All of the new songs for this week share a very important theme. That theme is that they are all by the same band! Lazy? Perhaps. But if you've never listened to Camper van Beethoven, perhaps you should consider this an introduction to one of the great bands of the 80s.
For those uninitiated, Camper van Beethoven was David Lowery from Cracker's real band. If you were in middle school in 1993 as I was, you probably remember Cracker's MTV smash "Low." Refresher: Black & white, boxing ring, Sandra Bernhardt. It was on every 14 seconds when MTV still showed videos. Oh what the hell: http://youtube.com/watch?v=lDPyep1Y0qE
It was a pretty decent song. But David Lowery had a real band called Camper van Beethoven throughout the 80s and into the early 90s, and then for whatever reason, back together since about '04. I like a good deal of CvB's music, but as you kind of have to sift through their stuff to find the gems, consider this a bit of an introductory sifting, free of charge.
The first song on the list is "Ambiguity Song" off of their 1985 record Telephone Free Landslide Victory. The most popular song from this album at the time--and probably their second most famous song after their cover of "Pictures of Matchstick Men"--is probably "Take the Skinheads Bowling," but I've always preferred this one. That track's worth a listen too.
"Some day soon, it will all settle down, but everything seems to be up in the air at this time," at one point, was about me, before I made current insane professional choice. And it will probably be about me again, sooner rather than later. "Ambiguity Song" is an 80s "college rock" (editorial note: yuck) classic, although I can never truly shake off my bias against rock songs over 6 minutes.
"Good Guys & Bad Guys" is probably my favorite Camper van Beethoven song, and it's off 1986's Camper van Beethoven. I love the semi-earnest, terribly dated Cold War lyrics. However, you could switch from: "This here verse is for the people in Russia" to "This here verse is for a scattered collection of loosely affiliated clandestine groups sharing an anti-American feeling based on the predictable aftershock of short sighted Cold War foreign policy decisions coupled with a dangerous reliance on fossil fuels, not to mention the stationing of American GIs in Saudi Arabia during the First Gulf War." Unfortunately, that doesn't rhyme with anything. "So just get high while the radio's on. Just relax and sing a song. Drive your car up on the lawn, and let me play your guitar." Honestly, that at least remains pretty decent advice.
Next up we have "Pictures of Matchstick Men" from 1989's Key Lime Pie, probably one of their most famous songs. I say that only because I think I've heard it on TV before, which is the only way I know how to gauge fame. Inconveniently, it's actually a cover version of a song originally performed in the 60s by a group called Status Quo. If you've only heard one CbV song, I bet it was this one.
Somewhat more randomly, I've added a song that I like a lot off of Key Lime Pie called "All Her Favorite Fruit." There's nothing too notable about this song, it's just a somewhat overlooked song in their catalogue. It's sort of a slow builder, and I just like it when he moves up an octave, because I'm a simple guy.
Lastly, for some reason no one can figure out, Camper van Beethoven recorded the entirety of Fleetwood Mac's bizarre 1979 album Tusk. Like, they just recorded the whole thing themselves. They made up a story about doing it in 1987 with some extra time, but they actually recorded it in 2001, marking their first time in the studio together for about a decade. I don't get it either. But strangely enough--and this is coming from someone who LOATHES Fleetwood Mac--I actually think some of their cover versions of some of Fleetwood Mac's weirdest material are pretty damn good. From that bizarre experiment comes "I Know I'm Not Wrong," my favorite from that album. "That's Enough For Me" is also really good.
So that's Camper van Beethoven for you. They are, as I mentioned above, back together. I have not heard their 2004 album, but despite the fact it's critically acclaimed and their fans seem to like it, I haven't been that interested. Did I just hear "Low" one too many times? Well, what's one more? http://youtube.com/watch?v=lDPyep1Y0qE
Tracks 27-31 on the player over yonder.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Boston Spaceships?!?!?!? Say Wha'?
Robert Pollard, you son of a bitch.
