Newly-shorn concert/potluck promoter Bill Childs recently wrote of his appreciation for the Replacements.
That discussion, along with comments in this Justin Roberts Pop Fly review about how people have "linked" me with Justin Roberts, made me think about musical antecedents and current influences. Who would be the most important musicians (of any genre) throughout your entire life -- the ones, even if you don't listen to them on a regular basis now, who profoundly affect who you listen to now and, heck, who you are, period? And who are the kids' musicians who have done the same?
My answers are after the jump -- hopefully yours will be in the comments.
Here They Come To Save the Day
My wife, daughter, and I went to see Ratatouille this weekend and one of the previews was for a live-action version of the fondly-remembered cartoon Underdog. Based on the preview, the new movie looks -- what's the critical phrase here? -- really crappy. The one and only upside is that a movie about a dog did not use the song "Who Let the Dogs Out?" in the preview. (Really, how did that not happen? The Baha Men must be looking for a new agent right about now.)
Still, the movie's producers are missing a great opportunity here -- the lead single off Austin City Limits Festival band Spoon's awesome awesome awesome album Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga is entitled "The Underdog." And it rocks. The political subtext will go over the heads of the kids, but it's completely OK for 'em.
In case you haven't heard it, you can hear Spoon play with a horn section of about six dozen on Letterman's show here.
Or watch the original video (with apparently a Daniel Handler -- Lemony Snicket -- cameo at about 2:31) below:
