya Think I’m Sexy” – Rod Stewart
Reinterpretation: “Do Ya Think I’m Sexy” – Revolting Cocks

It goes without saying that there’s something of a sleazy vibe to Rod Stewart’s 1978 hit. However, by adding an industrial rock soundtrack and changing a few key lines (including the infamous switch from “I’m out of milk and coffee” to “I’m out of KY Jelly” – which singer Chris Connelly giggles though), RevCo makes the Stewart version seem almost wholesome.

Whatever you do today, make sure to go out and vote!! It’s time to select new leadership for this country because Bush’s 8-year tenure in office is drawing to close. Love him or hate him, he has been rather entertaining at times. He’s also given comedians a lot of material over the past 8 years, especially Will Ferrell.

Will Ferrell as President Bush:

Bush as himself:

“Girl! I wanna take you to a gay bar.”

With that immortal opening line, Electric Six both garnered their biggest hit and assured their future failure. You see, there is nothing worse for the longevity of a band than starting a career with a novelty hit — it’s almost a guaranteed ticket to one hit wonderland. Think about it: Right Said Fred’s “I’m Too Sexy,” Sir Mix-A-Lot’s “Baby Got Back,” Nada Surf’s “Popular” — all songs that were major hits, but were too quirky, funny, or generally off the wall to let the bands break free from their goofball shackles.

And the truth is, most bands that begin with a novelty hit will take a few more stabs at another success and then fade into obscurity. However, in the five years following debut album Fire, Electric Six pulled out four more records — most of which were actually pretty effin awesome. While their first album was mostly dancefloor fun, later work became more genre spanning, and, as a lyricist, singer/principal songwriter Dick Valentine proved he had something of a knack for cultural satire.

In 2006, Electric Six released Switzerland, and seriously, this one should’ve been big. From the dark, loungey, almost Nick Cave-ish “The Band in Hell,” through the undeniable catchyness of “Germans in Mexico,” to the piano pop of fantastic single “I Buy the Drugs,” Switzerland was a hell of a quirky indie pop record.

And in a year when quirky indie pop bands were all the rage – this was, after all, the same year that Lily Allen, Tapes ‘N Tapes, and Hot Chip all had major buzz and scored hits – Switzerland was the right album at the right time. It just wasn’t by the right band.

I caught Electric Six on the DC date of the Switzerland tour, and it still stands as one of my most memorable shows. On stage, frontman Dick Valentine is the key to their absurdist appeal. It’s like your high school math teacher has hopped on the bar for some drunken karaoke, and tonight, he’s a rock ‘n roll star. To my great surprise, the fans at this show had an enthusiasm that bordered on violence, and I would realize throughout the night that while the masses may have abandoned them, E6 has inspired quite the devoted niche following.

Most of whom have probably already picked up E6’s just released, Flashy. But if you’re not one of the converted, then do yourself a favor and take a chance on a band that actually has the self-deprecating wit to name the first song on their new release “Gay Bar Part 2.”

Hell, even Spin gave it a good review, and this is exactly the kind of thing that den of the hipper-than-thou is programmed to hate. If they can do it, maybe it’s time for everybody else to let them out of novelty song purgatory as well.

With Halloween quickly approaching, I thought I’d take a look at one of the scariest things on the internet – homemade band merchandise being sold on eBay. A look through the listings for any popular artist will reveal an assortment of extremely unofficial merchandise featuring an array of poor artwork, misspellings, and general bad taste. Let’s take a look at 10 of these gems available for purchase on eBay right now…

Lil Wayne Gangster Rap Marbles

It’s a common holiday predicament: what to get for the person whose only two passions in life are the music of Lil Wayne and the classic game of marbles. Well, lucky for us, there’s now a fine eBay seller who’s created none other then Lil Wayne marbles! Problem solved!

Jonas Brothers Wood Door Hanger

Now everyone’s favorite teen pop virgins can let your family know whether it’s okay to come in your room! According to the item’s description, “We are hand making each item…don’t expect perfection.” I think it’s fair to say that “perfection” is not of huge importance to anyone purchasing this item based on its photo. It is good to know that this work of art will come signed by the artist though.

