Can't necessarily coin that term, nor would I want to, but hey, that's where my head's at right now. It's a bright, sunny morning, and all I can do, besides laundry, is browse the web in an attempt to find music that soothes me, moves me, or does something to me. That last bit kind of makes me want to listen to Tommy James and the Shondells. But, at this moment, I'll just save that little one for later.
So, working at Urban Outfitters, we are forced to co-exist with Urban Radio, listening to random artists, ranging from the newly hip (Nikki Lane), and what Urban likes to consider oldies, but goodies like Animal Collective, Bon Iver, and maybe even a little Pixies thrown in to good effect, but I guess that's their way of being "diverse." In other words, it sucks. But, the other day, I did hear this one catchy song by the aforementioned Nikki Lane, and it wasn't half-bad. Granted it's the kind of song that catches your ear for three days, and then it's gone because it wasn't good enough to stay in the first place. But, I'm not going to showcase that song, "Gone Gone Gone," in case you want to hear it. Upon browsing her name on the web, I found this little gem, titled "Look Away." You can view the video below:
Also, I've been getting into Silver Apples lately. I've heard of them from several people, but have never really given them a solid listen, until this morning. And, given my love-hate relationship with electronic music, it's good to hear something that was refreshing for its time, especially considering they were, or are considered, precursors to a lot of electronic, dance, and house music that became prominent in the 90s. I've pasted the song, "You and I" below. It's the first track off their second album, which came out in 1969, titled Contact.
That's all. Peace.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Friday, September 23, 2011
Back To School...
So, upon hearing that my friend is taking The History of Rock N' Roll at UT, I immediately jumped on the band-wagon, so to speak, and decided to infiltrate her class, even though I graduated four months ago. I've gone to two sessions, taken excellent notes, and even consoled another student who got a bad grade on her quiz, though it was a quiz I didn't have to take because I'm not on the roster, ssshhh!
The class is great. It's not only a good, historical approach to the study of music, but it's also a social reflection on how we, as Americans, have adapted to music since the 1920's. Since I "entered" the class late, I arrived when they started discussing the 50's, so I missed the good stuff like Bessie Smith or Robert Johnson, but I have had the pleasure of hearing about The Everly Brothers, Richie Valens, Buddy Holly and The Big Bopper, and the displeasure of hearing about wholesome American heartthrobs like Fabian, Frankie Avalon and Paul Anka. So, it goes to show that the realm of "pop" and all the not-so-great things preduced from that station has been a constant trend for years and years, so it does leave some kind of refreshing entanglement that it's nothing new. If you are a product of the 80s or 90s, then you know it's a fact.
On top of that, my music listening has been growing more consistent. Lately, I've been listening to Beck's Stereopathetic Soul Manure, which I've never fully digested, and by God, I make these mistakes every time, but I'm glad that I'm finally getting more involved in it.
I've also been listening to...wait for it...The Everly Brothers, Richie Valens, and Buddy Holly! Class lectures are sticking to my mind, making me digest some music I've never heard from these artists, as well as those good old favorites that have stuck for years and years. Though The Everly Brothers fall into that 50's teen, heartthrob category, who can resist turning the volume up when this song comes up...
That's all I got for today. Peace!
The class is great. It's not only a good, historical approach to the study of music, but it's also a social reflection on how we, as Americans, have adapted to music since the 1920's. Since I "entered" the class late, I arrived when they started discussing the 50's, so I missed the good stuff like Bessie Smith or Robert Johnson, but I have had the pleasure of hearing about The Everly Brothers, Richie Valens, Buddy Holly and The Big Bopper, and the displeasure of hearing about wholesome American heartthrobs like Fabian, Frankie Avalon and Paul Anka. So, it goes to show that the realm of "pop" and all the not-so-great things preduced from that station has been a constant trend for years and years, so it does leave some kind of refreshing entanglement that it's nothing new. If you are a product of the 80s or 90s, then you know it's a fact.
On top of that, my music listening has been growing more consistent. Lately, I've been listening to Beck's Stereopathetic Soul Manure, which I've never fully digested, and by God, I make these mistakes every time, but I'm glad that I'm finally getting more involved in it.
