I planned to mix it up this week, and break out of the early 90′s electronica stuff. But after adding a few “New Order” songs back in the commuting playlist, I remembered how much I like them. So, I’m sharing one of their songs today. Some interesting things about New Order, are: They used to be “Joy Division” (-1) until the lead singer, Ian Curits, committed suicide. Their single Blue Monday, is the best selling 12 inch single of all time. Despite having the distinct late 80′s/early 90′s sound, their music is still relevant. The particular song that I’m sharing today was released on the Technique album in 1989. It is called Fine Time. Check it out.

Going back to the early 90′s, this week. 1993, was the actual year that the track I’m sharing was released. It came out on the album “Strange Cargo III.” The artist, as you have probably guessed by this point, is William Orbit. Why is it that all of the best electronica artists/DJs, or whatever you want to call them, were from the UK? I’m not sure that the same is not still true today. Back to the point… Orbit was mainly a producer before putting out the “Strange Cargo” series. This song was on the charts, so even if it wasn’t your genre, chances are, you have heard it. It popped up in my headphones the other day, and I thought that it was a good one share. I’m referring, of course to Water from a vine leaf. This track features some vocal work by Beth Orton. But the first half of the track is instrumental. It has since been remixed about 1000 times, including a pretty cool mix by Underworld. The version that I’m sharing, is just the regular old album cut. It is about 7 mins. long. So, if you have the time to commit, here you go.

Today marks the 15th anniversary of the death of a legend. I’m not really sure how I could have made that first line any more cliche, but it’s true. I can’t believe it has been that long. I remember when I was a lot younger, my mom once told me that everyone in her generation could tell you where they were, when they heard the news that John F. Kennedy was shot. I think that if there could be an equivalent for my generation, it would probably be when Kurt died. Last month, I read a pretty good article in Details, commemorating Cobain’s passing. I agree with most of the analysis. It is the same stuff that most Gen-Xers have contemplated, at one time or another, regarding Kurt. The article talks about things like, what if Kurt were still alive, would he be bald, do beer endorsements, be conformist, etc.. I remember that when Kurt died, they offered counseling at my school, for those who were having a hard time dealing with it. As hard as it was at the time, I think that it would be more likely for me to need counseling now, if Kurt would have lived to sell out. I love the idea of Kurt, the way he was before he died. Kurt Cobain is a part of my identity, as a member of the Gen-X society, that will never get fat, turn into a yuppie, or sell out.