It's back! And from now on only new albums from week to week will get a description, though I may change the best songs.
1. "Swoon" by Silversun Pickups
The soundtrack to the San Diego portion of my vacation, a revisit thanks to lots of time in Danielle's car. I thought it sounded like Kill Hannah, and thought Silversun was a more folky band. A new favorite of mine for sure, with just the right amount of angst. But why do they have to play in Des Moines the same day Bon Iver plays in Omaha? Best Songs: "Panic Switch" and "The Royal We"
2. "Masterpiece Theatre" by Marianas Trench
The soundtrack to the Los Angeles portion of my vacation, I really love the staccato and rhythm of their singer. Plus they are Canadian and we know I love that. Best Songs: "Celebrity Status" and "Perfect"
3. "The Gleam" by The Avett Brothers
The soundtrack to the Colorado portion of my vacation, due in large part to the harmonica...and their being in Iowa City in Ocotober. Plus, I just love their respective voices. This would be a near perfect album if "Sanguine" was replaced by "Murder in the City" from The Second Gleam. Best Songs: "When I Drink", "Yardsale", and "Backwards With Time"
4. "Killed or Cured"by The New Amsterdams
The best album from the frontman of The Get Up Kids. Even though I have the reworked "Cured" disc, it is still among my favorites and dare I say rivals the work of Mr. Oberst even if it sometimes sounds more forced like a Dashboard Confessional bit (I blame them both being on Vagrant Records) Best Songs: "Wears So Thin" and "Watch the World Cave In"
5. "Here, Here, and Here" by Meg and Dia
This makes the list because of the wedding I think. A dark, melodic indie pop album. No sophomore slump here, even the choice of the singer from Plain White T's on "Bored of Your Love" works. Best Songs: "Bored of Your Love", "Hug Me", and "Black Wedding"
6. "Kiss/Kick" by Broken Spindles
Did I mention this is an amazing album from a dude in the Faint? That alone should make you listen to it. It features all the droning and melodrama of some of those faint songs on which joel sings. Best Songs: "Introvert" and "I've Never Been This Afraid"
7. "Take It To The Floor" by Cash Cash
Something about summer just makes me want to listen to electronica and power pop. And this is a powerpop band with mad synth skills. Need I say more? OKay, they are damn catchy too. Best Songs: "Radio" is heads and shoulders above anything else, among the best I've heard all year.
8. "Fantasies" by Metric
Yada Yada, they are super great. And so is this album. I love it. Best Songs: "Sick Muse", "Gold Guns Girls", and of course "Help, I'm Alive"
9. "Under A Killer Blue Sky" by Jupiter Sunrise
Another one I've been listening to all summer. A revisit that had a lot of break up pain associated with it that only recently has gone. And like the Jealous Sound they need to release a second album!!!! WTF? Best Songs: "Josie's House" and "Kaye"
10. "Heart" by Stars
Been moving "backwards with time" through their albums as to which is my favorite. This is the current leader. Like all of Stars LPs every song is a winner. Best of the best songs: "Elevator Love Letter", "Time Can Never Kill the True Heart", and "Don't Be Afraid To Sing"
Dishonorable Mention: "Smarmymob" by Neonhunk
Awful, Awful, AWFUL!!!! I got this on a whim at a thrift store in California for 2 dollars and sounds like everything you would expect from that. Most of the noise rock songs have cat references and is even dedicated to cats, as cats must be the only creatures that even tolerate this non-tonal shit. Only one song is even tolerable "My Unicorn: My Ride"
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Polaris Prize Update/Other Music Stuff
The shortlist was released last week and with all the vacation/moving stuff I haven't reflected on such events. I guessed 7 of the 10 correctly, and did not hear the other 3. As stated previously I think this year should mark diversity in genre (so Fucked Up's hardcore and K'Naan's hip-hop have the edge). So some quick thoughts on each:
* Elliott Brood Mountain Meadows Haven't heard
* Fucked Up The Chemistry of Common Life A little too hardcore for my tastes, but still my odds on favorite to win, and maybe get an album of the year Grammy. It is amazingly raw and edgy, plus these guys are in a league of their own in entertainment. They performed on MTV Canada in the men's restroom, and DESTROYED IT!
* Great Lake Swimmers Lost Channels Good, but some of the songs are a little weak, though "Pulling on a Line" is magnificent.
* Hey Rosetta! Into Your Lungs (and around in your heart and on through your blood) A really solid album, but like GLS above, just not strong enough in "artistic merit" the main criteria.
* K'naan Troubadour Maybe the best hip-hop album this decade, even if it is a tad over produced and falls back on some major guest spots.
* Malajube Labyrinthes A solid album, though a bit too in the electronic vein to win, plus I can only stand hearing "Quand tu regardes" so many times. Though its critique of Catholicism in Quebec is an interesting subject for a concept album.
* Metric Fantasies Call this my dark horse. It has been getting lots of good press all of the world, and I gave it a listen again. This one definitely grows on you, and may benefit from the drawn out process. "Help, I'm Alive" "Sick Muse" and "Gold Guns Girls" alone put in it competition (though the rhyme structure of "Stadium Love" overshadows its power). It may be to radio-friendly/mainstream to win however. If "Waves" wasn't a B-side this would easily win.