I've also been listening to...wait for it...The Everly Brothers, Richie Valens, and Buddy Holly! Class lectures are sticking to my mind, making me digest some music I've never heard from these artists, as well as those good old favorites that have stuck for years and years. Though The Everly Brothers fall into that 50's teen, heartthrob category, who can resist turning the volume up when this song comes up...
That's all I got for today. Peace!
Monday, September 12, 2011
Un renacimiento de escucha
As a music listener, one of the many things I can be thankful for are good friends with good taste in music. It's assumed that I may not always agree on their tastes; however, I can succumb to the inward urge to venture forth and give an educated look at what's coming across, either aesthetically or just visually (not literally visual, but more so the artist's vision.)
Today, I played switch-a-roo with a friend, and I recommended her to listen to Lana Del Rey's song "Video Games." She loved it, and played it at least three times today. In turn, she recommended me to listen to Gotye's "Somebody That I Used To Know" off of his latest LP Making Mirrors. I have to say that I like his simple approach toward a break-up song, yet he uses his music to stylistically portray the somber onset of a bad breakup, but in the chorus, his voice explodes into a more angry resentment at the fact that break-ups make strangers out of the people involved. As a writer, the symbolism in the song was what drove me to even blog about it, because I thought it was a fresh look at the age-old break-up lament. Here's the video below:
Also, as I have said before, I've had to stick to my own personal stash of LP's, in that my broke ass cannot afford to hit the record shops every time an album comes out. That's why if I'm not listening to one of my records or cd's, I'm glued to my computer, watching music videos, or making another playlist on Grooveshark. So, on that note, I've revisited The Strange Boys, mainly listening to their album ...And Girls Club. It's a nice little take on old school r&b, blues, and rock n roll. I was quite fascinated with them in late 2008, early 2009, when I noticed a trend in bands reverting back to 60's garage and psychedelic, and I noticed that in Austin, they were one of the bands at the forefront of that "movement," but let's not use that word. Either way, my fascination with them kind of wavered, but it was a welcomed reintroduction to pop that cd in the disc-changer. You can view the video for the song "Woe Is You and Me" below.
That's all I got for tonight. Peace!
Today, I played switch-a-roo with a friend, and I recommended her to listen to Lana Del Rey's song "Video Games." She loved it, and played it at least three times today. In turn, she recommended me to listen to Gotye's "Somebody That I Used To Know" off of his latest LP Making Mirrors. I have to say that I like his simple approach toward a break-up song, yet he uses his music to stylistically portray the somber onset of a bad breakup, but in the chorus, his voice explodes into a more angry resentment at the fact that break-ups make strangers out of the people involved. As a writer, the symbolism in the song was what drove me to even blog about it, because I thought it was a fresh look at the age-old break-up lament. Here's the video below:
Also, as I have said before, I've had to stick to my own personal stash of LP's, in that my broke ass cannot afford to hit the record shops every time an album comes out. That's why if I'm not listening to one of my records or cd's, I'm glued to my computer, watching music videos, or making another playlist on Grooveshark. So, on that note, I've revisited The Strange Boys, mainly listening to their album ...And Girls Club. It's a nice little take on old school r&b, blues, and rock n roll. I was quite fascinated with them in late 2008, early 2009, when I noticed a trend in bands reverting back to 60's garage and psychedelic, and I noticed that in Austin, they were one of the bands at the forefront of that "movement," but let's not use that word. Either way, my fascination with them kind of wavered, but it was a welcomed reintroduction to pop that cd in the disc-changer. You can view the video for the song "Woe Is You and Me" below.
That's all I got for tonight. Peace!
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Visible and Audible?
Well folks, I'm in a listening funk. I've been neglecting my computer, CD player, and even music TV channels. I don't know why, but lately (meaning this past week) when I listen to music, I've just had to depend on Pandora to be on because I've been lacking the motivation to find and listen to music. But, Pandora proves to be a nifty little sucker every now and again.