Creed Corset

What better way to celebrate god rockers Creed than by purchasing this fine corset top? Grab this one while you can, since the seller warns that, “If you miss this auction, please don’t ask me to make it again or alter it in different sizes.” Personally, I think that’s good news, since you certainly don’t want to have to worry about going to church wearing the same Creed corset that everybody else has.

Marilyn Manson Socks

Nothing shows your devotion to the antichrist superstar like a pair of what appear to be previously used socks. Of course these aren’t just any previously used socks; these are socks splattered with paint and a hastily drawn picture of the singer’s head. Everyone will know you’re pure evil when they see your pink socks with paint on them.

Rob Zombie Changed My Life

When I first saw this shirt, I thought it might be crap…but then I read the item’s description in which the seller assured me that there is “NO CRAP SOLD HERE!!!” So that’s settled. Still, even if Rob Zombie had, in fact, changed my life, I’m not sure I’d advertise that fact in bright green print on a t-shirt.

Kid Rock Keychain

According to the description, this keychain allows you to “Show off your artist pride like NO ONE ELSE!” I tend to agree with that. I don’t think anything could possibly display your white trash pride quite like a heart keychain with Kid Rock’s head in it.

My Chemical Romance Stocking

This Christmas, it really won’t matter if you’ve been naughty or nice when you’ve got this awesome My Chemical Romance stocking. One can only imagine what sort of treats the lucky winner of this auction will be getting. I do have to give the seller credit for helpfully posing the stocking with a ruler – after all, you wouldn’t want to purchase this and then realize it’s not big enough to fit your eyeliner and carton of hair dye.

Fall Out Boy “Mrs. Stump” Tank Top

Since I found this within the Fall Out Boy clothing category, I’m assuming it’s a reference to FOB singer Patrick Stump. However, setting aside for a moment the reasons why anyone might want to wear this, there is a rather slim chance of anyone understanding this shirt in the first place. Honestly, people are more likely to think you’re celebrating the fact that you married some random dude who probably works at the post office. Or that you’ve only got one leg.

Rolling Stones Dollar Bill

Even Mick Jagger looks surprised to find himself on this dollar bill. According to the item’s seller, “This is a real mint one dollar bill with a picture of Mick Jagger placed over George Washington’s face…This is legal and negotiable tender, and this process has been permitted since 1967.” I have no idea whether that’s true, but if you decide to try to spend this, please write me and let me know how that works out for you.

Coldplay “Chris Martir” Wallet

What Coldplay fan wouldn’t want this wallet featuring an awesome photo of singer Chris Martin…er…“Martir”? The seller takes great care to note that this item is “rare,” which is no doubt true, given that it has this lesser known spelling of his last name. Real fans know that all Chris’ friends call him Martir though – don’t be fooled by the conventional spelling you might find in magazines, videos, and Coldplay CDs.

Per·fect song - /pur-fikt sawng/ : 1) A song that you find to be perfect; one in which you would not change a single note, beat or word. 2) A song that you connect to emotionally, or attach to a memory, a special person, or an experience. 3) Songs that speak directly to you or about you.

We here at Blendetta have decided to compile a top 50 list of what can only be described as perfect songs. No two people will have the same reasons as to why they find a song to be perfect, so we made two separate lists. So without further ado, here are the songs and the reasons why they are perfect, to us:

“One” – U2
I don’t know if I get the song or if the song gets me. It’s amazing that a song can be so ambiguous and meaningful: it speaks personally to so many people and but doesn’t necessarily say the same thing twice.

“Thank You” – Led Zeppelin
Zeppelin recorded many love songs, but this one takes the cake. There is something wonderful about the vulnerability that’s heard in Robert Plant’s voice. 80’s rockers WISH they could have written ballads like this.