* Joel Plaskett Three Haven't heard
* Chad VanGaalen Soft Airplane Haven't heard
* Patrick Watson Wooden Arms Good, but not great. Not better than "Close to Paradise" which won him the prize in 2007. He set his own personal bar quite high. Plus I don't think an award in its fourth is ready for a repeat, even if they did just shortlist artists for the second time this year (6 of them too)
In other news, I have been spending a lot of time with the Silence Destroyer, my 6-string devil, I'll post my list of songs I learned. I'll also get around to captioning those 80/35 pics and writing a note about it...probably during airport downtime. And maybe putting some of the 150 videos from other concerts this year on my youtube. I passed 300K views recently!
* Elliott Brood Mountain Meadows Haven't heard
* Fucked Up The Chemistry of Common Life A little too hardcore for my tastes, but still my odds on favorite to win, and maybe get an album of the year Grammy. It is amazingly raw and edgy, plus these guys are in a league of their own in entertainment. They performed on MTV Canada in the men's restroom, and DESTROYED IT!
* Great Lake Swimmers Lost Channels Good, but some of the songs are a little weak, though "Pulling on a Line" is magnificent.
* Hey Rosetta! Into Your Lungs (and around in your heart and on through your blood) A really solid album, but like GLS above, just not strong enough in "artistic merit" the main criteria.
* K'naan Troubadour Maybe the best hip-hop album this decade, even if it is a tad over produced and falls back on some major guest spots.
* Malajube Labyrinthes A solid album, though a bit too in the electronic vein to win, plus I can only stand hearing "Quand tu regardes" so many times. Though its critique of Catholicism in Quebec is an interesting subject for a concept album.
* Metric Fantasies Call this my dark horse. It has been getting lots of good press all of the world, and I gave it a listen again. This one definitely grows on you, and may benefit from the drawn out process. "Help, I'm Alive" "Sick Muse" and "Gold Guns Girls" alone put in it competition (though the rhyme structure of "Stadium Love" overshadows its power). It may be to radio-friendly/mainstream to win however. If "Waves" wasn't a B-side this would easily win.
* Joel Plaskett Three Haven't heard
* Chad VanGaalen Soft Airplane Haven't heard
* Patrick Watson Wooden Arms Good, but not great. Not better than "Close to Paradise" which won him the prize in 2007. He set his own personal bar quite high. Plus I don't think an award in its fourth is ready for a repeat, even if they did just shortlist artists for the second time this year (6 of them too)
In other news, I have been spending a lot of time with the Silence Destroyer, my 6-string devil, I'll post my list of songs I learned. I'll also get around to captioning those 80/35 pics and writing a note about it...probably during airport downtime. And maybe putting some of the 150 videos from other concerts this year on my youtube. I passed 300K views recently!
Monday, March 16, 2009
New Music List 03-16-09
Ariane Moffatt's "Tous Les Sens"
Imagine a French-Canadian Imogen heap, with a splash of Regina Spektor (during the piano parts). Both her electronic tinge and her singing in Quebecois, with a lilt are heavenly. I never noticed how the natural pitch of it lends it self to this, much like K'Naan's rapping in Somali. "Tous Les Sens" is my favorite, but "Éternel Instant Présent" and "Tes Invectives" are pretty great as well. My album of last week.
Riverboat Gambler's "Underneath the Owl"
Since I will be seeing them with Rancid, and more importantly Rise Against at an outdoor show in June, I figured I should give them a listen. And what a treat this was. Dashes of Bouncing Souls, The AKAs, and the more hard Gaslight Anthem vibe, basically an epitome of Philly Street Punk, with perfect sing-a-longs. "Alexandria" is the tops here, followed by "Dissdissdisskisskisskiss" and "A Choppy Yet Sincere Apology". Oh and if you have a chance to see Rise Against outdoors, DO IT!!!!!!!!!!! They are great indoors, but they are meant for open air shows. It's like ecstasy for your ears, and Tim spends half the time in the crowd.
Fischerspooner's "Entertainment"
These dudes are weird, but I like bands with double last names (see JamisonParker), and New York fucking owns electroclash. If you don't know what that means, I pity you. The downside here is that the album is clearly front loaded, with the first three tracks being the best."Danse en France" should have been last instead of penultimate, its too weird to transition back to normality.
Chuck Ragan's "Feast Or Famine"
After picking up the acoustic solo album from Tom Gabel of Against Me! I thought I should look into the same from the lead singer of Hot Water Music, another Gainesville proto-punk band. This one was less lyrically, but more musically. "Geraldine" and "California Burritos" tie for best in show, the latter of which features lots of accordion. This album is more soulful than I would have expected, with many echos of Johnny Cash, and that makes it all the better. Like Gabel's solo effort, Ragan outshines his compadres.
Boy In Static's "Candy Cigarettes"
I got this just because of the title, which is only sometimes a good idea. This is a sometimes. Mellow, ambient shoegaze lies within. Oh and he is has been playing viola since he was 8, got your attention now don't I? Give "Toy Baby Grand", "Young San Fransisco", and "LA Runaways" a listen.