If you haven't used Pandora, just try it out for a spell, and if you want some eclectic shit to blast your ear-buds a new one, then make a Beck station. You won't regret it. It plays the most random stuff, but it's always enjoyable. Because of this station, I've grown more of a new-found appreciation for electronic music, or music that is extremely beat-heavy. If you ask any of my friends, they will tell you that I flat out don't like electronic music, which isn't necessarily the case. I just don't care for it. Meaning, that it's not what I head for first when I enter a record store because it's not what gets my mojo risin'. Get the reference?
On another note, would someone please stand behind me in making a formal complaint to Urban Outfitters Radio. As an employee of the clothing store, I have to spend every shift listening to the same shit over and over and over. It's the most ridiculous, electronic, trendy, runway bullshit my ears have had the displeasure of enduring. I won't even go further into it because to give it any more play on your eyes would be a true disservice to music fans and generations to come. All I'm saying is Urban needs to play some good shit because it's seriously slacking, and it's making me want to quit my job on principle alone.
Veering away from music for a second, I am insanely excited to see more movies lately. Maybe that's why I've been neglecting music as of late. Maybe I just need more visual stimulation. Also, I feel that since Hollywood is at this random stage of making movies that are cheap entertainment, especially with regard to horrendous remakes, (please don't get me started on Footloose), there's still hope out there. Here's a list of movies I am ecstatic to see...
Melancholia
Another Earth
Restless
Contagion
The Skin I Live In
Drive
I'm most excited about Melancholia. I've been wanting to delve more into Lars Von Trier's films, and I think this one may be a good start. Here's the trailer:
That's all I got for now... Keep it rockin'. Peace!
If you haven't used Pandora, just try it out for a spell, and if you want some eclectic shit to blast your ear-buds a new one, then make a Beck station. You won't regret it. It plays the most random stuff, but it's always enjoyable. Because of this station, I've grown more of a new-found appreciation for electronic music, or music that is extremely beat-heavy. If you ask any of my friends, they will tell you that I flat out don't like electronic music, which isn't necessarily the case. I just don't care for it. Meaning, that it's not what I head for first when I enter a record store because it's not what gets my mojo risin'. Get the reference?
On another note, would someone please stand behind me in making a formal complaint to Urban Outfitters Radio. As an employee of the clothing store, I have to spend every shift listening to the same shit over and over and over. It's the most ridiculous, electronic, trendy, runway bullshit my ears have had the displeasure of enduring. I won't even go further into it because to give it any more play on your eyes would be a true disservice to music fans and generations to come. All I'm saying is Urban needs to play some good shit because it's seriously slacking, and it's making me want to quit my job on principle alone.
Veering away from music for a second, I am insanely excited to see more movies lately. Maybe that's why I've been neglecting music as of late. Maybe I just need more visual stimulation. Also, I feel that since Hollywood is at this random stage of making movies that are cheap entertainment, especially with regard to horrendous remakes, (please don't get me started on Footloose), there's still hope out there. Here's a list of movies I am ecstatic to see...
Melancholia
Another Earth
Restless
Contagion
The Skin I Live In
Drive
I'm most excited about Melancholia. I've been wanting to delve more into Lars Von Trier's films, and I think this one may be a good start. Here's the trailer:
That's all I got for now... Keep it rockin'. Peace!
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Drown-Out and Download...
So many exciting new things are on the ho-rise-on! I am very excited to hear Feist's new single, "How Come You Never Go There," from her new endeavor, Metals. Judging from the sound, Feist has maintained her somewhat soft, introspective, multi-instrumental approach to love and longing, and she does it oh so well. After listening to The Reminder about a thousand times, I became a huge fan, and so this new album has been a long time coming, four years in fact. The new album hits shelves on October 4th, so if you're anything like me, you've already marked your calendar in anticipation. But, here's the new one to tide you over until that blissful day.
Speaking of new things, Bjork has also released another song from her upcoming album/multimedia project, Biophilia. Now, I cannot denounce the genius of Bjork, but when it comes to her music, my ears have always been a selective receptor as to what songs they choose to let into the soundscape that is my brain. So, I've never become a full-fledged fan, but I have an enormous amount of respect for the work that she's done, and Human Behavior remains a top song in my book. From listening to Moon, I am surprised by the more acoustic approach, with the harp being the main instrument besides her beautiful voice. However, it's a great track, which I definitely recommend. You can listen to it below.