For awhile in 1999-2000, Guided by Voices were my favorite band. I really wore out my copies of Alien Lanes & Under the Bushes, Under the Stars. "Quality of Armor" off of Propeller remains maybe the catchiest song I've ever heard. I really liked Bee Thousand, but thought when people said it was their best album that they were clearly nuts. I thought Vampire on Titus and Mag Earwig! were a bit better than given credit for, and Sunfish Holy Breakfast had my favorite Tobin Sprout Guided by Voices song ("Jabberstroker"). On the other hand, I thought Do the Collapse and Isolation Drills were as bad as everyone said, and Universal Truths and Cycles was completely overrated. Earthquake Glue & Half Smiles of the Decomposed were pretty good.
At some point I'll post some of my favorite GbV songs, but today is not that day.
Anyway, Guided by Voices broke up, but Robert Pollard continued to write the worst Guided by Voices songs (52 seconds long, no melody, meandering atonal guitar, the end), and remain involved in several side projects that did the same thing.
I had remained hopeful for a long time that Robert Pollard might return to form, but I think I gave up on that idea in about 2003 and never bothered to buy another one of his solo albums or side projects again.
But I just heard of his new project, Boston Spaceships, which will release their debut Brown Submarine in September. The album is described as "pop punk" with only a few (thankfully) "prog flourishes." I heard one of their songs, and it sounds like an above average GbV track, if not exactly exceptional. It only has one or two completely tuneless moments! But hey, it's one song, Robert Pollard wrote it, and it actually sounds vaguely like music, so for the first time in awhile I'm actually considering buying one of his albums.
For the record, lest I sound to scornful of "brilliant musical experimentation," all of Robert Pollard's "atonal moments" sound exactly the same. If you've ever heard them, you know what I mean. It's like the Groundhog Day of cringe inducing offkeyedness. Strike that, more like the She's the Man of offkeyedness.
You can find "Go for the Exit" off the forthcoming album as Track 26 on the player.
Here's there website: http://www.bostonspaceships.com/
For awhile in 1999-2000, Guided by Voices were my favorite band. I really wore out my copies of Alien Lanes & Under the Bushes, Under the Stars. "Quality of Armor" off of Propeller remains maybe the catchiest song I've ever heard. I really liked Bee Thousand, but thought when people said it was their best album that they were clearly nuts. I thought Vampire on Titus and Mag Earwig! were a bit better than given credit for, and Sunfish Holy Breakfast had my favorite Tobin Sprout Guided by Voices song ("Jabberstroker"). On the other hand, I thought Do the Collapse and Isolation Drills were as bad as everyone said, and Universal Truths and Cycles was completely overrated. Earthquake Glue & Half Smiles of the Decomposed were pretty good.
At some point I'll post some of my favorite GbV songs, but today is not that day.
Anyway, Guided by Voices broke up, but Robert Pollard continued to write the worst Guided by Voices songs (52 seconds long, no melody, meandering atonal guitar, the end), and remain involved in several side projects that did the same thing.
I had remained hopeful for a long time that Robert Pollard might return to form, but I think I gave up on that idea in about 2003 and never bothered to buy another one of his solo albums or side projects again.
But I just heard of his new project, Boston Spaceships, which will release their debut Brown Submarine in September. The album is described as "pop punk" with only a few (thankfully) "prog flourishes." I heard one of their songs, and it sounds like an above average GbV track, if not exactly exceptional. It only has one or two completely tuneless moments! But hey, it's one song, Robert Pollard wrote it, and it actually sounds vaguely like music, so for the first time in awhile I'm actually considering buying one of his albums.
For the record, lest I sound to scornful of "brilliant musical experimentation," all of Robert Pollard's "atonal moments" sound exactly the same. If you've ever heard them, you know what I mean. It's like the Groundhog Day of cringe inducing offkeyedness. Strike that, more like the She's the Man of offkeyedness.
You can find "Go for the Exit" off the forthcoming album as Track 26 on the player.
Here's there website: http://www.bostonspaceships.com/
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
No Rhyme, No Reason, No Sight: No Theme Holds These Tracks Together Apart From Our Common Humanity
Just a few entirely random additions to the playlist. I suppose the glue to these tracks is that I know absolutely nothing about any of these bands. I've just run across these songs here or there.
