Not every blog post is going to involve my A-Z project. Although, right now I'm continuing on and may break in with an observation or two if the spirit moves me. But this Sunday morning, I've decided to take on an altogether different topic.
This morning I've been thinking a lot about kindness and compassion, or the lack thereof that exists in American culture today. Part of this has to do with a series of responses I've read concerning Alex Chilton's death, that have to do with his lack of health care. Many call out Chilton's "laziness" or "poor decisioin-making skills", saying that if he really wanted health care, he should have just bought it. Others point out that, as a man in his late fifities with pre-existing conditions, that health care costs would have been exorbenant, especially for a gigging musician. Chilton was by no means a filthy rich man.
Anyhow, I'm not going to get into the health care debate here. The part that was shocking was the lack of compassion or simple kindness when speaking about this great artist who recently passed away. Meanness. I'd call it that. It's appalling to read people writing things like, "Nobody owes me anything, so why should I care about anyone else?" What?! Is this the type of society we want to live in? Do we really just want to be a bunch of self-important, money-grubbing assholes who think of no one but ourselves? I sure hope not, but judging by the tone of things in our country these days, maybe that's exactly where we are.
From a personal standpoint, I was just let go of a job that was filled with management who had this exact personal "character", if you want to call it that. It was people who felt no need to say "hi" to their employees. I once even actually said hi to one of these guys, and was met with a brief stare, followed by the turning of a back. Who does this? Why is this ever acceptable? They knew nothing of my character, my family, my work ethic. Why? Because they never bothered to pay attention, to ask, to care. They let me go because I "wasn't a good fit". It's an extremely vague and unsatisfying answer, but they're right. I have no desire to fit in with supreme arrogance, heartlessness, ego, superiority, or any of the traits I saw on display every excrutiating day I spent there.
Why do I bring all of this up? How does it relate to anything musical? All of this is directly related to why I'm not afraid to admit, that I'm a fan of folk music. Let's face it, folk music is uncool. Hipsters are far too serious and ironic for it. It's often seen as music for graying hippies and old-time idealists. But let me tell you this: some of the most enjoyable live music experiences I've ever had have come from folk shows. Why? For exactly the reasons it's uncool. It's genuine. It's unpretentious. It's kinder and gentler than the world around us. I've been to folk music festivals on several occasions and it's like stepping into an alternate utopian universe. Are there egos in folk music? Oh I'm sure. But I can tell you of two examples of contemporary folk artists who I love for their profound lack of ego and so-uncool-it's-actually-cool genuineness. I came across these artists at just the right time in my life.
It was during another time of being in a job surrounded by horrible stress, meanness, arrogance, and a startling lack of humanity. A co-worker of mine, a kind guy in his mid-40s, who I got along with very well, invited me to folk shows all of the time. Being a lover of live music, I'd go, just for the experience, but never expected to really fall in love with the music. But the music of Sons of the Never Wrong and Carrie Newcomer stuck with the part of me that craved and still craves a world stripped of ego...A world with more kindness and community.
These were fun shows. And yeah, I usually ended up being surrounded by people who were a lot older than me, but after a minute or two, it really didn't matter. Whenever I went to one of these artist's shows, I just enjoyed myself. You laugh and smile more than at a serious indie rock show. There's a lot more cheesiness and sing-a-long opportunities. In fact, a full-on hipster might just spontaneously combust at one of these shows. But I don't care if anyone knows it: I treasure those experiences and feel a need now more than ever to reconnect with some good ol', fun, silly, heartfelt folk music. The audience members are so nice! The artists are so nice! What's wrong with niceness?
In fact, I fell in love with the vibe so much, that I decided that that was what I was going to do. I approached Carrie Newcomer and members of Sons of the Never Wrong with my enthusiasm, and not surprisingly, they were all nothing but supportive and kind toward me. I left my stable career and began writing songs and playing open mics. I plunged in without much direction and without as much dedication as I should have had to actually make it work, but despite the misgivings I may have toward the decisions I made, I can see why I made them. The kindness and joy was like a drug, after being surrounded by so much of the ugliness on the opposite end of the spectrum.
And here I am, back where I was those years ago. I'm a junkie for the basic, beautiful happiness and kindness inherent in the music of Carrie Newcomer and Sons of the Never Wrong. And maybe you don't understand or don't want to understand. Maybe it's a little too cornballish for your tastes, but I really wish we could all take a deep breath and allow a little cornballishness into our harsh society, if for the only reason, that maybe in doing so, we could actually be better people for it. What can I say? I guess I'm just an idealistic folkie deep down inside.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u2lSYPAqF5k&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CVha3krnDG8
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Saturday, April 24, 2010
iTunes A-Z: In the beginning...
So I'm about 40 songs into my overly, pointlessly ambitious project. I suppose I could be doing something more productive with my time...maybe I should be investigating ways to save the environment, or researching cures for cancer, or looking for ways to make money in a time of economic ruin. But instead, I've chosen music, and I guess it's a decision I've been making, for better or worse, for many years now, so why stop now?
Observations? I like A. A. Bondy's songs, but he gets way too chill at times.
A. C. Newman is really great. I knew I had songs by The New Pornographers front man, but I didn't realize I liked them that much. It's definitely what you'd call, stereotypical "indie rock", but it's fun, melodic, in the same vein as the N.P's themselves.
I've already gone through three Daytrotter sessions (A.A. Bondy, Aesop Rock, and Aimee Mann) and have a great deal to come. With Daytrotter, it gives one a chance to hear an artist at a bare-bones, basic, hopefully honest, level. Some sessions are good, some are pretty disappointing, some are just there and nothing more. So far, the Aesop Rock session, of the three, tops the list. Great DJ feature with "DJ Big Wiz Jam".
Adam Sandler's "Werewolves of London" is good. I mean, really good. I knew this already, but upon listening to it during this A-Z project, this fact has been re-affirmed. He does Warren Zevon's memory proud.
Weird neo-hippie, dance around a fire with paint on your face award goes to the two songs I have by Akron/Family: "Ed is a Portal" and "There's So Many Colors". I think I may have gotten high just listening to the songs. I suddenly smell patchoulli too. Why do I have an urge to play hacky sack? I kinda like the songs too, actually. Shhh...don't tell anyone.
The unexpected connection that I made was with an Aimee Mann song called "31 Today" that expresses the sentiment of "I thought I'd have my shit together by now, but I really don't". Maybe not the type of sentiment you really strive to connect with, but hey, that's life. It certainly made me pause and listen to the song, especially since 31 was two years ago for me and strangely, I can still relate. Thanks for bringin' me down Aimee!!!
Ahhhh, but I'm to classic artist #1, of MANY...Al Green. And suddenly that worry and anxiety is melting right away. The good Reverend just soothes you right into a happier, more soulful place. That said, though, I am presented with dilemma #1--repetition. I have Al Green's Greatest hits, and his album I'm Still In Love With You. There's going to be repeats. Do I listen to the same song twice? On the one hand, I say, no. This asinine project is long enough already! Why put myself through needlessness!? On the other hand, though, I wonder how a song sounds in relation to the context it lies in. Does the song, "Love and Happiness" sound different when bookended by "Here I Am (Come and Take Me)" and "Lets Stay Together" as opposed to "I'm Glad You're Mine" and "What A Wonderful Thing Love Is"? I mean, probably not, but what if it does and I skip the experience? Man! I'm going to have to listen to repeats and report back!!!
So that's the state of things here in the early A's. I'm about to hit "Love and Happiness" for the first time, so I better pay attention!
Observations? I like A. A. Bondy's songs, but he gets way too chill at times.
A. C. Newman is really great. I knew I had songs by The New Pornographers front man, but I didn't realize I liked them that much. It's definitely what you'd call, stereotypical "indie rock", but it's fun, melodic, in the same vein as the N.P's themselves.
I've already gone through three Daytrotter sessions (A.A. Bondy, Aesop Rock, and Aimee Mann) and have a great deal to come. With Daytrotter, it gives one a chance to hear an artist at a bare-bones, basic, hopefully honest, level. Some sessions are good, some are pretty disappointing, some are just there and nothing more. So far, the Aesop Rock session, of the three, tops the list. Great DJ feature with "DJ Big Wiz Jam".
Adam Sandler's "Werewolves of London" is good. I mean, really good. I knew this already, but upon listening to it during this A-Z project, this fact has been re-affirmed. He does Warren Zevon's memory proud.
Weird neo-hippie, dance around a fire with paint on your face award goes to the two songs I have by Akron/Family: "Ed is a Portal" and "There's So Many Colors". I think I may have gotten high just listening to the songs. I suddenly smell patchoulli too. Why do I have an urge to play hacky sack? I kinda like the songs too, actually. Shhh...don't tell anyone.
The unexpected connection that I made was with an Aimee Mann song called "31 Today" that expresses the sentiment of "I thought I'd have my shit together by now, but I really don't". Maybe not the type of sentiment you really strive to connect with, but hey, that's life. It certainly made me pause and listen to the song, especially since 31 was two years ago for me and strangely, I can still relate. Thanks for bringin' me down Aimee!!!