“Where Are We Going” – Mavin Gaye
It’s incredible that this song, which Marvin recorded just before the “Let’s Get It On” sessions wasn’t released until 2001 – 17 years after his death. I once heard his work described as “joyful sadness”. This song is that.

“The Old Apartment” – Barenaked Ladies
Anyone who’s ever had to move from their “home”, not their house, gets this song. It makes me miss the giant, tacky wooden fork and spoon that hung on the wall in the kitchen of my childhood home… and brings a tear to my eye.

“Say Goodbye” – Dave Matthews Band
This is such a sexy song. It takes my breath away every time I hear it. I love this song for a few reasons, but I’d prefer to keep them private… like you can’t figure it out on your own : )

“Angie” – Rolling Stones
This is one of the greatest break-up songs ever written. This song pretty much sums up relationships that end bitter-sweetly. If you’ve been there, you get this song.

“Unchained Melody” – The Righteous Brothers
For me, this is THE essential love song. It’s also, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful, touching songs ever written.

“Part of the Queue” – Oasis
I guess could describe Dundalk, Maryland, where I grew up, as a town that’s on “the wrong side of the tracks”. Living there was sometimes difficult because of my name, and living elsewhere was twice as hard because I was from Dundalk. Lyrics like “suddenly I found that I’d lost my way in this city” mean something to me.

“The Very Thought of You” – Billie Holiday
It is amazing that a jazz standard, written almost 75 years ago as held the test of time. It has always and will always be one of my favorites. Billie’s vocals on this song are just simply beautiful.

“Born to Run” – Bruce Springsteen
Not a Bruce fan, but I love this song! It might be because I was once young and dumb, “invincible” and hung out with guys who drove fast cars. It also might be because of Bruce’s emotional vocals and Max Weinberg’s bad-ass drum work.

“Everlong” – Foo Fighters
Everyone really liked this song when it was released, including me. But years later, at HFStival 2005 at M&T Bank Stadium, I attached new meaning and new wonderful memories to this song. It was the perfect soundtrack to an amazing experience.

“Midnight Train to Georgia” – Gladys Knight & The Pips
After a long night of bar hopping and / or drinking with friends, this song always ended up closing our evening. It almost reminds me of the “Tiny Dancer” scene from Almost Famous, minus the “Tiny Dancer” part. “Woot Woot!”

“Stuck in a Moment” – U2
I’ve been there – stuck in a moment. This song is about moving on but not forgetting. I get that whole-heartedly and this song got me through some rough times. U2’s “All That You Can’t Leave Behind” has meant so much to me. It kind of summarizes my theory that you can run far away from anything, but you always have to take yourself with you…

“Unsatisfied” – Nine Black Alps
“Everything Is” is an amazing album, but “Unsatisfied” is definitely the stand-out track. The opening guitar riffs had me before I heard the lyrics, which are great. We’ve all been there at some time or another: “Just sick and tired of all I’ve tried, unsatisfied”.

“Wish You Were Here” – Pink Floyd
The lyrics to this song are so poignant, but I’d probably still love it even if it were instrumental. “Wish You Were Here” has that perfect blend of melody, emotion and heartfelt lyrics.

“Whiter Shade of Pale” – Procol Harum
When I hear the phrase “haunting lyrics” I think of this song. I’m not sure what the song means… Some claim it’s about a cocaine overdose, some claim that it’s about Marilyn Monroe. It’s doesn’t matter to me; it’s beautiful either way.

“I Have Nothing” – Whitney Houston
This is probably my favorite female vocal of all time. Of all of the amazing songs that Whitney has recorded, I believe that this one best showcases her incredible range. It still gives me chills every time I hear it.

“A Minor Incident” – Badly Drawn Boy
Written for the About A Boy Soundtrack, it’s a song about parting ways, making amends, and forgiveness. It’s simple, delicate, beautiful and deeply meaningful.

“A Long December” – Counting Crows
I could list every line of this song and explain what each one means to me, but I won’t. I’ll just say that every time I hear “the smell of hospitals in winter” and the refrain “A long December and there’s reason to believe, maybe this year will be better than the last” speaks volumes to me.

