Catch-Up Continues...

With each passing summer day, I find myself diving into that old CD/Record/Tape collection to see what stuff has gathered more dust, because the way I see it is the more dust you have on something, the stronger the need to unearth it. So, today I delved deep into my pile of CD's and unearthed The Further Adventures of Babes In Toyland by, well...Babes In Toyland. This only further propels my nasty obsession with ugly, thrashy, noisy grunge music. But hey, it's a worthy obsession nonetheless.

If you have never heard of this band, I dare you to check them out. Kat Bjelland not only wails on the guitar, but her voice is monstrous, yet angelic at times. Who can pull that off? Yeah yeah...Karen O and all that jazz. Either way, this compilation was a disc I bought my sophomore year of high school, and it has some live recordings of the band at Lollapolooza '93, and the '95 Readings Festival as well as previously unreleased material. It's a good buy for someone just getting into BIT.

Another great find was The Kinks' You Really Got Me, which is sort of a "best of" compilation that's comprised of material from 1964-1967. It's got some great songs on here, including fan-favorite "All Day and All of the Night," and "A Well Respected Man," which I'm sure some of you will remember from the movie Juno.

That's all I got for now...I'll leave you with a little song called "Hitchin' a Ride" by Vanity Fare. This song always reminds me of summer...don't know why. Peace!

Give It Back...

If you were "coming of age" in 2002, either in high school or in college, then there was no way Taking Back Sunday's Tell All Your Friends escaped your attention. Their focus on emotional, heaven-driven, alternative rock and roll helped make them an instant sensation. Hell, they even got four successful singles out of that LP. However, for me, after their second album Where You Want to Be, they kind of fell below my radar, and I stopped paying close attention to them.

Now, they are at it again, with a new album, coincidentally titled Taking Back Sunday coming out on Tuesday, the 28th. What makes this album seem special is the fact that it has the original line-up that was present on their (let's just fucking use this word) 'legendary' debut album. But, judging from the album's opening track, "El Paso," it seems like they focused too much on making heavy, bold, scream-conscious rock and roll, rather than steal with their whiny, lamenting brand of rock greatness. Intead, they come off like frustrated high-school semi-metal heads. Like most people say...every band must evolve. I'd just rather look the other way. You can view the video with the song below.

Back To The GARAGE...

I begin this entry with a question: What is a music blogger to do when they've gone months and months without listening to music due to a hectic lifestyle and they've just been blessed with an immense amount of free time? Well, I'll tell you. We play catch-up! And so, due to this fun game of catch-up, I have been listening to music nonstop for the past week or so, and because of this, my music listening has gone toward a jumbled mix of various genres, like Paul Robeson's Favorite Songs, Adele's 21, and my favorite...The modern garage, psych revivalists!

Though I've mentioned these artists before, I have to pay them props again to further explain myself...Thee Oh Sees and Ty Segall.

I first came across Thee Oh Sees after watching them play at the Mohawk during SXSW, and they put on an excellent show. The energy was perfect, and the music was thrashy enough to not understand what the singers were yelling, but perfect enough to catch the key changes, and have a good idea of what would come next. I've been listening to their album The Master's Bedroom Is Worth Spending a Night In. It's got some great tunes (ie: "Visit Colonel," "Grease 2," and "Adult Acid"). In case I wasn't too clear, this was a recommendation.

Another recommendation comes in the form of me flaunting my admiration and astounding appreciation (wow, a lot of A's) for Ty Segall, another garage, psych prodigy (sort of). I've been listening to his 2010 release Melted, though Segall just came out with a new album, Goodbye Bread though I cannot comment on it because I haven't listened to it. But, what I like about Melted is Segall's youthful spontaneity and lack of uniform ideas. Though the album is one uniform concept, it still maintains a lack of structure, but it's a decent listen. Listen to tracks "Girlfriend" and "Imaginary Person." You won't regret it.

Oh, and check out The Kelley Deal 6000's Boom! Boom! Boom!. It's kind of the shit. Peace!

Oh Boy!

The real start of summer comes with a variety of factors/attributes/signals/etc. The days are longer, the nights are shorter, the heat presses on, and people naturally carry a more laid-back attitude, and for good reason. I've always enjoyed summer because summer also brings about more time to focus on music-listening, music-creating (in terms of ideas), and writing.

But this entry is going to focus on the summer bringing us the much-needed spirit of...BUDDY HOLLY! Yes, Fantasy Records and the Concord Music Group are giving us BH fans a fantastic gift, which is a tribute record, featuring the likes of My Morning Jacket, She & Him, Fiona Apple and John Brion, Patti Smith, and so much more.

I was a little apprehensive at first, when I saw the wide array of artists that would be providing their stylistic renditions of Buddy Holly's music, but after hearing some of the songs that are going to be on the album (which is to be released on June 28th), I placed all worry aside, and have been enjoying the songs for what they are, which are welcomed homages that represent the magic and dynamic rock and roll stipulations that Buddy Holly was famous for, before his unfortunate passing.