I also heard this song on NME's "10 Tracks You Have To Hear" by Kurt Vile, titled "In/Out Blues." I'm not too familiar with Vile's work, but after hearing this track, I think I'd like to be. You can visit the blog post here. That's all I got for tonight. Peace!
Speaking of new things, Bjork has also released another song from her upcoming album/multimedia project, Biophilia. Now, I cannot denounce the genius of Bjork, but when it comes to her music, my ears have always been a selective receptor as to what songs they choose to let into the soundscape that is my brain. So, I've never become a full-fledged fan, but I have an enormous amount of respect for the work that she's done, and Human Behavior remains a top song in my book. From listening to Moon, I am surprised by the more acoustic approach, with the harp being the main instrument besides her beautiful voice. However, it's a great track, which I definitely recommend. You can listen to it below.
I also heard this song on NME's "10 Tracks You Have To Hear" by Kurt Vile, titled "In/Out Blues." I'm not too familiar with Vile's work, but after hearing this track, I think I'd like to be. You can visit the blog post here. That's all I got for tonight. Peace!
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Artsy Schmartsy
So...I've just finished reading the Patti Smith memoir, Just Kids, and I have to say that it is one of the best books I've ever read. It's not just a memoir in the basic sense, but more of a recollection of a time of art, poetry, and the promise that nothing is promised, so do what you can while you can. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is a writer, artist, musician, etc. Or, I would just recommend it to anyone who enjoys a vivid account of artistic transcendence.
On a more musical note, I've still been ditch-diving into my records. I started by revisiting Paul Robeson, and I constantly replay the track "There's a Man Goin' Round Takin' Names." I've looked for it online, and haven't been able to find it, so if you want to hear it, go out and buy a Paul Robeson record. It shouldn't bee too hard to find. Also, a friend introduced me to Deer Tick after I told her about my new-found obsession with Mumford and Sons, and this song is definitely a replayable (not a word!) one, though I'm sure fans of the band will say "duh!"
Also, I've been listening to Blue by Joni Mitchell. Her voice gets me every single time, and just listening to the song "River" is enough to convert any unknowing person into full-fledged Joni worship. And if it doesn't, something is seriously wrong with you. Also, how can you pass up an album that has been placed on so many "best of all time" lists, usually ranking Joni the top female spot. If that's not enough to convince you, I don't know what is.
Another band that has blissfully fallen under my radar is The Wolf. They are a local band here in Austin, TX that definitely play on the whole psych-garage mantra of producing work. The band has a page on Facebook, where they have six tracks available for listening. My personal favorites include "Jambourine" and "Just Like You."
That's all I got for tonight. Peace!
On a more musical note, I've still been ditch-diving into my records. I started by revisiting Paul Robeson, and I constantly replay the track "There's a Man Goin' Round Takin' Names." I've looked for it online, and haven't been able to find it, so if you want to hear it, go out and buy a Paul Robeson record. It shouldn't bee too hard to find. Also, a friend introduced me to Deer Tick after I told her about my new-found obsession with Mumford and Sons, and this song is definitely a replayable (not a word!) one, though I'm sure fans of the band will say "duh!"
Also, I've been listening to Blue by Joni Mitchell. Her voice gets me every single time, and just listening to the song "River" is enough to convert any unknowing person into full-fledged Joni worship. And if it doesn't, something is seriously wrong with you. Also, how can you pass up an album that has been placed on so many "best of all time" lists, usually ranking Joni the top female spot. If that's not enough to convince you, I don't know what is.
Another band that has blissfully fallen under my radar is The Wolf. They are a local band here in Austin, TX that definitely play on the whole psych-garage mantra of producing work. The band has a page on Facebook, where they have six tracks available for listening. My personal favorites include "Jambourine" and "Just Like You."
That's all I got for tonight. Peace!
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Connecting The Dots...
I am in a weird triangle lately. First I was listening to Title TK by The Breeders, and then it moved to The Pixies Doolittle, which (let's face it) is a classic. Now, I've been listening to The Kelley Deal 6000, which is Kelley Deal's project that she started while the Breeders went on hiatus around 1995.
