Top 6 Beach Boys Cover Songs

With the anticipated theatrical release of "Love & Mercy" chronicling the life of troubled musical genius Brian Wilson, now is the time to re-visit your Pet Sounds and Smile records....or just about any other Beach Boys/Brian Wilson gems you own.  If you need a more proper introduction to the Beach Boys catalog other than those surfing singles you know by heart, perhaps these few stellar cover songs will do the trick.


6.  Farmer's Daughter - Fleetwood Mac

Originally recorded during an impromptu backstage concert, this cover was solid enough to release on their Fleetwood Mac Live album.  Perhaps the fact that drummer Dennis Wilson was romantically involved with Fleetwood Mac member Christine McVie in the late 70's may have led to the inspired cover.





5.  Girl Don't Tell Me - The Shins

Lucky fans that caught The Shins on tour in 2009 got to witness this longtime indie powerhouse provide their own jangly take on the 1965 ditty.





4.  Little Bird - Of Montreal

Of Montreal frontman Kevin Barnes shreds his provocative glitter and glamorous disposition to produce a tender cover of "Little Bird" which was originally recorded on the Beach Boys' 1968 "Friends" album.





3.  I Just Wasn't Made For These Times - Aimee Mann & Michael Penn

This performance mastered by Aimee Mann and husband Michael Penn was broadcast during the 2001 "An All-Star Tribute to Brian Wilson."  Backed by Brian Wilson's touring band, Mann and Penn's Pet Sounds cover provides a convincing and genuine melancholy nature that lingers with listeners long after.




2.  Don't Worry Baby - Ronnie Spector

There is a mutual musical admiration that exists between Brian Wilson and Ronnie Spector.  Brian Wilson's all time favorite song is Spector's (Ronettes) "Be My Baby."  As soon as Wilson discovered Spector's cover of his very own "Don't Worry Baby," Wilson was truly blown away.  The two would eventually perform the Beach Boys tune "I Can't Hear Music" in a live performance in 2000.




1.  Heroes and Villains - Van Dyke Parks with Clare and the Reasons

As the co-author to Brian Wilson's arty masterpiece Smile, Van Dyke Parks is more qualified to re-interrupt Wilson's Americana/psychedelic symphony better than most anyone else.  Parks' innovative "Heroes and Villains" cover will entice you to further investigate Parks' own musical archives.

March 2015 Releases on Netflix Instant Play

March is drawing near, and so are the latest instant play releases on Netflix.  Take a gander for yourself so you can update your Netflix queue.  Which movies or TV show are you anticipating?  Or better yet, which movies or TV shows do you wish were offered on Netflix Instant?

March 1

Evelyn

Finding Neverland

Mercy Rule

Monster High 13 Wishes

Monster High: Ghouls Rule

30 for 30: Of Miracles and Men

Patch Adams

Rules of Engagement

Teen Witch

The Brothers Grimm

March 5

Food Chains

The ABCs of Death 2

March 6

Aziz Ansari Live at Madison Square Garden

My Own Man

The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt

March 7

Archer: Season 5

Glee: Season 5

March 9

After the Fall

Cesar Chavez

The Angriest Man in Brooklyn

Tyler Perry's The Single Moms Club

March 10

Monster High: Haunted

March 11

How to Train Your Dragon 2

March 15

3rd Rock From the Sun: Complete Series

A Different World: Complete Series

Marvel & ESPN Films Present: 1 of 1: Genesis

March 17

You're Not You

Dummy

March 19

Life Itself

March 20

Bloodline: Season 1

God's Not Dead

March 22

Mad Men: Season 7

March 23

November Man

March 25

Garfunkel and Oates: Season 1

Turn: Season 1

March 27

Trailer Park Boys: Season 9

Frankie & Alice

March 31

Ask Me Anything

The Man with the Iron Fists

How To Know It's Time For a Move

In these modern times, we as a species are rather mobile.  Instead of dwelling in only one village our entire lives, many of us are likely to relocate to better our lives whether that includes advancement in education, or a promising job.  (Or perhaps you have moved back home to care for family members.)  Whatever the reason may be, we are constantly moving in order to sustain whatever American Dream ideals or duties we may possess.