Ahhhh, but I'm to classic artist #1, of MANY...Al Green. And suddenly that worry and anxiety is melting right away. The good Reverend just soothes you right into a happier, more soulful place. That said, though, I am presented with dilemma #1--repetition. I have Al Green's Greatest hits, and his album I'm Still In Love With You. There's going to be repeats. Do I listen to the same song twice? On the one hand, I say, no. This asinine project is long enough already! Why put myself through needlessness!? On the other hand, though, I wonder how a song sounds in relation to the context it lies in. Does the song, "Love and Happiness" sound different when bookended by "Here I Am (Come and Take Me)" and "Lets Stay Together" as opposed to "I'm Glad You're Mine" and "What A Wonderful Thing Love Is"? I mean, probably not, but what if it does and I skip the experience? Man! I'm going to have to listen to repeats and report back!!!
So that's the state of things here in the early A's. I'm about to hit "Love and Happiness" for the first time, so I better pay attention!
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Back to Blogging...The Music Calls
I'm going to start this first blog in over two months with the following statement that I will gladly stand by any day:
I love the band Dr. Dog.
Right now I'm listening to their latest album, "Shame, Shame" and am in love with it! Their last album "Fate" made my "Best of 2008" list, and I'm guessing when I roll out my "Best of 2010" list, this one will be on it. Throwback? Oh yeah, no doubt. But damn! If you're gonna be a throwback sort of band, I don't think you can do it much better than these guys. I was fortunate enough to meet one of the members of the band a few years back at SXSW. He was a really gracious guy wearing a hat, but I don't remember his name. We were waiting in line for the bathroom I do believe (you meet quite a few interesting people waiting in line for coffee and/or bathrooms...just a side observation). I like when the members of a band are as cool as you hope them to be. But even if the dude would have been a total douchebag, I just may have forgiven him for the simple fact that I dig the music so much! I'm rambling, but hey, cut me some slack, I'm slightly out of practice here!
My point? Well, my point is that I really want to be inspired by music. I feel like it's happening less and less these days. And maybe that's partly due to the inevitability that is the aging process. Maybe it's because I have less and less time to listen to music. Maybe it's because there's too much to choose from. Maybe music is just worse than it used to be.
I still believe in it, though. Case in poing: Dr. Dog. Or the new Joanna Newsom. Or Grizzly Bear, Fleet Foxes, Wilco, Spoon, Vampire Weekend, or the odds and ends that still reach me on a level that The Beatles did when I was first discovering rock and roll music back in the '80s when actual '80s music wasn't reaching me.
And I'm rediscoving jazz. I used to be a jazz afficianado back when I actually played trombone in a college jazz group. Once I stopped playing, I kind of drifted away from Bird, Trane, Miles, and Mingus, but of late, I've slowly, but surely started rekindling that old flame. Sometimes music maybe temporarily dormant within us, but I'm convinced that the good stuff never really goes away.
So where does this leave me? What do I do with these observations? I'm hungry for discovery/re-discovery. I have over 10,000 songs in my iTunes collection, many of which I've never heard. Many of the songs I've probably just glossed over or forgotten or taken for granted. Maybe it's time to give each artist and each artist's individual works their proper due. Maybe it's time to listen to every single of the 10210 songs in the collection from A. A. Bondy to Zooey Deschanel. My iTunes library says that it would only take 28.6 days to do this...well of course that is if listening to music was the only thing I did during every waking second of those 28.6 days. So obviously, it's gonna take slightly longer.
The idea's probably not an original one. I'm sure some blogger/writer has done it and written about it, but really, I'm kind of doing it for myself. I really 1.) want to hear what I really have, 2.) want to be inspired by something I haven't noticed, 3.) want to maybe free up some space on my hard drive by deleting the crap...streamlining and simplifying life...never a bad thing. I'm partly inspired by the author, A. J. Jacobs, as well, who read the Encyclopedia Britannica from A-Z and wrote about it (and lived to tell about it...an accomplishment in itself). Maybe I can come up with my own insights/observations on a much smaller scale about something a lot more interesting than encyclopedic knowledge.
Partly I want to do it too so I can give my writing a little direction as well. There's often simultaneously, and paradoxically, both too much and too little to write about. There's often just nothing that grabs me either on the micro or macro scale, at least enough so for me to actually sit down and write about it. But the thing is, I really, really, really do love music and I really do love writing too...so it seems the best way to consolidate the two loves is to undertake this silly, somewhat pointless exercise. As John Lennon once said, "Whatever gets you through the night..." I think most of life really is a silly, somewhat pointless exercise anyway, so I'm just doing what comes natural.
So the next entry will start off with A. A. Bondy's "Among the Pines" and we'll see what transpires as the songs slip by. There'll be a lot of Dylan to listen to, that's for damned sure. I'm sure there will be a lot of crap to sift through, as well. But I'm looking forward to those moments that light up the synapses in my brain that go crazy when good music finds its way from speaker to ear. May those moments be in abundance...for you as well.
I love the band Dr. Dog.
Right now I'm listening to their latest album, "Shame, Shame" and am in love with it! Their last album "Fate" made my "Best of 2008" list, and I'm guessing when I roll out my "Best of 2010" list, this one will be on it. Throwback? Oh yeah, no doubt. But damn! If you're gonna be a throwback sort of band, I don't think you can do it much better than these guys. I was fortunate enough to meet one of the members of the band a few years back at SXSW. He was a really gracious guy wearing a hat, but I don't remember his name. We were waiting in line for the bathroom I do believe (you meet quite a few interesting people waiting in line for coffee and/or bathrooms...just a side observation). I like when the members of a band are as cool as you hope them to be. But even if the dude would have been a total douchebag, I just may have forgiven him for the simple fact that I dig the music so much! I'm rambling, but hey, cut me some slack, I'm slightly out of practice here!
My point? Well, my point is that I really want to be inspired by music. I feel like it's happening less and less these days. And maybe that's partly due to the inevitability that is the aging process. Maybe it's because I have less and less time to listen to music. Maybe it's because there's too much to choose from. Maybe music is just worse than it used to be.
I still believe in it, though. Case in poing: Dr. Dog. Or the new Joanna Newsom. Or Grizzly Bear, Fleet Foxes, Wilco, Spoon, Vampire Weekend, or the odds and ends that still reach me on a level that The Beatles did when I was first discovering rock and roll music back in the '80s when actual '80s music wasn't reaching me.
And I'm rediscoving jazz. I used to be a jazz afficianado back when I actually played trombone in a college jazz group. Once I stopped playing, I kind of drifted away from Bird, Trane, Miles, and Mingus, but of late, I've slowly, but surely started rekindling that old flame. Sometimes music maybe temporarily dormant within us, but I'm convinced that the good stuff never really goes away.
So where does this leave me? What do I do with these observations? I'm hungry for discovery/re-discovery. I have over 10,000 songs in my iTunes collection, many of which I've never heard. Many of the songs I've probably just glossed over or forgotten or taken for granted. Maybe it's time to give each artist and each artist's individual works their proper due. Maybe it's time to listen to every single of the 10210 songs in the collection from A. A. Bondy to Zooey Deschanel. My iTunes library says that it would only take 28.6 days to do this...well of course that is if listening to music was the only thing I did during every waking second of those 28.6 days. So obviously, it's gonna take slightly longer.
The idea's probably not an original one. I'm sure some blogger/writer has done it and written about it, but really, I'm kind of doing it for myself. I really 1.) want to hear what I really have, 2.) want to be inspired by something I haven't noticed, 3.) want to maybe free up some space on my hard drive by deleting the crap...streamlining and simplifying life...never a bad thing. I'm partly inspired by the author, A. J. Jacobs, as well, who read the Encyclopedia Britannica from A-Z and wrote about it (and lived to tell about it...an accomplishment in itself). Maybe I can come up with my own insights/observations on a much smaller scale about something a lot more interesting than encyclopedic knowledge.
Partly I want to do it too so I can give my writing a little direction as well. There's often simultaneously, and paradoxically, both too much and too little to write about. There's often just nothing that grabs me either on the micro or macro scale, at least enough so for me to actually sit down and write about it. But the thing is, I really, really, really do love music and I really do love writing too...so it seems the best way to consolidate the two loves is to undertake this silly, somewhat pointless exercise. As John Lennon once said, "Whatever gets you through the night..." I think most of life really is a silly, somewhat pointless exercise anyway, so I'm just doing what comes natural.
So the next entry will start off with A. A. Bondy's "Among the Pines" and we'll see what transpires as the songs slip by. There'll be a lot of Dylan to listen to, that's for damned sure. I'm sure there will be a lot of crap to sift through, as well. But I'm looking forward to those moments that light up the synapses in my brain that go crazy when good music finds its way from speaker to ear. May those moments be in abundance...for you as well.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Grammy Awards Review (well sort of)
I'll come clean right away and let you know that I missed the first hour of the Grammy Awards last night. Didn't see Elton/Lady GaGa, Beyonce, The Black Eyed Peas, or Pink's performance. Missed a few of the early awards. I turned it on right around the time that Stephen Colbert won his Grammy, thanking Jesus since it was for a Christmas album and getting approval from his daughter that he's finally cool. Good acceptance speeches are hard to come by, and this one was about the only worthwhile one I saw. Let me just give you a couple of thoughts on some of the things about the expectedly too long, over-blown, largely dull awards ceremony.