While Kelley Deal was in rehab for heroin addiction, she passed the time writing songs and centering herself. I haven't listened to TKD6K's first album, but I have taken a particular liking to their second album Boom! Boom! Boom!, which I've recommended in a previous post. I'd hate to compare it to The Breeders because it's very different, but there are a lot of similarities. Deal's vocals are somewhat like her twin sister's, and the songwriting is pretty neat for someone who had to learn to play the guitar to join The Breeders. My favorite track from the album is currently "Where Did The Home Team Go?" (pasted below)
Also, for you hip-hop fans out there, I'm sure most of you know, or will be happy to know that Kanye West and Jay Z's album Watch The Throne is coming out on August 1st. A friend (who is obsessed with Kanye West) played me this little number, which samples one of my all-time favorite songs, and I'm not gonna lie...I am pretty excited. The song is respectively called "Otis." I've pasted it below, enjoy.
Peace!
While Kelley Deal was in rehab for heroin addiction, she passed the time writing songs and centering herself. I haven't listened to TKD6K's first album, but I have taken a particular liking to their second album Boom! Boom! Boom!, which I've recommended in a previous post. I'd hate to compare it to The Breeders because it's very different, but there are a lot of similarities. Deal's vocals are somewhat like her twin sister's, and the songwriting is pretty neat for someone who had to learn to play the guitar to join The Breeders. My favorite track from the album is currently "Where Did The Home Team Go?" (pasted below)
Also, for you hip-hop fans out there, I'm sure most of you know, or will be happy to know that Kanye West and Jay Z's album Watch The Throne is coming out on August 1st. A friend (who is obsessed with Kanye West) played me this little number, which samples one of my all-time favorite songs, and I'm not gonna lie...I am pretty excited. The song is respectively called "Otis." I've pasted it below, enjoy.
Peace!
Monday, July 25, 2011
A Sunny Afternoon...
It's my first day back in Austin, and as sit at my patio, smoking a cigarette, I am listening to The Breeder's album Title TK. Kim Deal's soft voice and the rough guitars blending perfectly. I am kind of sad that I haven't discovered this album sooner, but as they say...better late than...
I came across a documentary about The Breeders called The Real Deal, which documents the time Kim Deal spent in East Los Angeles in the aftermath of the Title TK album. In the documentary, they play a good amount of songs from the album, my favorite being "Off You," which you can listen to below. I loved the portrayal of both the Deal twins personalities as well as Kim Deal's take on music and making it "rude" and "weird."
Also, I've been listening to Mumford and Sons (I'm only a year late, maybe an improvement?). I haven't been able to get the song "The Cave" out of my head for the past few days. I think I'm going to overplay it until I hate it, which I don't recommend. I like this live version they did for SPIN:
PEACE! That's all.
I came across a documentary about The Breeders called The Real Deal, which documents the time Kim Deal spent in East Los Angeles in the aftermath of the Title TK album. In the documentary, they play a good amount of songs from the album, my favorite being "Off You," which you can listen to below. I loved the portrayal of both the Deal twins personalities as well as Kim Deal's take on music and making it "rude" and "weird."
Also, I've been listening to Mumford and Sons (I'm only a year late, maybe an improvement?). I haven't been able to get the song "The Cave" out of my head for the past few days. I think I'm going to overplay it until I hate it, which I don't recommend. I like this live version they did for SPIN:
PEACE! That's all.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Old and Fresh
So, since I have been staying back in Corpus Christi for the past few weeks, my music listening has become sort of stalled in the sense that it is harder for me to go online and seek new musicians and artists to fill my time and ears with. So, I am privileged to be under the musical care of a good friend (who has been letting me crash on her couch), and listening to her eclectic and somewhat off-hand tastes. When I say off-hand, I mean she posted a video of The Spice Girl's "2 become 1" on my Facebook page as a "thank-you" and "I'm so happy you're staying with me" message. It was well-received.
But, her tastes are unparalleled to some. Since I've been staying with her, I've been more exposed to some great music, like Electric Light Orchestra (PS: I recently bought their 1981 album, Time, and I'd strongly recommend it). There's just something great about Jeff Lynne's songwriting. It's progressive, it's futuristic, it's fucking weird to be honest, but it's hard not to become totally enveloped in the intricate song structures and dynamic sounds.
