Comfortable Sounds

As I was previewing new music this morning, I came across a real gem of sound. The album is Red Earth by Dee Dee Bridgewater, and it seemlessly wraps traditional American Jazz music in the sounds of Africa. For musical historians, this mixture shouldn't be much of a stretch as jazz is a direct decendent of many types of African music. Still, what Dee Dee Bridgewater has accomplished is a feat of musical prowess. It takes clean composing and highly polished musicianship to make music from another world sound as comfortable as the jazz I can hear in my own backyard. Bridgewater creates an absolute masterpiece with varying sounds interwoven, but what's exceptional about this music is that it doesn't sound plastic, it doesn't sound like music that has been a constant labor of love. Instead this music sounds organic and rich like it was grown in the best soil.

"Afro Blue", which was previously released, sounds vibrant and "rich as the night" to pull a phrase from the song itself. "Bad Spirits (Bani)" is composed of lyrics sung in both an African dialect and in English, and this lyrical trade-off is paralleled by the musical trade-off of African and American sounds. "Mama Don't Ever Go Away" is so well-crafted that you don't even notice the piano that's sprinkled into the song, unless you listen carefully. "Long Time Ago" is the first slow song, but it's still a celebration song, and Dee Dee's voice reminds me most of a bird singing at dusk. "Red Earth" is the first real blues song, but in this context blues doesn't seem to meld as well with African music as Bridgewater's jazz does. This is unfortunate, because Dee Dee's voice seems built to sing blues just as well as jazz and with more power than on her jazz numbers.

"Red Earth" is a fine song on its own, but the music seems better matched to jazz lyrics and delivery. There's a certain level of improvisation that can be found on the whole album, but blues isn't really known for its improvisational potential; and, although there's certainly room for creativity in any kind of music, the sentiment of a great blues song can be overwhelmed by too much sound. The uneven sound can be found again on the song "Compared to What" which is another blues number. Still, Dee Dee Bridgwater's album carries only a few of these unsuccessful forays into blues music, and is ultimately redeemed by many successful jazz fusion numbers.

This album is a celebration at its roots. It's a celebration of the potential of music, the culture found in music, and the cadence and rhythm of the music itself. Red Earth is an album that captures the sounds of summer, of vibrant, exploding life.

Out of Body Experiences, and why Boys are Bad

Here are two articles of interest. Both are from the NY Times and both revolve around the brain.

"Studies Report Inducing Out Of Body Experiences"

and

"Is There Anything Good About Men?"

Be sure to read the transcript from the actual lecture "Is There Anything Good About Men?", which is linked at the Tierney Blog.

The Orphan of Zhao

According to Wikipedia and the New York Times, The Orphan of Zhao is a famous Chinese play, cemented in the world of musical theatre by its classical and cultural aspects. The play is historically sanguine, and based on a traditional Beijng Opera. Stephin Merritt's (Magetic Fields, Gothic Archies, Future Bible Heroes, and the 6ths) adaptation of the Orphan of Zhao for New York City's 2003 Lincoln Center Festival, is both inspired and strange.

I'm sure my faithful blog-readers are scratching their heads at this moment, wondering why I'm writing about an old musical. Well, the main reason is that I just found out about Stephin Merritt's Orphan of Zhao, and I think it's awesome. Stephin Merritt is currently working on a musical adaptation of the children's story Coraline by Neil Gaiman, which is a story so eerie and haunting that I was only able to read forty pages (granted, I was about twelve years old when I tried). Now, I've listened to quite a bit of Merritt's music, and most of it is pleasantly recondite with lots of strange images that only make sense on a primal level. Not to say that his music is hunter-gatherer in any way, it's actually very sophisticated and seems to be composed with care. Coraline is filled with menacing, almost violent descriptions of actions that are commonplace (I seem to remember that sewing buttons was particularly horrible in the story), and the Orphan of Zhao is openly violent, but like most Chinese stories, the violence is wrapped in intrigue and honor.

In the Orphan of Zhao, Merritt pulled in the bizarre traditions and almost histrionic pulse of American musical theatre, but retained some of the art and subtlety of Chinese theatre. The music itself is full of traditional Chinese sounds, and the lyrics are odd. Take for example the song "Has the World Gone Insane?". The music clashes together like orange and brown clothing, the imagery of "enemy baby with enemy milk on his chin" is both ridiculous and frightening, and the song succeeds in making the listener feel uncomfortable; I think the point is to make people feel uncomfortable. Physical discomfort makes you want to change your position, so maybe mental discomfort does the same thing mentally; and, if this is true, then mental discomfort is an invaluable tool to a writer. I'm sure that Coraline was written to be an uncomfortable story, to make you realize that their are some actions in life that are frightening, even though they're also mundane. Scary things don't always make sense; in fact, I think scary things rarely make sense, which is why they are so scary.

Getting back to music and away from philosophy, I would recommend the Orphan of Zhao to anyone who enjoys musical theatre. Stephin Merritt composes multi-layered and emotional scores, and he drags you into the story (preferably, kicking and screaming). You can find Stephin Merritt's showtunes on iTunes, and probably somewhere else. Just don't listen if you're afraid of discomfort and insidious violence.

Desert Rock

I can't imagine what it would be like to live in a war-torn land. I imagine Iraq as it is at this moment: a world where people are afraid to leave their houses, where food and clean water are scarce, and where the people with any money at all have scuttled across the borders to find refuge in other countries. These images are far from tangible to me, because I'm separated by more than miles. I'm separated from the experiences of refugees by all of the things that make my world comfortable, and that allow me to blog, right here, about music.

One of the most remarkable things I've learned while reading about world music, is that all truly creative people will make their music in the circumstances described above. As bombs fall in their backyards, musicians continue to play. They create in the midst of unbearable destruction. It's really a beautiful thought, like the titular image in "A Tree Grows In Brooklyn": the beautiful, strong tree growing in the midst of poverty and depression. The tree grows where no other tree can, and it grows strong without care and cultivation. It's just another reminder that beautiful things don't just grow in the dirt, they grow because of the dirt. Despite the fact that I cannot understand living in a war-torn country, I can understand the music that comes from such a world. The one thing I really can't imagine, is a world without music.

When you feel like roaming the desert for forty years, try listening to this music. I guarantee that you won't have a tan when you're finished, but you also won't be unbearably thirsty.

"Matadjem Yinmixen" by Tinariwen

"Habibi Min Zaman" by Balkan Beat Box

"Cheik Omar Bah" by Toumani Diabate

"Char Chinari Bazaar" by Rahul Sharma

"Until We Burn In The Sun (The Kids Just Want A Love Song)" by Bedouin Soundclash

Out of the Darkness booms...Emerson College!

I listen to all kinds of radio stations (well, at least all the kinds that I can find on my dial). I always like to listen to something that matches my mood, so I switch up my radio station almost every night. I frequent the BBC, WFNX, the local hip-hop station, the local classic-rock station, and the loudest pop station, with world, jazz, and classical sprinkled in for good measure.

Last night, I was dialing through all the boring stations (how many times do we really need to hear "Free Bird"?) and I came across a fun hip-hop song. The song was so catchy that I listened to the whole thing, and when the DJ popped on at the end, I was struck by his enthusiasm and untrained commentary. The "uhhs" and "umms" were ubiquitous in this DJ's speech, but I didn't mind because the guy actually seemed interested in the music. Come to find out, this is Emerson College's station (WERS 88.9). I'd tried to tune into their station before, but had never received such a clean signal.

Emerson does a really nice job with their station. The shows aren't weighed down with an overabundance of talk, the music is mixed fairly well, and the content is interesting without being too challenging. I feel like there's a real market for this kind of station, that plays a well-rounded bunch of music, isn't afraid to regularly mix new sounds in with the old, and has a certain youthful exhuberance that is found most notably on college campuses. Check out the WERS website here: http://www.wers.org/ and then friend WERS on Myspace. Oh yeah, it would be cool if you listened too!!

Beyond "Galang"

Everyone who listens to fringe hip-hop and dance music can agree that M.I.A. makes different sounds (getting a consensus on whether those sounds are good or not is another story). A few things you need to know about Maya Arulpragasm (M.I.A.) are 1) that you've probably heard an M.I.A. song without even knowing you were listening (Honda used the song "Galang" to sell their cars); 2) M.I.A. is an artist with rabid fans and rabid foes; and, 3) M.I.A., whose life has been defined by a series of dramatic moves across the world and parents who "fight the power!", has made her music both multicultural and rebellious. M.I.A. is not easily definable, which is probably why everyone is trying to define her music.

I will try not to fall into the trap of jaded music reviewers and analyze every lyric on M.I.A.'s new album, Kala. I enjoyed "Galang", and the whole Arular album, but not enough to invest in an entire copy. I didn't get involved in the hype of the last album (not an easy task), and I judged her music on its own merit; I hope I'll be able to do the same with Kala.

Kala starts off with the song "Bamboo Banga", which sets the mood for the whole album. This record is a dance record, but the dancing is not the wild and exhuberant type of dancing that followed "Galang", it's the kind of dancing that is done early in the morning at clubs. "Bamboo Banga" gives you the feeling that everything is dark, but very alive; the underground is throbbing. It's a nice fringe club song, but it gives the whole album a deeper, darker, almost chthonic feeling.

"Bird Flu" takes you a little higher; although the banging and drumming reminds me of Army Marching Bands and gunfire, the vocals aren't as low as those on "Bamboo Banga". M.I.A.'s lyrics are dark, and the theme of cultures at odds hits harder the second time around. On Arular, M.I.A. threw out some lyrics that referenced the consumer culture of European countries as compared to the struggle to live that takes place in countries to the South and East, but her ideas were far from fully formed and her lyrics lacked that extra pop against the dance music. M.I.A.'s lyrics are written with a steadier hand, especially on "Bird Flu" where, in the same line, she juxtaposes "live in trees chew on feet" and " watch lost on cable". This line brings together the idea of how people see her (as a racist caricature of a Sri Lankan or as a poseur), and how she sees herself (a mixture of all the worlds from which she comes).

