I can’t think of a time in my life when I didn’t know the name Mozart. Mozart is to classical music what Elvis Presley is to rock n’ roll, and yet for the longest time I knew next to nothing about the man and his music. His music is practically inescapable in our pop-culture world and I wouldn’t have been able to name one of his symphonies a year ago if you’d asked me. It’s sad, but although I’m a huge music fan I’ve never taken a real interest in composers until just recently. I think this is probably true of a lot of people in my generation, we can tell you the high school nickname of Kurt Cobain, but our musical knowledge of the time before the late 1950’s is seriously lacking. This is why I’m going to introduce you readers to the great composer, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
To fill in a few blanks Mozart was born in December of 1755 in Salzburg, Austria to extremely devoted parents. His father, Leopold, was a musician who worked for the archbishop of Salzburg and encouraged his son from an extremely young age to pursue a musical career. Amadeus was a child prodigy, a genius if you will, who composed from the age of five. In his short life-time (he only lived to 35) Mozart composed an astounding number of works large and small, including the famous operas Le Nozze di Figaro (the Marriage of Figaro) and Don Giovanni.
Musicians at the time were not expected to write music to express themselves, they were expected to write entertaining pieces that captured the spirit of emotion. I don’t believe that Mozart always wrote music coldly, as a way to capture emotion instead of expressing it, especially since his pieces can soar happily or be completely heart-wrenching, yet he was not expected by his peers to express his own emotions. We can never truly know what Mozart felt while he was writing, but it is fun to speculate as you listen to his music.
A few of my favorite Mozart pieces are:
Symphony No. 25 in G Minor, KV 183 (173 dB): Allegro con Brio
Figaros Hochzeit KV 492 (The Marriage of Figaro): Overture
Serenade No. 13 in G Major, KV 525
Symphony No. 40 in G Minor, KV 550: I. Allegro molto
Sonata for Piano No. 11 in A Major, KV 331: Alla Turca, Allegretto
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 21 in C Major, KV 467
Sonata for Piano No. 16 KV 545: Allegro
These are all popular pieces and you might be surprised by how many you’ve heard before. If you’re really intrigued by Mozart’s music you should also watch the movie Amadeus. It’s a gorgeous movie and there is some truth to it, but much of the story told in the movie is unreliable as a biography. Just watch and listen for fun. Even if you aren’t a big classical music fan, I swear you’ll have fun listening to Mozart.
26 September, 2006
Brandi Carlile
With little originality in the singer-songwriter genre lately it is refreshing to hear Brandi Carlile, a musician who fits perfectly into the singer-songwriter category but has a raw sincerity that’s lacking in much of the genre.
On her self-titled debut, Brandi exhibits raw vocal talent, the product of self-training, and an emotional sincerity that lend truth to her music. Her songs are perfect for fall rides, full of country imagery of rolling prairies and tall green grass set to a soundtrack that would be welcome on any Prairie Home Companion. On standout songs like “Throw it All Away,” “Closer to You,” and “Tragedy,” Brandi’s voice brings to mind the late, great Johnny Cash, who seems to have influenced this beautiful collection of tracks. Though Brandi Carlile is a native of Washington state, her music lacks any hint of grunge influence, which bodes well for Brandi whose voice soars on the light sound of acoustic guitars and stringed instruments.
The 23 year old is finishing up a tour and may be in the studio now recording her follow-up album. Miss Carlile holds much promise as a new artist, and will hopefully continue to make great music for years to come. You can listen to tracks from Brandi Carlile’s debut and read more about Brandi here: Brandi Carlile.
On her self-titled debut, Brandi exhibits raw vocal talent, the product of self-training, and an emotional sincerity that lend truth to her music. Her songs are perfect for fall rides, full of country imagery of rolling prairies and tall green grass set to a soundtrack that would be welcome on any Prairie Home Companion. On standout songs like “Throw it All Away,” “Closer to You,” and “Tragedy,” Brandi’s voice brings to mind the late, great Johnny Cash, who seems to have influenced this beautiful collection of tracks. Though Brandi Carlile is a native of Washington state, her music lacks any hint of grunge influence, which bodes well for Brandi whose voice soars on the light sound of acoustic guitars and stringed instruments.
The 23 year old is finishing up a tour and may be in the studio now recording her follow-up album. Miss Carlile holds much promise as a new artist, and will hopefully continue to make great music for years to come. You can listen to tracks from Brandi Carlile’s debut and read more about Brandi here: Brandi Carlile.
19 September, 2006
Teenage Rock Gods
Listening to Gone By Daylight's 2005 record "Love Grooves" for the first time you can't help but think that Blink-182 influenced these boys in a big way. The pop-punk catchiness and the lyrics about love, lust, and broken hearts seem trite on the first listen, a pity because the true strength of the album lies in the band's ability to quilt songs from different types of rock including pop-punk. But behind the catchiness is a depth of songwriting that can only be found in a band that knows its music history. The seemingly simple blues guitar sound in a live set or the crackling riff that finishes off "Girl Without A Soul" are rock staples that harken back to the kings of blues (Muddy Waters, Robert Johnson) whose music influenced the guitar gods (Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Page) whose influence, in turn, can be heard in the music of Gone By Daylight.
