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)
31 July, 2007
28 July, 2007
"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.
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.)
17 July, 2007
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.
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.
10 July, 2007
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.
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.
04 July, 2007
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!
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!
26 June, 2007
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?
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?
20 June, 2007
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.
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.
19 June, 2007
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!
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.
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.
16 June, 2007
12 June, 2007
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"
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!!!
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!!!
05 June, 2007
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!!!!
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!!!!
29 May, 2007
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!
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!
27 May, 2007
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,
What Political Party Do Your Beliefs Put You In? created with QuizFarm.com |
23 May, 2007
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.
"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.
08 May, 2007
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.
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.
30 April, 2007
24 April, 2007
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.
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.
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