"Boyz" and "Jimmy" are very different songs musically, but they're both dance songs about boys. "Boyz" is banged out over some heavy beats and horns, while "Jimmy" is very '70s Disco meets '80s dance tune. Both songs are fun for a few listens, but I found them both annoying after the third play.

"Hussel (featuring Afrikan Boy)" dives into deep jungle sounds with an eerie speed after the Western bubblegum sounds of "Jimmy". Maybe M.I.A. is juxtaposing cultures again, maybe she's pointing out the fact that the jungle is never too far from the party, or maybe I'm overanalyzing. No matter what its meaning as far as album position goes, this is my favorite song on the album. I especially enjoy the lyric: "I hate money cause it makes me numb". An astute observation that rings true, because it's made by someone who hasn't always had money.

"Mango Pickle Down River (featuring The Wilcannia Mob)" is the weirdest song on the whole album. The song consists of rhymes without much of a back-beat (again that throb is present). The rhymes are thrown out by kids and by M.I.A. herself, but the song fails a bit, because it never really tricks the listener into hearing the lyrics.

"20 Dollar" is mechanical and dark. The lyrics are well-written, but slightly overwhelmed by the fuzzy, overloud guitars in the background. An interesting song, whose placement creates another disjointed juxtaposition (if M.I.A. didn't plan these awkward bridges between completely different sounds, then her mixer is definitely not doing a good job). The softness of "Mango Pickle Down River" smooshes up against the hardness of "20 Dollar", probably making the song sound more dramatic than it would against, say "Hussel".

"World Town" is the most fun you'll have listening to the whole album. The song is light and playful, but not without depth. M.I.A. is representing the World Town, a crossroads of disparate cultures and sounds, but she's bringing it all together in a cohesive little unit of song.

"World Town" sets the mood for the final five songs, which are all lighter in tone than the first seven. These five final tracks are what you'll hear on the radio, if you hear any of Kala on the radio. It's unlikely that the album will recieve much attention from stations, because the sounds are influenced by both world-music and rebellion, a bit of a stretch for most stations. Still, the fact that Timbaland appears on the penultimate track "Come Around" is testament to the fact that M.I.A. is getting attention from the popular musical community.

Overall, the album Kala carries a depth and a finish that were not found on Arular. The polish of the songs on Kala is partly from being recorded in a studio that lives up to the sounds being expressed, but the writing is also polished. The album is not without bumps, but it is of a higher quality, in my opinion, than Arular. None of the tracks on Kala are as fun as "Galang", but maybe M.I.A. didn't want them to be. Check out the album if you're interested in a dance record that stretches your mind.

What is the male equivalent of a muse?

I've been wondering that for awhile, and I finally had to get it out in the open. The question was becoming stale in my mind. I'm pretty sure that I'll have to invent a word for a male muse. This is a perfect example of cross-sexism in our culture: women can only be inspiration, and men can only be inspired. Interesting idea, but I'm probably just paranoid.

Moving from muses to music isn't too much of a stretch. I'm always wondering where artists find their inspiration, especially those artists who see something exceptional in the mundane. Sometimes you really have to reach to understand an obscure lyric, but other times the reference falls right in your lap, and you can shout "I UNDERSTAND!!". A little dramatic, I know, but I definitely think those words when a particularly puzzling lyric falls into place in my mind.

For example, I'm almost always confused by Moldy Peaches lyrics and The Decemberists' songs are just a little obscure for my mind (although, very catchy), but I can feel an Elliott Smith song and Iron & Wine lyrics just make sense to me. I'm sure this feeling is different for every music-lover, which is why people have such varied tastes in music. Which brings it all back to inspiration, doesn't it? Different things inspire different people, because humanity's varied experiences make completely varied ways of understanding our world. I'm inspired to view the world at a different angle through music, if I can find something in the music that applies to me. In this way, I think music can be just as enlightening as great stories and poetry, but only as enlightening as the active participant (the listener) will allow based on his/her experiences.

My ideas are a little jumbled at this time, but my basic point is that inspiration occurs on multiple levels, and is really more like a game of tag than a game of solitaire. Inspiration is bounced between the people who place themselves in the line of ideas. If you expose yourself to everything from smooth jazz to back metal, then you're placing yourself in the path of many ideas. People who expose themselves to different types of music, are opening themselves to a variety of thoughts. Some of these ideas will inspire you to take action, to apply a new principle to your life, while other ideas will not jell with your current experiences or make sense to you in your life's context. Anyone who takes part in this inspiration exchange is an artist of life.

I've come to the conclusion that there doesn't need to be a word for a male muse. Muses come in all shapes and sizes, colors and sexes, and are not necessarily human. The word muse has transformed over time to mean inspiration, and inspiration obviously doesn't have to be female. An artist, someone who is open to inspiration, can find genius in a peanut-butter sandwhich. The active participant can hear (see, read) this peanut-butter sandwhich in the context of their life, and then allow their experiences and their inspiration to form into new ideas. Mmmmmm, I'm hungry.

On The Road 50th Anniversary!

"I like too many things and get all confused and hung-up running from one falling star to another till I drop.

This is the night, what it does to you. I had nothing to offer anybody except my own confusion."

-Jack Kerouac, On The Road


50 years and so many minds opened to the possibility of adventure. People ask me what I dream of in my heart. People say: "What do you really want to do? What do you really want from life?". I guess I want some kind of obvious journey, a task or absolute goal that I can pursue, but in pursuing, discover myself a little more. I want to live in a great story, and witness enlightenment; travel, and be enlightened in the process. I want a eucatastrophe, and I want to be able to write about it in a way that makes others feel as connected as I do when I read Kerouac. I guess I wouldn't feel connected, if I weren't confused, and neither would Jack.

Jazz was the heart palpitation of the beat generation, and the best of it doesn't have a straightforward groove. Here's some old and new jazz for you guys to enjoy:

"Stardust" by John Coltrane

"Zarafah" by Joshua Redman

"Lazy Afternoon" by Joe Henderson

"Poet" by Cassadra Wilson

"St. James Infirmary" by Turk Murphy

"A Banca Do Distinto" by Badi Assad

"Cypresses" by Anat Cohen

60 Musical Revolutions Per Minute

I heard this NPR interview with Eugene Hutz of Gogol Bordello the other day. Very interesting, and fun, and they play plenty of music from "Super Taranta!". Also, on the same page, NPR has a recorded Gogol Bordello concert.

NPR: Eugene Hutz

Bring on the Lucie (Freeda People) - John Lennon

(Alright Boys, this is it, over the hill)

We don't care what flag you're waving
We don't even want to know your name
We don't care where you're from or where you're going
All we know is that you came
You're making all our decisions
We have just one request of you
That while you're thinking things over
Here's something you just better do

Free the people now
Do it, do it, do it, do it, do it now
Free the people now
Do it, do it, do it, do it, do it now

Well we were caught with our hands in the air
Don't despair paranoia is everywhere
We can shake it with love when we're scared
So let's shout it aloud like a prayer

Free the people now
Do it, do it, do it, do it, do it now
Free the people now
Do it, do it, do it, do it, do it now

We understand your paranoia
But we don't want to play your game
You think you're cool and know what you are doing
666 is your name
So while you're jerking off each other
You better bear this thought in mind
Your time is up you better know it
But maybe you don't read the signs

Free the people now
Do it, do it, do it, do it, do it now
Free the people now
Do it, do it, do it, do it, do it now

Well you were caught with your hands in the kill
And you still got to swallow your pill
As you slip and you slide down the hill
On the blood of the people you killed

Stop the killing (Free the people now)
Do it, do it, do it, do it, do it now
Stop the killing (Free the people now)
Do it, do it, do it, do it, do it now

Bring on the lucie

Wicker Plane - State Radio

Oh my gosh, State Radio, do you guys EVER sleep? It seems like whenever I go on your site you have a new cause, a list of up-coming shows, and an album in the works, *SIGH*. I guess that's why I love you.

No, actually, I love State Radio because they play their asses off and make killer sounds. Their newish EP is very nice, and their new album (which hits the streets on September 18th) sounds like it shall be excellent. If you want even more State Radio, check out their Youtube videos, which are numerous. Definitely catch a show, because these boys can rock.

Find complete tour dates on their site: http://www.stateradio.com/

STARDUST

This movie is amazing, honestly, it is sooo good. It is like the Princess Bride, only more irreverent, and Tristran Thorn is a little less charismatic and elegant than Westley, while Yvaine is a little more pissed off than Buttercup, hahah. Oh, it's fun! Overall, just a great love story (and really, what better kind of story is there?).

Rebel Rebel pt. 1

Happy musical morning to you all!!

I read an article yesterday that got me thinking about musical rebellion and parallel cultural rebellion. The guy being interviewed is an X-games participant, and he told the interviewer that hip-hop music reflects the exact rebellious attitude of boarding; in some way, these two arts come from the same mental battleground (if you feel like skipping my philosophical ramblings and just reading that article, it can be found in the latest Rolling Stone magazine with Guns 'N' Roses on the cover).

I can completely understand that idea, it just makes sense, but I wouldn't limit myself to hip-hop. When musical creativity starts flowing in such a way that the sentiment is no longer apathetic or inconsequential; when artists start really caring about something and wanting things to change, the product is rebellion followed by absolute revolution. Granted, after time symbols devolve, their meanings change, and they are usually stolen by the enemy and used for their purposes; but, the ideas remain, as do the distrust and the dissatisfaction that caused the rebellion in the first place.

Boarding and hip-hop may be the symbols of our dissatisfaction, along with MySpace, illegal downloading, and a multitude of different forms of expression. Eventually, these symbols will be co-opted, you can already see it happening, but the ideas will live on. In ten or twenty years, maybe our kids will pick up an old Roots album and feel a little bit of a connection to that rebellion. I hope you guys will open your eyes and ears (obviously) to hear some of the most rebellious music of the past and the present:


"Sonata for piano No. 14 in C Minor, KV 457: Molto Allegro" by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Did you know that Mozart wasn't even very popular by the end of his career? His music was too much of a stretch for many of the listeners of his day. There is a trait of his music that makes it almost otherworldly in origins, which, I think, is why he is now so very much appreciated as an artist. Although his sound was a bit too different for his time, it has held up very well to the tests of time.