Tiger Lillies's "The Gorey End (feat. Kronos Quartet)"
Wow I love Tiger Lillies. A more insane, more dark version of Dresden Dolls. And this is a concept album based on Edward Gorey (The Gashlycrumb Tinies). Everything this sung with falsetto and backed by accordion. "ABC" is so morbidly funny too:
K is for Kris with a blade that is wavy,
One wonders why somebody smeared it with gravy.
L’s for a letter that lay in a trunk,
Its contents explain how the dinghy was sunk.
M is for madhouse where is confined
A lady whose friends say she’s out of her mind.
Röyksopp's "Junior"
I've only gotten one listen so I'll hold off a proper write up for next week, but Norwegian electronica is pretty awesome. Why about cold weather makes all Scandinavians and Canadians awesome with a synth???
Imagine a French-Canadian Imogen heap, with a splash of Regina Spektor (during the piano parts). Both her electronic tinge and her singing in Quebecois, with a lilt are heavenly. I never noticed how the natural pitch of it lends it self to this, much like K'Naan's rapping in Somali. "Tous Les Sens" is my favorite, but "Éternel Instant Présent" and "Tes Invectives" are pretty great as well. My album of last week.
Riverboat Gambler's "Underneath the Owl"
Since I will be seeing them with Rancid, and more importantly Rise Against at an outdoor show in June, I figured I should give them a listen. And what a treat this was. Dashes of Bouncing Souls, The AKAs, and the more hard Gaslight Anthem vibe, basically an epitome of Philly Street Punk, with perfect sing-a-longs. "Alexandria" is the tops here, followed by "Dissdissdisskisskisskiss" and "A Choppy Yet Sincere Apology". Oh and if you have a chance to see Rise Against outdoors, DO IT!!!!!!!!!!! They are great indoors, but they are meant for open air shows. It's like ecstasy for your ears, and Tim spends half the time in the crowd.
Fischerspooner's "Entertainment"
These dudes are weird, but I like bands with double last names (see JamisonParker), and New York fucking owns electroclash. If you don't know what that means, I pity you. The downside here is that the album is clearly front loaded, with the first three tracks being the best."Danse en France" should have been last instead of penultimate, its too weird to transition back to normality.
Chuck Ragan's "Feast Or Famine"
After picking up the acoustic solo album from Tom Gabel of Against Me! I thought I should look into the same from the lead singer of Hot Water Music, another Gainesville proto-punk band. This one was less lyrically, but more musically. "Geraldine" and "California Burritos" tie for best in show, the latter of which features lots of accordion. This album is more soulful than I would have expected, with many echos of Johnny Cash, and that makes it all the better. Like Gabel's solo effort, Ragan outshines his compadres.
Boy In Static's "Candy Cigarettes"
I got this just because of the title, which is only sometimes a good idea. This is a sometimes. Mellow, ambient shoegaze lies within. Oh and he is has been playing viola since he was 8, got your attention now don't I? Give "Toy Baby Grand", "Young San Fransisco", and "LA Runaways" a listen.
Tiger Lillies's "The Gorey End (feat. Kronos Quartet)"
Wow I love Tiger Lillies. A more insane, more dark version of Dresden Dolls. And this is a concept album based on Edward Gorey (The Gashlycrumb Tinies). Everything this sung with falsetto and backed by accordion. "ABC" is so morbidly funny too:
K is for Kris with a blade that is wavy,
One wonders why somebody smeared it with gravy.
L’s for a letter that lay in a trunk,
Its contents explain how the dinghy was sunk.
M is for madhouse where is confined
A lady whose friends say she’s out of her mind.
Röyksopp's "Junior"
I've only gotten one listen so I'll hold off a proper write up for next week, but Norwegian electronica is pretty awesome. Why about cold weather makes all Scandinavians and Canadians awesome with a synth???
Sunday, March 8, 2009
New Music 03-08-09
This week we have:
K'Naan's "Troubadour" 14 tracks
Not exactly new, but I finally got around to taking notes on it. This is now my frontrunner for album of the year (besting "Home" from Gavin Castleton, which still has the best liner notes I have ever seen). When I took notes I made mention of 10 out of the 14 tracks. Yeah its that good. I even like the song featuring Adam Levine from Maroon 5 and the one with the dude from Metallica. That is a fucking achievement. Also he raps in Somali, which is just beautiful. Sometime a language lends itself to a style of music and they are perfect together.