1. Taylor Swift Can't Hit the High Notes.
A big "Yikes" goes out to the weird pairing of Stevie Nicks and Ms. Swift. Stevie Nicks was okay. You kind of know what to expect with her. Her voice has always been slightly gravelly, yet with time, it's gotten considerably more jagged. Fine, that's aging for you. She can still pull off being Stevie Nicks pretty well. But Taylor Swift...well, maybe she should have lip-synched. Or at the very least should have stayed away from the high notes on "Rhiannon". I respect her for writing her own material and for writing honestly, but she's way too inconsistent in every live performance I've seen of her.
2. The MJ Tribute--Mixed Bag.
I do like "Earth Song". It's a tad preachy, but Michael's "message" songs tended to be on the rather blatent end of things. No veils or metaphors with "We Are The World" or "Man In The Mirror". And the artists who performed it did a relatively good job with it. I didn't have the 3D glasses, so I can't speak on that, although I hear the effects were kind of disappointing. It just got plain weird at the end, though (kind of ironic, don't you think, since the same can be said about Michael Jackson's life...so maybe it's fitting). The turning around of the four artists to the pictures of Michael on the screens seemed a bit cheesy. And Lionel Ritchie: Did you really have to do the whole, "Wow, wow!" Maybe that was a genuine reaction, but it seemed odd. And then the parading out of Michael's kids--bizarre. Maybe they wanted to say something. There was something a little creepy and uncomfortable about it, though. In my opinion, they should have had the song and left it at that.
3. Dave Matthews Band--Really good performance, actually.
I say, "actually" because I've been pretty underwhelmed by Dave and/or the band for quite a few years now. And I'm not crazy about their latest album by any means, but they were really locked in last night. Yeah, there was plenty of overdone Grammy production, with the addition of choirs, strings, bands, to the point of having a ridiculously crowded stage, but at the same time, it worked. Maybe it was being up there without there fallen bandmate LeRoi Moore and just the emotional energy of that, or maybe they just happened to be locked in. Whatever the case, I was surprised that I enjoyed it so much.
4. Why Bon Jovi? Why?!
I'll leave it at that.
5. The Lil Wayne, Eminem, Drake performance was unwatchable with constant censor interruption.
I know there's a history between CBS and the Grammys, but really, they might want to consider showing the ceremony on a network that doesn't have to be "bleep ready". It kind of messes up the continuity of a performance when it's constantly silenced.
So there are five thoughts I had on the whole Grammy deal. I honestly don't have a lot to say about it. The Grammys are what The Grammys are--something largely to get riled up about if you're a music fan. You know what I mean. Everyone has their, "Wow, what were they thinking" moment(s). Mostly, by now, all of us know, they aren't to be taken too seriously. Historically speaking, they've been horribly out of touch and/or behind the times, yet every so often, you get a decent performance or crazy enough paring, that it actually works. It was nice to see Leon Russell, yet I could care less about the Zac Brown Band, who he performed with (best new artist over Silversun Pickups, The Ting Tings AND MGMT? Methinks, no), but a legend sighting is cool. Speaking of legends, it was nice that Neil Young finally won a Grammy and was given some serious props at the MusiCares ceremony to kick off "Grammy Weekend". Also, I was very happy that two other of my favorites, Levon Helm and Steve Earle, were winners. So, eh...Thinking back on it, much like I think every other year I've watched The Grammys, I get kind of a bland feeling--like eating an okay burger after it was just hyped as supposedly being one of the best around (an actual experience I had this past weekend, I might add).
The music landscape is about to get a lot more exciting, though, because before you know it, some of the early festivals will be kicking off (i.e. SXSW), which will lead straight into summer festival season. The real pulse of music lies in these things and of course local music scenes and the unexpected surprise places as well.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Best of '09
First off, on an unrelated-to-anything-musical note, there comes a time when the phrase "cold and flu season" goes from being a distant concept to an upper respiratory/dripping nose/scrambled head reality. Now is that time. So in a cold medicine haze, I'm going to plunge right into the humble task at hand: telling you the 10 best albums, 10 best songs, a few good movies, and 5 important music news stories of 2009. Oh and it'll be good, maybe because of the meds (or in spite of them...this fact remains to be seen!)!
2009's 10 Best Albums
Before I give you this list, I'll say this about the "album". Supposedly it's dying and/or dead, depending who you talk to. One of the top music news stories of '09, might just be Radiohead's Thom Yorke announcing that the band would no longer be focusing on making albums, but rather stick to singles. But now, so I hear, Radiohead IS working on an album, so what are you gonna do? Frankly I'm happy to hear this because a Radiohead album release creates as much buzz and usually delivers with more consistency than any big budget Hollywood blockbuster (although I hear Avatar is actually good, even though some of the previews make it look like it could have gone the way of Costner's epic failure, "Waterworld"). Albums are still relevant, maybe less so, but until I'm told otherwise, they're still around and still a huge marker of just how good a band is. There were lots of good ones this year, definitely.
My process isn't scientific. Basically, with the help of a scan through of my iTunes collection, I came up with a list of 17 albums that I consistently listened to this past year. I narrowed the list to 10 (with a couple of honorable mentions) and arranged them in a way that I felt makes sense. That is, sense in my mind. Lists as we all know, no matter how hard someone might try to convince you otherwise, are doomed to subjectivity. And, this will be a limited list as well. I haven't heard all of the albums of '09, so I may very well be missing one that I WOULD have made #1. I'll start with the following sub-heading under "Best albums of '09":
Bands/artists who released albums this year that I've heard great things ABOUT, but haven't actually heard:
Silversun Pickups
Passion Pit
Kid Sister
Ida Maria
Neko Case
Maybe the albums from the aforementioned artists would have made the list, maybe they wouldn't have--who the hell knows? I'd thought I'd at least give them a mention because I'd still like to hear them before long. I also haven't heard many that will undoubtedly make the pop charts top 10: Taylor Swift, Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Black Eyed Peas, etc (although you tend to hear the songs off of these albums EVERYWHERE anyway, so you kind of get the idea what they're like). Not to be dismissive of pop music, I'm just probably not the best judge of it.
Top 10 Albums of 2009
10. David Bazan, "Curse Your Branches"
Previous to this outstanding collection of songs of a man in the midst of transition, David Bazan was known for being: A.) the main dude in the band Pedro the Lion and B.) a devout Christian. "Curse Your Branches" deals with the pain, struggle, and anger Bazan faced and continues to face as realized, "Hey, this whole religion thing just isn't workin' out for me." As a friend of mine describes it, it's the perfect companion music to the Bill Maher documentary, "Religilous". His former brothers and sisters in Christ aren't so happy with him, let's just say. The album is quite a statement and the songs are both lyrically thoughtful and enjoyable from a musical sense as well.
9. Vizqueen, "Message to Garcia"
There isn't much mystery behind the sound of Seattle's Vizqueen. It's punk influenced, straight plain ol' rock and roll influenced, up tempo, good music. I posted a link to an article on front woman Rachel Flotard on The Hidden Chord's Facebook page. I strongly recommend reading this. It's a touching story, which makes you appreciate the spirit behind the music.
8. Mos Def, "The Ecstatic"
For awhile there, Mos Def was turning into purely an actor. Not an uncommon transition for hip-hop/rap stars, but still, this is one talented guy musically as well, and he proves it with "The Ecstatic". I said earlier I'm probably not the best judge of pop music. The same probably goes for rap/hip-hop. Why do I like this album? I just kinda do. Mos Def is a great MC and the beats are...see I don't know how to describe them. I just like it, ok!!!!
7. Dirty Projectors, "Bitte Orca"
Hypnotic, at times ambient, a bit experimental--not quite to Animal Collective lengths, but enough to use the label. I don't want to get too far ahead of myself here, but one of the best songs of the year is on this album. Will it be #1? Possibly. What else can I say about this album? It's got that many layered thing that a lot of good indie rock goes for these days. It can be quiet and calming, but then they pull out something that sounds Led Zeppelin-esque. Comfort food for the ears.
6. The Xx, "Xx"
Uh oh, another contender for #1 song of the year is on this album...who will it be??? These kids...well they're just kids for one!!!...are pretty damned amazing with a fairly basic sound. Not a whole lot of layers going on here. Interesting vocals...which is kind of strangse to say because the delivery of the vocals are almost done in a disinterested sort of way. I'll use the term I used above with Dirty Projectors--hypnotic. You can't help but get pulled in. Lots of good beats, simple effects, guitar, drums...and there you have it.
5. Phoenix, "Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix"
This album is beyond catchy. So catchy in fact, Cadillac had to swipe the song 1901 for itself and kill it for the rest of us! Reminded me of what happened with Santogold (or is it Santigold?) last year. Well, at the very least, I hope they got a nice paycheck for it. This is a fun, dance-able, almost disco-ish album at times, that goes by quickly--too quickly in fact.
4. Bob Dylan, "Together Through Life"
This was one weird, yet productive year for the nearly 70 year old Dylan. Early in the year, he releases "Together Through Life", which was co-written with Robert Hunter, who co-wrote much of The Grateful Dead's material. And it's a gem, that is for those who appreciate Dylan's vocal "style", filled with Mexican border-town sounding songs helped along by his amazing backing band. During the summer, he was questioned by police in New Jersey for hanging out in the rain in somebody's front yard (apparently he was looking for Springsteen's childhood home). And most recently, he released a Christmas album. He's a tad creepy and weird, but he's not slowing down, and I hope he can keep going for years to come.