"Cross Road Blues" by Robert Johnson

He influenced Led Zeppelin and the Rolling Stones, and so consequently influenced almost every rock band since. His stripped down blues is a gorgeous piece of American musical history, and a departure from the happy tunes of the day.


"East St. Louis Toodle-Oo" by Duke Ellington

The Duke helped push along a musical revolution, that, in turn, pushed along a cultural revolution. Didn't you know that at one time, jazz was taboo? You can feel the pulse of the city in this song, the metronome that keeps time in a concrete jungle. That steady rhythm, that sound like the count-down to an explosion, that's what scared people.


"Anything Goes" by Cole Porter

Anyone who thinks Cole Porter was a normal guy is seriously deluding themselves. He wrote popular music and Broadway shows, but listen to his lyrics and you'll hear how rebellious the ideas really were. The man knew how to turn a phrase and create music that the whole world could enjoy, but like any great writer he also injected something sensational.


"What'd I Say, Pt. 1" by Ray Charles

This is raw music. The soul of the American youth was bared for the world, and many couldn't accept that the soul could be so ALIVE. Let's hear it for Ray.


"Roll Over Beethoven" by Chuck Berry

Rawk baby, the beginning of rock 'n' roll. You can argue that Elvis started it all, but I always liked Chuck.


"Purple Haze" by Jimi Hendrix

There's so much music from the 1960s that was, well, different that it's very difficult to pick a starting place. I had to pick Hendrix, because his music is still different. No one before Jimi or since Jimi has been able to capture that sound. There have been equally great guitarists and musicians, but no one like Hendrix.


(TO BE CONTINUED)

"Timebomb" by the Old 97s

I got a timebomb, in my mind Mom.
I hear it ticking but I don't know why.
I call the police, but they don't like me.
I hear 'em whispering when I walk by.

I got a landmine in my bloodline.
I'm not immune to getting blown apart.
She's like a claymore, that's what she's there for.
She's waiting 'round here to get blown apart.

Having her on my brain's like getting hit by a train,
She's gonna kill me. Oh Celeste, oh Celeste.

I got a timebomb, in my mind Mom,
It's gonna go off, but I don't know when.
I need a doctor
aww,
to extract her.
I got a feeling she'd get right back in again

I got a timebomb, in my mind Mom,
I got it badly for a stick-legged girl
She's gonna kill me, and I don't mean softly.
I got it badly for a stick-legged girl

Having her on my brain's like getting hit by a train,
She's gonna kill me. Oh Celeste, oh Celeste, oh Celeste.

More Magical Than A Blue Ford Anglia...

It's obvious that I want a Spiderpig as my blog mascot. He can't swing from a web, but who really cares?

I LOVE WEIRD MUSIC!! I especially love eccentric tunes that make me laugh. In this post I hope to convey some of my love for odd music, while opening my readers to the world of all things strange and amusing. I'm not as talented as Spiderpig, but I hope you'll come along for the ride anyway.

"Love Today" by MIKA. A song that originally garnered attention in an iPod commercial doesn't sound amazingly promising, but this song happens to be one that, no matter how I scrub my ears, just won't leave my head! It's a contagious track that would be the perfect backdrop to your life as an inhabitant of Candy Land. Underneath all of the pink bubbles and horses, MIKA sounds a bit like Freddy Mercury, albeit a more notably flamboyant Mercury (I don't know how much more flamboyant you can honestly get!) The song is pure fun, and any underlying meaning is secondary to the ridiculously fun feeling of the music.

"Save Ginny Weasley From Dean Thomas" by Harry and the Potters. I've written about these bookish boys before. There music has graced many an obsessed bibliophile's ears, and was the soundtrack to the release of the final Harry Potter book in Boston. This is absolutely the kind of music I play when I want people to think I'm really weird, not that most people need to be coaxed into thinking that I'm weird. This particular song is an ode to Harry's redheaded love interest, and although the structure and music is pretty basic, the lyrics are out there! Let's just say that Luna Lovegood would be a big fan of these boys. However crazy the song is, I love the sentiment so much that my "wizard star still burns for" it.

"Music Box" by Regina Spektor. This song plays with opposites, as Regina sings with her softest and sweetest voice and then quickly changes to her sharpest voice (sometimes even gagging on a particularly pretty note). The song also moves lyrically, from child's play to dealing with death and violence. In some sections of the song that speak of feeling trapped, Spektor actually traps the listener, giving you a little taste of clostrophobia and then freeing you again. The juxtapositions are a nice tool used to create a perfect patchwork quilt of song. Read the lyrics below, and feel the weirdness:

"Life inside the musicbox ain't easy
The mallets hit
The gears are always turning
And everyone inside the mechanism
Is yearning to get out
And sing another melody completely
So different from the one they're always singing
I close my eyes and think that I have found me
But then I feel mortality surround me
I want to sing another melody
So different from the one I always sing
But when I do the dishes
I run the water very very very hot
And then I fill the sink to the top with bubbles of soap
And then I set all the bottle caps I own afloat
And it's the greatest voyage in the history of plastic

And then I slip my hands in and start to make waves
And then I dip my tongue in and take a taste
It tastes like soap but it doesn't really taste like soap
And then I lower in my whole mouth and take a gulp
And start to feel mortality surround me
I close my eyes and think that I have found me
But life inside the musicbox ain't easy
The mallets hit
The gears are always turning
And every one inside the mechanism
Is yearning to get out
And sing another melody completely
Is yearning to get out
Is yearning to get out
Is yearning to get out"

"Spider Pig" by Hans Zimmer. Almost operatic in sound and scope, this song completely encompasses the grandeur of Spiderpig. With high and low notes playing up his moral virtues and vices, the Spiderpig theme song is certainly music for the ages. This song has a sound that its contemporaries cannot hope to match. Listen, and you'll hear the sweet voices of angels.

(A little much? I think not.)

The Mooney Blues: The Attack of Space Rock!!!

As you can tell from all of the talk of global warming and other environmental issues in the news, as of late, the world's been pretty interested in the wellfare of, well, the world. For thousands of years the great majority of the human population accepted the notion of a geocentric universe, and even though we now know that we aren't the center of everything, doesn't it still feel like we are?

However self-centered our little green planet is, we've found time to look beyond ourselves seeking help and guidance from outerspace. For me, it's actually pretty comforting to think that someone, somewhere may actually have it more together than us little earthlings. Deep down, don't we all think there's more to life than just this?

Here are a couple albums that can make you feel spacey and then bring you down to Earth (sort of), it's your choice whether you'll be loony like Luna Lovegood or centered like Remus Lupin.

"Dins" by Psychic Ills

Eight songs that play with your eardrums, and give you the feeling that you could be living in an episode of Dr. Who (the latest reincarnation of that series is pretty freaking sweet, by the way). Quite a few of their songs are like the intros to Pink Floyd hits, so after listening for a bit, you start to feel a little panicky; "Telltale Heart" symptoms and fainting spells are in your future. The way Psychic Ills creates music is quite manipulative really, and subliminal, layering sound upon sound until you have what would normally be called a song. "Electriclife", "Untitled", and "January Rain" are all squeezed together on the album, and make me feel as if space travel is in my immediate future. Time travel is also a definite possibility, as some of these songs conjure visions of 1960s New York and San Francisco. Whatever your musical interest, "Dins" will take you on a trip that's not necessarily pleasant, but definitely interesting.


"Noble Creatures" the Gourds

The cover of this album looks just like a 1980s cover of a $0.50 science fiction story; a man, boat, and giant squid are all surrounded by craters, stars, and sketchy planetary outlines. Funnily enough, much of the music found behind the crazy cover art, would fit better in a bar on Earth, than on Mos Eisley (let's hope I spelled that correctly, or I'll succumb to the wrath of rabid Star Wars fans all over the internet!). The Gourds are making the soundtrack for the places on Earth where stars can still be seen, and, in this country at least, those places are quickly disappearing to light pollution. Alt-country rockers like "How Will You Shine?" and "Moon Gone Down" seem penned as odes to deep blue skies on stuffy summer nights. "The Gyroscopic" is my favorite song on "Noble Creatures". The song trembles and bursts, as the Gourds pull influences from Mexico and California, singing of the "noble creatures of the sea". The lyrics on this album aren't focused, and they're very eccentric for a alt-rock band, but they still make sense in a roundabout way, which is really what you can say of the album and the band. Take a listen to "Noble Creatures", and see for yourself what it all means, if it really means anything.

NEW RELEASES: 7/10/2007

There are quite a few new albums that I've been looking forward to this year, and most of them have not disappointed me. This week, I'll quickly review some new releases that should be acknowledged.

Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga by Spoon.

It took me a long time to see what was so exciting about Gimme Fiction, but after watching the movie Stranger Than Fiction and hearing Brit Daniel and Spoon's soundtrack music, I gave their albums another chance. There's really something pretty cool about this band. Spoon can delve into a new genre, and make it sound like they've been doing it for their whole careers.

On Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga, Brit Daniel plays with lyrics and sound, and Spoon moves towards the interstellar classic rock sounds of Muse with a smudge of jangly country rock on their platinum spaceship. In my opinion, the best tracks are "The Ghost of You Lingers" which echoes, haunts, and spooks with flair; "You Got Yr. Cherry Bomb" which channels the Supremes' sweetness mixed with the Rolling Stones' nastiness; "Eddie's Ragga" which could be written by the Clash; and "Black Like Me" which howls and simpers in a very bluesy way.

Overall, this album is very nice, and quite cohesive. I don't think there's a bad song in the bunch, which is why you should listen to Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga as an album, not as a few interesting tracks.


Super Taranta! by Gogel Bordello.

Gogol Bordello have always been multicultural wanderers in the music scene, and even though they're often thrown into the same Gypsy music category as DeVotchka and Beirut, their music travels further and their sound is more eclectic. On Gypsy Punks: Underdog World Strike, Gogol Bordello had a lot of Eastern European sound, even bringing in a definite Klezmer influence. Dub was thrown in a bit, and the punk scene was a definite breeding ground for many of the tunes, but the album always felt like the kind of music that Tevya would listen to if he were born in the '80s (or '90s).

