"I can name that tune in 4 notes . . ."

My friend recently stumped me on recognizing a song.  The music in question was “Bone Machine” the first track on the Pixies first full-length album ‘Surfer Rosa’ (released March 1988).  I have to admit, my knowledge of the Pixies is limited.  I once saw them perform an opening set for U2 at Brendan Byrne Arena (March 18, 1992) and if I heard them, I would recognize their songs “Debaser”, “Here Comes Your Man”, “Wave of Mutilation” & “Where Is My Mind” (the latter two only because of their use in the films ‘Pump Up the Volume’ and ‘Fight Club’).  But sitting around talking music, it is difficult to argue their influence on a number of bands associated with the alternative rock boom of the 1990s. 

I know that I could have used Shazam, but as a music lover, your pride takes over in these situations.  However, this scenario can also be a blessing in disguise.  There is no better feeling than discovering music new to you, even if that music has been released for months and years before your revolutionary audio experience.  One band that has been around I have gone back to listen to is Guster.  Their debut album, ‘Parachute’, came out in 1995, but it was not until 1997 that I heard their song “Bury Me” for the first time. And then in late 2014, I was introduced to their song “Simple Machine” – the first single of their new album ‘Evermotion’.  Now I am going back and listening to 2003’s ‘Keep It Together; 2006’s ‘Ganging Up on the Sun’ and 2010’s ‘Easy Wonderful’. 

But with most scenarios (and records), there is a flip side, another friend of mine was recently impressed at me recognizing Swedish singer-songwriter’s JoséGonzález version of the song “Hand on Your Heart” (not to be confused with Kylie Minogue’s version).  While I sometimes wish I could substitute this knowledge with a basic understanding of substantive law and legal procedure or comprehending the technical side of auto mechanics, I tend to embrace this party tricks/bar stool skill set.

What was the last time someone was playing songs in your wheelhouse and you had no idea who the artist/band was?  Is it the Rolling Stones, “Rip This Joint” or “Rocks Off”, both from their legendary album ‘Exile On Main Street’?  This is a good problem to have in my book and far better than a colleague telling you that you are wearing toilet paper on the sole of your shoe.

Thanks for reading.