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Blogiversary III… LISTEN with DAVE!

Posted on Thursday, April 20th, 2006

Dave!TODAYS'S PRIZES: $200 worth of music (and stuff)!

  SORRY! THIS DRAWING IS NOW CLOSED! No new entries are being accepted.  

Coming up with a music prize is a very difficult thing to do. First of all, everybody has wildly different tastes. It's impossible to come up with a single solution that's going to make everybody happy. Second of all, if somebody likes a band, they're bound to have all their stuff already. So the challenge is to come up with something that isn't going to be too out of the mainstream, yet unique enough that people don't already own it. In the end, I simply selected stuff I like that I think can appeal to the widest audience without being too generic. Instructions for entering are in an extended entry.

Music!

And just in case the dumbasses at the RIAA are listening, these are all brand new CDs... I don't steal music...

B3 ShirtBlogography T-Shirt.
How could I possibly create any prize without including a rockin' Blogography T-shirt from the Artificial Duck Store? Lovingly silk-screened by hand on high-quality Hanes Beefy-T shirts, these Blogography-inspired masterpieces are comfortable, durable, and are guaranteed to make you the coolest cat in even the hottest clubs... Liz & Dave not included! (Value: $14.95 to $16.95)
   
B3 a-haMinor Earth, Major Sky, by a-ha
Anybody who thinks that 80's pop band "a-ha" peaked with their hit Take on Me has absolutely no idea how wrong they are. The band went on to create some stunning albums that were never released in the USA because executives at record labels are dumbasses. Minor Earth, Major Sky is a mature, mellow work tempered with pop sensibility that results in some truly great songs. I get chills whenever such beautiful works as To Let You Win and I Wish I Cared get rotated into my shuffle play. But, to be completely honest, there's not a bad song in the bunch, and I never tire of listening to ANY of it. Who cares if it's a $25 import? Worth every penny! Since I can't give you a link to something THAT DOESN'T EXIST (at least for the American iTunes Music Store), I've put up a small MP3 snippet to whet your appetite: LetYouWin.mp3. (Value $25.49)
   
B3 a-haLifelines, by a-ha
This follow-up to Minor Earth, Major Sky would be perfect if not for one of the stupidest songs ever: Oranges on Apple Trees. If you can ignore this one blight on an otherwise superb CD, you're in for a treat. Time & Again is probably one of the most amazing songs I've ever heard, and Turn Down The Lights features a duet with Anneli Drekker that is so achingly beautiful that it sends a chill though me just thinking about it. Again, I would love to point USA readers to a link so you could buy it from the iTMS, but it's not there. Instead, I'm posting small snippets so you can hear a bit of what you're missing: TimeAndAgain.mp3 and TurnDownLights.mp3. (Value $15.49)
   
B3 The ShoreThe Shore, by The Shore
When I decided to do a "music day" for Blogiversary III, my first idea was to contact the management for The Shore and see if I could get a deal on 50 copies of their debut CD for prizes. But I didn't have enough time, and so I had to be content with including a copy of this brilliant work in the "LISTEN with DAVE" Grand Prize. Seriously though, I have no idea why this band isn't a mega-huge, chart-topping smash. They have a "classic rock" vibe to their music, and seem to be very much influenced by more modern bands like Coldplay and Oasis. I'd try to pick a favorite track but, with the exception of "Firefly" which is kind of a mess, I love them all equally. Even if you don't win this prize package, you should do yourself a favor and check out The Shore. If you are an iTunes user, here's a link for The Shote on the iTMS. (Value $11.99)
   
B3 FilterTitle of Record, by Filter
As any fan of Nine Inch Nails can tell you, there ain't no substitute for the real thing. Unfortunately, this leaves us high and dry while waiting for "major" new releases (it took SIX YEARS between The Fragile and With Teeth!). The auxiliary releases around each new album help, but it's the cohesive albums I like best. In some respects, this doesn't bother me, because I'd rather have a few awesome albums and a single here and there instead of frequent releases of crap. But it is a bit frustrating, and I'm always looking for something to fill the void. Of all the wannabes, Filter is my favorite (possibly because member Richard Patrick is a former member of the touring band). This second album is more of a departure from the Nine Inch Nails sound than the first, but the remaining influences are great. For those looking for lighter fare, Title of Record has a couple of mellow tracks (including the haunting Take a Picture). If you have iTunes, have a listen at the iTMS. (Value $11.99)
   