First, there's Chairlift, who influenced the Rolling Stones, Haydn, Beethoven (the dog), and Lassie (the band). Their song is called "Evident Utensil." And they talk about a pencil. You really had to be there. The chorus is kind of like the girl from 4 Non-Blondes singing with some backing from that shaved head fucker from Aqua ("Come on Barbie/let's go party" (note: which will be on my tombstone, incidentally). I'm not 100% sure why this song went up. No offense, 4 Non Blondes lady.
I think Cheveu are from France. Their song is called "DOG." It reminds me so very slightly of Stereo Total, but mostly because of the slightly bored sounding Euro vocals. The guitar also has a bit of a Beat Happening quality, by which I mean it sounds kind of like the riff on "Bewitched." I never listen to lyrics unless they're out of this world, but I think this song is sexual or something. Maybe it's about femmes, doms, submissies (that's slang for femme-doms), into play, fat fetish with a twist of twink-bears, people who do mascots, and mish (French for "dominant femme-butch submissives NOT into play," who are the hottest thing going these days).
And Magic Wands sure seem English. Or Scottish. Or perhaps whatever people from the Isle of Wight are called (Puerto Rican?). Their song is called "Black Magic." I hope they tour Boston soon, so I can forget to check the papers and never know they were here in the first place, which is my favorite hobby.
Breathe Owl Breathe. They also exist. Just to come up with something to say, let's pretend they were founded in Baton Rouge in 1824 by a coven of Creole vampires who didn't realize covens are for witches. However, a one second internet search reveals they're from Michigan and human, which is far less interesting. They're song is called "Playing Dead," and luckily for everyone involved, is not about the Rust Belt economy but rather some other subject.
Tracks 22-25 on the playlist over yonder.
First, there's Chairlift, who influenced the Rolling Stones, Haydn, Beethoven (the dog), and Lassie (the band). Their song is called "Evident Utensil." And they talk about a pencil. You really had to be there. The chorus is kind of like the girl from 4 Non-Blondes singing with some backing from that shaved head fucker from Aqua ("Come on Barbie/let's go party" (note: which will be on my tombstone, incidentally). I'm not 100% sure why this song went up. No offense, 4 Non Blondes lady.
I think Cheveu are from France. Their song is called "DOG." It reminds me so very slightly of Stereo Total, but mostly because of the slightly bored sounding Euro vocals. The guitar also has a bit of a Beat Happening quality, by which I mean it sounds kind of like the riff on "Bewitched." I never listen to lyrics unless they're out of this world, but I think this song is sexual or something. Maybe it's about femmes, doms, submissies (that's slang for femme-doms), into play, fat fetish with a twist of twink-bears, people who do mascots, and mish (French for "dominant femme-butch submissives NOT into play," who are the hottest thing going these days).
And Magic Wands sure seem English. Or Scottish. Or perhaps whatever people from the Isle of Wight are called (Puerto Rican?). Their song is called "Black Magic." I hope they tour Boston soon, so I can forget to check the papers and never know they were here in the first place, which is my favorite hobby.
Breathe Owl Breathe. They also exist. Just to come up with something to say, let's pretend they were founded in Baton Rouge in 1824 by a coven of Creole vampires who didn't realize covens are for witches. However, a one second internet search reveals they're from Michigan and human, which is far less interesting. They're song is called "Playing Dead," and luckily for everyone involved, is not about the Rust Belt economy but rather some other subject.
Tracks 22-25 on the playlist over yonder.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Three More Short Poems
romance
i’ve had so many girls
file restraining orders against me
that I can no longer be
within 500 feet
of anywhere
classic cinema
there’s a line in employee of the month
where jessica simpson says
“you employees of the month are all the same”
it was then that I knew
that everything Muammar Qaddafi ever said about America
was true
existentialism
to paraphrase
jean paul sartre once said
time is too large, it can't be filled up
i'm going to guess
that he never had to fill out
student health insurance forms
i’ve had so many girls
file restraining orders against me
that I can no longer be
within 500 feet
of anywhere
classic cinema
there’s a line in employee of the month
where jessica simpson says
“you employees of the month are all the same”
it was then that I knew
that everything Muammar Qaddafi ever said about America
was true
existentialism
to paraphrase
jean paul sartre once said
time is too large, it can't be filled up
i'm going to guess
that he never had to fill out
student health insurance forms
1990s Boston Hardcore, Anyone? ANYONE?
