THE 20/20 EXPERIENCE BY JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE

The 20/20 Experience by Justin Timberlake

Justin Timberlake's new album, The 20/20 Experience, is like a really beautiful Wedding. Everything seems great.  The venue is breathtaking.  The bride looks really gorgeous in her dress.  Hell, they served sushi and mini strip steak sandwiches before the ceremony!  Did I mention that it's a Destination wedding in Malibu? Well, it is.  Oh, and the father of the Bride actually told you this: "we may have something down for you at our new company.  Oh, but you'd have to move to Hawaii.  Would that be a problem for you?"  You're like, "no, I don't think it would be a problem, Mr. McTimberlake."

You finally sit down.  Now, you're whispering to your wife how—can you believe this—you're actually having a good time.  Then, Rev. Justin Timberlake comes and says "Dearly beloved..." You hate to admit it but, this is really moving.  

There's just one problem.  He's going on and on and on and on.  

Jeez, it's been an hour.  Now, it's been two hours.  And he keeps pausing as if he's finished.  But, he's not.  He goes on for another hour.  Now, you're checking your watch.  Fuck, it's really only been 30 minutes. Thank God, he's done.   It's time for the bride and groom to exchange their vows.  The bride begins and it is beautiful, life-changing stuff.  But, she, too, is going on for an hour—I mean, an hour and a half.  You check your watch.  Fuck, it's actually been an hour and a half.  Finally, she's done.  But, no!—now it's the groom's turn.  He'll be quick, right? You need to pee.  He goes on for two hours.  It's boring as shit.  

Finally, it's finished.  Everything started out so well! But, you're so glad it's over.  But, then again, it's not over.  There's the reception—and it's outside.  You're thinking, "are these people dumb? This is California. It get's cold at night!" True, it does.  It's frigid outside.  

Finally, at midnight, it's over.  Fuck these people.  You never liked any of them to begin with.  You can't wait to go home and take off your suit and tie.   

The 20/20 Experience by Justin Timberlake

SINGLES GOING STEADY: "THE E-STREET SHUFFLE" BY BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN

Bruce Springsteen and the original—though unnamed—E-Street Band

Oh dear.  Listen up.  If you're ever in a car with me and I ask you to put this song on, please just ignore me. Sure, I'll be disappointed and I'll beg you to reconsider.  I'll try all sorts of ways to manipulate you into changing your mind.  I'll be a babbling little baby.  Let me go through it, reader.  Your life—and all our lives—are more important than me indulging in the opening track from Bruce Springsteen's 2nd Album, The Wild, The Innocent And The E-Street Shuffle.

Now if I happen to be driving, chances are we're all screwed! I will put this song on and no one will know happen next—especially me.  I will dance.  I will not stop at red lights.  I will not yield to any pedestrians.  I will exceed the speed limit, in a dangerous and reckless way.  

You see, this song does magical things for me.  And hopefully it will do magical things for you.  Indispensible.

Everybody form a line and do "The E-Street Shuffle!"

"The E-Street Shuffle"

SINGLES GOING STEADY: "DON'T LOOK BACK" BY THE REMAINS AKA BARRY & THE REMAINS

This Billy Vera Composition, which was performed by The Remains, can famously be found on the classicNuggets psychedelic compilation. (SNAG this if you see it)!

The Remains AKA Barry & The Remains

Ah, gee-wiz! You would think that a band that opened for The Beatles during the Fab Four's final tour would be slightlyfamous.  But, no.  It's been almost 50 years and The Remains remain in obscurity.  Bandleader Barry Tashian formed The Remains at Boston University with Keyboardist Billy Brigg and several other students in 1964.  Two years and one relic LP later, it was all over.  No hit singles.  No hit record.  

Tashian went on to meet future Country Rock pioneer Gram Parsons, assisted him in forming The International Submarine Band and The Flying Burrito Brothers.  He can be heard on many of Parsons' solo recordings.  Today, he and his wife Holly are Country/Folk fixtures in Nashville, TN.  
 

Barry & The Remains lone LP contains several should-have-been hits including "Don't Look Back" written by the small-time hit maker, big-time music historian/liner note writer Billy Vera.  It's a Stonesy Garage classic, with a great hook and a simple—but effective—high harmony.  "Don't Look Back" is also one of many near-hit selections, which appears on the legendary 1972 Nuggets compilation—one of Rolling Stone Magazine's 500 Greatest Albums Of All Time.

"Don't Look Back" by Barry & The Remains