Ben E. King | “Stand By Me”

Featuring River Phoenix & Wil Wheaton

Tell me, kids. Do you appreciate the volume of freebies you get nowadays? I knew you didn’t. What a bunch of spoiled bleepin’ whiners you are.

I tell ya, when I was your age, I nearly ruined myself staying up late on Friday nights just to watch a mediocre episode of Stu Jeffries‘ “Good Rockin’ Tonite“. I never knew what would come up, but it was more than likely a highlight video of Glass Tiger’s “My Song”. My requests for NKOTB’s “Please Don’t Go Girl” would be overlooked… every. bleeping. time. But still, I watched. It was music, and it was free.

But I suppose I shouldn’t be whining because now I’m benefiting from this media free-for-all. The elusive videos I requested as a child are now available to devour in repeat format, including this classic by Ben E. King. I remember seeing this video clip once; as a huge fan of Stand By Me the movie, as well as a devotee of both River Phoenix and Wil Wheaton, this was a huge find. It starts out quite slow, but midway through, the two leading cast members are found in the audience, “giving each other skin” like in the movie. This is great on many levels, but mainly because Wil Wheaton proves once and for all that he has less talent AND possesses no sense of rhythm.

Wonderful.

Bill Withers | “Aint No Sunshine”

“Ain’t No Sunshine” – Bill Withers on the Old Grey Whistle Test, 1972

Now, this is what I call soul. Bill Withers‘ “Ain’t No Sunshine” is one of those pieces that gives me that extra punch in the gut when I’m feeling down. Talk about a dreamy piece that digs down deep and makes me eat my own heart. You got it — I’m a bonafide masochist.

Plus, I really can’t get enough of his lovely ‘fro and orange turtleneck combo. I was seriously born a decade too late.

Bill Withers – Official site | Wikipedia | Last.fm | Amazon