I think fans will like Julian Casablanca's version of "Rave On," for he carries a tinge of vocal styling that is very reminiscent of Buddy Holly's style, so in that sense, it's a very truthful cover, yet still remains original. My favorite song, so far, would have to be Fiona Apple and John Brion's cover of "Everyday." Her smokey vocals, and the song's production evoke the same ethereal quality as Holly's original version. Safe to say, I am very excited, and very much looking forward to this compilation.

If you want to listen to some of the songs, they are streaming here

Peace!

After I graduate...

So...After recently graduating from college, everything is pretty much in the air. I haven't been writing so much, which is pretty apparent, considering I haven't published a blog entry in about three months. Hot damn, that's a long time.

Music listening? It's been at a stand-still. That last bands I got particularly excited about were Thee Oh Sees and Ty Segall. I guess I'm in a more garage state of mind these days. That's just where I find my home when I'm listening to music. I like when the songs are a little out of tune, the drums have very little production, and you can barely hear the lyrics. It's pure magic to me.

On a purchasing note, I took a break from buying records/cd's/tapes, and took to buying...BOOKS! My goal for the summer is to read at least one book a week, in the hopes that my speed-reading will take flight, and I'll be able to read as quick as lightning, and not just any particular book, but the hard classics as well. I recently acquired Jude The Obscure by Thomas Hardy, Dead Souls by Nikolai Gogol, and Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides. Let's just say, I'm pretty stocked up for the next month or so. I've also been reading like mad...I finished reading Eat, Pray, Love a week ago, then finally finished Sexus by Henry Miller, and I'm about 40 pages from finishing Franny and Zooey (if you don't know the author, shame!). So, it's safe to say that my summer goals are well under way, which include working out, eating better, finishing some unfinished art pieces, and reading as many books as I can until my heart is content...

...oh, and finding a job of course. I had an interview today for a place called Bankers Toolbox, Inc. which designs software for banking systems. I think the interview went okay, but we shall see if I'm marketing/sales assistant material in due time. Until then...the job search continues. I'm secretly hoping one of the many newspapers I've called and sent my resume to, will call me back, and realize that I am the writer they've been searching for their entire lives, and need me immediately. Snap to reality: let's just take it one day at a time.

Until next time...Peace!

Polly Jean still Reigning Queen?

With her new album, Let England Shake, PJ Harvey has delved into some unforeseen territory. Always a sucker for change, Harvey has altered the state of her vocals, added some instrumentation like the auto-harp (especially when one considers her last album, White Chalk, was a string of piano ballads), and she also took her inspiration not merely from circumstance but from worldly events.

Harvey studied war for the past three years, while writing poetry pieces and song lyrics about how human beings deal with war, showing that she is not just a singer that matches wits with basic personified emotions, but rather a explorer that delves into the psychology and methodology of why these situations occur.

When listening to the album, the change is welcomed. For instance, “The Last Living Rose,” shows Harvey in an angry/sympathetic/remorseful/contemplative state. The song starts off “Goddamn Europeans!” However, by the end of the track, she is admiring her natural surroundings, contemplating the longevity of everything around her. “The sky move, the ocean shimmer. The hedge shake, the last living rose quivers.”

A few other key tracks on the album include “Written On The Forehead,” (though her voice sounds something akin to Bjork, with the insanity and spatial quality to match) “Hanging On The Wire,” “Let England Shake,” and “The Words That Maketh Murder.” While Harvey’s new album may not reach the highest peaks of the music mainstream, it is a music masterwork that will most likely expand to future generations.

Singular

One of the things that seems to be coming around is new music constantly on the horizon. However, this blog post is going to deal mostly with single tracks.

One of the albums that seemed to escape my attention is the new album by Josh Ritter, So Runs The World Away. Upon hearing that this new album was out, I became floored. His last album, The Historical Conquests of Josh Ritter, was a masterpiece. The only song that I have listened to thus far from the new album is the track "Change of Time." From hearing the track, it seems that Josh Ritter has stuck to what he does best. He provides some soft acoustic notes, with a country twang to his voice at certain moments, while also sticking to his multi-layered lyrical style, making historical references and allusions. Definitely a track worth checking out, and a track that definitely makes me eager to listen to the rest of the album. (Full review comin' soon).

Another track that caught my attention is the new track by M.I.A., "XXXO." I was deeply disappointed with this track. Upon hearing the first single she put out, from her new album, which is to be titled /\ /\ /\ Y /\ or (MAYA), I was excited. Hearing her sing, "My lines are down and you can't call me as I float around in space odyssey," was like traveling through the galaxies on a crazy acid trip that would never end, and I never wanted it to. Then, she came out with single #2, "Born Free," which was a bashy thrashy mess of angst, anger and madness. I knew the album would be great. Then came "XXXO," which sounds like an over-done club bit by someone like KE$HA. It's ridiculously monotonous, and nothing original. Really M.I.A.? Have you run out of steam already?

That's all I got for today. It's a singles world out there right now, hop on the love train.