The most endearing thing about Gone By Daylight isn't their ability to craft these songs that are so comfortable (like your favorite jeans!) No, the thing that really makes you love these boys is their ability to carry this history lesson live, and make it incredibly fun to participate in. Live Gone By Daylight not only pays homage to rock gods, but also to all the kids who ever wanted (are wanting now) to be rock stars when they grow up. There's something about these guys that instantly makes you think of the 10 year old doing Pete Townshend windmills in his bedroom mirror and every 14 year old boy who ever said to himself 'what would Eddie Van Halen do?' These things make Gone By Daylight a fun band live and I'm sure an excellent party band. They have the humor and the class to match their stage antics and a knowledge of music history that adds depth to their songs, plus who doesn't like a little old-school rock charm mixed with their punk? It makes live shows that much more interesting.
The most endearing thing about Gone By Daylight isn't their ability to craft these songs that are so comfortable (like your favorite jeans!) No, the thing that really makes you love these boys is their ability to carry this history lesson live, and make it incredibly fun to participate in. Live Gone By Daylight not only pays homage to rock gods, but also to all the kids who ever wanted (are wanting now) to be rock stars when they grow up. There's something about these guys that instantly makes you think of the 10 year old doing Pete Townshend windmills in his bedroom mirror and every 14 year old boy who ever said to himself 'what would Eddie Van Halen do?' These things make Gone By Daylight a fun band live and I'm sure an excellent party band. They have the humor and the class to match their stage antics and a knowledge of music history that adds depth to their songs, plus who doesn't like a little old-school rock charm mixed with their punk? It makes live shows that much more interesting.
Interactive Reviews
Just a little update for anyone who's noticed the recent changes in this blog!
I've been working on an idea for awhile to create more of a local online music community that doesn't revolve around Myspace. It will include interactive reviews which are comments on this blog, comments on my reviewing prowess, recommendations from peer readers, etc. It should make things more fun around here.
This blog has evolved so much in a year, from open pour-your-heart-out diary (most of those posts are deleted) to a music review/recommendation site, and now it will be more interactive.
Watch for updates in the future and thanks for reading!!
-Music Snob
I've been working on an idea for awhile to create more of a local online music community that doesn't revolve around Myspace. It will include interactive reviews which are comments on this blog, comments on my reviewing prowess, recommendations from peer readers, etc. It should make things more fun around here.
This blog has evolved so much in a year, from open pour-your-heart-out diary (most of those posts are deleted) to a music review/recommendation site, and now it will be more interactive.
Watch for updates in the future and thanks for reading!!
-Music Snob
12 September, 2006
Boss Volenti & my new LOVE
I was cruising Myspace and I found this Dublin band that sounds like it should come from Cali or Washington, but definitely not Dublin. They just sound like Dublin (I don't really know what that is, but I suspect Irish accents are involved.) Check 'em out! They have a cool sound, pretty straight-forward rock 'n' roll, but something you can shake your ass to. Listen Here: http://www.myspace.com/bossvolenti
I guess I'm slow on the uptake or something, because I finally found THE SHINS!!!
I've known about them forever (it seems), but I've been kind of slow to jump into that soft, creepy-like-a-ghost-town sound that they have going on. Now, I want all of their albums including the one they're releasing in January. "New Slang" is obviously an amazing song, and I've heard it for years, but it never really struck me until I watched "Garden State."
Zach Braff changes things I guess...so I have a little crush, so what? Let me get back to my Shins, and if you haven't REALLY listened yet, go out and buy the album (Oh, Inverted World.) Wicked awesome.
- Music Snob
I guess I'm slow on the uptake or something, because I finally found THE SHINS!!!
I've known about them forever (it seems), but I've been kind of slow to jump into that soft, creepy-like-a-ghost-town sound that they have going on. Now, I want all of their albums including the one they're releasing in January. "New Slang" is obviously an amazing song, and I've heard it for years, but it never really struck me until I watched "Garden State."
Zach Braff changes things I guess...so I have a little crush, so what? Let me get back to my Shins, and if you haven't REALLY listened yet, go out and buy the album (Oh, Inverted World.) Wicked awesome.
- Music Snob
02 September, 2006
29 August, 2006
shivers
Every once in awhile you hear that song where the vocals stay with you. The singer doesn't have to have the best voice, in fact classically trained voices rarely make me feel that rawness. You know the ones I'm talking about. You save them for rainy days and broken hearts. They send shivers down your spine and make you cry.
"Kozmic Blues" by Janis Joplin
I had to start the playlist with Janis, for raw vocal emotion there is no one to match. "Kozmic Blues" is a gem, take a listen.
"Your Eyes" by Adam Pascal (RENT)
This song never fails to make me cry. You think I'm a baby? Listen to the damn track.
"Don't Think Twice It's Alright" by Bob Dylan
Out of all the amazing material Dylan writes this simple song makes me feel more than anything else. Maybe the man let his guard down just a little bit, just enough for him to seem human instead of an immortal legend.
"Hurt" by Johnny Cash
The Man in Black put so much of himself into this cover, when I listen to it I always forget it's a cover.
"Everything Reminds Me of Her" by Elliott Smith
Intensity is a word that always comes up when Elliott Smith is mentioned and this song is very intense. Elliott's voice cracks with the intensity.
"Hallelujah" by Jeff Buckley
Lush, gorgeous. I love Leonard Cohen for writing this song and I love Jeff Buckley for immortalizing it.