“God Only Knows” – Beach Boys
I’ll put it this way – before my husband and I got married I made him a mix CD. This song was the first and last track of the mix. It makes me think of him and how much he means to me. I’m sorry but I’m sappy like that.

“Run” – Snow Patrol
Last time I heard this song was right after someone close, who had been very sick, had passed away. It’s been connected to a memory and I haven’t listened to it all of the way through since then. It’s crazy how much emotion a song can evoke…

“Hurt” – Johnny Cash
I loved this song when Nine Inch Nails released it, but I love the Cash cover even more. There’s something about hearing a man at that age, with voice trembling, recite those lyrics.

“Layla” – Derek and the Dominos
As much as I love those guitar riffs, the stunning piano piece might be my favorite part of this song. And I know that all love songs have a meaning behind them but this one in particular is interesting. For those of you who don’t know it, be very ashamed of yourselves!

“What It Takes” – Aerosmith
Another perfect break-up song. It reminds me of a particular relationship that I knew I needed to leave, although I still loved the person. But as Steven Tyler says, “I don’t (didn’t) want to burn in paradise”.

“Maybe I’m Amazed” - Paul McCartney & Wings
I was fortunate enough to see Paul perform “Maybe I’m Amazed” live a few years ago. Thing is, I was balling so hard that I barely remember it! It’s the kind of song that does that to me.

“Love Will Tear Us Apart” – Joy Division
Not to discount the lyrics, but Ian Curtis says everything he needs to say here with the tone of his voice. There’s a distant quality to Curtis that flawlessly conveys the very sound of a relationship that barely seems worth fighting for. Perfection.

“Mis-Shapes” – Pulp
Jarvis Cocker always made me feel good about not fitting in back in high school. “Mis-Shapes” was like a rallying cry to all the smart kids, weird kids, poor kids, and everybody else who just generally didn’t fit. Not being a cheerleader didn’t seem so bad when you thought you could grow up to be as effortlessly cool as Jarvis instead.

“What Difference Does It Make?” – The Smiths
Years ago, a friend gave me a Christmas card that he’d written a few of this song’s lyrics in. We’d had a lot of problems with each other, and I couldn’t have begun to explain our relationship – but somehow this song did. I really could’ve picked any Smiths or Morrissey song for this list (there aren’t many I don’t love) but when a song can put your own life into words you could never find, that’s one that’ll stay with you forever.

“Bohemian Like You” – The Dandy Warhols
With references to working at a vegan restaurant, being in a band no one’s heard of, and living with the ex (cause he still pays the rent) – this will forever remind me of any number of indie kids I’ve known throughout my life. Plus, it’s catchy as all hell and one of my favorite songs to dance to.

“Stratford-On-Guy” – Liz Phair
Liz Phair has an uncanny ability to turn the mundane into something sublime. This deceptively simple song about a flight to Chicago is nothing if not the perfect example of that ability.

“From the Edge of the Deep Green Sea” – The Cure
With no real verses or chorus, this is basically a narrative set to music. And oh what a narrative it is, as Robert Smith does what he does best, weaving a desperate tale of a doomed romance over a beautiful gothic rock soundtrack.

“Kool Thing” – Sonic Youth
When I imagine myself as the 60s B-movie bad girl that some part of me thinks I was always meant to be, this is the song that plays in my head. Manages to combine feminist leanings with music that feels like it belongs on the soundtrack for “Faster Pussycat! Kill! Kill!” Further proof that Kim Gordon is the coolest woman on the planet.

“This Corrosion” – Sisters of Mercy
I could not even begin to count the number of times I danced to this at Alchemy, the DC goth night I had a lot of great times at. Anyone who’s spent time at a club like that should be well familiar with this one — besides being a gothic classic, it’s 10 minute length makes it the song DJs like to put on when they have to go to the bathroom.