On Super Taranta!, Gogol Bordello have travelled southwest towards Italy and Spain, and probably off into Africa. The journey is a rewarding one. Before, Gogol Bordello created the sound for the party, but now they've created the sound of the night clubs when the lights have gone on, the janitor is cleaning up, and most people have gone home to sleep off the alcohol. The band has definitely learned the power of a soft, quiet, song. Tracks that I would highlight are "Zina Marina", the first song to emphasize that Spanish influence with the bouncy horns; "Tribal Connection" which is a sing-along worthy tune if I've ever heard one; "American Wedding" which highlights Gogol Bordello's storytelling prowess; and "Alcohol" which is soft and sad, lilting like a person filled with the titular drink.

Very nice effort from Gogol Bordello, and I commend them for changing up their music so often while still maintaining an original sound.


Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by Nicholas Hooper.

A soundtrack that I've been looking forward to with great expectations. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix is one of my favorite books, and I'm hoping that the new HP director will stay very true to it in the movie. If the soundtrack is any indication of the fun we'll have when we watch the new movie, then we'll be dancing in our seats.

Moving further from the original John Williams creation than any other composer, Nicholas Hooper lets the darkness float in. In some ways, this new soundtrack reminds me of a Danny Elfman creation for a Tim Burton movie. It's not too subtle, but it doesn't sound as if it will overpower the movie. Nicholas Hooper never fully lets go of John Williams' sound, but he makes it heavier and darker. After all, Harry is moving into a future that is clouded with unhappiness; Voldemort has returned, and he has killed.

Professor Umbridge is given a fittingly horrible song with saccharine bells and hemming horns, while Dumbledore's Army is strong and beautiful. The Kiss is a nice song which brings in the Christmas element from the book (oh, I can just smell the Christmas trees!), and The Death of Sirius is fittingly dark and dramatic.

Robots in Disguise

Last night I watched the new Transformers movie, and it was pretty awesome. Plenty of giant robot battles, and just enough Shia LaBeouf to keep me happy (I think he's sweet). To top it all off, I really enjoyed the soundtrack which you can preview on iTunes and hear in full when you see the movie. Right now you can listen to my favorite song from the movie:



It's a new Linkin Park song called "What I've Done", and it fits really perfectly with the whole movie. Running through the credits, this song made me feel really pumped after watching Megatron and Optimus Prime battle it out. WOOT!

LIVE EARTH MUSIC

Live Earth is probably something you've heard a lot about recently, if you're at all connected to the world. One reason is that Al Gore is behind it, and since "An Inconvenient Truth" you can't get away from Mr. Gore (even on South Park: Manbearpig ahhh!!!) Not that I really care, the man doesn't offend me like some people who are always in the news and I agree that Global Warming is a huge issue. I enjoy these musical festivities if they're for a good cause, so I'm actually pretty excited about Live Earth.

Still, if you're someone that doesn't believe in Global Warming or is just sick of Al Gore, you may feel annoyed at the prospect of an entire festival concentrated around these two entities. Don't get frustrated!! Instead, I challenge you to take a look at the list of artists playing Live Earth, listen to their music, and tell me there's not one band that appeals to you. If you can honestly say that you dislike every band in the line-up, then you're absolutely more of a music snob than I am! I don't applaud you, because that's just sad. Here's the official line-up, and it's looking pretty hot. On 7.7.07 you know where I'll be. Where will you be?

The headliner's/crowd draws are:
Red Hot Chili Peppers
Madonna
Smashing Pumpkins
Dave Matthews Band
John Mayer
Beastie Boys
The Police

Personally, I'm not even that excited about these guys ^, except for the Beasties o' course.

In Australia there's a lineup I'm especially proud of:
Blue King Brown who are truly exceptional musicians
Crowded House
Eskimo Joe
Ghostwriters
Jack Johnson
John Butler Trio
Missy Higgins
Paul Kelly
Sneaky Sound System
Toni Collette and the Finish
and Wolfmother

China's lineup is chock-full of local faves:
12 Girls Band
Anthony Wong
Eason Chan
Evonne Hsu
Huang Xiao Ming
Joey
Sarah Brightman
Soler
Winnie Shin

Germany has the rockers:
Chris Cornell
Enrique Iglesias
Jan Delay
Juli
Katie Melua
Lotto King Karl
Mana
Mando Diao
Michael Mittermeier
Reamonn
Roger Cicero
Sasha
Shakira
Silbermond
Snoop Dogg

Japan's got plenty of J-pop:
Ai
Abingdon Boys School
Ai Otsuka
Ayaka
Bonnie Pink
Cocco
Genki Rockets
Kumi Koda
Linkin Park
Michael Nyman
Rihanna
Rip Slyme
Rize
Ua
Yellow Magic Orchestra

South Africa's got the beat:
Angelique Kidjo
Baabaa Maal
Danny K
Joss Stone
The Parlotones
The Soweta Gospel Choir
UB40
Vusi Mahlasela
Zola

The United Kingdon has both a popular and eclectic lineup:
Beastie Boys
Black Eyed Peas
Bloc Party
Corinne Bailey Rae
Damien Rice
David Gray
Duran Duran
Foo Fighters
Genesis
James Blunt
John Legend
Kasabian
Keane
Madonna
Metallica
Paolo Nutini
Pussycat Dolls
Razorlight
Red Hot Chili Peppers
Snow Patrol
Spinal Tap (YES, the SPINAL TAP)
Terra Naomi

The United States has a similar lineup to the UK's "headliners and legends":
AFI
Akon
Alicia Keys
Bon Jovi
Dave Matthews Band
Fall Out Boy
John Mayer
KT Tunstall
Kanye West
Keith Urban
Kelly Clarkson
Ludacris
Melissa Etheridge
Roger Waters
Smasking Pumpkins
Taking Back Sunday
The Police

I wish I lived in Australia, South Africa, or even Germany because those lineups look really stellar. By the way, wasn't there supposed to be a concert somewhere on the continent of Antarctica?

Money Mark is no con

I fully admit to being a fan of Jack Johnson, Matt Costa, and the rest of the Brushfire Records bunch. When I heard that the latest addition to that happy, eco-friendly, record-making family is the man referred to as the 4th Beastie Boy, I was obviously pretty excited.

Money Mark is well worth the hype that he's received as a friend of both Jack Johnson and the beastly threesome, but he's also an original and unique artist whose music can stand on its own merits. His new album "Brand New By Tomorrow" offers groovy R&B keyboards, and vocals that take a page from Jamiroquai's cool delivery and the Beatles' lyrical and musical pairings. The lyrics are interesting, as is the music, with enough originality to make it exciting, but also accessible. Everything on this album is cool as a cucumber, a little jazzy, and perfect for chilling out on a hot summer day.

Lions, and Tigers, and Stripes, oh my!!

The White Stripes have been around for awhile, and they've gained quite a level of notoriety among indie kids and popsters alike. Unfortunately, I don't really understand what all the fuss is about! The claim that most people use to back up the White Stripes' musical genius is that this twosome has always refused to add any bells and whistles to their straight-ahead garage songs. They've stayed true to Motor City by keeping production values separated from music.

In my opinion, instead of high production values and strong musicianship, they use gimmicks like the whole fake incestuous relationship between Jack and Meg, the repeated colors red, white, and black (used most notably by the Nazi party), and the inherent bizarre nature of most of their music to attract the rock 'n' roll crowd.

I'm no prude. Alice Cooper and Ozzy Osborne aren't nearly as scary as Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson in my book. It would be incredibly easy for me to ignore the White Stripes' odd idiosyncrasies if I found anything remotely akin to genius in their music. However, I only hear messy rock with obtuse and pretentious lyrics. In my opinion, this is a far cry from the best music of Detroit, the music that actually took its name from the city: Motown. Where the Supremes and Stevie Wonder were able to break down social barriers and create excellent pop music with meaningful lyrics and awesome musicianship, the Stripes stand in my mind as two kids in a garage making sounds that are transient and two-dimensional. When I here "Seven Nation Army", I hear a mess. A crudely patched "song" that really doesn't make me feel anything.

It's not that I haven't tried to understand the Stripes. I've listened to every album, and I've even found songs that are enjoyable, but nothing particularly exciting or unique. Nirvana already made heavy music, and the Sex Pistols made messy music, and honestly, both made music that's much better than the Stripes'. Still, I listened, trying to understand that genius that had so many reviewers in a tizzy. I even invested in The Raconteurs (a band I find much more to my liking than the Stripes), and this morning I listened to "Icky Thump". Nothing really appealing, nothing really fun, nothing really different.

Please spell out what I've missed!

Van Gogh (and find some awesome music!)

My favorite artist is Vincent Van Gogh, and last night I watched a show that just really painted the man for me, so to speak. Check out this short series if you ever get the chance, it's fairly enlightening!

Simon Schama's Power of Art

In honor of the artist and his gritty, rooted, beautiful work I've created a musical playlist. I don't presume to think that it will capture even a speck of Van Gogh's genius, but, hopefully, it will complement the feeling I enjoy when I view Van Gogh's work.

Wheatfield Cypresses Playlist (for it's swirling summery perfection!)

"Lemon Grove Avenue" by Mason Jennings. Folk music, when done well, can balance swirling fantasy with deeply rooted feeling. Mason Jennings does folk well, and I love this song most for its lyrics: "I'm coming home, I'm coming home".

"Midnight Lightning" by Jimi Hendrix. "Blue light flashing" and a deep blues sound, with a guitar that meanders, and wanders, but never outright leaves the beat.

"Better" by Regina Spektor. If the tortured genius had felt this sentiment would he have felt anything at all? I do, and I love Spektor for asking.

"Symphony No. 29 in A Major, KV 201: I. Allegro moderato" by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Here's the music of another genius who can absolutely fill you up with sound. The emotion is so strong.

"Galileo" by the Indigo Girls. This is such a powerful song that the ideas just blanket me. My mind is wrapped in their thoughts, and warmed by their feeling.

"One By One All Day" by the Shins. This album always reminds me of tumbleweeds and bubbles...is that weird? Probably, but it also captures that sort of melancholy summer feeling when you're counting the days to fall. It's like counting the days 'til the Rapture.