"Will You Love Me Tomorrow" by Carole King
Tapestry is an amazing album, Carole King's masterpiece. Although this song became cheezified in Dirty Dancing the sentiment and feeling are strong enough to overcome anything that threatens its beauty.
"The Needle and the Damage Done" by Neil Young
It speaks for itself.
"The Prayer" by Charlotte Church & Josh Groban
Two of the few classically trained vocalists who can really stir emotion. This song is just amazing.
"Dandelion" by Antje Duvekot
"You were looking for an orchid and I will always be a dandelion."
"Mrs. Potter's Lullaby" by Counting Crows
"If dreams are like movies, then memories are films about ghosts." I LOVE ADAM DURITZ!
"Radio" by Rancid
Some will say that Tim Armstrong has a bad voice, I say think about the years of long nights of cigarrettes and alcohol and then listen to "Radio" Raw punk angst.
"Sweet Jane" by the Cowboy Junkies
Another cover that changes the entire feeling of the song and makes it their own.
"Fuck and Run" by Liz Phair
Liz Phair when she was good. Liz Phair when she was raw and edgy. Liz Phair before she sold out.
"Within Your Reach" by The Replacements
Watch Say Anything and then tell me this song isn't great. I love how they make the guitars sound like airplanes.
"Kozmic Blues" by Janis Joplin
I had to start the playlist with Janis, for raw vocal emotion there is no one to match. "Kozmic Blues" is a gem, take a listen.
"Your Eyes" by Adam Pascal (RENT)
This song never fails to make me cry. You think I'm a baby? Listen to the damn track.
"Don't Think Twice It's Alright" by Bob Dylan
Out of all the amazing material Dylan writes this simple song makes me feel more than anything else. Maybe the man let his guard down just a little bit, just enough for him to seem human instead of an immortal legend.
"Hurt" by Johnny Cash
The Man in Black put so much of himself into this cover, when I listen to it I always forget it's a cover.
"Everything Reminds Me of Her" by Elliott Smith
Intensity is a word that always comes up when Elliott Smith is mentioned and this song is very intense. Elliott's voice cracks with the intensity.
"Hallelujah" by Jeff Buckley
Lush, gorgeous. I love Leonard Cohen for writing this song and I love Jeff Buckley for immortalizing it.
"Will You Love Me Tomorrow" by Carole King
Tapestry is an amazing album, Carole King's masterpiece. Although this song became cheezified in Dirty Dancing the sentiment and feeling are strong enough to overcome anything that threatens its beauty.
"The Needle and the Damage Done" by Neil Young
It speaks for itself.
"The Prayer" by Charlotte Church & Josh Groban
Two of the few classically trained vocalists who can really stir emotion. This song is just amazing.
"Dandelion" by Antje Duvekot
"You were looking for an orchid and I will always be a dandelion."
"Mrs. Potter's Lullaby" by Counting Crows
"If dreams are like movies, then memories are films about ghosts." I LOVE ADAM DURITZ!
"Radio" by Rancid
Some will say that Tim Armstrong has a bad voice, I say think about the years of long nights of cigarrettes and alcohol and then listen to "Radio" Raw punk angst.
"Sweet Jane" by the Cowboy Junkies
Another cover that changes the entire feeling of the song and makes it their own.
"Fuck and Run" by Liz Phair
Liz Phair when she was good. Liz Phair when she was raw and edgy. Liz Phair before she sold out.
"Within Your Reach" by The Replacements
Watch Say Anything and then tell me this song isn't great. I love how they make the guitars sound like airplanes.
26 August, 2006
happening
Rancid was in my area the other day and I'd planned to see them (why not, they're like an old friend! hahaha) Why don't plans work out when you really want them to?
Now, I'm walking that thin rope between letting things happen to me and planning out my time on this earth. It's tough to do, because it always seems like everyone else is doing the opposite. But why not do the opposite of everyone else?
Sometimes the hardest road on your feet ends up being the easiest on your soul.
And I always have my constant companion and comfort, music!
If you're feeling semi out of touch or just confused by the rotation of the world check out these tracks:
"Communist Love Son" by Soltero
This song is cool because it's ultra low-key, like early Elliott Smith. The sentiment is real and the ideas aren't cliched which is always a plus, in fact the sentiment works perfectly with the quiet guitar strumming. Also, the lyrics are pretty awesome because you can take them seriously (seriously sad) or you can laugh at them (seriously funny.)
"...and if you're ever less than certain, I will be your Iron Curtain. I will be your Berlin Wall and I will never fall."
"Light The Sky" by Liqdzunshine
I like this band because the singer has kind of a hard funky voice that's juxtaposed over soft R&B beats or harder rock/hip-hop beats that sound like Rage Against the Machine. Also, you can't go wrong with these lyrics, they fluctuate from fun and groovy to hard-hitting political ideas.
"...I can blow the sun off his axis and get rich people to pay taxes..."
"Right Where It Belongs" by NIN
My brother turned me onto this track. I listen to a ton of NIN, but usually early stuff and I haven't listened to all of With Teeth yet. This song is really pretty in a hauntingly creepy way. The piano sounds like it's climbing. I'd love to hear it live.
"...What if everything around you,
Isn't quite as it seems?
What if all the world you used to know,
Is an elaborate dream?
And if you look at your reflection,
Is it all you want it to be?
What if you could look right through the cracks,
Would you find yourself...find yourself afraid to see?"