Oh, I almost forgot. I went to the Only Living Witness Reunion show this weekend! Yeargh.
I had my back to the pit, which caused me great concern for awhile. Then, once OLW started up, all of my fear of having to end the night with desperate spinal surgery quickly disappeared. Some seriously tatted, bad ass looking dudes were patrolling the pit, for sure. However, they were all 35, trying to bolster the energy they had in 1995 and failing. Their soft, old bodies were easily shaken off, and I only got cold cocked in the throat once. I now sound exactly like Carol Channing. I've been singing "Hello Dolly" while coughing up blood for about 20 hours at this point.
I was always too wimpy for hardcore anyway. I look terrible in basketball jerseys, and have only intentionally paralyzed 5 or 6 people in my whole life.
In any event, it was a great show, and because they ran out of songs they knew how to perform, played "December" twice. 40 year old hardcore dudes rejoiced everwhere, before calling home to apologize to the babysitter and make room in their Monday schedules for a chiropractic appointment.
The real highlight of the weekend however, was when my dear old friend Dan DiPace said that a David Lynch movie he saw but really didn't understand was Steel Magnolias. It may have been the first time in human history Inland Empire and a movie where Julia Roberts gets married and dies while Olympia Dukakis looks on while commenting sardonically have ever been confused. I laughed so hard I actually shed tears for several minutes, which is, shall we say, infrequent. Maybe yahaddabethere.
I had my back to the pit, which caused me great concern for awhile. Then, once OLW started up, all of my fear of having to end the night with desperate spinal surgery quickly disappeared. Some seriously tatted, bad ass looking dudes were patrolling the pit, for sure. However, they were all 35, trying to bolster the energy they had in 1995 and failing. Their soft, old bodies were easily shaken off, and I only got cold cocked in the throat once. I now sound exactly like Carol Channing. I've been singing "Hello Dolly" while coughing up blood for about 20 hours at this point.
I was always too wimpy for hardcore anyway. I look terrible in basketball jerseys, and have only intentionally paralyzed 5 or 6 people in my whole life.
In any event, it was a great show, and because they ran out of songs they knew how to perform, played "December" twice. 40 year old hardcore dudes rejoiced everwhere, before calling home to apologize to the babysitter and make room in their Monday schedules for a chiropractic appointment.
The real highlight of the weekend however, was when my dear old friend Dan DiPace said that a David Lynch movie he saw but really didn't understand was Steel Magnolias. It may have been the first time in human history Inland Empire and a movie where Julia Roberts gets married and dies while Olympia Dukakis looks on while commenting sardonically have ever been confused. I laughed so hard I actually shed tears for several minutes, which is, shall we say, infrequent. Maybe yahaddabethere.
New Lo-Fi, Same As The Old-Fi.
This week's selections are all low fidelity tracks by various groups not known as Guided by Voices, who are a whole discussion unto themselves. Robert Pollard is responsible for some of the very best and very worst songs I've ever heard. "Very worst" have been the rule and no longer the exception since probably 1997 or so, but he still comes out with a gem once in a while. Unfortunately though, most of his recent albums (6000 have been released in the last 2 weeks) break world records on filler content.
But enough of the insults, as I actually really like a lot of Guided by Voices.
First up, Times New Viking. They're from Columbus, Ohio and play lo-fi pop. For reasons mostly of geography, I'm going to have to assume therefore they just mercilessly ripped off Dayton's own GbV. The song is "DROP-OUT," and it's the most popular track off their most recent album, because I'm unoriginal and lazy.
And then there's Hallelujah the Hills. They're from Boston by way of Vermont. They're one of the better bands from Boston these days (which, I'm sad to say, is no difficult feat for the last, oh, 15 years or so). You can download their newest EP for free at their website, which is pretty solid. http://www.hallelujahthehills.com/. This song is "Wave Backwards to Massachusetts."
And what can you say about Crystal Stilts? Nothing, when you don't know anything about the band. I only heard them for the first time about 2 or 3 weeks ago. However, the song "Crippled Croon" is pretty catchy. I'm not even sure if Crystal Stilts qualify as lo-fi, maybe they're just "fuzzy." Well, too late now.