Monday, Monday

I woke up this morning with that sweet, soft tune in my head this morning. The beautiful harmonies from the wonderful Mamas and Papas swaying through my cerebral cavity, igniting a spark befitting a nerd on his first day of school.

I usually wake up on Mondays severely depressed and sad that another week has to begin and the weekend of relaxation and debauchery has to end. Fortunately, there's only two official weeks of class left, meaning I won't have to do this for much longer, at least until summer classes start.

On to a musical train of thought. If you don't have a Grooveshark account, GET ONE! This thing has saved my life many a-time when I thought that some random obscure song by some obscure band from some obscure place would never be found online. Grooveshark seldom lets me down. Seldom, not never. Ha, love double negatives. Seriously, Grooveshark is amazing. I dedicated a day to making more and more playlists from bands whose CD's I want but can't necessarily afford. I have a list of about 75 artists, whose albums I want, but since that would put a deep hole in my spending dough, I gotta settle for the one web site where I know I can find them. Side Note - It was even talked about in an issue of Rolling Stone last year as one of the top-5 free sites to listen to music.

After a long-drawn-out mishap that I don't want to go into, I finally have my first record player. (Depressing, I know. I'm fucking 22) Either way, my long, postponed obsession of buying records can now be salvaged and retained. I've already stolen my records back from my roommate, all two of them. I've borrowed about 6 records from a friend, and recently bought the The Fifth Demension's Greatest Hits on vinyl. It's shaping out to be a good obsession.

No new music news for me except how upset I am that the new Hole/Courtney Love album, Nobody's Daughter, is out, and I haven't even given it a listen. I'm not being good lately. The only song I've heard is "Skinny Little Bitch," and I thought it was pretty good. It has more of the rock n' roll feel of her solo album America's Sweetheart than her work with the original Hole. But, it still took me back to the 90's, when I first became introduced to the magic of grunge. Back in the days when Nirvana was prominent, Babes In Toyland became nonexistent, and Mudhoney was the silent genius in the background who helped pave the way. Those were some good times. But mind you, from what I've read on the web, most fans are disappointed that the original line-up of Hole is not involved, so really, it's just another Courtney Love album. However, it's still an album I'd like to dissect more.

That's all I have for today. Good day and good things!

Just Not Fair...

Don't you just hate it when you have your heart set on a particular purchase, and right before the moment of retrieval, you find out that you lack the funds in which to pay for them. Now, a kleptomaniac wouldn't even blink at the prospect of not being able to pay for something; however, for someone who likes to spend money on objects, no matter how useless or obsolete, it is a pretty upsetting thing. Having said that, I was BUMMED when I showed up at Cheapo's, and went straight for the pop/rock section, delved into the M's, found The Monks Black Monk Time, dashed toward the counter while checking my balance on my phone, only to find out that I had insufficient funds.

Depressing...

I had to walk all the way back, head hanging, place the CD neatly where I found it and promised myself that the second I had enough money, I would be back for it. Unfortunately, I do not see that day in the foreseeable future. I feel like a coke-head who just found out the bag was filled with flour!

Nothing too particularly new in the music world, and if there is, sorry I'm a little below the radar. I found this cool interview on Pitchfork with She and Him, and it seems somewhat appropriate seeing as how I talked about them in my last post. The link is below. Have fun!

http://pitchfork.com/features/interviews/7770-she-him/

A Storm's A-Comin'

Well, these past couple of weeks have been busy busy busy. I seriously do not even have a break to breathe. I'm hooked up to an oxygen tank. Okay, that was a lie, but I may very well be soon if something gets added onto the list of things I already have to do. So, as far as what is going on in the music world let's see...

Okay, from what I've read, Crystal Castles is going to be headlining the traveling HARD fest, which is wonderfully making its way through the Austin area on August 11th, so mark your calendars if you are a fan. Also, Erykah Badu made an appearance on the Wanda Sykes show to defend her music video to the song "Window Seat," which is on her newest release New Amerykah Pt. 2: Return of the Ankh. She paid tribute to John F. Kennedy, calling him one of her heroes, and stating that "that's what performance art is all about."

On a personal note, lately, I have been obsessed with the song "When They Fight, They Fight" by The Generationals. I think I play it at least once daily. It definitely has an old-school feel to it, something that would make a lot of people wish they grew up when the days was sunny and the music was groovy.

Also, I recently gave She and Him's Volume 2 a listen the other day on NPR, and I thought it was a pretty good album. All of the songs flowed very well together, and the entire album, as a whole, is very reminiscent of their first release. They didn't really do anything different, merely taking on the same aesthetics and inspiration for their second release. Some of my favorite tracks include "Thieves," "In The Sun," "Me and You," "Home," and "Sing."

Another thing, I recently submitted some work to a music web publication called Jupiter Index, and I have a meeting with the editor tomorrow. Hopefully, I will make a good impression and be able to write some more. But, this will mean that I will be even more busy than I already am, but we have to make some sacrifices to get where we want to go.

I think that's about all I got for today.