3. Animal Collective, "Merriweather Post Pavillion"
Where do you even start with Animal Collective? Nobody, but NOBODY is doing what these guys are doing. I recently read someone say it would have been the type of thing Brian Wilson would have been doing if he would have been in his "Pet Sounds" prime in 2009. It's experimental, to be gentle, so much so in fact, I understand that they have a hard time recreating their sound live. But, here I go again, it's hypnotic (cold meds are apparently limiting my ability to come up with other adjectives!). Time after time, here has been my experience with Animal Collective, "What the hell is this?! I don't know if I can get into it...I'll stay with it for maybe one more song...", yet suddenly I'm six or seven songs in and I can't tear myself away! Animal Collective is as unique as it gets these days!
2. Grizzly Bear, "Veckatimest"
I'm going to do my best not to use the term "hypnotic" here (even though it is!). I feel like this album comes closest in feel to my favorite from last year, "Ragged Wood" by Fleet Foxes, although that's not a completely accurate comparison. It's rich, airy sounding music, filled with great harmonies that I'm sure would sound even better on vinyl, much like with Fleet Foxes. It's epic-sounding indie rock that pulls you into a different state of mind (a very pleasant one, I must say). I think some commercial has gotten a hold of some Grizzly Bear too, but please corporate America, PLEASE, leave them alone!!! It's too good for you!!!
1. The Avett Brothers, "I and Love and You"
If my friend Phillip Groves is reading this, I'm sure he's chalking this selection up to my "folksy" taste in music. Call it what you will, this album is sooo good, though. These guys started out as kind of a bluegrass fusion sort of band (fused with punk, grunge, country, folk, indie rock), but though they've strayed away from their original sound a bit, they're amazing instrumentalists with tons and tons of energy and quite a few thoughts on love and pain and longing. There are quite a few ballads on here, which normally, I'm not a complete fan of, but the vocals are so strong, harmonies so astounding, and songwriting so complete, that I can't help but forgive their sappy side. There's plenty of banjo still around to satisfy early fans, too, I'm sure. And even though it's ballad-heavy, there are a couple of rockers on here that prove that this band can do a little bit of everything.
Honorable Mention:
Girls, "Album"
Dignan, "Cheaters and Thieves"
Top 10 songs of '09
You'll notice a bit of overlap here with artist's albums and their songs, but I suppose that shouldn't come as a surprise. Great songs tend to make the best albums what they are. Without much explanation (sometimes music just needs to speak for itself), here they are:
10. Poker Face, Lady Gaga (It's fun...so sue me!)
9. I Feel A Change Comin' On, Bob Dylan
8. Supermagic, Mos Def
7. Lisztomania, Phoenix
6. While You Wait For The Others, Grizzly Bear (the version with Michael McDonald is surprisingly good too)
5. Basic Space, The Xx
4. My Girls, Animal Collective
3. Wilco (The Song), Wilco
2. Stillness is the Move, Dirty Projectors
1. I and Love and You, The Avett Brothers
Honorable Mention:
Must Be Santa, Bob Dylan
Lovesick Teenagers, Bear in Heaven
Movies of '09
I haven't really seen a lot of movies this year, to be honest with you. Ye Olde recession has made this blogger cut out certain things. I definitely saw a lot more last year and felt I could therefore rank them better. I have seen a few really good ones, which I'll list in no particular order. I still want to see Invictus and Up in the Air, as well (maybe Avatar too). And Inglorious Basterds when it comes out on DVD. Then maybe I'll change this list:
The Hangover (probably my #1...I know I said I wouldn't rank, but I can't think of a better one this year!)
Star Trek
This Is It
(500) Days of Summer
Funny People
Five (plus one honorable mention...so I guess 6 if my basic addition is correct) music stories that impacted 2009 (not top stories because I'm sure there are probably others, but these are up there for me)
Honorable Mention (or #6 as some would choose to say)--Amy Winehouse is Still Alive
I mean, who would have thought...that's all
5. Kanye Goes Crazy At The VMAs
How do you effectively kill your career? Jump on stage during America's sweetheart's acceptance speech and say Beyonce's video was better. Maybe someone should have watched how many bottles Kanye was downing? Maybe? Who knew alcohol could cause such problems? Dramatic career reinvention is pretty trendy these days, though, so maybe it's a good thing in the long run, Kanye.
4. CD Sales Continue to Drop--Digital Has Yet To Make Up the Difference
No surprise here. Call it a the continuing saga of the record industry. I'm sure the business will eventually settle into some sort of groove (kind of a pun?), but right now companies are still making moves and coming up with strategies on how to make money in the industry. Google, Apple, MySpace, Rhapsody...everyone's been jockeying to get in on the latest attempts to redefine the 21st Century face of music. Will they work? Check back with me at this time, not just next year, but the next several years to come.
3. UK Piracy Wars
They're still a little behind the times in the UK when it comes to piracy. Lily Allen was in the middle of a war of words between those who basically said piracy was bad, but it's a necessary evil, and those who said, "Let's crack down on pirates"...followed by an "Arrr!" I'm sure. No one's too thrilled with music piracy, but unfortunately it's here. US companies are looking at ways to give away and/or make music cheap, but still make it somewhat financially viable for all involved...The UK, I'm sure will take that approach soon as well...whether that makes Lily "Smile" or not (Lily Allen had this song called "Smile" and,... oh forget it!).
2. Live Nation and TicketMaster Merge
Pending government approval that is...because, well, to me, and the folks who check on this sort of thing, this seems like a potential monopoly. I think the government has rules against that. It'll probably get worked out eventually, though, which would ultimately unite the largest concert vendor with the largest ticket agency. They say that, together they're going to be able to better serve the concert going public, but something about this relationship makes me a bit squeemish. We'll see.
1. Michael Jackson Dies
Well...yeah. What else was it going to be? The story isn't complete, of course. I wonder if it ever really will be. If Michael Jackson's life wasn't the epitome of tragedy, it certainly was the epitome of the word "bizarre". And now that he's gone, people are once again appreciating his music. I think we all forgot or took for granted just how much amazing work the man put out. Just another strange, sad twist in the man's career, which is now bigger than ever. I'm sure the saga is going to continue to unfold for a long time, with Joe Jackson never too far from it all, trying to cash in.
That's an extremely condensed version of 2009 according to The Hidden Chord. I'm sure 2010 will be filled with more great music, big names and otherwise. Happy Holidays to one and all.
2009's 10 Best Albums
Before I give you this list, I'll say this about the "album". Supposedly it's dying and/or dead, depending who you talk to. One of the top music news stories of '09, might just be Radiohead's Thom Yorke announcing that the band would no longer be focusing on making albums, but rather stick to singles. But now, so I hear, Radiohead IS working on an album, so what are you gonna do? Frankly I'm happy to hear this because a Radiohead album release creates as much buzz and usually delivers with more consistency than any big budget Hollywood blockbuster (although I hear Avatar is actually good, even though some of the previews make it look like it could have gone the way of Costner's epic failure, "Waterworld"). Albums are still relevant, maybe less so, but until I'm told otherwise, they're still around and still a huge marker of just how good a band is. There were lots of good ones this year, definitely.
My process isn't scientific. Basically, with the help of a scan through of my iTunes collection, I came up with a list of 17 albums that I consistently listened to this past year. I narrowed the list to 10 (with a couple of honorable mentions) and arranged them in a way that I felt makes sense. That is, sense in my mind. Lists as we all know, no matter how hard someone might try to convince you otherwise, are doomed to subjectivity. And, this will be a limited list as well. I haven't heard all of the albums of '09, so I may very well be missing one that I WOULD have made #1. I'll start with the following sub-heading under "Best albums of '09":
Bands/artists who released albums this year that I've heard great things ABOUT, but haven't actually heard:
Silversun Pickups
Passion Pit
Kid Sister
Ida Maria
Neko Case
Maybe the albums from the aforementioned artists would have made the list, maybe they wouldn't have--who the hell knows? I'd thought I'd at least give them a mention because I'd still like to hear them before long. I also haven't heard many that will undoubtedly make the pop charts top 10: Taylor Swift, Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Black Eyed Peas, etc (although you tend to hear the songs off of these albums EVERYWHERE anyway, so you kind of get the idea what they're like). Not to be dismissive of pop music, I'm just probably not the best judge of it.
Top 10 Albums of 2009
10. David Bazan, "Curse Your Branches"
Previous to this outstanding collection of songs of a man in the midst of transition, David Bazan was known for being: A.) the main dude in the band Pedro the Lion and B.) a devout Christian. "Curse Your Branches" deals with the pain, struggle, and anger Bazan faced and continues to face as realized, "Hey, this whole religion thing just isn't workin' out for me." As a friend of mine describes it, it's the perfect companion music to the Bill Maher documentary, "Religilous". His former brothers and sisters in Christ aren't so happy with him, let's just say. The album is quite a statement and the songs are both lyrically thoughtful and enjoyable from a musical sense as well.