“Take Me Out” – Franz Ferdinand
I’ve also spent a fair bit of my life at indie dance clubs, and there’s no song I associate more with those nights than “Take Me Out.” When that slow-build intro would start in with, “So if you’re lonely…” you knew you had roughly one minute to put your drink down and get to the dancefloor before the song you’d been waiting all night for kicked in.

“She Sells Sanctuary” – The Cult
Proof that a line as simple as, “The sparkle in your eyes keeps me alive,” can be amazing when it’s sung this passionately. Also tied to some fond memories for me, since my favorite manager from my record store days used to always play this over the store speakers for me.

“Every You Every Me” – Placebo
Placebo’s frontman, who I’ve always found fascinating, is often at his most engaging when he’s bluntly admitting to things that most people won’t. “Every You Every Me” is his best confessional, a candid ode to using someone, knowing it’s wrong, and also knowing you’re not going to stop.

“The Good Old Days” – The Libertines
The Libertines were one of the bands that made me believe in new music again, after a period of time where there didn’t seem to be any current bands worth caring about. I remember hearing this song and its refrain of, “If you’ve lost your faith in love and music, oh the end won’t be long” and thinking that finally, somebody gets it.

“Rock ‘n’ Roll Star” – Oasis
If ever there was a song that summed up Oasis as a band, this is it. But it’s also a song that resonates with anyone who’s ever looked at their regular job, everyday existence and thought, “Wasn’t I supposed to do so much more?”

“Harder Better Faster Stronger” – Daft Punk
The most insanely catchy example of Daft Punk’s robot rock shtick, this is the kind of electronic track that sounds just as good on the car stereo as it does on the dancefloor. No wonder Kanye West sampled nearly the entire thing for his hit, “Stronger.”

“Dear God” — XTC
I was around 15 when I first heard “Dear God” on the Sunday afternoon retro show they used to have on local alterna-radio station WHFS. I remember feeling like someone had taken all of my confusion and general ambiguity toward organized religion and put it into one of the most amazing songs I’d ever heard.

“Low” – Cracker
Grabs you from note one with what may be the greatest guitar riff of the mid-90s alternative scene. Keeps you there with a sleepy vocal that proves itself a seductive match.

“Chemical World” – Blur
I grew up in the type of suburban mediocrity described in Blur’s “Chemical World.” Characters
like the girl who uses chocolate as her way of forgetting she’s spent too much to pay her rent could be a whole lot of people I’ve known, and I doubt that’s particular to me. It’s such a typically “middle class” way of coping — Blur had a talent for writing songs about the general malaise that often underlies suburbia.

“Loverman” – Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
You can play me any black metal band in the world, and I’ll still tell you nobody writes darker songs than Nick Cave. Dripping with sleaze wrapped in a lush lounge vibe, “Loverman” is like a car crash on the side of the road – you feel dirty for watching, and yet you can’t turn away.

“Golden Touch” – Razorlight
Most pop bands will work their entire career and never write a melody as perfect as this track from Razorlight’s debut. Lyrically clever as well, painting a picture of a girl who’s both worshipped from afar and despised by nearly everyone she knows.

“Can’t Make A Sound” – Elliot Smith
Back in college, when I wanted to drown out my annoying roommate and the makeshift “sorority” she would drag through our room, I would play Elliot Smith’s Figure 8 record at top volume. It probably would have been more annoying for her if I’d put on one of my Skinny Puppy CDs, but Elliot Smith always made me feel better. “Can’t Make A Sound,” in particular, seemed an apt description of feeling isolated no matter how many people were around.

“Pyromance” – Chemlab
One of the sexiest industrial-rock songs ever written, “Pyromance” moves like a violent waltz in a darkened alley. There’s a delicate balance between the sinister and the sexual here that’s as intoxicating as it is ominous.

“Walk on the Wild Side” – Lou Reed
When I was in elementary school listening to the oldies station my mom played in the car, I didn’t really pick up on the drug dealers, transvestites, and prostitutes inhabiting this Lou Reed classic. But I knew I loved the music. Once I was old enough to actually understand the lyrics, I had a whole new respect for Reed’s talent – you’ve gotta give it a man who can write a subversive song even an 8-year-old can love.