Finally, Tobin Sprout. I think I have all his albums, putting him in a category with Outrageous Cherry and Vitesse: bands that I own all of their recorded material, which may represent about 75% of their albums sales, because I don't know anyone else who listens to them. In any event, Tobin Sprout used to be in Guided by Voices when they were actually a good band. The song is "Since I...," which is a pretty decent song but far from my favorite, but it was the only one on Imeem and I didn't feel like uploading any of mine, because it would involve walking 4 feet into the other room. As far as I understand, Tobin Sprout is now pretty much a 50-something year old dad from Michigan who occasionally records.
Honestly, when I really think about it, lo-fi as a "sound" is really gimmicky and sort of stupid. When I think about all of the lo-fi songs and groups that I really like, it doesn't seem to have anything to do with the fact I can barely hear it and more to do with the fact that the music is actually really catchy. On the other hand, I prefer all the Guided by Voices albums that sound like they were recorded through a tin can in the cabin of a submarine, so maybe there's something to it.
This week's selections are tracks 18 to 21.
But enough of the insults, as I actually really like a lot of Guided by Voices.
First up, Times New Viking. They're from Columbus, Ohio and play lo-fi pop. For reasons mostly of geography, I'm going to have to assume therefore they just mercilessly ripped off Dayton's own GbV. The song is "DROP-OUT," and it's the most popular track off their most recent album, because I'm unoriginal and lazy.
And then there's Hallelujah the Hills. They're from Boston by way of Vermont. They're one of the better bands from Boston these days (which, I'm sad to say, is no difficult feat for the last, oh, 15 years or so). You can download their newest EP for free at their website, which is pretty solid. http://www.hallelujahthehills.com/. This song is "Wave Backwards to Massachusetts."
And what can you say about Crystal Stilts? Nothing, when you don't know anything about the band. I only heard them for the first time about 2 or 3 weeks ago. However, the song "Crippled Croon" is pretty catchy. I'm not even sure if Crystal Stilts qualify as lo-fi, maybe they're just "fuzzy." Well, too late now.
Finally, Tobin Sprout. I think I have all his albums, putting him in a category with Outrageous Cherry and Vitesse: bands that I own all of their recorded material, which may represent about 75% of their albums sales, because I don't know anyone else who listens to them. In any event, Tobin Sprout used to be in Guided by Voices when they were actually a good band. The song is "Since I...," which is a pretty decent song but far from my favorite, but it was the only one on Imeem and I didn't feel like uploading any of mine, because it would involve walking 4 feet into the other room. As far as I understand, Tobin Sprout is now pretty much a 50-something year old dad from Michigan who occasionally records.
Honestly, when I really think about it, lo-fi as a "sound" is really gimmicky and sort of stupid. When I think about all of the lo-fi songs and groups that I really like, it doesn't seem to have anything to do with the fact I can barely hear it and more to do with the fact that the music is actually really catchy. On the other hand, I prefer all the Guided by Voices albums that sound like they were recorded through a tin can in the cabin of a submarine, so maybe there's something to it.
This week's selections are tracks 18 to 21.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
This Little Hook, Little Eyelid: Shearwater Plays with Frog Eyes at TT's on Friday
What an odd show. The combination seems strange to me.
Shearwater's sweet, soft tunes will coax you into a crippling depression from which all hope is drowned in a sea of tears.
Frog Eyes is the soundtrack to a major psychotic episode.
Perhaps this concert is meant as a musical representation of bipolar disorder. In any event, it's a good one and I'd love to go. But I don't think I'll be able to make it.
Track 16 on the ol' player to your right: "Nobody," by Shearwater. The guy from Shearwater used to be in Okkervil River. Now he performs his sad bastard music full time. It's off Palo Santo. I haven't heard the new album (Rook?) yet.
Frog Eyes has supplied #17. It's called "Bushels" off their recent album Tears of the Valedictorian. Like all Frog Eyes songs, it makes me want to take a bite out of a human, or at least grant Charles Manson parole (while taking a bite out of him).
Speaking of Frog Eyes, Spencer Krug used to be in this band. Then he wasn't. Now I think he sort of is again, because apparently some people need to be in 14 bands at the same time (I'm only half kidding: Wolf Parade, Swan Lake, Sunset Rubdown, Frog Eyes, Fifths of Seven).