9. Vizqueen, "Message to Garcia"
There isn't much mystery behind the sound of Seattle's Vizqueen. It's punk influenced, straight plain ol' rock and roll influenced, up tempo, good music. I posted a link to an article on front woman Rachel Flotard on The Hidden Chord's Facebook page. I strongly recommend reading this. It's a touching story, which makes you appreciate the spirit behind the music.
8. Mos Def, "The Ecstatic"
For awhile there, Mos Def was turning into purely an actor. Not an uncommon transition for hip-hop/rap stars, but still, this is one talented guy musically as well, and he proves it with "The Ecstatic". I said earlier I'm probably not the best judge of pop music. The same probably goes for rap/hip-hop. Why do I like this album? I just kinda do. Mos Def is a great MC and the beats are...see I don't know how to describe them. I just like it, ok!!!!
7. Dirty Projectors, "Bitte Orca"
Hypnotic, at times ambient, a bit experimental--not quite to Animal Collective lengths, but enough to use the label. I don't want to get too far ahead of myself here, but one of the best songs of the year is on this album. Will it be #1? Possibly. What else can I say about this album? It's got that many layered thing that a lot of good indie rock goes for these days. It can be quiet and calming, but then they pull out something that sounds Led Zeppelin-esque. Comfort food for the ears.
6. The Xx, "Xx"
Uh oh, another contender for #1 song of the year is on this album...who will it be??? These kids...well they're just kids for one!!!...are pretty damned amazing with a fairly basic sound. Not a whole lot of layers going on here. Interesting vocals...which is kind of strangse to say because the delivery of the vocals are almost done in a disinterested sort of way. I'll use the term I used above with Dirty Projectors--hypnotic. You can't help but get pulled in. Lots of good beats, simple effects, guitar, drums...and there you have it.
5. Phoenix, "Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix"
This album is beyond catchy. So catchy in fact, Cadillac had to swipe the song 1901 for itself and kill it for the rest of us! Reminded me of what happened with Santogold (or is it Santigold?) last year. Well, at the very least, I hope they got a nice paycheck for it. This is a fun, dance-able, almost disco-ish album at times, that goes by quickly--too quickly in fact.
4. Bob Dylan, "Together Through Life"
This was one weird, yet productive year for the nearly 70 year old Dylan. Early in the year, he releases "Together Through Life", which was co-written with Robert Hunter, who co-wrote much of The Grateful Dead's material. And it's a gem, that is for those who appreciate Dylan's vocal "style", filled with Mexican border-town sounding songs helped along by his amazing backing band. During the summer, he was questioned by police in New Jersey for hanging out in the rain in somebody's front yard (apparently he was looking for Springsteen's childhood home). And most recently, he released a Christmas album. He's a tad creepy and weird, but he's not slowing down, and I hope he can keep going for years to come.
3. Animal Collective, "Merriweather Post Pavillion"
Where do you even start with Animal Collective? Nobody, but NOBODY is doing what these guys are doing. I recently read someone say it would have been the type of thing Brian Wilson would have been doing if he would have been in his "Pet Sounds" prime in 2009. It's experimental, to be gentle, so much so in fact, I understand that they have a hard time recreating their sound live. But, here I go again, it's hypnotic (cold meds are apparently limiting my ability to come up with other adjectives!). Time after time, here has been my experience with Animal Collective, "What the hell is this?! I don't know if I can get into it...I'll stay with it for maybe one more song...", yet suddenly I'm six or seven songs in and I can't tear myself away! Animal Collective is as unique as it gets these days!
2. Grizzly Bear, "Veckatimest"
I'm going to do my best not to use the term "hypnotic" here (even though it is!). I feel like this album comes closest in feel to my favorite from last year, "Ragged Wood" by Fleet Foxes, although that's not a completely accurate comparison. It's rich, airy sounding music, filled with great harmonies that I'm sure would sound even better on vinyl, much like with Fleet Foxes. It's epic-sounding indie rock that pulls you into a different state of mind (a very pleasant one, I must say). I think some commercial has gotten a hold of some Grizzly Bear too, but please corporate America, PLEASE, leave them alone!!! It's too good for you!!!
1. The Avett Brothers, "I and Love and You"
If my friend Phillip Groves is reading this, I'm sure he's chalking this selection up to my "folksy" taste in music. Call it what you will, this album is sooo good, though. These guys started out as kind of a bluegrass fusion sort of band (fused with punk, grunge, country, folk, indie rock), but though they've strayed away from their original sound a bit, they're amazing instrumentalists with tons and tons of energy and quite a few thoughts on love and pain and longing. There are quite a few ballads on here, which normally, I'm not a complete fan of, but the vocals are so strong, harmonies so astounding, and songwriting so complete, that I can't help but forgive their sappy side. There's plenty of banjo still around to satisfy early fans, too, I'm sure. And even though it's ballad-heavy, there are a couple of rockers on here that prove that this band can do a little bit of everything.
Honorable Mention:
Girls, "Album"
Dignan, "Cheaters and Thieves"
Top 10 songs of '09
You'll notice a bit of overlap here with artist's albums and their songs, but I suppose that shouldn't come as a surprise. Great songs tend to make the best albums what they are. Without much explanation (sometimes music just needs to speak for itself), here they are:
10. Poker Face, Lady Gaga (It's fun...so sue me!)
9. I Feel A Change Comin' On, Bob Dylan
8. Supermagic, Mos Def
7. Lisztomania, Phoenix
6. While You Wait For The Others, Grizzly Bear (the version with Michael McDonald is surprisingly good too)
5. Basic Space, The Xx
4. My Girls, Animal Collective
3. Wilco (The Song), Wilco
2. Stillness is the Move, Dirty Projectors
1. I and Love and You, The Avett Brothers
Honorable Mention:
Must Be Santa, Bob Dylan
Lovesick Teenagers, Bear in Heaven
Movies of '09
I haven't really seen a lot of movies this year, to be honest with you. Ye Olde recession has made this blogger cut out certain things. I definitely saw a lot more last year and felt I could therefore rank them better. I have seen a few really good ones, which I'll list in no particular order. I still want to see Invictus and Up in the Air, as well (maybe Avatar too). And Inglorious Basterds when it comes out on DVD. Then maybe I'll change this list:
The Hangover (probably my #1...I know I said I wouldn't rank, but I can't think of a better one this year!)
Star Trek
This Is It
(500) Days of Summer
Funny People
Five (plus one honorable mention...so I guess 6 if my basic addition is correct) music stories that impacted 2009 (not top stories because I'm sure there are probably others, but these are up there for me)
Honorable Mention (or #6 as some would choose to say)--Amy Winehouse is Still Alive
I mean, who would have thought...that's all
5. Kanye Goes Crazy At The VMAs
How do you effectively kill your career? Jump on stage during America's sweetheart's acceptance speech and say Beyonce's video was better. Maybe someone should have watched how many bottles Kanye was downing? Maybe? Who knew alcohol could cause such problems? Dramatic career reinvention is pretty trendy these days, though, so maybe it's a good thing in the long run, Kanye.
4. CD Sales Continue to Drop--Digital Has Yet To Make Up the Difference
No surprise here. Call it a the continuing saga of the record industry. I'm sure the business will eventually settle into some sort of groove (kind of a pun?), but right now companies are still making moves and coming up with strategies on how to make money in the industry. Google, Apple, MySpace, Rhapsody...everyone's been jockeying to get in on the latest attempts to redefine the 21st Century face of music. Will they work? Check back with me at this time, not just next year, but the next several years to come.
3. UK Piracy Wars
They're still a little behind the times in the UK when it comes to piracy. Lily Allen was in the middle of a war of words between those who basically said piracy was bad, but it's a necessary evil, and those who said, "Let's crack down on pirates"...followed by an "Arrr!" I'm sure. No one's too thrilled with music piracy, but unfortunately it's here. US companies are looking at ways to give away and/or make music cheap, but still make it somewhat financially viable for all involved...The UK, I'm sure will take that approach soon as well...whether that makes Lily "Smile" or not (Lily Allen had this song called "Smile" and,... oh forget it!).
2. Live Nation and TicketMaster Merge
Pending government approval that is...because, well, to me, and the folks who check on this sort of thing, this seems like a potential monopoly. I think the government has rules against that. It'll probably get worked out eventually, though, which would ultimately unite the largest concert vendor with the largest ticket agency. They say that, together they're going to be able to better serve the concert going public, but something about this relationship makes me a bit squeemish. We'll see.
1. Michael Jackson Dies
Well...yeah. What else was it going to be? The story isn't complete, of course. I wonder if it ever really will be. If Michael Jackson's life wasn't the epitome of tragedy, it certainly was the epitome of the word "bizarre". And now that he's gone, people are once again appreciating his music. I think we all forgot or took for granted just how much amazing work the man put out. Just another strange, sad twist in the man's career, which is now bigger than ever. I'm sure the saga is going to continue to unfold for a long time, with Joe Jackson never too far from it all, trying to cash in.
That's an extremely condensed version of 2009 according to The Hidden Chord. I'm sure 2010 will be filled with more great music, big names and otherwise. Happy Holidays to one and all.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Oh Right...The decade's ending too...More Lists!!!
If you are interested, click on the title of this post and it'll lead you to NPR's list of the 50 most important recordings of the '00s or noughties or whatever we're supposed to call this decade that's wrapping up. A strange, fascinating decade it was, from which ever lens you choose to view it through: politics, technology, culture, sports, and of course music.