Also, I've been listening to a lot of George Harrison, circa post-Beatles 1980s as well as a lot of Otis Redding, which is never a bad thing. No matter how many bad days, or how many distraught hours one can spend contemplating the nastiness that lingers within human society, it's easy to get lost in Redding's voice and forget about all that shit.
Now, this isn't to say that I was never exposed to these artists at many points in time of my life; however, due to my friend's love for overplaying great artists, I can only thank her for drilling greatness into my head for three weeks. PS: If you are reading this, you gotta stop listening to Bob Marley every time you get stoned. He's great and all, but that just screams huge cliche.
I'll leave you with a fantastic song by a fantastic vocalist. Enjoy. Peace!
But, her tastes are unparalleled to some. Since I've been staying with her, I've been more exposed to some great music, like Electric Light Orchestra (PS: I recently bought their 1981 album, Time, and I'd strongly recommend it). There's just something great about Jeff Lynne's songwriting. It's progressive, it's futuristic, it's fucking weird to be honest, but it's hard not to become totally enveloped in the intricate song structures and dynamic sounds.
Also, I've been listening to a lot of George Harrison, circa post-Beatles 1980s as well as a lot of Otis Redding, which is never a bad thing. No matter how many bad days, or how many distraught hours one can spend contemplating the nastiness that lingers within human society, it's easy to get lost in Redding's voice and forget about all that shit.
Now, this isn't to say that I was never exposed to these artists at many points in time of my life; however, due to my friend's love for overplaying great artists, I can only thank her for drilling greatness into my head for three weeks. PS: If you are reading this, you gotta stop listening to Bob Marley every time you get stoned. He's great and all, but that just screams huge cliche.
I'll leave you with a fantastic song by a fantastic vocalist. Enjoy. Peace!
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Singles or Doubles?
Well, my summer is moving along gracefully, relaxing on couches, smoking bowls here and there, and listening to some good music. The catch-up still continues as I delve into the new music of older bands that I never got to enjoy in their subsequent rises to music stardom, or pseudo stardom. The bands in question: Beirut and The Horrors.
The Horrors are currently streaming their new album, Skying, on their web site, and I've had the pleasure of listening in... so far, I think the album is going to be a steady, welcome addition to the music they've put out in the past. Luckily, a friend of mine played me one of their albums and I wouldn't say I got hooked, but I gained an appreciation for their homage to the synth-heavy 80s. Skying maintains that trend, which is visible on their first single, "Still Life." I recommend a listen.
Now, a song that I can't get out of my head as of late... "East Harlem" by Beirut. I've always appreciated their blend of folk and pop, and their song "Scenic World," was one of my favorites in 2007? Or 2008? I don't know...some time around there. But "East Harlem" brings back those feelings for me, and it makes me very excited for their new album The Rip Tide, which is going to be released under singer/songwriter/mastermind Zachary Francis Condon's own Pompeii Records. The album is slated for an August 30th release. But in the meantime, you can listen to "East Harlem" below. That's all I got for today... PEACE!
Beirut - East Harlem by Revolver USA
The Horrors are currently streaming their new album, Skying, on their web site, and I've had the pleasure of listening in... so far, I think the album is going to be a steady, welcome addition to the music they've put out in the past. Luckily, a friend of mine played me one of their albums and I wouldn't say I got hooked, but I gained an appreciation for their homage to the synth-heavy 80s. Skying maintains that trend, which is visible on their first single, "Still Life." I recommend a listen.
Now, a song that I can't get out of my head as of late... "East Harlem" by Beirut. I've always appreciated their blend of folk and pop, and their song "Scenic World," was one of my favorites in 2007? Or 2008? I don't know...some time around there. But "East Harlem" brings back those feelings for me, and it makes me very excited for their new album The Rip Tide, which is going to be released under singer/songwriter/mastermind Zachary Francis Condon's own Pompeii Records. The album is slated for an August 30th release. But in the meantime, you can listen to "East Harlem" below. That's all I got for today... PEACE!
Beirut - East Harlem by Revolver USA
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