B3 Depeche ModeUltra, by Depeche Mode
Depeche Mode is one of those bands that I love so deeply that I fully admit to being biased toward liking most anything they do. But when it comes to Ultra, I don't have to put blinders on to appreciate it. This is, simply put, one of the best albums ever made, yet is somehow completely overlooked (even by Depeche Mode fans). Surprisingly, all this magic happened without musical genius Alan Wilder, who left DM after their mega-smash Violator album. Ultra is a very deep experience that is much darker and intense than previous efforts. My favorite song is probably Insight, but I loathe to choose just one. If you are an iTunes user, here's a link to this album on the iTMS. (Value $11.99)
   
B3 BrightmanDive, by Sarah Brightman
Whenever Celine Dion is praised for her vocal stylings, I laugh my ass off thinking of how she positively pales in comparison to Sara Brightman. Sure Celine was pretty good back before she started whoring herself out in Vegas, but she hasn't really broken any new ground in over a decade. Sarah Brightman, on the other hand, is a stage performer who is legendary for belting out sensual vocals in such plays as "The Phantom of the Opera", yet has an eerie ability to subdue herself to an almost ethereal presence when required. It doesn't hurt that she's scorching hot on top of it all. Dive (released in 1993) is a successful attempt to cross over into more pop-oriented themes, and remains a favorite of mine when I want to mellow out. If you've got iTunes, here's a link to the album on the iTMS (if you go, be sure to check out her cover of Queen's Who Wants to Live Forever and, for a really good laugh, take a listen to her version of Don't Cry Argentina and marvel how Madonna ever had the balls to even attempt it). (Value $11.99)
   
B3 Lost BlogsGreatest Hits, by the Psychedelic Furs
This is one of those "one hit wonders" who never achieved wide-spread success outside of one major hit (Pretty in Pink). This is quite a shame, because there was some great stuff in their back-catalog, and they then went on to do some even more brilliant music. My iPod has such minor hits as Love My Way, Heaven, The Ghost In You, Heartbreak Beat, and Until She Comes in heavy rotation, and dearly wish that The Furs would come out with a new album. (Value $11.99)
   

And, just in case you aren't lucky enough to nab the "big prize", there's two other chances to win...

TWO $40 "LISTEN WITH DAVE" RUNNER-UP PRIZES INCLUDE...
   
B3 ShirtBlogography T-Shirt.
How could I possibly create any prize without including a rockin' Blogography T-shirt from the Artificial Duck Store? Lovingly silk-screened by hand on high-quality Hanes Beefy-T shirts, these Blogography-inspired masterpieces are comfortable, durable, and are guaranteed to make you the coolest cat in even the hottest clubs... Dave not included! (Value: $14.95 to $16.95)
   
B3 a-haMinor Earth, Major Sky, by a-ha
Anybody who thinks that 80's pop band "a-ha" peaked with their hit Take on Me has absolutely no idea how wrong they are. The band went on to create some stunning albums that were never released in the USA because executives at record labels are dumbasses. Minor Earth, Major Sky is a mature work tempered with pop sensibility that results in some truly great songs. I get chills whenever such beautiful works as To Let You Win and I Wish I Cared get rotated into my shuffle play. But, to be completely honest, there's not a bad song in the bunch, and I never tire of listening to ANY of it. Who cares if it's a $25 import? Worth every penny! Since I can't give you a link to something THAT DOESN'T EXIST (at least for the American iTunes Music Store), I've put up a few MP3 snippets to whet your appetite: ToLetYouWin.mp3 and IWishICared.mp3. (Value $25.49)
   

And there you have it, enough music to put a dent in your iPod! Better get that entry in quickly...

HOW TO ENTER...

  SORRY! THIS DRAWING IS NOW CLOSED! No new entries are being accepted.  

  • Read the rules from day one.
  • If you have left 10 comments for year-ending 16 April, 2006 (as explained in the rules)... all you have to do is send an email to listen@blogography.com and you're done.
  • If you don't have 10 comments, you have to include answers to your choice of FOUR of the five questions listed below in order to qualify (sorry, but I'm trying to give a break to those who are regular contributors to Blogography).
  • As explained in the rules, shipping to the USA Continental 48 is included. If you live outside this area, you will be asked to pay the difference between the maximum domestic charges and your location (see comments for sample rates).
  • HURRY! Your entry MUST be received by tomorrow: FRIDAY, APRIL 21st AT 9:00PM P.S.T. (Seattle time).
  • Winners will be revealed on Sunday, April 23rd.

