As a means of generating some discussion (and keeping the writer’s juices flowing), here are the 3 tracks that just came up on random play on the ‘ol Creative brand mp3 player:

1) “Lazy Line Painter Jane” – Belle & Sebastian from the EP Lazy Line Painter Jane (1997)

This could be subtitled the “last bus out of town” song due to an oft-repeated line.  Stuart Murdoch and friends benefit immensely from the guest vocals of Monica Queen.  She occasionally sounds like Cyndi Lauper, but not as strong vocally.    I also love how the arrangement swells and gains power as they reach the final choruses.

2) “Bad Day” – Juliana Hatfield from Bed (1998)

One of the mainstays in Blake Babies, her solo career began in earnest with 1992’s Hey Babe.  And I do mean earnest…   Here’s a live version of “Bad Day”.  She used to be one of my favorites in the mid-nineties (inventive and melodic guitar work abounds on the first few albums, this song included) but she’s a reluctant performer and a bad live show combined with a couple of draggy records at the turn of the century had me paying a lot less attention.

3) “Don’t Call Her No Tramp” – Betty Davis from They Say I’m Different (1974)

While her music may not be as groundbreaking as husband Miles’ work in the jazz field, you can’t dance to Kind Of Blue.  Betty is a true funkster.  For a sample, this is the title track from They Say I’m Different.  There weren’t too many ladies at the time who fearlessly proclaimed their desires, sexual and otherwise, for all to hear.  Listening to her first two albums, the word that best sums up her sonic attack – feral.

Feel free to add your own thoughts and/or post your own ‘3 at Random’!