MGMT's "Time to Pretend EP" 6 tracks
This one is actually OLD, 2005. But I found it at Record Collector (along with Carla Bruni). Do these people just buy CDs to rip them, then sell them? It feautres two of my favs from Oracular: Kids and Time to Pretend, the former when mashed up with Bowie's "Ziggy Stardust" is my favorite song right now. "Love Always Remains" has echos of Postal Service, and the chant chorus at the end is genius. "Indie Rokkers" is great, but with "Destrokk" they have severe over used Ks. Boogie Down is not great at all, but the others make up for it. Personally I can't wait for Congratulations to drop around late August
Tom Gabel's "Heart Burns EP" 7(9?) tracks
How did I miss this last summer? In fairness I was still "Powerpop Adam" so it might have been lost on me. As stated in a recent status, I regard this more highly than any Against Me!, except maybe New Wave (not the Ben Lee cover version). More personal and emotive than AM! but keeping that production from New Wave. "Harsh Realms" and "Conceptual Paths" are good, but the stand outs are both Bonus Tracks. Sure the regular version of "Random Hearts" is good, but the acoustic version is miles above. Style matters dude, and a song that drenched in meaning needs an acoustic guitar. I don't make the rules I just enforce them. "I Can't See You, But I Know You're There" is also acoustic and the line "I got my new favorite record today, My favorites change every single day, except you" rivals anything Max Bemis can pen, being both self referential and romantic. But he gets props for having an EP clock in over 25 minutes and 9 tracks. Ballsy.
Superbus' "Lova Lova" 13 tracks
Just got this today, and it is on the 4th listen. As great as Metric is (see below), being French Canadian, they are bested by actual French singing in French. Sounds like a better version of Paramore (as I told Kirsten, classier since they are French) or old No Doubt., but with more synths. What do you expect, they ARE European. I am pretty sure there are laws about that (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée, maybe?) "Keyhole" reminds me of the sex appeal of the Faint or Blaqk Audio, but "Call Girl" is a little too europop for my tastes. The standouts here are the English-sung "Just like the Old Days" and its mention of the 1980s groove and "Gogo Dance Show" and its spell-chanting of G-O-G-O-. They really shine with the French sung "Addictions" (see posted link), "A La Verticale", "Lova Lova", and"Apprendre Moi" the latter two being the best on the album.
Cursive's "Mama, I'm Swollen 10(15?) tracks
Classic Cursive, and nothing much more. Something about his style rarely leads to stand outs, but "From the Hips" is amazing especially the opening lines of the verses (which are ruined when typed). I have gotten to listen to the bonus tracks, which promise something special-- alternate lyrics for 3 songs, with one having an extra verse. "Going to Hell" is also pretty good by itself.
The Decemberist's "Hazards of Love" 17 tracks
You read that right, 17 songs. Total time is just under an hour, bravo Colin Meloy! I love the cross fade outros in the first half. I just kind of wish the 4 parts of "Hazards Of Love" were in succession, something feels lost as is. "The Wanting Comes in Waves/Repaid" blew my mind. I resumed my listen with it and it is so different form their usual style I thought I had my player on shuffle. I don't want to ruin this since I bet most all of you will get it in a couple weeks, so all I'll say for individual songs is that "Hazards of Love 1" is my favorite. Also it is nice to be able to write about this...finally.
Metric's "Fantasies" 10(13?) tracks
Not really as great as the pre-order bundle lead me to believe, but still good and new stuff from Emily Haines' angel voice is always appreciated (speaking of which I should grab some Soft Skeleton soon). "Gimme Sympathy" is "Fant"astic, though I kind of prefer the acoustic version (I can't help my acoustical mood). "Help, I'm Alive" might be their best single since "Combat Baby", maybe I'm just hoping for a return to Static Anonymity sound... "Stadium Love" has the most going in the background and is the most fun, easily the best to hear live, even if it sounds like she is saying "Steel Love". Oh and how did "Waves" not make the album? That is just silliness...And who decided to limit that version to 500 copies???? FOR SHAME!!!
K'Naan's "Troubadour" 14 tracks
Not exactly new, but I finally got around to taking notes on it. This is now my frontrunner for album of the year (besting "Home" from Gavin Castleton, which still has the best liner notes I have ever seen). When I took notes I made mention of 10 out of the 14 tracks. Yeah its that good. I even like the song featuring Adam Levine from Maroon 5 and the one with the dude from Metallica. That is a fucking achievement. Also he raps in Somali, which is just beautiful. Sometime a language lends itself to a style of music and they are perfect together.
MGMT's "Time to Pretend EP" 6 tracks
This one is actually OLD, 2005. But I found it at Record Collector (along with Carla Bruni). Do these people just buy CDs to rip them, then sell them? It feautres two of my favs from Oracular: Kids and Time to Pretend, the former when mashed up with Bowie's "Ziggy Stardust" is my favorite song right now. "Love Always Remains" has echos of Postal Service, and the chant chorus at the end is genius. "Indie Rokkers" is great, but with "Destrokk" they have severe over used Ks. Boogie Down is not great at all, but the others make up for it. Personally I can't wait for Congratulations to drop around late August
Tom Gabel's "Heart Burns EP" 7(9?) tracks
How did I miss this last summer? In fairness I was still "Powerpop Adam" so it might have been lost on me. As stated in a recent status, I regard this more highly than any Against Me!, except maybe New Wave (not the Ben Lee cover version). More personal and emotive than AM! but keeping that production from New Wave. "Harsh Realms" and "Conceptual Paths" are good, but the stand outs are both Bonus Tracks. Sure the regular version of "Random Hearts" is good, but the acoustic version is miles above. Style matters dude, and a song that drenched in meaning needs an acoustic guitar. I don't make the rules I just enforce them. "I Can't See You, But I Know You're There" is also acoustic and the line "I got my new favorite record today, My favorites change every single day, except you" rivals anything Max Bemis can pen, being both self referential and romantic. But he gets props for having an EP clock in over 25 minutes and 9 tracks. Ballsy.