Oh yeah, The Evangelicals are also playing at that show. La dee dah. I don't care. They're overrated, by which I mean, if you show up to see them open, you're overrating them. Ouch.
Shearwater's sweet, soft tunes will coax you into a crippling depression from which all hope is drowned in a sea of tears.
Frog Eyes is the soundtrack to a major psychotic episode.
Perhaps this concert is meant as a musical representation of bipolar disorder. In any event, it's a good one and I'd love to go. But I don't think I'll be able to make it.
Track 16 on the ol' player to your right: "Nobody," by Shearwater. The guy from Shearwater used to be in Okkervil River. Now he performs his sad bastard music full time. It's off Palo Santo. I haven't heard the new album (Rook?) yet.
Frog Eyes has supplied #17. It's called "Bushels" off their recent album Tears of the Valedictorian. Like all Frog Eyes songs, it makes me want to take a bite out of a human, or at least grant Charles Manson parole (while taking a bite out of him).
Speaking of Frog Eyes, Spencer Krug used to be in this band. Then he wasn't. Now I think he sort of is again, because apparently some people need to be in 14 bands at the same time (I'm only half kidding: Wolf Parade, Swan Lake, Sunset Rubdown, Frog Eyes, Fifths of Seven).
Oh yeah, The Evangelicals are also playing at that show. La dee dah. I don't care. They're overrated, by which I mean, if you show up to see them open, you're overrating them. Ouch.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
The First Taste Is Free--At Mount Zoomer by Wolf Parade Released Today.
I need some time to let this one sink in. It's a bit more complicated than Apologies to the Queen Mary. But some opening thoughts. For what it's worth, Wolf Parade are in the running for my favorite band. I think Spencer Krug & Dan Boeckner are two of the better songwriters you'll come across, and I don't look forward to the day they won't be in the same band anymore, which I have something of a nagging feeling is not that far away.
I prefer the debut album, honestly. Despite my psychotic need to continue to discover independent music, this basic maxim remains true: If it's described as "accessible," I usually like it more than those albums or artists more aptly described with "you're going to have to think this one over for awhile."
My version of "accessible" may be a bit strange to some (I think Frog Eyes & Sunset Rubdown are perfectly accessible), but basically, it boils down to this: you can add as many bells and whistles, surreal lyrics, bizarre sonic experimentation (layered over a decent pop song), and I'm down. The hook can even be lost in the thicket for awhile, not entirely discernable ("The Men Are Called Horsemen There" by Sunset Rubdown being a prime example), but it better show up eventually. The songs on the first album hooked me right away; on At Mount Zoomer that's less the case.
Strike that. I preferred the demos of the songs that later showed up on Apologies. Wolf Parade was actually one of those rare bands I was listening to well before they released their "big debut," mostly because I just followed Montreal music after living there for four years, and heard the demos almost right after they were available. The demos are equally, yes, accessible, but far rougher sounding. I vastly prefer the demo version of "We Built Another World," for example, as well as "Dear Sons & Daughters of Hungry Ghosts" and probably "Grounds for Divorce." But the album version of "Modern World" is much better than the one on the demo, sans synth & plus acoustic guitar. There were also some songs on the demos worthy of an album release, which makes me wonder what sort of quality songs were lost when Wolf Parade decided to scratch the songs they had written for a follow up because they were too much like Apologies, for those released today.
Speaking of which, I've always found Dan Boeckner to be a criminally underrated songwriter. I agree with the general assessment that Spencer Krug is a genius, but think Dan Boeckner gets the short shrift due to all the praise going his bandmate's way. I think Handsome Furs are really good, as a matter of fact, and many of my favorite Wolf Parade songs from the first album and demos are his ("Modern World," "We Built Another World," "This Heart's On Fire," "Secret Knives" (off a demo) and "National People's Scare" (ditto)). For the uninitiated, Boeckner's the crooner and Krug's the yelper.
But Spencer really is a magnificent songwriter. That being said, I'm just going to say that Dan's material on this album is far better. I like Krug's songs and have to mull them over a bit longer. But honestly, on a first take, they sound like Sunset Rubdown outtakes (and I happen to love that band, by the way). We'll see, I've only listened to it through once so far.