Quite a few people may believe that if you can't learn how to be happy where you currently live, you won't learn how to be happy most anywhere else.  Though there may be quite a bit of truth in this statement, there are definitely exceptions.  Here's a list of reasons why it may be time to make a life-changing move.


Health Hazards

If you live in a climate that is detrimental to your health, then you may need to re-evaluate your priorities.  For example, if you have asthma and live in one of the smoggiest cities, you may want to consider how important your health ranks among your quality of life.


Very Few Opportunities

Do you live in a city/town with a grim economy or few to no colleges located nearby?  Depending on what your life aspirations are, you may need to consider living in a city that can allow you to flourish. Even if you have acquired a job in your town for the time being, job security could look bleak if your city's economy isn't stable.


Lack of Community

Man is not called to live alone.  Even if you are a self-professed introvert, you still need to be surrounded by a loving community from time to time.  If you are living in a deserted town that has caused you to live in isolation, you may need to contemplate a move if it is affecting your mental health.


Affordability 

Regardless of your career and/or salary, it is vital that you can live comfortably within your means.  If you can barely afford your next meal, either you need to seek budgeting tips or a more affordable residence.


Safety Not Guaranteed 

Although there are no safety guarantees within each and every city, if you live in a high-crime city and fear for your life and your family's, it may be time to consider a move.


Depression

If after returning to your hometown after a weekend excursion and you find yourself sobbing uncontrollably as you enter your county, you may either need to seek help or change your environmental surroundings.

The Best Movies On Netflix You Aren't Watching Volume 2

It's a shame that the Netflix recommendation site A Better Queue is no longer available.  Although I can't help you filter Netflix instant movies based on Rotten Tomatoes reviews, I will provide you with suggestions that have at least a 60% or above from our favorite fresh certified movie review aggregator.

I must warn you, however, that the Netflix Instant pickings are as slim as ever this year.  In fact, who am I to say you have overlooked these flicks?  Often times, however, some of your favorite films aren't always easily displayed on Netflix.  So go ahead either check out a new title or indulge in your old favorites.  

Without further ado, here is my second volume of Netflix Instant recommendations:

Comedies

Chef

Frank

Election

Dramas

Almost Famous

The Station Agent

American Beauty

Independent

Swingers

Short Term 12

Frances Ha

Foreign

The Trip to Italy 

Let the Right One In

Amelie

Romantic

The One I Love

Annie Hall

Adventureland

Thrillers/Crime

Zodiac

Deadman

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy

Documentaries

20 Feet From Stardom

Room 237

Man On Wire

Classics

Sunset Boulevard

The Apartment

The Odd Couple

What are some of your Netflix Instant recommendations?  

Music Discovery Mondays

I didn't catch the Grammys this year.  In fact, I probably haven't watched the Grammys since 1998 when Paula Cole flashed us with her unshaved armpits.  It makes me sad when the Grammys instill nearly everything I despise when it comes to the music industry: lack of class and artistry.  To further my point, in what world is it acceptable for a singer to gracelessly interrupt an acceptance speech inferring that the winner isn't deserving of their craft?

Despite my hatred of the Grammys, I was elated when I heard that St. Vincent won for Best Alternative Album, as well as Beck's win for Album of the Year.  Below I have included some tracks from artists that deserve proper recognition either from the Grammys or elsewhere.

1.  British folkster Laura Marling already has three critically acclaimed albums under belt all at the tender age of 25.  Despite her youthful glow, her voice speaks as a woman with enough sage to command our attention and contemplation.




2.  Kitty, Daisy & Lewis is a sibling trio responsible for reviving the old timey genres of R&B, Rock n Roll, Western swing, and country....but with a modern edge.  In fact, The Clash's Mick Jones has stepped in as the band's first producer.  Listen to their latest track here:

 


3.  Fleet Foxes fans may be scratching their heads wondering when they can expect a new album from their favorite mountain men.  In the meantime, fans can revel in the fact that Foxes' drummer known publicly as Father John Misty has steadily maintained a solo career of his own with two hauntingly beautiful albums to show for it.