"Heaven" by Los Lonely Boys. One hit wonder anyone? Actually, their latest album is excellent, but that's not the reason Los Lonely Boys are on this playlist. This song just captured the marbled quality of life; the lyrics are so sad, but the whole thing is just so beautiful.

"Belleville Rendez-vous (English Version)" by The Triplets of Belleville. It's macabre and sweet; very french. Also the perfect ending. Fin.

OK GO - Don't Ask Me

Black Panther by Mason Jennings

"Black panther defy the power

Fight the violence with nonviolence

What good is justice if the scales are bent

By a criminal government

Think of the dead in Vietnam

Think of the dead in Birmingham

Think of the freedom we don't understand

Asleep in bed in a stolen land

Responsibility to understand

Responsibility to take a stand

Responsibility to know your place

In the struggle of the human race"

Little Steven's Underground, and other NEWS

So, I guess I wasn't the only music snob who decided to dedicate their musings to Sgt. Pepper last week. A few days ago I stumbled across a radio show called Little Steven's Underground Garage that also concentrated on Sgt. Pepper, although Little Steven played some more recent songs for our listening pleasure as well as the old psychedelic standbys. He does a pretty nice radio show with stuff that you don't usually hear outside of your headphones, and you can listen to it ALL online because it's archived.

Check it out here: Little Steven's Underground Garage

What else for musical news? Well, there are going to be plenty of summer concerts this year, and the summer itself seems to be looking pretty breezy and bright. I'm picking up good vibrations! What about you?

Writing of breezy and bright, I stumbled upon a little album this morning that seems to exemplify those summery ideals. It's called "Hotel Costes: Best of Stephane Pompougnac", and it's a collection of these eclectic French dance tunes covered by all kinds of crazy artists. Especially worthwhile picks, in my humble opinion, are "Where Do I Begin (Away Team Mix)" by Shirley Bassey, "Latazz" by the Funky Lowlives, and "Night Over Manaus" by Boozoo Bajou. They seem like tracks that would work on a nice night at the beach. Preface those dance songs with "Brasil" by Xavier Cugat and you've got yourself a cocktail party minus the cocktails.

"La Vie En Rose" opened on Friday, and I'm looking forward to seeing it, (1 because it looks like it's worth seeing, and (2 because I'm a fan of Edith Piaf. Her story is really so perfectly French romance in a sad way, and her music is just excellent. I guess I have a little love affair with French music, especially jazz. Django anyone? Now, Edith. It's great stuff.

Have a musical week!!!

40 Years of Sgt. Pepper

I remember vividly, pawing through my parents' CD collection as a young child. It was like searching for lost treasure, and I was never quite sure what I would find.

My very first memory involves the music of Gloria Estefan. The most infectious and soulful sound that I had ever heard in my young life, and that moment was created by my Mom. My Dad has told me about my lullabies, which didn't consist of cheerful rhymes, but often of the song "Won't Get Fooled Again" by the Who. I spent my early life surrounded by music of all kinds, and I was exposed to all of this music by my parents.

So, on that specific day when I was looking for something really different to listen to, I happened upon an odd-looking CD. The band on the cover was surrounded by all kinds of crazy characters, and they were dressed in the most outrageous and awesome costumes (what was up with their haircuts?); how could their music be bad? I remember putting the CD in my boombox, and quickly skipping through the songs to hear which ones sounded like the most fun. Hahah, wow this was weird, but great! I think I must have had the reaction that many music fans had on the 1st of June in 1967, when Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band was first released. Even though I didn't know the Beatles' back story, I could hear that this music was still just so different from anything I'd ever heard. Here are the songs that most profoundly affected me when I was young. The choices may surprise you, but they're still some of my favorites.

The opener, "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" was an immediate rock hit with that garagey sounding guitar. The horns were pretty odd, and the laughter and applause in the background succeeded in making believe that Sgt. Pepper's Hearts Club Band was a real band. Today, I know the Beatles were trying to achieve a break from their usual personas, a completely different kind of band, and in my mind they definitely achieved this goal.

"With a Little Help From My Friends" was a perfect follow-up, being not too weird in my mind. It works cohesively with the rest of the album, but it's definitely more mainstream.

I would personally skip "Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds", because it really creeped me out, and it was too slow (plus, what was up with those lyrics? They didn't mean anything to my young mind.)

"Getting Better" rocked with an extremely catchy melody, and I liked those lyrics (although the reference to beating your wife was VERY dated, it really was kind of shocking to me.)

"Fixing A Hole" was nice for days when I was feeling like listening instead of dancing. I've always been a fan of heavy bass songs, and this song is kind of carried by the bass, while the "lead" guitar is recorded as a kind of background noise. I didn't appreciate all of the songcraft, but I could hear that it was a good song.

"She's Leaving Home" was a little melancholy for my childhood tastes, a little slow for my mind to grab onto, plus I kept wondering if this woman was his beaten wife (if so, then why was he so surprised that she was leaving?)

"For the Benefit of Mr. Kite!" was pretty awesome and weird. It made me think of the circus, but with a kite performing all of the acrobatic tricks! The thing is that carnival/circus music is ominous sounding, dark and minor, with that creaky organ in the background. Still, I enjoyed this song because it was pure fantasy.

"Within You Without You" was cool, and exotic sounding. When I was younger I was very open to this sound, because my parents had always listened to world music. Also, my very favorite movie was "A Little Princess" directed by Alfonso Cuaron, and Sara and her father lived in India before her father had to fight in the War. Even though the song was a little slow for my tastes, I appreciated the tone and the world influence.

"When I'm Sixty-Four" was kind of plodding. It reminded me of old men and women, and I obviously didn't relate. I wasn't even thinking about being old, or anyone else being old for that matter.

"Lovely Rita" was a pretty song, even though I thought the lyrics were "Lovely Rita meet her maid" which didn't really make much sense. The piano was especially fun, and I was always a fan of Ringo's percussion on this song.

"Good Morning Good Morning" had a pretty awesome rhythm and it just made me feel good. It would have been a nice way to wake up, but it ended up just being a nice song. The odd sounds at the end were a little weird, but the guitar solo was pretty awesome.

"Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (Reprise)" a really banging tune that pulled the whole album together. It was very nice.

"A Day In the Life" kind of long and a downer from the rest of the album, but I always connected to this song. It was one song I never really skipped when I was listening to the album, which says quite a bit about the musical craftsmanship. I loved the ending and you really have to listen to the whole song for the ending to mean anything. Today, this is my favorite song on the album.


HAPPY 40TH ANNIVERSARY SGT. PEPPER!!!!

Taming the Dark and Capricious Sea

Today I'm on a bit of a Pirates kick having watched the last movie late last night. Excellent in my opinion, and it's definitely one of those series that leaves you wishing for more, and scrambling to read the mythology it cites. Last year it was the Kraken, this year the nymph Calypso, and in honor of the movie I've created a playlist of music that would tame even the wildest sea.

Beautiful stuff, music!

"He's a Pirate" by Klaus Badelt. You've got to start off the playlist with a little movie tie-in. This song is awesome, immediately capturing the adventure, intrigue, and freedom of piracy. Yo ho ho, and a bottle of rum!

"Skeleton Key" by the Coral. The closest you'll get to rock 'n' roll pirate music, even the lyrics are nautical. This song is loud and messy, with plenty of shouted chorus-style lyrics.

"The Ocean" by Led Zeppelin. Nice, nautical rock song. ...And really bad eggs!

"The Squid" by Zox. We can't forget the Kraken! Plus, the guitar is altogether reminescent of Jamaican music, with a maelstrom of a violin solo thrown in for good measure.

"Four Winds" by Bright Eyes. I love the sound on Cassadaga, especially when the instrumentals are highlighted. In this song, Conor Oberst plays second fiddle to, well, a fiddle! Very nice twangy sound, that's also very free-spirited.

"Catch the Wind" by Donovan. Oh yeah, he sounds just like Bob Dylan. His lyrics bring to mind cool sea breezes and days spent rambling across the beach. Pirate folk.

"Within Your Reach" by the Replacements. These boys were pirates, and I love every minute of this song. It's really just perfection in musical form, capturing the essence of a love separated for eternity.

"Drink Up Me Hearties Yo Ho" by Hans Zimmer. A finale is not a finale without an epic soundtrack. This song finishes off the Pirates 3 with the slogan of rebellion and freedom; drink up me hearties, yo ho!

Mixing Politics and Music Everyday!

So, I took this quiz thing almost two years ago when I first started this blog. My views have changed slightly (I'm now 0% Republican rather than 8%, and I'm way more Green Party than Democrat, which seems about right.) Check it out, this stuff is always fun!!

You scored as Anarchism, Anarchism 100% Green 92% Democrat 83% Communism 67% Socialist 67% Republican 0% Fascism 0% Nazi 0% What Political Party Do Your Beliefs Put You In? created with QuizFarm.com

Deep Reggae

Everyone knows of Bob Marley, reggae superstar, and rasta rebel whose music marks the protests and dance parties of generations. If you haven't listened to Legend, then you're in for a real musical treat, and even then you've only touched the surface of Marley's music. He had a bunch of kids, by the way, and many of them also choose to make music. His great backing band, the Wailers, still play. Because, in this country, much of reggae is overlooked (even in Marley's catalogue) I think it's high time that we hear a little more from this amazing genre of music. Here's a mix to get you through the spring storms and out into the summer sun.

"Concrete Jungle" by Bob Marley and the Wailers. This track from the 1970s chronicles the hard life of a city-dweller who can't find love, light, or true freedom in his home. The music is sweet and sad, and you can listen for a guitar solo and horns when the lyrics get difficult. This is really a beautiful song; poetic and imperfect, and absolutely one of my favorite Marley tracks.

"Westbound Train" by Dennis Brown. The late child-star of Jamaican reggae, and a man who had a truly beautiful voice, Dennis Brown sings this song with passion. The lyrics are fairly straightforward broken-heart material, but reggae lyrics are consistantly malleable to different situations. To paraphrase a quote from Adam Levine of Maroon 5 (no he's not a reggae star) you can apply the relationships of two people to larger ideas of the relationships between people and their communities, or people and their government. So the lyrics in "Westbound Train" that feel so personal with broken-hearted wisdom, can be applie to any situation. It's really quite wonderful!

