A song about a talking horse, of course of course. Trust me, this one really works.
10. Mr. Ed by Sex for Moderns
This masterpiece by the Berkeley combo Hobo is powerpop at its best. The vocal performance is extraordinary, and the lyrics cascade images and poetry full of music fun.
11. Fish In a Tree by Hobo
This rare pop gem from Berkeley-based garage band the Gazillions defies description, but the title speaks for itself. Fronted by the inimitable David Hollogram, this remarkable group only played together long enough to do a few legendary gigs and release an amazing album called “The Gazillions Have Landed.”
12. Hobbit Love by The Gazillions
This song was a regular on Video West. It’s full of fun, the singer extols janitoral joy to all who will listen. I listened over a hundred times. What’s wrong with me?
13. I Am a Janitor by Surface Music
You have to love her passion. There is only one Repulsa and this is her trademark song. Enjoy or die.
14. I Want You Dead by Repulsa
I love this song about the joys of the radio. It’s a real honor to be able to introduce the reclusive pop genius Count Slowly to the world. Be sure to check out the Count’s rad site.
15. R.A.D.I.O. by Count Slowly and The 4 Twenties
McBAIN is the brainchild of Oakland resident madman Adam Bergman. Like XTC without the PhD. Great hooks, cool lyrics. Nice old school production. Check it out.
16. They Cheat, They Steal, They Lie by McBain
Outstanding groove, great haunting horn samples, some rainy ambience, a beautiful and unique piece. Check it.
17. Meditations from a Father by Subverse
What a monster song! Moose hits the nail on the head. This is the simplest message song I’ve ever heard. It’s soo right on. Scott Tee and his muted trumpet really set up Moose’s vocals, and Scott’s solo is centerfold material in Trumpet Magazine. The entire band plays their asses off. I predict big things for this song.
18. Ridiculous by The Uptones
Here’s a live video
Tony Alva and Jay Adams are names synonymous with modern skateboarding. E. Blake Davis’ song about these fearless boarding pioneers is about as irreverent and off the wall as they were. Opal Book Club is one rockin’ trio and they drop in on this track like urethane wheels on a fresh dry southern California pool. This is an instant classic and I’m glad it was picked to be on the first MP3 Jackpot compilation.
19. Tony Alva by Opal Book Club