Superbus' "Lova Lova" 13 tracks
Just got this today, and it is on the 4th listen. As great as Metric is (see below), being French Canadian, they are bested by actual French singing in French. Sounds like a better version of Paramore (as I told Kirsten, classier since they are French) or old No Doubt., but with more synths. What do you expect, they ARE European. I am pretty sure there are laws about that (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée, maybe?) "Keyhole" reminds me of the sex appeal of the Faint or Blaqk Audio, but "Call Girl" is a little too europop for my tastes. The standouts here are the English-sung "Just like the Old Days" and its mention of the 1980s groove and "Gogo Dance Show" and its spell-chanting of G-O-G-O-. They really shine with the French sung "Addictions" (see posted link), "A La Verticale", "Lova Lova", and"Apprendre Moi" the latter two being the best on the album.
Cursive's "Mama, I'm Swollen 10(15?) tracks
Classic Cursive, and nothing much more. Something about his style rarely leads to stand outs, but "From the Hips" is amazing especially the opening lines of the verses (which are ruined when typed). I have gotten to listen to the bonus tracks, which promise something special-- alternate lyrics for 3 songs, with one having an extra verse. "Going to Hell" is also pretty good by itself.
The Decemberist's "Hazards of Love" 17 tracks
You read that right, 17 songs. Total time is just under an hour, bravo Colin Meloy! I love the cross fade outros in the first half. I just kind of wish the 4 parts of "Hazards Of Love" were in succession, something feels lost as is. "The Wanting Comes in Waves/Repaid" blew my mind. I resumed my listen with it and it is so different form their usual style I thought I had my player on shuffle. I don't want to ruin this since I bet most all of you will get it in a couple weeks, so all I'll say for individual songs is that "Hazards of Love 1" is my favorite. Also it is nice to be able to write about this...finally.
Metric's "Fantasies" 10(13?) tracks
Not really as great as the pre-order bundle lead me to believe, but still good and new stuff from Emily Haines' angel voice is always appreciated (speaking of which I should grab some Soft Skeleton soon). "Gimme Sympathy" is "Fant"astic, though I kind of prefer the acoustic version (I can't help my acoustical mood). "Help, I'm Alive" might be their best single since "Combat Baby", maybe I'm just hoping for a return to Static Anonymity sound... "Stadium Love" has the most going in the background and is the most fun, easily the best to hear live, even if it sounds like she is saying "Steel Love". Oh and how did "Waves" not make the album? That is just silliness...And who decided to limit that version to 500 copies???? FOR SHAME!!!
Thursday, March 5, 2009
"Nick and Norah" vs. "Once" vs. "I'm Not There"
I recently re-watched all these and in doing so I noticed that each has a certain "je ne sais quoi" about them. For a brief moment I even "Once" consider that to be my favorite of the three.
Nick and Norah's Infiinite Playlist
This movie is the favorite, in large part because it has arguable the best of the soundtracks. We all know I love indie rock and this movie may have the best soundtrack I have ever heard. Plus the story is very funny and at times ridiculous. While a movie about people swriling around each other ending in romance it never really gets sappy at all. And the gum bit is grossly hilarious if you follow it.
I'm Not There
The Bob Dylan biopic. Featuring about a dozen people playing him at various points, possibly gets second because of how passable Cate Blanchett is as a man. I love Bob Dylan's work, not as much as Woody Guthrie. Guthrie basically invented anything considered "folk" or "Americana" and solely defines a generation and era of the great depression, plus his guitar "kills fascists" which is pretty damn impressive. So the story is so captivating. The soundtrack is somewhat lackluster, and contains far too much Calexico for my taste since a little goes a long way. Iit does have some serious heavy hitters and is a two disc affair.
Once
I love me some Irish music. Glen Hansard is kind of a genius and Marketa aint bad either. The soundtrack is pretty fucking awesome, especially "Falling Slowly" (he won an Oscar for it) and "Broken Hearted Hoover Sucker Fixer Guy", which reminds me of the songs from "Death To Smoochy". Mellow Irish/Czech fusion indie with just a touch of longing in the heart, brilliant. But, to be perfectly honest the movie isn't that inspiring. It is kind of a huge downer, and neither is a particularly good actor. I would have much preferred them use really actors and then fake the songs.
Last in listening to music for Friday's show (Sam Lowry this time, man is a broody genius), I was thinking about how there is no real Americana movie. Walk the Line, only kind of counts since Johnny Cash had strong gospel and country inclinations. Sure he was dark enough, but that is just not enough for a man like me. Someone should fix this. Also, I think I might just watch "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" tomorrow....
Nick and Norah's Infiinite Playlist
This movie is the favorite, in large part because it has arguable the best of the soundtracks. We all know I love indie rock and this movie may have the best soundtrack I have ever heard. Plus the story is very funny and at times ridiculous. While a movie about people swriling around each other ending in romance it never really gets sappy at all. And the gum bit is grossly hilarious if you follow it.