"Subbacultcha" by the Pixies
Off Trompe Le Monde (that freaky Pixies album none of your friends own with the claymation eyeballs on the front. Yeah, you know the one.) "Subbacultcha" what a freakin' awesome song. It's like the Pixies said we're so freaking cool without trying to be that we're gonna make fun of all the people who try to be cool like us, and then they did it.
"...i was all dressed in black
she was all dressed up in black
every thing was fine down here
what you call it here
call it what you will here
way down in this
subbacultcha..."
"Too Drunk to Fuck" by Nouvelle Vague
A cover of the psycho spazzy song originally done by the Dead Kennedys. When the DK's do it, it's hilarious, when Nouvelle Vague does it, it's sweet and bubbly and very very French pop sounding.
"...I like your stories
I love your gun
Shooting out truck tires
Sounds like loads and loads of fun..."
"Sink, Florida, Sink (LIVE)" by Against Me!
There's nothing like this song live with drunken fans screaming the "Whoa whoa oh oh oh oh oh" in the background. Live Against Me! in the dark lonely night is priceless.
"...and we sink and we drown
and what is lost can never be found..."
"We Care A Lot" by Faith No More
This '80s hit couldn't get any better. Big bass, funky vocals, punky lyrics. It should be on the soundtrack to a John Cusac movie, actually I think it already is.
"...oh it's a dirty job, but someone's gotta do it.."
"I'll Take You There" by The Staple Singers
You know you've heard it a zillion times, maybe when doing something cool (or maybe just when watching one of the plethora of commercials that use it to sell shit.) Even if you heard it on a commercial for erectile disfunction meds it's still a killer song. This is the kind of music that makes me want to go to church, real, gospel singing church, not stuffy clothes incredibly uptight and uncomfortable people church.
"...Oh, oh, mercy
(I'll take you there)
Oh, let me take you there
(I'll take you there)..."
Now, I'm walking that thin rope between letting things happen to me and planning out my time on this earth. It's tough to do, because it always seems like everyone else is doing the opposite. But why not do the opposite of everyone else?
Sometimes the hardest road on your feet ends up being the easiest on your soul.
And I always have my constant companion and comfort, music!
If you're feeling semi out of touch or just confused by the rotation of the world check out these tracks:
"Communist Love Son" by Soltero
This song is cool because it's ultra low-key, like early Elliott Smith. The sentiment is real and the ideas aren't cliched which is always a plus, in fact the sentiment works perfectly with the quiet guitar strumming. Also, the lyrics are pretty awesome because you can take them seriously (seriously sad) or you can laugh at them (seriously funny.)
"...and if you're ever less than certain, I will be your Iron Curtain. I will be your Berlin Wall and I will never fall."
"Light The Sky" by Liqdzunshine
I like this band because the singer has kind of a hard funky voice that's juxtaposed over soft R&B beats or harder rock/hip-hop beats that sound like Rage Against the Machine. Also, you can't go wrong with these lyrics, they fluctuate from fun and groovy to hard-hitting political ideas.
"...I can blow the sun off his axis and get rich people to pay taxes..."
"Right Where It Belongs" by NIN
My brother turned me onto this track. I listen to a ton of NIN, but usually early stuff and I haven't listened to all of With Teeth yet. This song is really pretty in a hauntingly creepy way. The piano sounds like it's climbing. I'd love to hear it live.
"...What if everything around you,
Isn't quite as it seems?
What if all the world you used to know,
Is an elaborate dream?
And if you look at your reflection,
Is it all you want it to be?
What if you could look right through the cracks,
Would you find yourself...find yourself afraid to see?"
"Subbacultcha" by the Pixies
Off Trompe Le Monde (that freaky Pixies album none of your friends own with the claymation eyeballs on the front. Yeah, you know the one.) "Subbacultcha" what a freakin' awesome song. It's like the Pixies said we're so freaking cool without trying to be that we're gonna make fun of all the people who try to be cool like us, and then they did it.
"...i was all dressed in black
she was all dressed up in black
every thing was fine down here
what you call it here
call it what you will here
way down in this
subbacultcha..."
"Too Drunk to Fuck" by Nouvelle Vague
A cover of the psycho spazzy song originally done by the Dead Kennedys. When the DK's do it, it's hilarious, when Nouvelle Vague does it, it's sweet and bubbly and very very French pop sounding.
"...I like your stories
I love your gun
Shooting out truck tires
Sounds like loads and loads of fun..."
"Sink, Florida, Sink (LIVE)" by Against Me!
There's nothing like this song live with drunken fans screaming the "Whoa whoa oh oh oh oh oh" in the background. Live Against Me! in the dark lonely night is priceless.
"...and we sink and we drown
and what is lost can never be found..."
"We Care A Lot" by Faith No More
This '80s hit couldn't get any better. Big bass, funky vocals, punky lyrics. It should be on the soundtrack to a John Cusac movie, actually I think it already is.
"...oh it's a dirty job, but someone's gotta do it.."
"I'll Take You There" by The Staple Singers
You know you've heard it a zillion times, maybe when doing something cool (or maybe just when watching one of the plethora of commercials that use it to sell shit.) Even if you heard it on a commercial for erectile disfunction meds it's still a killer song. This is the kind of music that makes me want to go to church, real, gospel singing church, not stuffy clothes incredibly uptight and uncomfortable people church.
