The Videos, Volume 1

A regular feature we'll have here at Dogs, Rhymes, and Karma is "The Videos." As the name implies, we'll post some videos of songs we like. Maybe they'll be old (or new) favorites, or maybe they'll be a forgotten track that deserves a second listen. Either way, just click and listen.

Off we go...

1. "Peace Frog" - The Doors

The funky intro is immortal. I like to listen to this song just to hear those first few seconds. The spoken part in the middle is very mysterious, even haunting. It tells a story from Jim Morrison's early childhood, when he witnessed a car crash on a desert road that scattered bleeding Indians across the highway.

2. "And Your Bird Can Sing" - The Beatles

The Beatles let loose in this song. Well, I guess "let loose" isn't the right term. Though the guitar is the driving force, and a dominant one, there's still a very specific structure to it, as there is with most Beatles music up until around 1967-68. If you're looking for an example of The Beatles' fantastic harmonies, here it is.

3. "Starlight" - Muse

You want newer rock? Here you go. I haven't delved very deep into Muse yet. I've listened through Black Holes & Revelations a couple times, but that's it. Lots of great tracks... "Take a Bow," "Supermassive Black Hole," and "Knights of Cydonia" are three of my favorites. Then there's this track. Matthew Bellamy's voice is incredibly versatile, as are the epic synthesizers (keyboards? I think they're synths) in the second half of the song. I'm interested in seeing what else Muse has to offer, but I've heard that BH & R is different from all of their other stuff. However, I've also heard that the real Paul McCartney is dead. So you never know who you can believe.

4. "Reason Is Treason" - Kasabian
(Note: the band's music videos for "Reason Is Treason" on YouTube use the hidden remix at the end of the album. I prefer the original version, which I could not find on the site. So, here's a great live rendition.)

My brother was the one who introduced me to Kasabian. I had heard "Club Foot" and "L.S.F. (Lost Souls Forever)" before, but I had never known the name of the band. Their self-titled debut album has track after track of great tunes. Because of the driving beats, some might categorize it as dance music. The vocals are nothing outstanding, but they don't have to be. "Reason Is Treason" is a great track.

5. "Bring It on Home" - Led Zeppelin

One of my absolute favorites from my favorite band. I love how the dreary, rumbling beginning erupts into a classic Zeppelin riff. This song is almost like the difference between between instant and delayed gratification. You can't truly enjoy that amazing riff unless you wait through the slow start, which actually is pretty fun to listen to as well.


Well, that's all for now.