I'm Not There
The Bob Dylan biopic. Featuring about a dozen people playing him at various points, possibly gets second because of how passable Cate Blanchett is as a man. I love Bob Dylan's work, not as much as Woody Guthrie. Guthrie basically invented anything considered "folk" or "Americana" and solely defines a generation and era of the great depression, plus his guitar "kills fascists" which is pretty damn impressive. So the story is so captivating. The soundtrack is somewhat lackluster, and contains far too much Calexico for my taste since a little goes a long way. Iit does have some serious heavy hitters and is a two disc affair.
Once
I love me some Irish music. Glen Hansard is kind of a genius and Marketa aint bad either. The soundtrack is pretty fucking awesome, especially "Falling Slowly" (he won an Oscar for it) and "Broken Hearted Hoover Sucker Fixer Guy", which reminds me of the songs from "Death To Smoochy". Mellow Irish/Czech fusion indie with just a touch of longing in the heart, brilliant. But, to be perfectly honest the movie isn't that inspiring. It is kind of a huge downer, and neither is a particularly good actor. I would have much preferred them use really actors and then fake the songs.
Last in listening to music for Friday's show (Sam Lowry this time, man is a broody genius), I was thinking about how there is no real Americana movie. Walk the Line, only kind of counts since Johnny Cash had strong gospel and country inclinations. Sure he was dark enough, but that is just not enough for a man like me. Someone should fix this. Also, I think I might just watch "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" tomorrow....
Thursday, February 26, 2009
The Long Awaited Return
Wow I totally forgot I had this blog for a bit. I kept up with regular updates elsewhere, but slacked here. Nevermore. Okay maybe once in a while, but I'll be good for a while.
Today is apparently listen to Singles and Remixes day for me.
Metric - Help, I'm Alive
I got both the short radio edit version and the full album version while searching for the acoustic version. This is the first single from their to be released Fantasies, and if the whole thing sounds like this good. This song is a return to their sound from Static Anonymity EP, which is my favorite release of theirs. I love how the line "beating like a hammer" comes in with some reverb.
Green Day - 21st Century Breakdown
Yes, THAT Green Day. Granted this is only a demo version, but since I'm a lyrics guy mainly, I am cool with that. Sounds different than their past work, a sprinkling of American Idiot some older stuff, and as Greg from Bad Religion would say "oohs and aahs". Maybe the final edit will be better but it just sounds dated and trite as this point.
Metronomy - Gold Mine Gutted (Bright Eyes Remix)
I have to say that this is first Bright Eyes remix I have heard, which is kind of sad. That said, Digital Ash definitely lends itself to mixing and I would really enjoy a full album remix. After listening to this I had to compare it with the original, and I have to say the original wins, but just barely. Mogis knows what he is doing and the Metronomy version has the vocals a little too soft to really enjoy the song. The song tells a very powerful story and as such the vocals deserve to be loud. The Metronomy version does have the better beats, since it inspires more of the cartoon/Alice in Wonderland feel I that I sense in the song.
Conor Oberst and Gillian Welch - Lua
This one is from a compilation album benefiting AIDS, the type of stuff I am happy to part with my cash for. Besides this is worth it with exclusives from Conor Oberst, Bon Iver (two of 'em), Ben Gibbard, Decemberists, Iron and Wine, Sufjan Stevens, Spoon, Stuart Murdoch (Belle/Sebastian), Cat Power, Arcade Fire, and Andrew Bird...to name a few. Back to the song at hand, this is amazingly good. First of all it is one of my favorite Bright Eyes songs, second it has one of his best lines (second only to one from "Going for The Gold"): "I know you have a heavy heart, I can feel it when we kiss, so many men stronger than me, have thrown their backs out trying to lift" This line now in duet form is both haunting and epic.
Cursive - From The Hips
Classic Tim sound and lyricism. His cadence and rhyme here I would put against Robert Frost any day. In addition this is the most grandiose Cursive song I have heard thus far, brass abounds. Plus a genius opener: "I'm at my best when I'm at my worst/ I'm at my worst when it's not rehearsed" For the part about the cadence, listen to the second verse, which is the reverse of the opener....sort of.
Also I should note that I heard the new Black Eyed Peas single "Boom Boom Pow" and while the title was promising, the song it self is nothing special. Why does everything will.i.am works so hard towards have to be ruined by Fergie?
Today is apparently listen to Singles and Remixes day for me.
Metric - Help, I'm Alive
I got both the short radio edit version and the full album version while searching for the acoustic version. This is the first single from their to be released Fantasies, and if the whole thing sounds like this good. This song is a return to their sound from Static Anonymity EP, which is my favorite release of theirs. I love how the line "beating like a hammer" comes in with some reverb.
Green Day - 21st Century Breakdown
Yes, THAT Green Day. Granted this is only a demo version, but since I'm a lyrics guy mainly, I am cool with that. Sounds different than their past work, a sprinkling of American Idiot some older stuff, and as Greg from Bad Religion would say "oohs and aahs". Maybe the final edit will be better but it just sounds dated and trite as this point.