"The Harder They Come" by Jimmy Cliff. From the influential movie also titled The Harder They Come, this song is really just awesome. It stays upbeat even when speaking of oppresion, and religion, which is something I cannot achieve in most of my conversations on the subject. I've personally never heard a singer-songwriter who can keep such deep topics upbeat, and in my opinion it's much more of a musical fete to write a happy song that's also intelligent than to write a sad and intelligent song. Jimmy Cliff has accomplished that balance of deep thought and upbeat attitude on this song.

"Armagideon Time" by Willie Williams. Woah, isn't that a Clash song? Well, yes and no. The Clash did an amazing cover of this song which is by Willie Williams. The original is much more laid-back and smooth, while the Clash make basically everything sound harsh (isn't that the point?) Just another instance where politics can be beautiful.

"I Can't Stand the Pressure" by Linval Thompson. Although known most for his song "I Love Marijuana", Linval Thompson wrote and sang many political songs throughout his career. This song has excellent lyrics, and although the production is a little shaky, I wouldn't want the song "cleaned up" for the world. The bass overwhelms the vocals, so Linval sounds like he's singing from somewhere far away.

"Gunmen Coming to Town" by the Heptones. It's gorgeous, a mix between reggae lyrics and rhythm and the feel of old-time doo-wop and soul. Very nice track from the Heptones even though the recording's a little fuzzy. As a side note, while listening to deep reggae and really any older recording, I've come to appreciate the imperfections of the recording process. I'd rather not have my music sound plastic-wrapped, but really capture the intonations and the depth of the human voice.

"Woman's Ghetto" by Phyllis Dillon. An angry song from a soulful female artist singing in a male-dominated genre. This song is intense and required. In any true discussion of politics you cannot overlook the people affected, and the people who are affected most by socio-economic issues are usually women and children. Phyllis Dillon raised the question, "How do you raise your kids in the ghetto? Feed one child and starve another?". She's right to question and I hope her music started a discussion. Enlightenment is all fine and good, but if you don't have food, then what's the point?

"Rescue Me" by Julian Judy Mowatt. Moving away from grand political statements, reggae is also just powefully joyful music. Like motown, the right reggae song can put a smile on anyone's face, and "Rescue Me" happens to be one of those songs. Appropriately enough, it's a cover of a motown song, and a cover that conveys the urgancy of the lyrics with the smooth rhythm of Jamaica.

Throw the reggae in the cd player and jam in the sunshine, but don't forget that there's a depth to reggae music that makes it a truly revolutionary genre, in all senses of the word.

Long Overdue Reciprocation

I pride myself upon my ability to wade through the crap in the current music scene and find the "diamonds in the rough", but I must admit that even music snobs need a kick in the ass once in awhile to really make us open our ears.

Take for example the Reciprocations EP by the Novel Citizen. This little album is filled with anything but little sounds, and is exactly the kick in the ass that I needed to realize what a talented band The Novel Citizen is. Below I'll go through a play-by-play of the tracks you'll find on Reciprocations, but before I move forward, I want to make it perfectly clear that the Novel Citizen is a Michigan quintet that everyone wants on their radar. They balance a sound that is both reminescent of post-punk, but with more originality and spunk than can be found in the sounds of the Interpol copy-cats that currently pollute the airwaves. Without further ado, let's get to the music:

"A Matter of Choice" is the kind of song that's a bit of a surprise. It's layered in a way that makes it perfect for radio-play, but also gives it some nice surprises, like the harmonies on the chorus, and the strong and steady bass-line. The horns at the end of the song, and the playful guitar sounds culminate near the end of the song in a pre-finale blast that reminds me of the Beatles. Not to say that the Novel Citizen really sounds the like the Fab Four, but the band's ability to combine pop music with the cutting edge definitely brings the Beatles to mind.

"False Front" starts off sounding so different from "A Matter of Choice" that I was a little confused, but the more I listen to "False Front" the more I start to hear the Novel Citizen's little idiosyncrasies. First, I have to address that bass again, sometimes it sounds really straight-ahead and other times really funky, like a slap/funk hybrid. The horns make a second appearance, which I find just awesome (I mean how often do you hear real horns in a rock band?). "False Front" combines all of these eccentric little elements to create a song full of originality. With all of these funky elements thrown together I can't help but hear the Talking Heads. The song is just so interesting, it's definitely musical brain-food, and that's probably why it reminds me of New York art-rock.

"Is A Vibe" really throws out that post-punk sound for the first time on Reciprocations. Although on the first run-through this song sounds kind of musically bland, when I really started to listen to the lyrics, I realized that the band is doing something really clever. On "Is A Vibe", the Novel Citizen seems to be poking fun at that robotic sound that's currently so popular. It's really pretty amusing and fun, the complete opposite of bland.

"Only" is such a cool sounding song, that I almost feel as if I'm in a room with the Novel Citizen (or maybe more like they're playing the personal soundtrack to my life). Again, the band keeps it's unique sound without becoming inaccessible and obtuse. It's anytime music that paints a pretty picture in your subconscious, but with a depth that you can plunge to when you're ready to start thinking.

"Warmlight" is a nice sound transition from "Only", because they're probably the two songs that sound most alike on the whole album. "Warmlight" takes that twinge of otherworldliness that you feel when listening to "Only" and blows it up to anthemic proportions. A nice finale, pulling all of the funky and fresh elements of the rest of the EP into a musical tapestry (it even has some of those freaky Pink Floyd whisper-mutters; quiet enough that you can't really understand what the speakers are saying, but loud enough that you can hear outlines of the words.) It's a really nice finish, and it leaves the listener with a sense of satisfaction, but not of sickness from over-listening.

Luckily more music should be on the way soon. I've heard some demos that the Novel Citizen have put together recently, and they're all as varied, interesting, and most importantly, enjoyable as the Reciprocations EP. In all honesty, I've been mulling over this music for longer than a week, just enjoying the landscapes that this band takes the listener through. The sound is excellent, and I would recommend it to any fan of good music.

Order of the Phoenix-In theatres July 12th

Travel to Madagascar through Music

I just finished an amazing book about Madagascar ("The Eighth Continent" by Peter Tyson), and now I'm pumped to visit the island. Unfortunately, I can't just go gallavanting off to another country whenever wanderlust strikes. So instead of jumping on a plane, I'm taking a little trip to Madagascar through the music of the Malagasy people.

There's some amazing music made on the island, but it's frequently overlooked around the world. I know this article will only touch the surface of the music made in Madagascar (and to answer everyone's question, NO, I'm not including "I Like to Move it" from the movie "Madagascar". By the way, I just found out that "I Like to Move It" is sung by a certain Mr. Sacha Baron Cohen of Ali G and Borat fame. Freaky!) Hopefully, this sampling of foreign sounds will spur your appetite for world music.

Hazolahy is a "pop" band from Madagascar. You can download many of their songs at their website, and they're really gorgeous songs. I listened to "Sabarera" which is just an amazing song for sunny days. The drumming is exceptional and tight, and the melody is repetitive without becoming annoying. Very pretty! If you like world music, then you should certainly listen to Hazolahy.

Tarika is possibly the most globally popular of current Malagasy bands, and you can understand why when you listen to their album "Soul Makassar". Harmonies and a definite Asian/African feel which really mirrors the Malagasy culture. The musicianship on this album is very beautiful, and the sound strikes a perfect balance, being neither over-produced nor under-produced. Since very little of the Tarika catalogue is widely available, I would recommend finding "Soul Makassar" as soon as you can. It's on iTunes!

Vaovy has an undeniably strong sound on their album "Vamba", which is recorded beautifully. Strikingly reminiscent of creole on the song "Vamba", which is heavy with harmonica and accordion sound, the band expresses its musical heritage while bringing to mind a world of musical influences. Equally striking and beautiful is the song "Ranobey" which has a violin playing the melody and a chorus of voices repeating the lyrics. "Ranobey", despite flying my ears to Madagascar, also reminds me of American bluegrass.

This is only a small sampling of the sounds of Madagascar! When you listen to this music, you feel a cultural bond, an overwhelming similarity of expression. We are all connected.

Raw Radio and Revolution

You've found an unusual treasure when you come across a band that sounds better live than they do recorded. State Radio happens to be just that kind of band. Luckily, these boys have finally made their great album - The Barn Sessions - an economical ten song masterpiece that includes all of their great songs in their original wonderful rawness.

Starting off with an obvious tribute to their reggae/ska revolution rock influences, "State I and I" sets the groove, while the vocals echo. State Radio follows "State I and I" with two of the most mosh-worthy tunes on their first album, Us Against the Crown. Fortunately, these songs are even more head-bangworthy than their counterparts (and, again that echo enhances the sound.) "Rushian" is one of my favorites off The Barn Sessions, because it translates with such pure live joy. "Camilo", on the other hand, feels passionate and painful. "Olli Olli" is the song that sounds most like Bad Brains and also, in my opinion, really showcases State Radio's talent.

I would never say that a song was missing from the collection, because the album plays so well, but the boys did decide to leave out my favorite song (after "Olli Olli") "Gunship Politico". This was really the song that made me love State Radio's music, and I'm not sure whether it's a good or bad thing that it was left off of The Barn Sessions. Besides the fact that the songs are played with more spirit on The Barn Sessions, the big difference between this new album and Us Against the Crown is the fact that every song on the new album could be a hit. Unlike Us Against The Crown, which called for a lot of song skipping, you can listen to The Barn Sessions all the way through without skipping a song and without any noticeable decline in song quality.

These boys have always had talent, and a revolutionary spirit that's at its strongest when they're banging out tunes for a live audience. Until State Radio plays a show in your town, The Barn Sessions is the closest to revolution that you're going to hear, and that's definitely not a bad thing.