Anyway, the song I've added to the playlist is by Dan Boeckner, and it's called "Language City." This one has been available as a pre-released track for awhile, so it could have been done days ago and nothing new to those interested. It's track 15 on the player.
I prefer the debut album, honestly. Despite my psychotic need to continue to discover independent music, this basic maxim remains true: If it's described as "accessible," I usually like it more than those albums or artists more aptly described with "you're going to have to think this one over for awhile."
My version of "accessible" may be a bit strange to some (I think Frog Eyes & Sunset Rubdown are perfectly accessible), but basically, it boils down to this: you can add as many bells and whistles, surreal lyrics, bizarre sonic experimentation (layered over a decent pop song), and I'm down. The hook can even be lost in the thicket for awhile, not entirely discernable ("The Men Are Called Horsemen There" by Sunset Rubdown being a prime example), but it better show up eventually. The songs on the first album hooked me right away; on At Mount Zoomer that's less the case.
Strike that. I preferred the demos of the songs that later showed up on Apologies. Wolf Parade was actually one of those rare bands I was listening to well before they released their "big debut," mostly because I just followed Montreal music after living there for four years, and heard the demos almost right after they were available. The demos are equally, yes, accessible, but far rougher sounding. I vastly prefer the demo version of "We Built Another World," for example, as well as "Dear Sons & Daughters of Hungry Ghosts" and probably "Grounds for Divorce." But the album version of "Modern World" is much better than the one on the demo, sans synth & plus acoustic guitar. There were also some songs on the demos worthy of an album release, which makes me wonder what sort of quality songs were lost when Wolf Parade decided to scratch the songs they had written for a follow up because they were too much like Apologies, for those released today.
Speaking of which, I've always found Dan Boeckner to be a criminally underrated songwriter. I agree with the general assessment that Spencer Krug is a genius, but think Dan Boeckner gets the short shrift due to all the praise going his bandmate's way. I think Handsome Furs are really good, as a matter of fact, and many of my favorite Wolf Parade songs from the first album and demos are his ("Modern World," "We Built Another World," "This Heart's On Fire," "Secret Knives" (off a demo) and "National People's Scare" (ditto)). For the uninitiated, Boeckner's the crooner and Krug's the yelper.
But Spencer really is a magnificent songwriter. That being said, I'm just going to say that Dan's material on this album is far better. I like Krug's songs and have to mull them over a bit longer. But honestly, on a first take, they sound like Sunset Rubdown outtakes (and I happen to love that band, by the way). We'll see, I've only listened to it through once so far.
Anyway, the song I've added to the playlist is by Dan Boeckner, and it's called "Language City." This one has been available as a pre-released track for awhile, so it could have been done days ago and nothing new to those interested. It's track 15 on the player.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Precocious Teenagers, Or: "I Could Have Beat Up All These Guys When I Was 11 Years Old, And I Spent Most Of My Time Listening To Les Miserables"
Well, they may not be teenagers anymore. The following are the LeBron Jameseseseses of harmless twee. They get triple doubles for harmless twee all the time.
Here's the rundown. Jens Lekman used to be promising. In fact, he wrote one of my absolutely favorite songs, "Black Cab." Then his 70s AM Gold sound really dug in its heels, and I don't like 70s AM Gold. He sounds like Burt Bacharach's grandpa these days, and Bacharach went to my ol' alma mater, so you know things must be serious if I'm being so insulting. Anyway, Jens Lekman used to be good. As far as I'm concerned, he's done.
Jeremy Jay is the new Jens Lekman. I know it won't be long until I don't like him anymore. But that day is not today. "Airwalker" is actually a lovely, catchy song for much the same reason as "Black Cab," ironically enough. It sounds like it was recorded about 30 years ago, it's hookie as all git out, and um, the dude's a teenager I think, and his name starts with J. He also wishes he lived in the mid-1970s, which is about the dumbest thing I've ever heard. Eerie.
Who else is a teenager? Oh, I dunno, how about that guy from Beirut? That guy from Beirut was born Zach Condon in that godforsaken hellhole known as New Mexico. I'm just kidding. It's more like a godforsaken hellatsealevel. Plus, they've got turquoise coming out the ass.