The decade has seen the decline of what was supposed to be the be-all-end-all format for music: the CD. I remember when CD's first came out. They were supposed to be indestructable--if you took care of them of course. The sound was supposed to be crystal clear--but then people started to realize that when things become crystal clear, a certain richness is lost. Oh yes, they were expensive. How I remember going into Musicland in the Carl Sandburg Mall in Galesburg, IL and having to lay down $20 for a CD. I think I payed around $24 for the White Album, back in the days when buying a CD meant getting a whole lot of extra cardboard packaging. I ended up having to return it because the package contained two Disc Ones and no Disc Two. Oddly enough, I have since lost one of the discs of the White Album. I wonder if it was Disc One, because I sure could use one of those two copies I once had!
But thing changed, as things have a tendency of doing. There is no Musicland anymore, to my knowledge. Not many record stores, period. Fewer and fewer people buy CD's and the industry is struggling for it. Digital sales aren't yet making up for the difference and piracy continues to be an issue. What will the '10s (what are we supposed to call this decade!) look like for the music industry? Streaming seems to be the future, but who the hell knows? Nobody really saw the total collapse of the CD. I'm still convinced the industry will be okay and maybe even better in the long run for indie artists.
It seems like more music than ever came out during this past decade. Bands are everywhere! The rise of Pro Tools has made it easier for bands to take the crappy music they previously played exclusively in their garages and put it down in recorded form, whether anyone asked them or not! So there's plenty to choose from, some good within the loads and loads of crap. Most of it now comes to us via word of mouth rather than traditional ways, who are some of the other victims of the first decade of the 2000s: major record labels, music mags, mainstream radio (RIP, oh you relics of the 20th Century!!!).
And it just seems like there's more variety than ever before. I haven't done this, but I'd venture a guess that if you put up the most important music of the '90s up next to the most important music of the '00s, you'd see a stark contrast. I read somewhere that as time goes on, music just keeps splintering further and further. Is it the result of the decline of the industry? Is it because people are looking for niche music rather than mainstream fluff? Not that mainstream fluff has gone, nor should necessarily, go away--even it has its purpose. Has hipster culture grown so much that there has to be a constant supply of music that so-and-so only knows about, but is sooo much better than what we, the normals, listen to? My answer to every single one of these questions is: I don't know!
But nonetheless, there was a whole lot of great music released this past decade. I've heard and own many of the albums on the various lists, and some are just so ingrained in us that we may not realize that we know these albums, but we actually can't help but know them! I'm not going to make a list of the decade. I'm having a hard enough time with my best of '09 list. Take on the decade? Nope. But I will give you a few of the albums that were with me quite a lot and/or impacted me greatly during this opening decade of the 21st Century. In no particular order:
Radiohead, Kid A
Wasn't this actually released in '99? I feel like I was still in college when it came out, but I could be wrong. And maybe it's counted as being a part of the '00s because of carry over from '99 to '00? Regardless, it was and remains a classic. It's the album that got me into Radiohead. I had been a fan of The Bends, and of course OK Computer, but something with Kid A just clicked. It was the perfect mixing of electronic and rock music. Thom Yorke in ethereal, emotional top form--backed by sonic richness and just amazing SOUND! I can't tell you how many times I played this one when it first came out.
Bob Dylan, Love and Theft
It's weird how your view of an artist changes as you yourself age and/or the artist him/herself ages. Dylan's music had been all around ever since I remember being aware of music, but it was almost a cliche. Nasally Bob could write a great song, but man he was one awful singer! I couldn't get into it. I loved '60s rock, from a very young age, but I would have gladly taken the versions of Dylan's songs by The Byrds, Hendrix, and the many others, over Bob's. As I got a little older though, I began to appreciate it. I bought all three Greatest Hits records and then '01 rolls around and croaking ol' Bob releases Love and Theft--and I really get it. The songs are somehow just right for his worn out voice. They are songs of an aging troubadour. They are songs of a traveller who's got more travelling to do before his day is done. If Woody Guthrie would have made it to old age, I have a feeling his music would have sounded something like this. The songwriting is still amazing, the band is incredible, and I actually enjoy Bob's voice. Personally I think it's purposeful and just right for the songs.
Wilco, Yankee Hotel Foxtrot
This is the album that got me into Wilco and I haven't looked back since. This is an album of texture, experimentation, brilliant songwriting. The album is one their record company, Reprise, famously saw as a failure and thus refused to release, but now is near universally lauded as a must-have of the decade (It was released by Nonesuch Records after Wilco left Reprise). The four song sequence of "Jesus Etc", "Ashes of American Flags", "Heavy Metal Drummer", and "I'm the Man Who Loves You", may very well be among the top few best sequences of songs of any album I've heard. The album was the last with master experimenter, the late Jay Bennett (who died this past year), who was quite often at odds with front man, Jeff Tweedy. Great album cover as well: Chicago's Marina City towers, the corn cob-esque structures that sit on the Chicago River. I know I'm not the only one that refers to them now as: The Wilco Buildings.
Gillian Welch, Time (The Revelator)
This is one of the few albums that I've bought twice. I had it downloaded on a different computer, but that computer crashed, taking with it, most of my downloaded music, including Time (The Revelator). I guess you'd qualify this as country music, but it doesn't fit into the Taylor Swift, Tim McGraw, Rascal Flatts vision of country that is predominant today. It's more in the vein of classic country: Patsy Cline, Hank Williams, etc. But then again, it's not a relic at all. And it doesn't quite fit into any of the sub-genres of country music. Folk? Maybe. Whatever it is, Welch's voice is captivating with every brilliant note and lyric. Her voice is at once heartbreaking, rich with life, other-worldly, part of the past, fore-runner of the future, and the thing of pleasant dreams. It's one of those albums I'd probably buy again if I had to!
Those are probably my main favorites of the past decade--at least the one's that had the greatest impact on my CD player/computer--however the songs may have reached my ears. Here's a few more that were in heavy rotation for me in the noughties. Don't consider this a comprehensive list by any means. Just a few of my personal favorites:
Arcade Fire, Funeral
MGMT, Oracular Spectacular
Spoon, Kill the Moonlight/Ga, Ga, Ga, Ga, Ga
O Brother Where Art Thou Soundtrack
OutKast, Stankonia
Sufjan Stevens, Come on Feel the Illinoise!
White Stripes--any and all!
Bright Eyes--also pretty much any and all!
Flaming Lips--Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots
Fleet Foxes--Ragged Wood
Like I said, not even close to being a comprehensive list. I'll probably remember quite a few more that I forgot to put on the list. What did you have blaring out of your headphones, car radio, stereo/computer speakers during the past decade?
Next up for The Hidden Chord--a look back at the best albums and songs of 2009. Also I'll mention a couple movies and top music news stories of the year. Sigh! It's a project, let me tell you!
The decade has seen the decline of what was supposed to be the be-all-end-all format for music: the CD. I remember when CD's first came out. They were supposed to be indestructable--if you took care of them of course. The sound was supposed to be crystal clear--but then people started to realize that when things become crystal clear, a certain richness is lost. Oh yes, they were expensive. How I remember going into Musicland in the Carl Sandburg Mall in Galesburg, IL and having to lay down $20 for a CD. I think I payed around $24 for the White Album, back in the days when buying a CD meant getting a whole lot of extra cardboard packaging. I ended up having to return it because the package contained two Disc Ones and no Disc Two. Oddly enough, I have since lost one of the discs of the White Album. I wonder if it was Disc One, because I sure could use one of those two copies I once had!
But thing changed, as things have a tendency of doing. There is no Musicland anymore, to my knowledge. Not many record stores, period. Fewer and fewer people buy CD's and the industry is struggling for it. Digital sales aren't yet making up for the difference and piracy continues to be an issue. What will the '10s (what are we supposed to call this decade!) look like for the music industry? Streaming seems to be the future, but who the hell knows? Nobody really saw the total collapse of the CD. I'm still convinced the industry will be okay and maybe even better in the long run for indie artists.
It seems like more music than ever came out during this past decade. Bands are everywhere! The rise of Pro Tools has made it easier for bands to take the crappy music they previously played exclusively in their garages and put it down in recorded form, whether anyone asked them or not! So there's plenty to choose from, some good within the loads and loads of crap. Most of it now comes to us via word of mouth rather than traditional ways, who are some of the other victims of the first decade of the 2000s: major record labels, music mags, mainstream radio (RIP, oh you relics of the 20th Century!!!).
And it just seems like there's more variety than ever before. I haven't done this, but I'd venture a guess that if you put up the most important music of the '90s up next to the most important music of the '00s, you'd see a stark contrast. I read somewhere that as time goes on, music just keeps splintering further and further. Is it the result of the decline of the industry? Is it because people are looking for niche music rather than mainstream fluff? Not that mainstream fluff has gone, nor should necessarily, go away--even it has its purpose. Has hipster culture grown so much that there has to be a constant supply of music that so-and-so only knows about, but is sooo much better than what we, the normals, listen to? My answer to every single one of these questions is: I don't know!
