No, not another Rock Band contender (though I suspect a game may already have that name anyway). It's my birthday coming up early next year, and I've decided I'm going to go with a rock theme, and for people to dress as a rock star or pop diva. I've had a few thoughts already. I'm thinking of printing some posters from the 80's and completely covering my hallway in them, like the the video hits of old days (I wonder if kids do this anymore?). I haven't planned how I might do it, but I'd like the lounge room to look like a stage, particularly as I want to have Rock Band competitions. And handing out wrist bands like they are coming to a gig. Maybe have a mock bouncer :) A banner over the back door saying 'backstage pass only' or somesuch.

As for my costume, I'm not sure yet. At first I was thinking I could paint myself brown and go as early Michael Jackson. I've also considered Rick Astley, so that I can jump in front of people and start singing and be a live rickroll. Maybe I could dress up like this...

While searching for that image, I found a red Michael Jackson Thriller suit for $20. Might be a goer, just need to get a wig, hat and glove as well.

Any other ideas?

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Beach Boys - Pet Sounds - 1966
Whenever I hear the first track, I find it really hard not to sing "Wouldn't it be nice if the world is Cadbury's". I don't know if that ad campaign was only in Australia, so maybe that will be lost on many of you. But after struggling to pay attention to the actual words, it sounds like it is about a young couple that want to get married but aren't yet of legal age. Ah, the ignorance of youth. Makes me wonder how old they were when they started singing these songs.

Still, the album is solid depsite some tired and repeated themes. It is hard to deny the power of the harmonies displayed, and some of them are layered with a fair bit of complexity. I'm curious as to why there is what sounds like a byicycle bell and a horn in the song I'm listening to at the moment.... There is some good pop here, though I'm not interested enough to keep me listening. Megan loves The Beach Boys, so the exposure to her playlists will probably fulfil any need I have to hear them again.

Fred Neil - Fred Neil - 1966
Haven't really had a crooner on the list for a while. I imagine back when this was released his voice sounded like sex to the ladies. But I suspect that over the years the appeal may have lessened, and it didn't take long for this album to fade into the background despite efforts to try and focus on it. For me this is better as background music than something I would want to listen to. Although I do enjoy the last track, which is an instrumental. The underlying backbeat keeps driving the song along, and gives the impression that this is some unstoppable force, while an ecclectic collection of different instruments punctuate it and add various layers that come along for the ride. It does change tune about halfway and slows down a bit, but still remains engaging throughout.