I know I've said it before, and I'll say it again. The Kills are my favorite band. I know a lot of people don't like them, and a lot of people that think I have good taste wonder how such a mediocre band makes it into my #1 spot. Let's just say they speak to me like no other...
...blah blah blah...So, this brings me to my point. Don't you just love it when a band you're obsessed with comes out with new material, and you discover it without ever having realized it was there, and you just can't help but overplay it and love it for what it is??? Well, that just fucking happened...again. It's like the first time I heard their song "Superpowerless." It was a magical moment. Now, it's hearing their cover of The Velvet Underground's "I'm Set Free" and a B-side from their album Blood Pressures, called "Blue Moon." Both songs aren't stellar, but it's still good to hear something new from this blues-rock duo.
Also, I've been listening to Beck's The Information. I forgot how great this album is. And...I'm still overplaying Feist's new album as well as dipping into The Cramp's album Bad Music for Bad People. Let's just say my listening card is on overdrive at the moment. Oh, and not to mention, I've been throwing in a little MC5 for good measure. You can listen to the two aforementioned tracks by The Kills below. Peace.
Friday, October 21, 2011
Monday, October 17, 2011
Metals in the Afternoon
A bright sunny afternoon, and somewhat broken-hearted, I sit with pen in hand, trying to write songs of lament and sadness, but alas, all I can do is put Bob Dylan's "Don't Think Twice, It's Alright," on repeat, hoping that some of his lyrical genius and monumental provocations spill into me and help me with my sad little musings. But, no. That doesn't happen.
So instead, I opt for playing Feist's new album Metals, which (as I knew it would be) is brilliant. I want to say that it's probably her saddest and most haunting(?) album. Maybe that's not the best way to say it, but it definitely lacks some of the more youthful spontaneity of her previous releases. If you're looking for songs like "1234" or "Mushaboom," you probably won't find them here, but instead Feist grants us the pleasure of listening to the dynamic, beautiful presence of "The Bad In Each Other," the soft, solemn hymn that is "Caught a Long Wind," and the renegade bombardment of "A Commotion."
It's definitely her most daring effort, considering it's been four years since her last release, and she took an extended break from writing and creating music. Like any artist, it takes time to re-examine your place in the world, and find out what you want to say and the right medium and moment to say it. (I'm talking to you Fiona Apple!) I definitely recommend this album for Feist listeners or the human population in general. It beats the garbage on the radio...just saying.
Also, I ripped a friend's Gogol Bordello mix, and I'm pretty excited to get into that considering I've seen the band perform at ACL a few years back, and it was a fuckin' rad show. But, like any sunny day, it requires a spiffy tune to wash it down. So, I leave you with this little nugget. Peace!
So instead, I opt for playing Feist's new album Metals, which (as I knew it would be) is brilliant. I want to say that it's probably her saddest and most haunting(?) album. Maybe that's not the best way to say it, but it definitely lacks some of the more youthful spontaneity of her previous releases. If you're looking for songs like "1234" or "Mushaboom," you probably won't find them here, but instead Feist grants us the pleasure of listening to the dynamic, beautiful presence of "The Bad In Each Other," the soft, solemn hymn that is "Caught a Long Wind," and the renegade bombardment of "A Commotion."
It's definitely her most daring effort, considering it's been four years since her last release, and she took an extended break from writing and creating music. Like any artist, it takes time to re-examine your place in the world, and find out what you want to say and the right medium and moment to say it. (I'm talking to you Fiona Apple!) I definitely recommend this album for Feist listeners or the human population in general. It beats the garbage on the radio...just saying.
Also, I ripped a friend's Gogol Bordello mix, and I'm pretty excited to get into that considering I've seen the band perform at ACL a few years back, and it was a fuckin' rad show. But, like any sunny day, it requires a spiffy tune to wash it down. So, I leave you with this little nugget. Peace!
Friday, October 7, 2011
Short But Sweeeet
It's been a little over a week since I've updated this thing, but it wasn't from a lack of trying, but more so, an entire uproot of my life, changing cities, changing careers, and ultimately just changing my general situation. But, one thing that doesn't change...my love in music.
After a dear friend posted a video of Swedish folk duo First Aid Kit singing a tribute of one of my favorite Patti Smith songs, "Dancing Barefoot," I took it upon myself to check these sisters out, and I'm glad I did. First Aid Kit is one of those groups that just gets under your skin, whether you want them to or not. The harmonization in their vocals, the sincerity of their words, and the connection from singer to listener just takes hold, and it's easy to become lost in their sound. Here's a video for their song, "Ghost Town."
Also, I recently bought Feist's new album, Metals, which I'm definitely excited to get into, since I expressed in a past entry how psyched I was that she was coming out with something new. I've only listened to two songs from it so far, and I can already feel a completely different vibe than the one that resonated on The Reminder, but I have a feeling that this album is going to be great, and I haven't even gotten a chance to fully dive into it.
That's all I got for today. Peace kids.
After a dear friend posted a video of Swedish folk duo First Aid Kit singing a tribute of one of my favorite Patti Smith songs, "Dancing Barefoot," I took it upon myself to check these sisters out, and I'm glad I did. First Aid Kit is one of those groups that just gets under your skin, whether you want them to or not. The harmonization in their vocals, the sincerity of their words, and the connection from singer to listener just takes hold, and it's easy to become lost in their sound. Here's a video for their song, "Ghost Town."
Also, I recently bought Feist's new album, Metals, which I'm definitely excited to get into, since I expressed in a past entry how psyched I was that she was coming out with something new. I've only listened to two songs from it so far, and I can already feel a completely different vibe than the one that resonated on The Reminder, but I have a feeling that this album is going to be great, and I haven't even gotten a chance to fully dive into it.
That's all I got for today. Peace kids.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Coun-Tronic!
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.
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.
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!
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