Okay then, if you didn't leave 10 comments in the past year, PICK FOUR of five questions below, and be sure to include the answers in your email! All the answers are scattered around Blogography somewhere, and can probably be found in my FAQ, 100 Questions, Archives, or by simply using the "Search Box" in my sidebar...

  1. In 2005 Dave got to see a "Depeche Mode" concert in what major American city?
  2. Which total babe from sibling Irish pop group "The Corrs" shares a birthday with Dave?
  3. Name the Swedish mega-star whose mission is to "sexualise it more in the world" and "spread a message of love"!
  4. Dave first discovered "The Shore" at a free outdoor concert in what major American city?
  5. Which musical instrument does Dave add to all of his "Garage Band" creations to "elevate his works from the mundane to immortality"?

Good luck, and rock on!


Categories: Blogging 2006, Music 2006Click To It: Permalink
   

Comments

  1. Dave2 says:

    Looking up so many countries takes a lot of time, so I’ve decided to average everything…

    If you live in the USA (including Alaska &amp Hawaii) or any US Territory (like Puerto Rico or Guam), then shipping is free.

    If you live in Canada, your share of the shipping is $4.00 via Surface mail ($10.00 AIR)

    Anywhere else, your share of the shipping is $6.50 via Surface Mail ($13.00 AIR)

    As always, any insurance is extra, if you want it. Likewise, and applicable duties and taxes are the responsibility of the recipient.

    Good luck!

  2. ssp says:

    When first glancing over that ‘Dive’ cover I actually read ‘Dave’. Oh well…

  3. Dave2 says:

    Yes, well, it really SHOULD be “Dave” shouldn’t it?

    🙂

  4. Kevin says:

    Okay, I don’t own a lot of the books you’re giving away, but I have listened to some of these discs and that’s a helluva selection. DM… need I say more? The Psychedelic Furs… spectacular! I keep hearing about The Shore, but haven’t picked it up, yet.

    Love question 1, btw.

  5. Firda says:

    Dude, I LOVE Sarah Brightman’s “Dive”! I used to listen to it a lot more than 10 years ago. Captain Nemo was one of my favourite songs. I love her “La Luna” album better, though. I only know a-ha’s older stuff but I like what I hear from the snippets. And other than Depeche Mode, I don’t think I’ve ever listened to the rest of the artists. Still trying to decide whether to enter or not!

  6. Pauly D says:

    A-HA!

    God, I love those guys. I used to hang out with them and stuff in my younger days. Out near the beach. With shrimp cocktails.

    I hope they’re still fish fans.

  7. Dave2 says:

    And as much as I envy you for having met a-ha… it’s still the photo with your arm around Gwen Stefani that I hate you for most. 🙂

    Dave2

  8. SJ says:

    “The Shore” is the best gift you ever gave me, Dave2! An incredibly addictive album. Everyone I’ve played it for has loved it. My personal favorite track is still “Coming Down.”

    “The Ghost in You”!!! A little-known PF song that beats the crap out of “Pretty In Pink.” I never understood why their popularity faded so quickly.

    Liz sure looks hot in your shirt …

  9. Chaz says:

    These contests just keep getting sweeter and sweeter! No telling what you’re going to be giving away next! Maybe… just possibly… someone’s very own Heffalump? That would rock, but I think I’ve said to much!

    P.S. The possibility of another new shirt design this year is pretty exciting. In the words of someone out there, “Woot woot!”

  10. Tink says:

    I am so gay…eventhough i am not going to enter since i own everything but the ah-ha cd (you have great taste btw) …i still went around and found all the answers

    ::sigh::

    Dave, what have you done to me?

    (i really wish they would hurry up and approve my Gravatar cause my posts look so dull)

  11. Nicola says:

    Holy Moly! A-ha and Depeche Mode, you’re spoiling us!!

  12. Juli says:

    Friday is the 21st…

  13. Nicole says:

    Well, so far my reading and music horizons have been expanded. Who knew Blogiversary would be so enlightening? I’m looking forward to whatever is coming next. Perhaps movies? Will we get to watch with Dave? 🙂

  14. Dave2 says:

    Ha ha ha… no Nicole, that would just be silly!

    You are getting WATCH with DAVE tomorrow!