"...Oh, oh, mercy
(I'll take you there)
Oh, let me take you there
(I'll take you there)..."
28 July, 2006
So I know this girl...
...And she's pretty freakin' cool. I expect to hear about obscure/cutting edge (not to mention excellent) music when I talk to her. She told me about this dude, Mason Jennings, who writes these amazing amazing songs. I happened to be in a bit of a sad/contemplative/evolving mood and I needed to hear something beautiful, so I threw this guy's album, Boneclouds, in my CD player and quickly listened to the beginnings of 11 songs (all of which rock, btw.) One intro really struck me, and I'm still trying to figure out if some of the chords are directly from "Stairway to Heaven", but basically that's not the point. Basically this song, "Which Way Your Heart Will Go" spoke to me directly and totally fit the situation and mood I'm in.
Isn't it weird how things work out that way?
Isn't it weird how things work out that way?
23 July, 2006
All I wanna do is write a stupid song...
My All-time favorite Stupid Songs (a list to laugh at)
"Chewing Gum" by Annie
"Cherry Pie" by Warrant
"Apache" by Sugarhill Gang
"Dragostea Din Tei" by O-ZONE
"She's Tight" by Cheap Trick
"Sugar Sugar" by The Archies
"Dirty Little Secret" by All-American Rejects
^fun, fun, fun...closet classics, anyone?
"Chewing Gum" by Annie
"Cherry Pie" by Warrant
"Apache" by Sugarhill Gang
"Dragostea Din Tei" by O-ZONE
"She's Tight" by Cheap Trick
"Sugar Sugar" by The Archies
"Dirty Little Secret" by All-American Rejects
^fun, fun, fun...closet classics, anyone?
08 July, 2006
07 July, 2006
Weezer
I just found a gem of a video while searching for old Weezer mp3s. Check out the video for "Buddy Holly" on www.aolmusic.com
Weezer is a band that is not necessarily reliable musically, but some of their stuff rocks. My all-time favorite Weezer tune is "El Scorcho." I love the lyric about the Green Day concert...
Weezer is a band that is not necessarily reliable musically, but some of their stuff rocks. My all-time favorite Weezer tune is "El Scorcho." I love the lyric about the Green Day concert...
10 June, 2006
Pride & Prejudice by Jean-Yves Thibaudet
The soundtrack to the latest rendition of Jane Austen's book Pride & Prejudice is as gorgeous as the movie. If that statement seems ambiguous watch the movie (and by the way it's GORGEOUS!) The soundtrack builds off haunting piano tracks and tunes perfect for holding grande balls, and creates a world that threatens to wrap you up and consume you within its reality. It excites all the right emotions for the movie at exactly the right moments, and besides being completely wonderful soundtrack music, it is also gorgeous on its own. Striking all the right chords (literally), creating the perfect dramatic tension, rising to the occasion, ending with catharsis, and in between being just amazingly beautiful, this is the soundtrack for rainy days and solemn nights, for sunny mornings and long summers, the falling of autumn leaves and mid-afternoon naps, this is the soundtrack for life!
02 June, 2006
Survey Time, baby!
10 MOST PLAYED ARTISTS
1. Pixies
2. ZOX
3. Apollo Sunshine
4. Green Day
5. Rancid
6. Led Zeppelin
7. The Specials
8. Operation Ivy
9. Cast Of Rent
10. Bob Dylan
What was the first song you ever heard by 6?
The first one I remember was "Communication Breakdown" one night driving with my dad at like 1 am. There's nothing better than loud Led in the middle of the night in a fast car, these things are what rock 'n' roll's about.
What is your favorite album of 2?
Take Me Home.
What is your favorite lyric that 5 has sung?
Toughy, but it would have to be "you can take my money, you can take my time, but you can't take my heart it's in the city behind."
How many times have you seen 4 live?
Twice.
What is your favorite song by 7?
"Little Bitch".
What is a good memory you have involving the music of 10?
Watching the rockumentary on PBS and realizing how much I love the music and how annoyed I am by the man.
Is there a song of 3 that makes you sad?
"Fear Of Heights", but it's more of a happy/sad feeling that cannot be described in words.
What is your favorite lyric that 2 has sung?
"I know if I fall I'll call out to you."
What is your favorite song by 9?
"Another Day." It's just amazing the way the song climaxes with all of the music and feeling and the voices battling in unison (if that makes sense?). Amazing.
How did you get into 3?
I heard them on the radio, and then this guy I liked wore their t-shirt.
What was the first song you heard by 1?
"Where Is My Mind?" at the end of Fight Club. Mind-blowing.
What is your favorite song by 4?
"She", the percussion rocks.
How many time have you seen 9 live?
Well I've never seen the play, but I've seen the movie twice.
What is a good memory you have involving 2?
Seeing them live (which you can read about in this journal btw ;) My favorite part of the show was when Spencer dedicated a song to "All the people who thought the only way in this place was up all those FUCKIN' STAIRS!!" You kinda had to be there to get the joke.
Is there a song of 8 that makes you sad?
No. Op Ivy is pretty much celebratory/angry music, not sad music.
What is your favorite album of 5?
Nevermind. I know it's a cliche, but I love that album.
What is your favorite lyric that 3 has sung?
"not like the green so high above and below, now I am an airplane, am an airplane, oo-ee-oo-ee-oo!"
What is your favorite song of 1?