But nonetheless, there was a whole lot of great music released this past decade. I've heard and own many of the albums on the various lists, and some are just so ingrained in us that we may not realize that we know these albums, but we actually can't help but know them! I'm not going to make a list of the decade. I'm having a hard enough time with my best of '09 list. Take on the decade? Nope. But I will give you a few of the albums that were with me quite a lot and/or impacted me greatly during this opening decade of the 21st Century. In no particular order:
Radiohead, Kid A
Wasn't this actually released in '99? I feel like I was still in college when it came out, but I could be wrong. And maybe it's counted as being a part of the '00s because of carry over from '99 to '00? Regardless, it was and remains a classic. It's the album that got me into Radiohead. I had been a fan of The Bends, and of course OK Computer, but something with Kid A just clicked. It was the perfect mixing of electronic and rock music. Thom Yorke in ethereal, emotional top form--backed by sonic richness and just amazing SOUND! I can't tell you how many times I played this one when it first came out.
Bob Dylan, Love and Theft
It's weird how your view of an artist changes as you yourself age and/or the artist him/herself ages. Dylan's music had been all around ever since I remember being aware of music, but it was almost a cliche. Nasally Bob could write a great song, but man he was one awful singer! I couldn't get into it. I loved '60s rock, from a very young age, but I would have gladly taken the versions of Dylan's songs by The Byrds, Hendrix, and the many others, over Bob's. As I got a little older though, I began to appreciate it. I bought all three Greatest Hits records and then '01 rolls around and croaking ol' Bob releases Love and Theft--and I really get it. The songs are somehow just right for his worn out voice. They are songs of an aging troubadour. They are songs of a traveller who's got more travelling to do before his day is done. If Woody Guthrie would have made it to old age, I have a feeling his music would have sounded something like this. The songwriting is still amazing, the band is incredible, and I actually enjoy Bob's voice. Personally I think it's purposeful and just right for the songs.
Wilco, Yankee Hotel Foxtrot
This is the album that got me into Wilco and I haven't looked back since. This is an album of texture, experimentation, brilliant songwriting. The album is one their record company, Reprise, famously saw as a failure and thus refused to release, but now is near universally lauded as a must-have of the decade (It was released by Nonesuch Records after Wilco left Reprise). The four song sequence of "Jesus Etc", "Ashes of American Flags", "Heavy Metal Drummer", and "I'm the Man Who Loves You", may very well be among the top few best sequences of songs of any album I've heard. The album was the last with master experimenter, the late Jay Bennett (who died this past year), who was quite often at odds with front man, Jeff Tweedy. Great album cover as well: Chicago's Marina City towers, the corn cob-esque structures that sit on the Chicago River. I know I'm not the only one that refers to them now as: The Wilco Buildings.
Gillian Welch, Time (The Revelator)
This is one of the few albums that I've bought twice. I had it downloaded on a different computer, but that computer crashed, taking with it, most of my downloaded music, including Time (The Revelator). I guess you'd qualify this as country music, but it doesn't fit into the Taylor Swift, Tim McGraw, Rascal Flatts vision of country that is predominant today. It's more in the vein of classic country: Patsy Cline, Hank Williams, etc. But then again, it's not a relic at all. And it doesn't quite fit into any of the sub-genres of country music. Folk? Maybe. Whatever it is, Welch's voice is captivating with every brilliant note and lyric. Her voice is at once heartbreaking, rich with life, other-worldly, part of the past, fore-runner of the future, and the thing of pleasant dreams. It's one of those albums I'd probably buy again if I had to!
Those are probably my main favorites of the past decade--at least the one's that had the greatest impact on my CD player/computer--however the songs may have reached my ears. Here's a few more that were in heavy rotation for me in the noughties. Don't consider this a comprehensive list by any means. Just a few of my personal favorites:
Arcade Fire, Funeral
MGMT, Oracular Spectacular
Spoon, Kill the Moonlight/Ga, Ga, Ga, Ga, Ga
O Brother Where Art Thou Soundtrack
OutKast, Stankonia
Sufjan Stevens, Come on Feel the Illinoise!
White Stripes--any and all!
Bright Eyes--also pretty much any and all!
Flaming Lips--Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots
Fleet Foxes--Ragged Wood
Like I said, not even close to being a comprehensive list. I'll probably remember quite a few more that I forgot to put on the list. What did you have blaring out of your headphones, car radio, stereo/computer speakers during the past decade?
Next up for The Hidden Chord--a look back at the best albums and songs of 2009. Also I'll mention a couple movies and top music news stories of the year. Sigh! It's a project, let me tell you!
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Love's Fall-Out: Mornin' Old Sport--Mourning Sickness
I really don't know a whole lot about the band Mornin' Old Sport. I know the following for sure: they are from Boston, they built a high quality recording studio in a basement, and apparently they sometimes communicate with some sort of sound that is similar to a mating call. To each their own, I guess. The following, I don't know for sure, but can fairly confidently assume, that whoever wrote these songs went through an awfully rough bout with love. Break-ups and break-up songs are just one of those things that are timeless, whether we like it or not.
Before I get into the meat of this review, I'll need to let you know the following: I get a little nervous when someone I know says, "Take a listen to these guys and tell me what you think". As I've said before, there are SO many bands out there. And everyone knows someone whose band is "The next big thing", or "underappreciated geniuses", or blah, blah, blah. But sometimes, there are diamonds in the rough, and I love music enough to really hope the next recommendation I get is one of those.
I won't say that this is one of those diamonds, but there is definitely plenty of shimmering going on within Mornin' Old Sport's seven song EP, "Mourning Sickness".
Now as I said, I can't be 100% sure that this is a "break-up album" a la Dylan's "Blood on the Tracks", but if it's not, there's still plenty here about the mystery that is the "relationship". And let's just say for a moment it is a break-up album and all of these songs refer to one woman, well...let's just say the songs wouldn't paint the prettiest of pictures of this person. From everything I've gathered, she'd basically be a cold, ill-communicative, materialistic, manipulator who always needs to be right. Doesn't exactly make you want to track this girl down on Facebook. But then again, this is all conjecture. It would make for an interesting story, though.
To the music...The EP starts out with the song "You're Right", which opens with a bouncy jazz-like piano intro. If you had to look for a "single" on this EP, this would be one of my choices. It's catchy, up tempo and lyrically clever. The singer is trying to explain himself to, apparently, his ex, yet realizes that whatever he says is going to fall on deaf ears. And it doesn't help that, said ex, has plenty of overly agreeable friends who are willing to tell her that she's in the right, no matter if she was or wasn't. There's some barb throwing going on here, and it certainly won't be the last time in the EP.
The second song is my favorite of "Mourning Sickness". "Sucker" sounds like something straight out of ELO's catalog. It's a spirited bit of pop rock, complete with strings and an infectious tempo. I love it when bands can create a contrast of what the music says, versus what the lyrics say. For example, The Beatles created the peppiest song about a seriel killer that one could ever imagine, with "Maxwell's Silver Hammer". "Sucker" is not really a happy song despite the cheery tempo. It's song about being discarded by someone, but still wanting to come back for more because there are certain things that drive us all wild. It may be against our better judgment, but sometimes we can't help ourselves. It's all too confusing sometimes and I think that's summed up with this line from the song:
"I'm no better 'cause I can't explain the hurt and anger of being tossed away"
So far, so good with "Mourning Sickness". Quite an impressive one-two punch to start the album.
The next song slows things down a bit and introduces song 1 of 3 that predominantly feature the banjo. There are a lot of instruments featured on this EP. In fact, before I go any futher, I will say that these are well-orchestrated pieces. Knowing very little about the band, as I said earlier, I can only guess this, but it seems like whoever put these songs, and the EP together, knows what they are doing musically speaking. Who knows? Maybe it's all of the band memebers as a whole. Yet, I digress...The name of the next song is "The Most Dramatic Queen in Town" and the banjo and tempo remind me of The Avett Brothers, which are currently up there as one of my favorite current bands. Lyrically, the song seems to be dealing with someone (an ex-girlfriend maybe? a random acquaintance? a fictional character?) who is so completely obsessed with materialism that she misses the big picture and only sees herself, despite the people in her life that have their own struggles right in front of her face. This fact only seems to be a downer to HER image and HER wants and needs, rather than a wake up call to how life really can be to adults. "You're 18 and still just a child," says the repeated lyric at the end, in an accusatory tone. In reality, though, 18 is still a child, even if the rest of the world tells you otherwise. Cool slide guitar at the end, as well.
I'm with what the band's doing up until this point. At first, I saw this next song, "Out Matched" as my least favorite of "Mourning Sickness". I find the vocalist to be a bit crooner-sounding, which distracts from the lyrics (more on that in a moment, though). I also feel like the song goes on for a bit too long. Once again, there are some surprises in the arrangement, but on first and second listen, I just didn't get it. My third time through, though, was primarily to check out the lyrics of the EP and I've got to say, I was pleasantly surprised that "Out Matched" is probably the strongest lyrically. The song seems to be about trying to figure out why a break-up happened. Who was to blame? Why did we have to play the games that we played? What should have been said but wasn't, but now comes out through second and third hand accounts? Does it matter? There are some really cool lines in here about night, including this one which might be my favorite line of the whole album:
"The night she's a passerby, a runaway"
I really did have some difficulty with the vocals, but this one definitely grew on me.