Metronomy - Gold Mine Gutted (Bright Eyes Remix)
I have to say that this is first Bright Eyes remix I have heard, which is kind of sad. That said, Digital Ash definitely lends itself to mixing and I would really enjoy a full album remix. After listening to this I had to compare it with the original, and I have to say the original wins, but just barely. Mogis knows what he is doing and the Metronomy version has the vocals a little too soft to really enjoy the song. The song tells a very powerful story and as such the vocals deserve to be loud. The Metronomy version does have the better beats, since it inspires more of the cartoon/Alice in Wonderland feel I that I sense in the song.
Conor Oberst and Gillian Welch - Lua
This one is from a compilation album benefiting AIDS, the type of stuff I am happy to part with my cash for. Besides this is worth it with exclusives from Conor Oberst, Bon Iver (two of 'em), Ben Gibbard, Decemberists, Iron and Wine, Sufjan Stevens, Spoon, Stuart Murdoch (Belle/Sebastian), Cat Power, Arcade Fire, and Andrew Bird...to name a few. Back to the song at hand, this is amazingly good. First of all it is one of my favorite Bright Eyes songs, second it has one of his best lines (second only to one from "Going for The Gold"): "I know you have a heavy heart, I can feel it when we kiss, so many men stronger than me, have thrown their backs out trying to lift" This line now in duet form is both haunting and epic.
Cursive - From The Hips
Classic Tim sound and lyricism. His cadence and rhyme here I would put against Robert Frost any day. In addition this is the most grandiose Cursive song I have heard thus far, brass abounds. Plus a genius opener: "I'm at my best when I'm at my worst/ I'm at my worst when it's not rehearsed" For the part about the cadence, listen to the second verse, which is the reverse of the opener....sort of.
Also I should note that I heard the new Black Eyed Peas single "Boom Boom Pow" and while the title was promising, the song it self is nothing special. Why does everything will.i.am works so hard towards have to be ruined by Fergie?
Monday, February 23, 2009
25 Albums that Changed My Life
Think of 25 albums that had such a profound effect on you they changed your life or the way you looked at it. They sucked you in and took you over for days, weeks, months, years. These are the albums that you can use to identify time, places, people, emotions. These are the albums that no matter what they were thought of musically shaped your world. When you finish, tag others, including me. Tag, you're it!
Note: I should note that most are not my favorite albums by these bands, instead many are the first I heard of them. I limited myself to one album per band (those who know me well know that 5 or so bands have 3+ albums I could not live without). Also, I did the list in a rough chronological order, since each influenced the next. And I left off all compilations (they were my true introduction to most of this, but too confusing for here)
1. Bad Religion - Process of Belief This was the first album I liked every single song on. It opened up my world, I did not know that was possible before this.
2. Good Riddance - A Comprehensive Guide to modern Rebellion I probably listened to this every day in 2D and 3D art, as well as through the halls sophomore year. This epitomizes my journey in raising a social conscious.
3. Dashboard Confessional - Places You Have Come to fear the most My first "emo" album, it opened a whole new genre to me.
4. Rise Against - Revolutions Per Minute I listened to this for basically an entire summer, their follow up was the first album I remember waiting to come out, and I followed every development for nearly a year. They only recently lost "favorite band status" but held it nearly 5 years
5. Anti-Flag - Mobilize This explains my politics better than words. To listen is to understand me.
6. Alkaline Trio - From Here To Infirmary Angst ridden, defines my "black period" of high school.
7. The Weakerthans - Left and Leaving Quite easily my favorite album of all time.
8. NOFX - War on Errorism Again explains my poltics, and my love of Chomsky and Zinn.
9. Propagandhi - Today's Empires Tomorrows Ashes Introduced me to a bunch of great books (through liner notes) and thinkers.
10. Justin Sane - Life Liberty and the Pursuit of Justice Got me through a lot, especially after I became the black sheep of my family. "We Found A Place" and "Thanks For the Letter" probably saved my life.
11. The Format - Interventions and Lullabies This help heal the wounds in my family, it was the first CD I could play in the car on trips and not worry about swearing.
12.Goldfinger - Open Your Eyes Only later did I realize how big an impact this had on me, along with a couple other things this led to my veganism.
13. Brand New - Deja Entendu When I went vegan, this was my soundtrack. I had health issues (palpitations, obesity) before and those first couple weeks I felt on top of the world. Even now, more than 5 years later I feel invincible. That feeling is why I never went back to meat or dairy.
14. The Rocket Summer - Calendar Days This became "our" album, by "our" band, with "our" song. He even agreed to sing a concert for us. As great as this one is (second best love album ever to Melee's Devils and Angels), I still can't listen to it without a pain in my heart, maybe that will pass one day.
15. Say Anything - ...Is a real boy I live my life by "Admit It!"
16. The Faint - Danse Macabre My introduction to dance punk. And dancing in general, thanks Ty.
17. Bright Eyes - Lifted or The Story Is in the Soil, Keep Your Ear to the Ground My introduction to the "boy wonder" and what truly great lyricism and orchestration can do.
18. Sage Francis - Sick of Waging War This showed me that hip-hop and rap are not interchangeable. Hip-hop still knew its roots.