Hey/Debaser/Where Is My Mind?
What is your favorite song of 10?
Don't Think Twice It's Alright
How many times have you seen 8 live?
They broke up in the late '80s! So I guess the answer to your question would be zero. Zero times, baby!
What is your favorite album of 1?
Surfer Rosa.
What is a great memory you have concerning 7?
Playing DDR with my cousin to Little Bitch.
What was the first song you heard by 8?
Knowledge. But I actually heard the cover by Green Day.
What is your favorite cover by 2?
Where Is My Mind? by the Pixies. I wish I had written that song, freakin' amazing!
1. Pixies
2. ZOX
3. Apollo Sunshine
4. Green Day
5. Rancid
6. Led Zeppelin
7. The Specials
8. Operation Ivy
9. Cast Of Rent
10. Bob Dylan
What was the first song you ever heard by 6?
The first one I remember was "Communication Breakdown" one night driving with my dad at like 1 am. There's nothing better than loud Led in the middle of the night in a fast car, these things are what rock 'n' roll's about.
What is your favorite album of 2?
Take Me Home.
What is your favorite lyric that 5 has sung?
Toughy, but it would have to be "you can take my money, you can take my time, but you can't take my heart it's in the city behind."
How many times have you seen 4 live?
Twice.
What is your favorite song by 7?
"Little Bitch".
What is a good memory you have involving the music of 10?
Watching the rockumentary on PBS and realizing how much I love the music and how annoyed I am by the man.
Is there a song of 3 that makes you sad?
"Fear Of Heights", but it's more of a happy/sad feeling that cannot be described in words.
What is your favorite lyric that 2 has sung?
"I know if I fall I'll call out to you."
What is your favorite song by 9?
"Another Day." It's just amazing the way the song climaxes with all of the music and feeling and the voices battling in unison (if that makes sense?). Amazing.
How did you get into 3?
I heard them on the radio, and then this guy I liked wore their t-shirt.
What was the first song you heard by 1?
"Where Is My Mind?" at the end of Fight Club. Mind-blowing.
What is your favorite song by 4?
"She", the percussion rocks.
How many time have you seen 9 live?
Well I've never seen the play, but I've seen the movie twice.
What is a good memory you have involving 2?
Seeing them live (which you can read about in this journal btw ;) My favorite part of the show was when Spencer dedicated a song to "All the people who thought the only way in this place was up all those FUCKIN' STAIRS!!" You kinda had to be there to get the joke.
Is there a song of 8 that makes you sad?
No. Op Ivy is pretty much celebratory/angry music, not sad music.
What is your favorite album of 5?
Nevermind. I know it's a cliche, but I love that album.
What is your favorite lyric that 3 has sung?
"not like the green so high above and below, now I am an airplane, am an airplane, oo-ee-oo-ee-oo!"
What is your favorite song of 1?
Hey/Debaser/Where Is My Mind?
What is your favorite song of 10?
Don't Think Twice It's Alright
How many times have you seen 8 live?
They broke up in the late '80s! So I guess the answer to your question would be zero. Zero times, baby!
What is your favorite album of 1?
Surfer Rosa.
What is a great memory you have concerning 7?
Playing DDR with my cousin to Little Bitch.
What was the first song you heard by 8?
Knowledge. But I actually heard the cover by Green Day.
What is your favorite cover by 2?
Where Is My Mind? by the Pixies. I wish I had written that song, freakin' amazing!
23 May, 2006
April showers bring May flowers, what do May flowers bring...Apollo Sunshine
The concert started off with a rainbow. I guess that's a good sign. I've heard that some awesome Grateful Dead concerts started with a rainbow. But, even with the rainbow, Apollo Sunshine didn't have the electric energy I've usually found in them live. Yes, they were missing their 4th member (Sean Aylward) and yes, they'd just finished up a bunch of cross-country touring, but this Apollo wasn't the spirited band I love.
The music was amazing, as always. They started with "Today Is The Day", a staple that could get any crowd movin', and progressed through many songs from their first album "Katonah" and their latest, "Apollo Sunshine."
"Flip!" was a big hit, along with "Phony Marony", "Lord", "Phyllis", "Bed", "You and I", "Fear of Heights", and "I Was On The Moon." They played a few lesser known songs from "Katonah", but always kept the energy up with the audience (including a frosh-mosh pit.) The energy in Apollo's music is so tangible, it was sometimes a bit of a shock to the crowd to pass from "fast-upbeat" to "slow-melodic." Even some longtime fans felt these quick changes. I saw one guy rockin' out one second (singing all the words) and then looking confused a minute later.
The room was cramped, and hard to dance in, but that didn't stop anyone, and a couple of fights arose because of the lack of space. Jesse Gallagher, usually the ring-leader of Apollo Sunshine, seemed completely oblivious to the scuffles. In fact, the whole band acted as if the audience wasn't even there. Jesse spoke only a handful of times during the entire performance, mumbling song names, and half-heartedly showing us how to do the "Phony Marony."
Where were the stage antics? Where was the energy? The band looked tired when they came back for an encore. I was upset at first, hadn't I only seen them last fall, swinging their guitars (drum-sticks) with intense energy? I'd been so impressed, realizing it was probably the best performance I'd seen in the last year. This performance in comparison was horrible, maybe understandable for other bands, but not for my Apollo Sunshine. Of course I'll give them the benefit of the doubt and I'll be back at the next show they play.