If you want to catch a show, here are some State Radio dates:

04.18.07 Toad's Place New Haven CT
04.21.07 Trackside Teen Center Wilton CT
04.21.07 Green Apple Music & Arts Festival New York NY
04.26.07 Pearl Street Nightclub - Ballroom Northampton MA
04.27.07 Colgate University Hamilton NY
04.28.07 Avalon Boston MA
05.01.07 High Fidelity Rochester NY
05.02.07 The 8x10 Baltimore MD
05.04.07 Theatre of Living Arts Philadelphia PA
05.06.07 Bamboozle East Rutherford NJ
05.08.07 Cabaret Montreal QC
05.09.07 El Mocambo Toronto ON
05.11.07 Metro Chicago IL
05.12.07 Beachland Ballroom Cleveland OH
05.13.07 The Icon Buffalo NY
06.22.07 Hurricane Music Festival Scheessel Germany
06.23.07 Southside Festival Neuhausen Germany

So it goes.

Kurt Vonnegut has died at the age of 84. So it goes.

An anti-war activist, social prophet, poet, and a truly thoughtful person; a rare soul in today's world. I only recently finished Slaughter-House-Five, but that book affected me more powerfully than anything has for a long time. I'm trying not to be sad, because the man lives on in 84 years of moments and in the numerous books he wrote during his career.

Most importantly, I think we should take this moment to think about his principles and the point of his stories. Rabidly anti-war after witnessing the destruction of the Dresden fire-bombing at the end of WWII, Vonnegut's books questioned things we take for granted in society.

Why do we have to make bombs? Why do we have to make war? Let's think about these things before we dismiss them as inevitabilities of the human existence.

According to CNN.com, "there have been 3,558 coalition deaths...in the war in Iraq as of April 12th, 2007" (CNN Casualties in Iraq). That's at least 3,558 families directly affected by those deaths. So it goes. The number of civilian deaths are unclear, but UN estimates for 2006 alone were equal to a total of 34,452 people (UN Special Report) and the deaths per month are on the rise. Tens of thousands of families directly affected. So it goes.

Please join me in a moment of silence for ALL of these people.

Beyond this moment, let's hope that we can move forward, laugh at whatever adversity comes our way, and allow these deaths to affect our lives. Let's find our humanity. Laughing helps.


"And Lot's wife, of course, was told not to look back where all those people and their homes had been. But she did look back, and I love her for that, because it was so human. So she was turned to a pillar of salt. So it goes."
Kurt Vonnegut (1922 - 2007), Slaughter-House-Five

"Laughter and tears are both responses to frustration and exhaustion. I myself prefer to laugh, since there is less cleaning up to do afterward."
Kurt Vonnegut (1922 - 2007)


So it goes.

Jimi or John

I admit that I'm enamored with John Mayer. In my opinion, he's an incredibly talented boy who doesn't get enough credit as a musician. To prove my point, I want everyone to listen to Jimi Hendrix's "Little Wing" followed by John Mayer's "Bold As Love" from Continuum. I'm not saying that Mayer is Hendrix reincarnated, but you can feel that simmering guitar line and that blues influence in both songs. So what if Mayer makes popular music? Jimi Hendrix made popular music.

"...My red is so confident that he flashes trophies of war and
ribbons of euphoria
Orange is young, full of daring,
But very unsteady for the first go round
My yellow in this case is not so mellow
In fact I'm trying to say it's frigthened like me
And all these emotions of mine keep holding me from,
Giving my life to a rainbow like you
But, I'm, yeah, I'm bold as love..."
- John Mayer

Spring Songs

Here's a little playlist for ya'll! Some music that will get you into the happy spring mind-set that we all need right now. Everything will soon be green, and it will smell like spring. For now, you should be able to hear spring at the very least. While you're waiting for the flowers, listen to this music.

"Rainbowarriors" by CocoRosie. These gals are from France, and this song (off their new album, The Adventures of Ghosthorse and Stillborn) are pretty weird. There are some exotic beats surrounding unique vocals. Actually, the vocals remind me the most of a shy Lady Sovereign (an oxymoron, I know). It's difficult to explain what these women are doing with their sound, but I definitely enjoyed this song.

"Good Vibrations" by Gym Class Heroes. The Gym Class Heroes, besides having an awesome name, are talented boys. They had me jumping around on Valentine's Day with their hit, "Cupid's Chokehold". This song is a cover of the Beach Boys' hit, and they manage to cover the song in a way that does justice to the original, without being a blatant copy. The Heroes inject their own spunk into the mix, and it makes for easy breezy listening with an edge.

"Love Today" by Mika. Another highly successful iTunes add (I don't know how those guys do it, but they sure know how to market those iPods), this song is technolicious rock. I usually stear clear of electronic music, because I'm not a huge fan, but the intro captured my attention. Now I'm wondering if I'm the only person who hears the late great Freddy Mercury in Mika, and especially in "Love Today". A neat song that meets all of the spring ear-candy requirements.

"You Know I'm No Good" by Amy Winehouse. Amy can belt out vocals that are reminescent of some of the greatest soul divas, and she adds some smooth beats. Layering the horns and drums, this song captures the best of hip-hop, soul, and motown. It even has some pretty guitar playing. This song is awesome!

Spring on my friends!!

Activism in Action: Step It Up 2007!

As you all know, I get pretty into my causes. I'm a rebel girl ("she holds her head up so high!" -Bikini Kill), with a million different opinions and thoughts on the way the world could be better. Way back in 2005 (?) I wanted to attend the huge anti-war rally in D.C. Now, granted I first heard about this rally because I was on a Dead Kennedys streak at that point in time and I really wanted to see Jello Biafra, but I really am anti-war. Unfortunately, Boston's a bit far from D.C. and I know that that's true of quite a few places in the U.S. (it's a big country!)

That's why I think this new form of protest is so cool. It's called Step It Up 2007, it is the brain-child of Billy Mckibben, and it will be the most widespread Global Warming protest ever held in the U.S. By widespread, I mean gigantic. At this very moment there are 1215 actions that will take place in all 50 states!!! The rallies will be held on April 14th, and they should be excellent fun and educational (what a beautiful word.) Anyway, I'm pretty psyched for this National Day of Climate Action, and I hope you guys are too! For more information about the actual individual rallies, check out the Step It Up 2007! website.


"Be the change you want to see in the world." -Mahatma Gandhi

Miss Carlile, why are you so damn awesome?

I love every note of every song this woman sings. Brandi Carlile is amazing, and if you get a chance, you should listen to her new song "The Story". It starts off as a quiet tune, country-tinged, and then it spins into a full-blown storm of a rock song where Brandi belts like Janis. "The Story" is this week's free download on iTunes. Her new album is released on April 3rd, and I hope all of the tracks are as gorgeous as this first single.

Here's Carlile's touring schedule:

Mar 30 2007 6:00P Triple Door Seattle, Washington

Mar 30 2007 10:00P Triple Door Seattle, Washington

Mar 31 2007 7:00P Mississippi Studios Portland, Oregon

Mar 31 2007 10:00P Mississippi Studios Portland, Oregon

Apr 2 2007 7:30P Great American Music Hall San Francisco, California

Apr 3 2007 8:00P Troubadour West Hollywood, California

Apr 4 2007 10:30P Tonight Show with Jay Leno Los Angeles, California

Apr 6 2007 8:30P The Casbah San Diego, California

Apr 7 2007 7:00P Rialto Theatre Tucson, Arizona

Apr 10 2007 8:00P Bend Studio Dallas, Texas

Apr 11 2007 8:00P The Parish Austin, Texas

Apr 12 2007 8:00P University of Arkansas Chi Omega Greek Theater Fayetteville

Apr 13 2007 8:00P The Parish at House of Blues New Orleans, Louisiana

Apr 16 2007 7:00P Work Play Theater Birmingham, Alabama

Apr 17 2007 7:00P Belcourt Theatre Nashville, Tennessee

Apr 18 2007 8:00P Newby's Memphis, Tennessee

Apr 19 2007 7:00P Variety Playhouse Atlanta, Georgia

Apr 24 2007 8:00P Birchmere Alexandria, Virginia

Apr 25 2007 6:00P World Cafe Live Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Apr 26 2007 8:00P Bowery Ballroom New York, New York

Apr 27 2007 8:00P Bowery Ballroom New York

Apr 27 2007 11:30P Late Show with Conan O'Brien New York, New York

Apr 28 2007 5:30P Iron Horse Music Hall Northampton, Massachusetts

Apr 30 2007 7:00P Recher Theater Towson, Maryland

May 2 2007 7:00P Higher Ground Showcase Lounge South Burlington, Vermont

May 4 2007 7:15P Music Hall Portsmouth, New Hampshire

May 5 2007 8:00P Paradise Rock Club Boston, Massachusetts

May 7 2007 8:00P Horseshoe Tavern Toronto, Ontario

May 8 2007 8:00P House of Blues Cambridge Room Cleveland, Ohio

May 9 2007 7:30P The Ark Ann Arbor, Michigan

May 11 2007 9:30P Schubas Chicago, Illinois

May 12 2007 9:30P Schubas Chicago, Illinois

May 13 2007 8:00P Schubas Chicago

May 15 2007 7:30P The Music Mill Indianapolis, Indiana

May 16 2007 7:00P Shank Hall Milwaukee, Wisconsin

May 18 2007 8:00P Varsity Theater Minneapolis, Minnesota

May 19 2007 8:00P Varsity Theater Minneapolis, Minnesota

May 22 2007 8:00P Fox Theatre Boulder, Colorado

May 23 2007 8:00P The Big Easy Boise, Idaho

May 24 2007 8:00P Big Easy Concert House Spokane, Washington

Why do music snobs get a bad name?

I don't understand why people hate us sooo much!!

This is a very funny site that everyone should check out: Urban Dictionary

Look up your town and anything else you'd like to laugh about!

SMALLVILLE

Besides absolutely loving Smallville, I also love a ton of the music they use in the soundtrack. Check out these mad selections:

"Save Me" by Remy Zero. The opening track that blasts into your brain. Remy Zero sounds like U2 in a tornado, and the lyrics are completely appropriate for Smallville, a show that follows the teenage years of America's most popular superhero.

"Love You Madly" by Cake. I'm a fan of these guys, because they make music that truly sounds like nothing else I've ever heard. This song is a swinging pop confection perfect for summer days.