    Oh. That’s kind of the same thing, isn’t it? I just capitalized some letters.

    Gee… thanks for spoiling the surprise Nicole!! Hmmm… I should hold a contest to see if anybody can guess all the items in the giveaway…

  15. Eve says:

    Sir…there is no metal.

    The Empress weeps.

    But alas, if I win, it would be fitting to be awarded with music of other genres I deem worthy(i.e., not hip hop or country).

    This past Christmas, my family played the DVD trivia game Name That Tune of the 80s and I won it by naming A-Ha’s “Take On Me” video in 1 second.

    In ONE second, my friend.

  16. Dave2 says:

    Alas, my dear Mistress of Metal, all the metal I like is very mainstream. I was afraid that absolutely everybody who appreciates such timeless classics would have every one of my metal picks. 🙁

    Hmmm… now that I think about it, BlackHappy isn’t especially mainstream is it?? Despite having their beginnings in Christian Metal, a friend got me hooked on them, and I’ve been a fan ever since.

  17. cougfan says:

    Dave… Friday is the 21st

  18. Sayuri says:

    Damn! I have all those CD’s Dave! No competition for me today! :sulk:

  19. Dave2 says:

    I would certainly hope that you AT LEAST have the a-ha CDs Sayuri!

    Though yours are probably autographed by the band. 🙂

  20. Dave2 says:

    Really? Friday is the 21st?

    Well, then I suppose I should be fixing that…

  21. adena says:

    I lost my Ultra cd somewhere, and I agree w/ you….I love that CD! I don’t know why some fans don’t like it. I think it’s amazing. I love almost all the songs on it…(The musical interludes I always skip by…but, I do that on all their albums.) “Insight” is great, but I think “The Love Theives” is my fave…but, “Home” is a close second. (Because I love MG’s voice.)

    I agree w/ SJ that “The Ghost in You” is a great song…probably one of my favorite PF songs.

    Great contest prizes so far!! Can I win them all??

  22. Sayuri says:

    :embarrased grin: Busted! and most of the solo albums as well! (God, I am such a geek!)

    Actually, the only one I don’t have is Filter. I love The Shore album (thanks to your recommendation.) and no self-respecting child of the 80’s would be missing the Psychedelic Furs! And who would be without ‘The Mode’ in their collection. Only madmen, that’s who!!

    Once again Dave you excel! In everything you do!

  23. Chanakin says:

    Hmmmm… my collection is withou Psychedelic Furs…

    If you’ve not yet seen the Depeche Mode Devotional DVD, you’re missing out (providing you’re a DM fan, of course).

  24. Juli says:

    Was that a reading comprehension quiz Dave? I got the right answer on the date. 😉 What do I win??

  25. Wench says:

    Holy crap! A-ha and Psychedelic Furs in the same collection?

    Too bad I haven’t left 10 comments…or am too lazy to find the answer to your questions…

  26. filimus sans says:

    i think our tastes in music differ a little bit…
    i’m not sure i should enter this one..
    but good contest, nonetheless!

  27. FrancesDanger says:

    You have officially made my day. Though I have entered everyday (I’m a contest whore), this is the one I want to win! PF, Filter, and DM. Le sigh…

  28. James D. says:

    Phew. I freaked out a little when i got around to searching for just how many comments I’ve left, I typed “James” into the comment search then got a little worried when James Bow’s comments were in with mine. I had to go through and make sure I had ten that were indeed mine, and I’m all clear, even discovered one or two anonymous comments that i’m pretty sure are me.

    Another thing, the email address I’m using to send in the contest entries is a different email than the one i’ve always used here for entries and gravtar..is this a problem?

  29. Dave2 says:

    Nope… got you covered. 🙂

  30. Göran says:

    Yeah!

    What did happen to The Psychedelic Furs? Whenever I play them (I dj sometimes) people go wild.

    Thanks for recommending Filter, they´re new to me!

  31. Brent says:

    Dave, I’ve been super busy and haven’t been able to enjoy the wonders of Blogiversary III. It’s great to have a few minutes to read over everything. It looks like another big success for you! Cheers!

  32. Bre says:

    A-Ha brings me back to drinking stolen beers off of the back of my friend Luke’s pick-up truck in highschool… good times, good times

  33. Rabbit says:

    If all this is nothing more than a ploy to ensure that your readers continue to love you . . . I think it’s totally working.

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