The music was amazing, as always. They started with "Today Is The Day", a staple that could get any crowd movin', and progressed through many songs from their first album "Katonah" and their latest, "Apollo Sunshine."
"Flip!" was a big hit, along with "Phony Marony", "Lord", "Phyllis", "Bed", "You and I", "Fear of Heights", and "I Was On The Moon." They played a few lesser known songs from "Katonah", but always kept the energy up with the audience (including a frosh-mosh pit.) The energy in Apollo's music is so tangible, it was sometimes a bit of a shock to the crowd to pass from "fast-upbeat" to "slow-melodic." Even some longtime fans felt these quick changes. I saw one guy rockin' out one second (singing all the words) and then looking confused a minute later.
The room was cramped, and hard to dance in, but that didn't stop anyone, and a couple of fights arose because of the lack of space. Jesse Gallagher, usually the ring-leader of Apollo Sunshine, seemed completely oblivious to the scuffles. In fact, the whole band acted as if the audience wasn't even there. Jesse spoke only a handful of times during the entire performance, mumbling song names, and half-heartedly showing us how to do the "Phony Marony."
Where were the stage antics? Where was the energy? The band looked tired when they came back for an encore. I was upset at first, hadn't I only seen them last fall, swinging their guitars (drum-sticks) with intense energy? I'd been so impressed, realizing it was probably the best performance I'd seen in the last year. This performance in comparison was horrible, maybe understandable for other bands, but not for my Apollo Sunshine. Of course I'll give them the benefit of the doubt and I'll be back at the next show they play.
08 May, 2006
GIRL POWER!!
The other day I had a conversation with some friends about all-girl bands. After much discussion and debate we could think of only a few great all-girl bands and a few really bad all-girl bands. Why is the all-girl band so uncommon? There are a ton of amazing female artists. Here's the list of the good, the bad, and the ugly...
GOOD
Floetry
The Supremes
Le Tigre
Sleater-Kinney
Indigo Girls
The Runaways (Joan Jett..."Cherry Bomb" anyone?)
Salt-N-Pepa
Hole
Obviously Aretha, Janis, Chrissie, Bonnie Raitt, Brodie of the Distillers, Patti Smith, Liz Phair (early stuff), Mazzy Star, that girl who sings "Sweet Jane" for the cowboy junkies, Kim Deal, Alanis, various other amazing female artists, but where are the all-girl bands?
BAD
The Donnas (Meh...I DO enjoy them.)
Spice Girls
The Pussycat Dolls
TLC
Destiny's Child
Obviously Lindsay, Hillary, Gwen Stefani (solo), Britany Spears, Madonna (pisses me off), Dixie Chicks, Macy Gray, Avril, etc.
Any of your own additions? Leave me a comment!
GOOD
Floetry
The Supremes
Le Tigre
Sleater-Kinney
Indigo Girls
The Runaways (Joan Jett..."Cherry Bomb" anyone?)
Salt-N-Pepa
Hole
Obviously Aretha, Janis, Chrissie, Bonnie Raitt, Brodie of the Distillers, Patti Smith, Liz Phair (early stuff), Mazzy Star, that girl who sings "Sweet Jane" for the cowboy junkies, Kim Deal, Alanis, various other amazing female artists, but where are the all-girl bands?
BAD
The Donnas (Meh...I DO enjoy them.)
Spice Girls
The Pussycat Dolls
TLC
Destiny's Child
Obviously Lindsay, Hillary, Gwen Stefani (solo), Britany Spears, Madonna (pisses me off), Dixie Chicks, Macy Gray, Avril, etc.
Any of your own additions? Leave me a comment!
05 May, 2006
Cruisin' down the street in my 6-fo...
Dynamite Hack have been around for awhile. You need to keep this in mind as you read the next paragraph. They aren't the NEW thing. Oh, no.
For the last few nights I've been hearing Dynamite Hack's song "Boyz-N-The Hood" on the radio. I guess it was requested a ton last week (weird how things happen like that...) Here's the thing, IT'S HILARIOUS! Everytime I hear it (middle of the night!) I have to stifle intense fits of laughter. What's really weird is these people I hang with (some would call them "friends") have been quoting lines from this song all week long. Maybe there are Aliens messing with our minds, or maybe everyone just has their radios tuned to the same station. I guess I'll have to investigate further...
For the last few nights I've been hearing Dynamite Hack's song "Boyz-N-The Hood" on the radio. I guess it was requested a ton last week (weird how things happen like that...) Here's the thing, IT'S HILARIOUS! Everytime I hear it (middle of the night!) I have to stifle intense fits of laughter. What's really weird is these people I hang with (some would call them "friends") have been quoting lines from this song all week long. Maybe there are Aliens messing with our minds, or maybe everyone just has their radios tuned to the same station. I guess I'll have to investigate further...
02 May, 2006
Soldiers...not what you're thinking
I've got a few band recommendations today.
The Rock "N" Roll Soldiers:
They've been on the scene for a while now, rockin' alt radio. Last year when I heard they were playing nearby my reaction was "mehh" (Do I really care? Kinda the way I feel about the Strokes.) Anyhoo, I decided to give their music another shot when I surfed by them on Myspace. "Anthem" is catchy, if not substantial, but there is an actual guitar solo in the middle. The vocals get a little grating, but sometimes they make me nostalgic for the days when production on Indie albums was shit (oh wait, for many it still is.) Wow, the sarcasm in this section is biting. I guess my main recommendation is that you check them out if, like me, you thought "mehh" when you first heard them playing on your radio. They're better than "mehh"...if only slightly.