Next comes a short instrumental piece entitled, "Intermezzo", which basically contains some choral sounding voices, some strings, and the last of the banjo picking. Seemed like a nice way to wrap up that little section of music--almost a bookend, or at the very least, I feel like it was an interesting idea, and maybe even away to continue the musical continuity of the EP.
I said, at first "Out Matched" was my least favorite of "Mourning Sickness", but I actually think it's the next song, which is called, "Broken Lip Service". I guess I was kind of hoping for another bouncy little rocker after the previous three slower tempo songs. And once again, I guess I don't get the vocal style. The crooner style reminds me a little of Antony and the Johnsons, which maybe just means it takes a bit of time getting used to, because I tend to like some of their material. However, I feel like it takes a little something away from the song on the whole. I was a bit confused here with the lyrics as well. It would seem that the singer is having some sort of internal crisis concerning his ex. She speaks what seems like truth, then takes his hand, which feels right, but something about the kiss makes him wants to believe everything she says, but that in turn reminds him that he doesn't beilieve. And I think there might be some reference to fatherly physical abuse as well, but I guess I miss the connection. It is still well arranged, and structurally sound, but I have a hard time with this one.
The last song on "Mourning Sickness" is perfectly placed and redeems any criticism I might have with the prior two songs. "When the Bomb" is a straight to the point, almost Ben Folds sounding, account of what will happen to the singer when "the bomb" drops. "Im ready for the nuclear war," he sings. And I'm pretty sure it's the metaphorical nuclear war, but maybe it's the real deal. Maybe it's just the realization that all of our pain and suffering when it comes to sour relationships don't really mean a whole lot after all:
"But right before it hits, oh God
My heart will be unbroken
'Cause after the explosion
This will all be unimportant
And I won't give a damn
That you never loved me back"
Metaphorical bomb or not, that's another solid barb thrown in the name of love gone bad. The song ends with an epic sounding build and culminates with some nice fuzzy, nuclear fall out-esque distortion, and there you have it. After the bomb drops, all of this "Mourning Sickness" regarding lost or pained love, can be wiped away and forgotten. Time to start fresh, because there's little choice but to move on after everything's been obliterated.
On the whole, I really like this EP, despite the couple weak points. The music is solid and, as I said, the arrangements are engaging. There are a lot of interesting surprises throughout. I do wish there were more songs along the lines of the first two, though. But overall, it's good pop rock, with some sharp, biting lyrics, some brilliant in fact, concerning the crazy, fragile, unstable, yearning thing that is the human heart.
Grade: B
myspace.com/morninoldsport
Before I get into the meat of this review, I'll need to let you know the following: I get a little nervous when someone I know says, "Take a listen to these guys and tell me what you think". As I've said before, there are SO many bands out there. And everyone knows someone whose band is "The next big thing", or "underappreciated geniuses", or blah, blah, blah. But sometimes, there are diamonds in the rough, and I love music enough to really hope the next recommendation I get is one of those.
I won't say that this is one of those diamonds, but there is definitely plenty of shimmering going on within Mornin' Old Sport's seven song EP, "Mourning Sickness".
Now as I said, I can't be 100% sure that this is a "break-up album" a la Dylan's "Blood on the Tracks", but if it's not, there's still plenty here about the mystery that is the "relationship". And let's just say for a moment it is a break-up album and all of these songs refer to one woman, well...let's just say the songs wouldn't paint the prettiest of pictures of this person. From everything I've gathered, she'd basically be a cold, ill-communicative, materialistic, manipulator who always needs to be right. Doesn't exactly make you want to track this girl down on Facebook. But then again, this is all conjecture. It would make for an interesting story, though.
To the music...The EP starts out with the song "You're Right", which opens with a bouncy jazz-like piano intro. If you had to look for a "single" on this EP, this would be one of my choices. It's catchy, up tempo and lyrically clever. The singer is trying to explain himself to, apparently, his ex, yet realizes that whatever he says is going to fall on deaf ears. And it doesn't help that, said ex, has plenty of overly agreeable friends who are willing to tell her that she's in the right, no matter if she was or wasn't. There's some barb throwing going on here, and it certainly won't be the last time in the EP.
The second song is my favorite of "Mourning Sickness". "Sucker" sounds like something straight out of ELO's catalog. It's a spirited bit of pop rock, complete with strings and an infectious tempo. I love it when bands can create a contrast of what the music says, versus what the lyrics say. For example, The Beatles created the peppiest song about a seriel killer that one could ever imagine, with "Maxwell's Silver Hammer". "Sucker" is not really a happy song despite the cheery tempo. It's song about being discarded by someone, but still wanting to come back for more because there are certain things that drive us all wild. It may be against our better judgment, but sometimes we can't help ourselves. It's all too confusing sometimes and I think that's summed up with this line from the song:
"I'm no better 'cause I can't explain the hurt and anger of being tossed away"
So far, so good with "Mourning Sickness". Quite an impressive one-two punch to start the album.
The next song slows things down a bit and introduces song 1 of 3 that predominantly feature the banjo. There are a lot of instruments featured on this EP. In fact, before I go any futher, I will say that these are well-orchestrated pieces. Knowing very little about the band, as I said earlier, I can only guess this, but it seems like whoever put these songs, and the EP together, knows what they are doing musically speaking. Who knows? Maybe it's all of the band memebers as a whole. Yet, I digress...The name of the next song is "The Most Dramatic Queen in Town" and the banjo and tempo remind me of The Avett Brothers, which are currently up there as one of my favorite current bands. Lyrically, the song seems to be dealing with someone (an ex-girlfriend maybe? a random acquaintance? a fictional character?) who is so completely obsessed with materialism that she misses the big picture and only sees herself, despite the people in her life that have their own struggles right in front of her face. This fact only seems to be a downer to HER image and HER wants and needs, rather than a wake up call to how life really can be to adults. "You're 18 and still just a child," says the repeated lyric at the end, in an accusatory tone. In reality, though, 18 is still a child, even if the rest of the world tells you otherwise. Cool slide guitar at the end, as well.
I'm with what the band's doing up until this point. At first, I saw this next song, "Out Matched" as my least favorite of "Mourning Sickness". I find the vocalist to be a bit crooner-sounding, which distracts from the lyrics (more on that in a moment, though). I also feel like the song goes on for a bit too long. Once again, there are some surprises in the arrangement, but on first and second listen, I just didn't get it. My third time through, though, was primarily to check out the lyrics of the EP and I've got to say, I was pleasantly surprised that "Out Matched" is probably the strongest lyrically. The song seems to be about trying to figure out why a break-up happened. Who was to blame? Why did we have to play the games that we played? What should have been said but wasn't, but now comes out through second and third hand accounts? Does it matter? There are some really cool lines in here about night, including this one which might be my favorite line of the whole album:
"The night she's a passerby, a runaway"
I really did have some difficulty with the vocals, but this one definitely grew on me.
Next comes a short instrumental piece entitled, "Intermezzo", which basically contains some choral sounding voices, some strings, and the last of the banjo picking. Seemed like a nice way to wrap up that little section of music--almost a bookend, or at the very least, I feel like it was an interesting idea, and maybe even away to continue the musical continuity of the EP.
I said, at first "Out Matched" was my least favorite of "Mourning Sickness", but I actually think it's the next song, which is called, "Broken Lip Service". I guess I was kind of hoping for another bouncy little rocker after the previous three slower tempo songs. And once again, I guess I don't get the vocal style. The crooner style reminds me a little of Antony and the Johnsons, which maybe just means it takes a bit of time getting used to, because I tend to like some of their material. However, I feel like it takes a little something away from the song on the whole. I was a bit confused here with the lyrics as well. It would seem that the singer is having some sort of internal crisis concerning his ex. She speaks what seems like truth, then takes his hand, which feels right, but something about the kiss makes him wants to believe everything she says, but that in turn reminds him that he doesn't beilieve. And I think there might be some reference to fatherly physical abuse as well, but I guess I miss the connection. It is still well arranged, and structurally sound, but I have a hard time with this one.
The last song on "Mourning Sickness" is perfectly placed and redeems any criticism I might have with the prior two songs. "When the Bomb" is a straight to the point, almost Ben Folds sounding, account of what will happen to the singer when "the bomb" drops. "Im ready for the nuclear war," he sings. And I'm pretty sure it's the metaphorical nuclear war, but maybe it's the real deal. Maybe it's just the realization that all of our pain and suffering when it comes to sour relationships don't really mean a whole lot after all:
"But right before it hits, oh God
My heart will be unbroken
'Cause after the explosion
This will all be unimportant
And I won't give a damn
That you never loved me back"
Metaphorical bomb or not, that's another solid barb thrown in the name of love gone bad. The song ends with an epic sounding build and culminates with some nice fuzzy, nuclear fall out-esque distortion, and there you have it. After the bomb drops, all of this "Mourning Sickness" regarding lost or pained love, can be wiped away and forgotten. Time to start fresh, because there's little choice but to move on after everything's been obliterated.
On the whole, I really like this EP, despite the couple weak points. The music is solid and, as I said, the arrangements are engaging. There are a lot of interesting surprises throughout. I do wish there were more songs along the lines of the first two, though. But overall, it's good pop rock, with some sharp, biting lyrics, some brilliant in fact, concerning the crazy, fragile, unstable, yearning thing that is the human heart.
Grade: B
myspace.com/morninoldsport
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