19. Death Cab For Cutie - Transatlanticism Blame this one for getting me into more mellow Indie Rock, with smooth voices.
20. Bayside - The Walking Wounded I tried to make another mix of love songs and later realized that most of them were about her mental illness. Only after our breakup did this make sense to me, I was not happy and my subconscious was telling me. If only I had paid attention in February.
21. Silverstein - Arrivals and Departures I had a difficult go in the "after" period. Brand New's Your Favorite Weapon ain't got nothing on this as a break up album.
22. Motion City Soundtrack - Even If It Kills Me This album felt like it was written for me. Especially "Conversation".
23. Bloc Party - Intimacy My favorite electronic album. The only knock I have with this is the tracklist, it is THAT good.
24. The Gaslight Anthem - The '59 Sound Amazingly I did not like this the first time, but after relisten (and 50 or so more), I have come to realize that this is among my all time favorites. Plus its just so damn nostalgic and beautiful.
25. Stars - In Our Bedroom After The War While I had heard this earlier it and loved it, it made the list due to my repeated listens while at the Inauguration. From now on when I think or hear about President Obama, this will be playing in my head.
Note: I should note that most are not my favorite albums by these bands, instead many are the first I heard of them. I limited myself to one album per band (those who know me well know that 5 or so bands have 3+ albums I could not live without). Also, I did the list in a rough chronological order, since each influenced the next. And I left off all compilations (they were my true introduction to most of this, but too confusing for here)
1. Bad Religion - Process of Belief This was the first album I liked every single song on. It opened up my world, I did not know that was possible before this.
2. Good Riddance - A Comprehensive Guide to modern Rebellion I probably listened to this every day in 2D and 3D art, as well as through the halls sophomore year. This epitomizes my journey in raising a social conscious.
3. Dashboard Confessional - Places You Have Come to fear the most My first "emo" album, it opened a whole new genre to me.
4. Rise Against - Revolutions Per Minute I listened to this for basically an entire summer, their follow up was the first album I remember waiting to come out, and I followed every development for nearly a year. They only recently lost "favorite band status" but held it nearly 5 years
5. Anti-Flag - Mobilize This explains my politics better than words. To listen is to understand me.
6. Alkaline Trio - From Here To Infirmary Angst ridden, defines my "black period" of high school.
7. The Weakerthans - Left and Leaving Quite easily my favorite album of all time.
8. NOFX - War on Errorism Again explains my poltics, and my love of Chomsky and Zinn.
9. Propagandhi - Today's Empires Tomorrows Ashes Introduced me to a bunch of great books (through liner notes) and thinkers.
10. Justin Sane - Life Liberty and the Pursuit of Justice Got me through a lot, especially after I became the black sheep of my family. "We Found A Place" and "Thanks For the Letter" probably saved my life.
11. The Format - Interventions and Lullabies This help heal the wounds in my family, it was the first CD I could play in the car on trips and not worry about swearing.
12.Goldfinger - Open Your Eyes Only later did I realize how big an impact this had on me, along with a couple other things this led to my veganism.
13. Brand New - Deja Entendu When I went vegan, this was my soundtrack. I had health issues (palpitations, obesity) before and those first couple weeks I felt on top of the world. Even now, more than 5 years later I feel invincible. That feeling is why I never went back to meat or dairy.
14. The Rocket Summer - Calendar Days This became "our" album, by "our" band, with "our" song. He even agreed to sing a concert for us. As great as this one is (second best love album ever to Melee's Devils and Angels), I still can't listen to it without a pain in my heart, maybe that will pass one day.
15. Say Anything - ...Is a real boy I live my life by "Admit It!"
16. The Faint - Danse Macabre My introduction to dance punk. And dancing in general, thanks Ty.
17. Bright Eyes - Lifted or The Story Is in the Soil, Keep Your Ear to the Ground My introduction to the "boy wonder" and what truly great lyricism and orchestration can do.
18. Sage Francis - Sick of Waging War This showed me that hip-hop and rap are not interchangeable. Hip-hop still knew its roots.
19. Death Cab For Cutie - Transatlanticism Blame this one for getting me into more mellow Indie Rock, with smooth voices.
20. Bayside - The Walking Wounded I tried to make another mix of love songs and later realized that most of them were about her mental illness. Only after our breakup did this make sense to me, I was not happy and my subconscious was telling me. If only I had paid attention in February.
21. Silverstein - Arrivals and Departures I had a difficult go in the "after" period. Brand New's Your Favorite Weapon ain't got nothing on this as a break up album.
22. Motion City Soundtrack - Even If It Kills Me This album felt like it was written for me. Especially "Conversation".
23. Bloc Party - Intimacy My favorite electronic album. The only knock I have with this is the tracklist, it is THAT good.
24. The Gaslight Anthem - The '59 Sound Amazingly I did not like this the first time, but after relisten (and 50 or so more), I have come to realize that this is among my all time favorites. Plus its just so damn nostalgic and beautiful.
25. Stars - In Our Bedroom After The War While I had heard this earlier it and loved it, it made the list due to my repeated listens while at the Inauguration. From now on when I think or hear about President Obama, this will be playing in my head.
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