“I Wanna Be Your Lover” – Prince
Prince’s first hit was a slice of poppy R&B magic. Has a classic theme of “The rich guy can’t treat you better than me,” but being that it’s Prince, in this case it’s a bit more like, “The rich guy can’t treat you better than me…in bed.”

“Long Snake Moan” – PJ Harvey
Raw, vicious, and somehow also quite tuneful, “Long Snake Moan” is Harvey’s wicked tour de force. There’s possibly nothing more simultaneously captivating and chilling than PJ moaning, “Is my voodoo working?”

“The Drowners” – Suede
Part ’70s glam rock, part ’90s Britpop, Suede’s early work was an alluring combination, nowhere better displayed than on “The Drowners.” With a driving guitar riff guiding Brett Anderson’s hazy vocals and sexually ambiguous lyrics, this one sucks you in and never lets go.

If you would like to add some songs and the reasons why they are perfect to you, please leave a comment. We’d be interested to see what makes songs perfect to for other people.

I love sports. If I’m not at a game, I’m watching one on TV. If I’m not watching sports on TV, I’m playing a sports game on the 360. I’m a huge football and boxing fan, but I enjoy watching everything from golf to rugby. With that being said, it should be no surprise that I also enjoy watching sports movies. I’ve seen just about all of them: everything from the documentaries to the kids movies, from The Pride of the Yankees to Little Giants. Not too many of my friends like sports like I do, if they even like them at all. I usually can’t get them to watch a game with me, but I can get them to watch movies that involve sports. If you think about it, most sports movies aren’t really about sports. They are usually about working together as a team, overcoming adversity, not losing sight of your dreams: things that people can relate to even if they aren’t a sports fan. For me, I appreciate sports movies because it seems like these days, movies are the only place where you can get a sense of the spirit of the game – something that has become all but lost in professional sports. You actually get to see camaraderie  and athletes who play for the love of the game, unlike in the real world where it’s become all about personal stats, egos, and contracts.

Here is my list of favorite sports movies that appeal to sports enthusiasts and non-sports fans alike:

Wildcats · Probably my favorite football comedy. I thought it was great when I was a kid, but I think I like it better now as an adult. Goldie Hawn is wonderful as the unlikely high school football coach who gains the respect of her players and turns the team around. It’s also pretty funny watching Wesley Snipes as a high school football star. Plus, who can forget the “ghetto cheerleaders” and the “Football Rap”:

The Sandlot · It might be a kids movie but that doesn’t mean that it isn’t a good watch for adults. When I was a kid, I spent most of my summer vacation playing baseball on the field at the elementary school behind my house. The Sandlot reminds me of how much fun I had back then… before I had to worry about bills, the economy, and other boring grown-up stuff.

Rudy · Awesome movie that is a must see for everyone! It’s the story of a young man whose only dream in life is to play college football for Notre Dame, despite the fact that he’s constantly told that he’s “way too small.” Rudy (played by Sean Astin) is one of those characters that you become emotionally invested in and you root for him, the underdog, from beginning to end.

Pride · I watched this movie and I loved it. I thought that Terrance Howard, Bernie Mac and Tom Arnold were wonderful in their roles. I had no clue that it was thought of as controversial and got such bad reviews on IMDb until I did research to write this post! Since racism is such an understandably sensitive topic, any movie that deals with the topic does set itself up to be scrutinized. I say, read the synopsis and the reviews, and then watch it for yourself. No matter if you think that “it’s been done before” or that it is predicable, you’ll still probably agree that it’s a good movie overall.

Tin Cup · Some will argue that this is more of a chick-flick than it is a sports movie. It is probably more about a budding relationship than it is about golf, but that’s what makes this movie “watchable” by so many. If you are a guy who likes all things sports, Tin Cup is a good compromise. It’s a good movie you can watch with your girlfriend or wife – even if she despises the fact that you pay more attention to ESPN than you do to her. She’ll like the fact that it stars Kevin Costner.