RJD2:
Yes, more white-boy hip-hop (BUT IT'S SOOO GOOD.) I'm long-overdue reviewing this boy. What can I say? He makes great music. Check out the albums, Magnificent City Instrumentals and Deadringer. Very good instrumental hip-hop.
Wolfmother:
I try not to buy into hype, and these guys have received a ton of it (Not Arctic Monkeys ton. More like White Stripes ton.) I just listened to "Dimensions" and I must say that I like the music. It reminds me of Led Zeppelin through a pile of guitar mud. I'm a self-proclaimed "led-head", but Wolfmother pulls off the Zeppelin sound without being too good. What I mean is, they definitely don't have Jimmy Page's guitar, and although the vocals sound somewhat like Robert Plant, they never reach his intensity. Lyrically, Wolfmother is kind of boring. Their music is catchy and sometimes you get a glimps of Led Zeppelin through the muck, but otherwise stick to the real deal!!
The Rock "N" Roll Soldiers:
They've been on the scene for a while now, rockin' alt radio. Last year when I heard they were playing nearby my reaction was "mehh" (Do I really care? Kinda the way I feel about the Strokes.) Anyhoo, I decided to give their music another shot when I surfed by them on Myspace. "Anthem" is catchy, if not substantial, but there is an actual guitar solo in the middle. The vocals get a little grating, but sometimes they make me nostalgic for the days when production on Indie albums was shit (oh wait, for many it still is.) Wow, the sarcasm in this section is biting. I guess my main recommendation is that you check them out if, like me, you thought "mehh" when you first heard them playing on your radio. They're better than "mehh"...if only slightly.
RJD2:
Yes, more white-boy hip-hop (BUT IT'S SOOO GOOD.) I'm long-overdue reviewing this boy. What can I say? He makes great music. Check out the albums, Magnificent City Instrumentals and Deadringer. Very good instrumental hip-hop.
Wolfmother:
I try not to buy into hype, and these guys have received a ton of it (Not Arctic Monkeys ton. More like White Stripes ton.) I just listened to "Dimensions" and I must say that I like the music. It reminds me of Led Zeppelin through a pile of guitar mud. I'm a self-proclaimed "led-head", but Wolfmother pulls off the Zeppelin sound without being too good. What I mean is, they definitely don't have Jimmy Page's guitar, and although the vocals sound somewhat like Robert Plant, they never reach his intensity. Lyrically, Wolfmother is kind of boring. Their music is catchy and sometimes you get a glimps of Led Zeppelin through the muck, but otherwise stick to the real deal!!
11 April, 2006
Warped Tour Preview '06
Who else is excited about Warped Tour '06? If you aren't apparently you haven't seen the tentative line-up on the Warped Tour site.
Here are some of my personal highlight bands:
Against Me!
Anti-Flag
Bouncing Souls
Buzzcocks (?!)
Gym Class Heroes
Joan Jett & The Blackhearts (again, ?!)
Less Than Jake
The Living End
NOFX
Paramore
The Pink Spiders
Plain White T's (Thanks to my friend for "tuning me in" to these guys early!)
Rise Against
Silverstein
State Radio
Zox
and potentially Gogol Bordello & Flogging Molly!!
The only thing that could make this better is if Rancid makes a special guest appearance (unlikely. I can wish, can't I?)
Actually there are quite a few things that could make it better (like the resurrection of Jimi Hendrix) but we'll let that slide for now.
Here are some of my personal highlight bands:
Against Me!
Anti-Flag
Bouncing Souls
Buzzcocks (?!)
Gym Class Heroes
Joan Jett & The Blackhearts (again, ?!)
Less Than Jake
The Living End
NOFX
Paramore
The Pink Spiders
Plain White T's (Thanks to my friend for "tuning me in" to these guys early!)
Rise Against
Silverstein
State Radio
Zox
and potentially Gogol Bordello & Flogging Molly!!
The only thing that could make this better is if Rancid makes a special guest appearance (unlikely. I can wish, can't I?)
Actually there are quite a few things that could make it better (like the resurrection of Jimi Hendrix) but we'll let that slide for now.
14 March, 2006
Strive Roots
I was going through my early morning iTunes New Music Tuesday routine, reading through the celebrity playlists and checking out the new albums. I was more than pleasantly surprised to find that Hannah Teter's (!) playlist included this band, Strive Roots. I can't believe I'd never heard of them before. They literally rock in a very funky way.
I immediately Googled and Myspaced them followed by a frantic download of their new album, Bio Resonance Therapy. It's all very good, a nice mix of reggae, funk and rock (think Chili Peppers with slightly better lyrics and a lighter sound.) Really, the only thing to say is that you should check them out and they should be touring pretty soon!
"Nolite bastardes te carborundorum!"
-Musicsob
I immediately Googled and Myspaced them followed by a frantic download of their new album, Bio Resonance Therapy. It's all very good, a nice mix of reggae, funk and rock (think Chili Peppers with slightly better lyrics and a lighter sound.) Really, the only thing to say is that you should check them out and they should be touring pretty soon!
"Nolite bastardes te carborundorum!"
-Musicsob
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