Matthew Berlyant: November 25, 2007

Giving Thanks

In honor of Thanksgiving and all that comes with it (including, best of all, a 3-day work week), here’s an appropriately themed playlist along with some background information about each track.

1. Sticks and Stones – “Thanks for the Cash”

   This is from the excellent 2 CD retrospective The Strife and Times. This version also appeared on their final album, 1994’s The Optimist Club. Furthermore, an earlier version was recorded during their first recording session and was released on a cassette called Inner Revolt back in 1988.

2. Graham Parker – “Almost Thanksgiving Day”

   This is from his 2004 album Your Country.

3. Big Star – “Thank You Friends”

   This, of course, is from Third/Sister Lovers, and ripe with cyncism and irony given the shape ALEX CHILTON was in during this time period.

4. The Damned – “Thanks for the Night”

   This song was first released as a stand-alone, non-album single (with the equally great B-side “Nasty”) in 1984. Crucially, this was the last song they recorded with guitarist and songwriter CAPTAIN SENSIBLE before he left the band until 2001’s Grave Disorder album. Later, it was released on the compilation The Light at the End of the Tunnel.

5. Articles of Faith – “Give Thanks”

   The first song and the title track on their first album, 1983’s Give Thanks.

6. Bad Brains – “Give Thanks and Praises”

   This is from this year’s surprisingly strong Build a Nation.

7. Sparks – “Thank God It’s Not Christmas”

   This is from 1974’s Kimono My House.

8. Assfactor 4 – “Thanks, Kelly”

   This is from their second release, the astonishing “Smoked Out” 7” EP from 1994.

9. Led Zeppelin – “Thank You”

   This is from Led Zeppelin II.

10. Talking Heads “Thank You for Sending Me an Angel”

    This is from their second album More Songs about Buildings and Food.