Best of Times · Another classic football comedy, this time staring Kurt Russell and Robin Williams as 30-some year old former high school football players. Russell and Williams agree to play one last game against their former rival football team and become the talk of the town. Not a lot of people like this movie, but I do – I thought it was fun.

Glory Road · Inspired by the true story of Coach Don Haskins and his 1965-1966 Texas Western Minors basketball team. Haskins, played by Josh Lucas, leads his team to win the NCAA National Basketball Championship against Kentucky. Thing is, the 65-66 Minors were the first team whose starting line up was comprised mostly of black players. It’s amazing that those young men, both black and white, endured so much racism and still managed to stick together as a team and win the championship. It was an amazing triumph that changed the history of basketball and sports, as we know it.

Happy Gilmore · I, like a lot of people, found golf to be slow and boring. I didn’t like the sport or its players until a few years ago. I went to a driving range a few times years ago with an ex-boyfriend and realized that it’s real effing hard to hit that little white ball. After that, I somehow learned to love playing Tiger Woods Golf on Xbox. But back when I hated it, I had (and still have) a total appreciation for Happy Gilmore. It’s more about Adam Sandler being Adam Sandler than it is about anything else, but it does revolve around golf. Well, poking fun at golf.

A League of Their Own · Awesome movie. I could list hundreds of reasons why you should love this movie, but instead, I’ll share with you why I love it. My grandmom, who raised me, moved to Baltimore from a small town in WV (Mannington, ever heard of it?) in the ’40s during WWII to work for the Social Security Administration, which had recruited her. Just like the ladies from A League of Their Own, she was filling a position that was left vacant when all of the men had to go to war. My grandmom wasn’t what you would call a feminist, but she made sure to let me know that I could do any job that men could, possibly even better. The ladies in A League of Their Own did just that. This is a great movie for parents to watch with their daughters to show them that there are better role models out there than Paris Hilton, Kim Kardashian or those girls from the Hills.

Invincible · Last but certainly not least, my favorite sports movie of present time. I grew up in Baltimore in a family full of Baltimore Colts fanatics. We had Colts everything from autographed pictures, pennants flags, and photos of Memorial Stadium all over our walls. Before I was born, my grandfather used to have Artie Donovan over to the house all of the time. For some reason, they used to like to make a mess of the kitchen, drink some Boh, and make cabbage rolls. Anyways, by the time I was interested in sports, the Mayflower trucks had long left Baltimore for Indianapolis so I watched the games every Sunday and had to choose my favorite teams on my own. I chose the Green Bay Packers and the more local Philadelphia Eagles. So back on to the movie… Invincible is based on the true story of Vince Papale, played by Mark Wahlberg. He was a 30 year old bartender / teacher from South Philly who ends up trying out for the Eagles in 1976 during open try-outs. Not only does he make the cut, he plays with the team for three years. Might not sound like much, but it’s an amazing story of great guy who from a neighborhood, much like the one that I grew up in, who followed his dreams and succeeded. It’s a feel good movie with an awesome soundtrack that I recommend for sports fans and non-sports fan alike.

I know that I left out quite a few movies but I had to narrow it down to ten. I also chose movies that I thought would be enjoyable for the masses, not just sports enthusiasts. If you have anything you’d like to add, please feel free to leave a comment and do so.

Video Yearbook (FUSE, Mon-Fri 4:00pm)
I remember when I was in high school complaining about how MTV didn’t show videos anymore. Thing is, back in the 90s they actually did show some videos — I mean, we all remember seeing clips like Cypress Hill’s “Insane in the Brain” and Smashing Pumpkins’ “Tonight Tonight.” Well, now that MTV actually doesn’t show videos at all, you can catch your old favorites on FUSE’s Video Yearbook. A particularly fun show because you won’t only see the most popular clips from the past, but some real oddballs as well.