"We're At the Top of the World" by Juliana Theory. These emo boys' only hit is a song filled with "sha la la las". Cute, but also pretty.

"Bid Day" by Puracane. This song is almost what you'd get if you mixed Dido and Mazzy Star with the Sneaker Pimps. Electronic, but smooth.

"No Such Thing" by John Mayer. My favorite Mayer song, and the major reason I continued listening to his music after the "Your Body Is A Wonderland" fiasco. I love the lyrics, and I love that he delivers them with sincerity. This should go on every high school soundtrack.

"Don't Ask Me" by Ok Go. Before these guys made it big with treadmills, they had this song. Saccharine and snarky, I love every minute of this music. Here's an example of some ridiculously fun lyrics:

"Quit acting so friendly.
Don't nod don't laugh all nicely.
Don't think you'll up-end me.
Don't sigh, don't sip your iced-tea.
And don't say, 'It's been a while...'
And don't flash that stupid smile.
Don't ask me how I've been."

" Here By My Side" by Steve Harris. Harris's voice is worn and sounds real over the jazzy music. I tend to enjoy vocals that sound like they're attached to someone who has lived a long life. This is a pretty song.

"Take Me Away" by Lifehouse. Lifehouse is a staple on Smallville, which makes sense because all of their songs are about connection. It doesn't matter if the lyrics are about their connection to other people or to God, because they can apply to both and mean a hell of a lot in either situation.

"In A Young Man's Mind" by the Mooney Suzuki. I love the Mooney Suzuki's garage rock. This song does double-duty of entertainng you and reminding you that in Smallville, Clark Kent is still just a teenage boy.

"Mad World" by Michael Andrew & Gary Jules. A quiet cover of the Tears for Fears hit from the '80s. I never really noticed the lyrics, until I hear this song which tones down the music and highlights the words. It's really sad and beautiful.

"Don't Dream It's Over" by Sixpence None the Richer. This is absolutely my favorite song by this band, and it's a cover. They do a really nice rendition, perfect for rainy day car-rides.

"The Scientist" by Coldplay. This is really the only song I enjoy by Coldplay. I've never bought into the hype surrounding this band, because I find most of their music boring. This song is the exception to the rule. The empty space around the piano is the nicest part of the song besides the lyrics. The music rings in the space between the piano and vocals.

"Diamonds and Guns" by the Transplants. The absolute best part of the Garnier Fructise (sp?) commercials, and the only song by the Transplants that I enjoy. Tim Armstrong really broke away from his Rancid ties on this track, while achieving something new and interesting.

"Swing, Swing" by the All-American Rejects. This song is the first emo crossover for those rejects. I love the music, despite myself.

"Better Days Will Come" by Tahiti 80. Another pop convection and high school celebration song. Why don't they play this stuff on pop radio? It's the kind of music that makes me happy.

"Meltdown" by Ash. I love this British rock band. Their music is catchy and pure rock fun. "I think my head, my head is gonna explode!"

"Finding Out True Love Is Blind" by Louis XIV. These one hit wonders burned up alternative rock radio in the summer of 2005 with this blistering track. Most of the track had to be bleeped out on the radio and it was STILL a hit. I love it, because it's ridiculous.

Going Out to the Country (Sorta)

I’m a fan of lap-steel, rebel-country swing, “Free Bird” style guitar ramblings, and mountain bluegrass jams. Like most of my musical favorites, my country music picks aren’t necessarily the most popular. Even when the music is made by popular bands, most people don’t admit listening to the songs I enjoy. I’m not a particular fan of Taylor Swift or Rascal Flatts, but I do enjoy the Old 97’s and the Dixie Chicks. I love the instrumentation, the careful guitar playing, and the lyrics (when they make sense.) Here are a few bands that use the country music influence to their advantage:

Great Lake Swimmers mix country music with soft-spoken folk vocals, and hit gold on their new release Ongiara. The first song “Your Rocky Spine” keeps a steady rhythm guitar going in the background while the melody dances all around. The lyrics are reminiscent of a less popular and less obvious “Your Body Is A Wonderland.” “Changing Colours” sounds like it’s sung by Mazzy Star and played smoothly like a lullaby. The oddest thing about Great Lake Swimmers is that they capture this country feeling from Toronto, Canada. But, I suppose their music isn’t really that odd when you remind yourself that Neil Young is from Canada.

Leroy Justice, isn’t a man with a ridiculously awesome name, it’s a band with ridiculously awesome music. They remind me of Johnny Lang mixed with an Apollo Sunshine that delves a little less in psychedelia. Their songs are all different, but the overall feel is one of joyous celebration in the face of pain. Yes, they get down blues style, but quite a bit of gospel is added into the bargain, and they swing like no other on the first half of their album (Revolution’s Son.) Of course, it all amalgamates into something newish and great to hear.

Check out these guys for now, and I’ll have more great music for you in the near future!!

I Feel Fine

Sometimes it’s okay to just feel okay. Life is not made of extremes alone. But I swear, by the time you finish this playlist you’ll feel awesome. Here are some songs for those transition days when you’re just not sure where you fit:

“Fear of Heights” by Apollo Sunshine. The band captures that feeling of transition from child to adult, and that balance you have to achieve in adulthood. What is maturity/adulthood, and as an adult when can you act like a child? Thoughtful and touching.

“I Feel Fine” by the Beatles. It speaks for itself, completely noncommittal.

“Watching the River Flow” by Bob Dylan. Very bluesy, but the narrator is fairly passive. He doesn’t know what he wants to say, he knows where he wants to be, but he’s just going to sit and watch because “this old river keeps on rolling, though. No matter what gets in the way and which way the wind does blow.”

“Keasbey Nights” by Catch 22. Remembering times that were not particularly happy, but still feeling nostalgic. I know the feeling. Old memories are comfortable, even if they are not particularly happy memories.

“Assholes” by The Damnwells. These guys seem somewhat resigned to the fact that “everybody grew up and turned into assholes”, but still bitter. This song is dead-on, I love the lyrics and the rebel-country swing. My favorite line is: “Is this what you call free? Is this why you keep bothering me?”

“The Long Way Around” by the Dixie Chicks. I didn’t like the Dixie Chicks until I heard their latest album. It moves beyond country music, and the lyrics are awesome. This song always makes me feel good. Someone else understands.

“(What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding” by Elvis Costello. Can’t we all just get along? Everything doesn’t have to be a battle.

“Lullaby” by Jack Johnson and Matt Costa. I love this song, because it’s beautiful and comforting. These guys always make me happy.

“Save Your Generation” by Jawbreaker. Do you ever get completely frustrated with your peers? This song is good, because it addresses that frustration in a positive way. Best lyrics:
“There is plenty to criticize,
it gets so easy to narrow these eyes,
but these eyes will stay wide,
I will stay young,
young and dumb inside,
I’ve just begun to forget my lines.”

I also love, “your leap of faith could be a well-timed smiled.” I live by so many of these words.

“The Middle” by Jimmy Eat World. I’ve loved this song since the moment I heard the first lyric. The funniest thing is that this song made Jimmy Eat World famous. Either a ton of people feel this way, or no one pays attention to lyrics.

“Bigger than My Body” by John Mayer. I find so much of Mayer’s music inspiring. Besides being a great musician, he also writes some amazing lyrics. This song captures that feeling of wanting to soar, but running up against obstacles. The chorus is great:
“Someday I’ll fly,
someday I’ll soar,
someday I’ll be,
so damn much more,
‘cause I’m bigger than my body gives me credit for.”

“Rainbow Connection” by Kermit the Frog a.k.a. Jim Henson. Any other version of this song is stupid compared to the one sung by Kermit the Frog. He hits the sentiment dead-on, and doesn’t make it sound contrived. In many ways this is my theme song.

“Knowledge” by Operation Ivy. This song is succinct perfection. The moral parallels one of the great lines in my favorite movie (“Say Anything.”) Lloyd Dobler doesn’t know what he’s going to do with his life, “but at least [he] knows that [he] doesn’t know, you know?” I love Lloyd an I love Op Ivy. Here’s the best line imho:
“We get taught to decide,
just like,
as if,
I’m not gonna change my mind.”

“True to Your Heart” by Stevie Wonder and 98 Degrees. From the “Mulan” soundtrack (which I love, btw) this song always makes me feel good. Stevie Wonder’s voice is spiritual, and just the fact that the song goes along with the story of “Mulan” makes it awesome. Sing it in the shower!!

Django, The Man

Jean Baptiste “Django” Reinhardt - born January 23, 1910 in Belgium - is one of the most influential jazz musicians to come from Europe. Both violinist and guitarist, Django created a gypsy-jazz guitar sound influenced by his childhood spent in a gypsy camp near Paris. A guitar legend using a Selmer Maccaferi acoustic guitar for most of his life, Django’s brilliance came from his ability to solo and improvise around a steady rhythm. This talent was showcased on such hits as “Daphne” and “Minor Swing.”


Reinhardt overcame more than a few obstacles in his career. In the early years Django badly burned his hand, and throughout his life he was unable to read music. These trials did not stop him from pursuing the life of a jazz musician and becoming a legendary guitarist. For may years, Django played with violinist Stephane Grapelli, starting the The Quintet of the Hot Club of France in 1934. The Quintet played original tunes as well as covers of Louis Armstrong hits enjoying a fairly successful run, but dissolved in 1939. Later in his career, Django toured with Duke Ellington in the United States, but was not met with much interest.


In 1953, Django died, a victim of stroke in Paris. After only 43 years of life, he had created a jazz guitar-playing style that would influence musicians across the globe for years to come. Oddly enough, Django’s music has been featured in such movies as Chocolat and The Matrix Reloaded. Despite his poor welcome in the United States, Django Reinhardt has affected American music with his infectious and unclassifiable guitar playing. Noted musicians from Carlos Santana to Jerry Garcia have claimed Reinhardt as an influence. My personal favorite Django Reinhardt tunes are “Rhythm Futur”, “The World Is Waiting For the Sunrise”, and “Menilmontant.”


For more information regarding Django Reinhardt, read his short biography on Allmusic.com or a longer bio on Wikipedia.org!