The IT Crowd (IFC, Tues 10:00pm)
With the popularity of British transplant The Office, I’m surprised this show hasn’t been re-made for US audiences. Doesn’t really matter since the British version is fantastic, and now available to watch on IFC every week. Apparently, IT departments are the same throughout the world, and this show hilariously hits home for anyone who’s ever dealt with (or worked in) IT.

The Life & Times of Tim (HBO, Sun 11:00pm)
A study in awkward moments, The Life & Times of Tim is one of those shows that works much better in animated form than one could ever imagine it would as a live action program. Well worth checking out simply for Steve Dildarian, who voices Tim with some of the greatest deadpan delivery since Mitch Hedburg.

The Big Gay Sketch Show (LOGO, Wed 10:00pm)
If you think this is strictly a gay interest show, you’re missing out on some of the best sketch comedy currently on television. True, many of the sketches have gay themes, but a lot of them will also be hilarious to anyone with a sense of humor and an open mind. Features some of the funniest comedians you’ve likely never seen, including Jonny McGovern and Kate McKinnon.

Tim Gunn’s Guide to Style (BRAVO, Thu 10:00pm)
If you’re shallow like me, and enjoy watching programs where people with bad clothes get good ones, then this is top choice — especially if you can’t stand those two horrible people on What Not to Wear. Featuring Tim Gunn, chief creative officer for Liz Claiborne and the lovable mentor of Project Runway fame, this show gives you tips you can use plus lots of pretty clothes you’ll never be able to afford.

Ace of Cakes – Food Network (Food Network, Tue & Thu 10:00pm)
In a nutshell, the Ace of Cakes is an “actuality” show (as opposed to a reality show) similar to American Chopper. The biggest difference is that the guys from Orange County Choppers make really bad-ass custom designed bikes and the people from Charm City Cakes make really bad-ass custom designed cakes. As an artist, it’s effing fascinating to watch people create works of art from layers of cake and icing. Check out www.charmcitycakes.com to see what I’m talking about and then catch the show on Food Network to see the design process in action.

Parking Wars (A&E, Tue 10:00 & 10:30pm)
I worked in retail management for almost ten years. I hated working with the general public. If I told you all of my “customer service” stories you’d probably think that I had it bad – unless you’ve seen Parking Wars. After watching this show where cameras film the daily lives of employees of the Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA), I realized that my old job didn’t suck that hard. Just about every single “victim” of the PPA claims that the PPA is out to get them – even though they are clearly in the wrong. It’s amazing what the PPA employees have to go through on a daily. I have a new found respect for people who write tickets and work at impound lots.

Terminator: The Sarah Conner Chronicles (FOX, Mon 8:00pm)
I’m not a big fan of sci-fi shows, especially ones that are spin-offs of movies from like, 20 years ago. Unfortunately for me, my husband is. When the new Terminator series started on FOX, I was nice enough to record it for him and ended getting stuck watching it. To my surprise, I ended up really liking it! That’s probably why there are rumors that FOX is canceling it… If you haven’t had a chance to see it yet, full episodes are available at Hulu.com.

Kath & Kim (NBC, Thu 8:30pm)
I think I’m the only person who likes this show. I’m pretty sure that some people just don’t get it because there isn’t a laugh track to let them know when something funny happens. Others refuse to enjoy it because “it’ll never be as good as the original” that was a hit in Australia. Personally, I think Kath & Kim is hilarious! Molly Shannon as Kath, and Selma Blair as Kim, are wonderful in their roles as mother and daughter. It’s different than all of the other sitcoms about dysfunctional families and I think that people should give it a chance:

Locked Up Abroad (NGC, Mon 9:00pm)
I’m not that worldly. I rarely leave Baltimore actually. After watching Locked Up Abroad, I’ve decided that world travel might not be for me. This documentary series reenacts the real life stories of people who have been either arrested, jailed, kidnapped, or held hostage while traveling abroad. What some of these people have gone through is almost unimaginable, like a bad nightmare. After hearing these stories, your heart goes out to these people – even the one’s who were guilty of the crimes they were convicted for.