So, that guy from Beirut is very talented. I think he's the most talented of this lot, that's for damn sure. He may be 22 now, but he used to be a teenager. Remember those days? Come to think of it, I'm rather sure none of these dudes are teenagers anymore. Jens Lekman & Zach Condon are now definitely in their 20s, and for all I know Jeremy Jay is 41. But he sure looks 15.
From Jens Lekman: "Black Cab" is a classic. Nuff ced. "Julie" also represents a period of time before old Jens completely sold his soul to the spawn of Lucifer known as the Captain & Tenille, which is an anagram for "Rosemary's Baby sucked."
From Jeremy Jay: Both of these songs are from the Airwalker EP. His LP will be out very soon, I believe. Just in time for his 42nd birthday. "Airwalker" might make you want to dance down the street like life was some kind of terrible Pepsi commercial, if you were the type who has ever wanted to dance down the street.
The second song, "We Stay Here (Our Secret World)" makes Nick Drake look like fucking Andrew W.K.
From Beirut: "Mount Wroclai" from the Gulag Orkestar LP. The funny thing about Mount Wroclai: What the hell is it supposed to mean? There's a city in Poland called Wroclaw. It's pronounced Vraslav. He seems to be says Row-kleye. There's also no effin' mountain near it anyway. "Scenic World," from the Lon Gisland EP. Funny thing about this song: it's so much better than the original version on the Gulap Orkestar album I almost want to shoot somebody, but that probably would not achieve any desired effect. "Guyamas Sonora," from the Flying Cup Club LP. Funny thing about this song: nothing.
It has occurred to me that there's really no reason to take things off the player, it can hold hundreds of songs. It may become unmanageable, so we'll see. Anyway, this week's additions are tracks 8-14. Enjoy.
Here's the rundown. Jens Lekman used to be promising. In fact, he wrote one of my absolutely favorite songs, "Black Cab." Then his 70s AM Gold sound really dug in its heels, and I don't like 70s AM Gold. He sounds like Burt Bacharach's grandpa these days, and Bacharach went to my ol' alma mater, so you know things must be serious if I'm being so insulting. Anyway, Jens Lekman used to be good. As far as I'm concerned, he's done.
Jeremy Jay is the new Jens Lekman. I know it won't be long until I don't like him anymore. But that day is not today. "Airwalker" is actually a lovely, catchy song for much the same reason as "Black Cab," ironically enough. It sounds like it was recorded about 30 years ago, it's hookie as all git out, and um, the dude's a teenager I think, and his name starts with J. He also wishes he lived in the mid-1970s, which is about the dumbest thing I've ever heard. Eerie.
Who else is a teenager? Oh, I dunno, how about that guy from Beirut? That guy from Beirut was born Zach Condon in that godforsaken hellhole known as New Mexico. I'm just kidding. It's more like a godforsaken hellatsealevel. Plus, they've got turquoise coming out the ass.
So, that guy from Beirut is very talented. I think he's the most talented of this lot, that's for damn sure. He may be 22 now, but he used to be a teenager. Remember those days? Come to think of it, I'm rather sure none of these dudes are teenagers anymore. Jens Lekman & Zach Condon are now definitely in their 20s, and for all I know Jeremy Jay is 41. But he sure looks 15.
From Jens Lekman: "Black Cab" is a classic. Nuff ced. "Julie" also represents a period of time before old Jens completely sold his soul to the spawn of Lucifer known as the Captain & Tenille, which is an anagram for "Rosemary's Baby sucked."
From Jeremy Jay: Both of these songs are from the Airwalker EP. His LP will be out very soon, I believe. Just in time for his 42nd birthday. "Airwalker" might make you want to dance down the street like life was some kind of terrible Pepsi commercial, if you were the type who has ever wanted to dance down the street.
The second song, "We Stay Here (Our Secret World)" makes Nick Drake look like fucking Andrew W.K.
From Beirut: "Mount Wroclai" from the Gulag Orkestar LP. The funny thing about Mount Wroclai: What the hell is it supposed to mean? There's a city in Poland called Wroclaw. It's pronounced Vraslav. He seems to be says Row-kleye. There's also no effin' mountain near it anyway. "Scenic World," from the Lon Gisland EP. Funny thing about this song: it's so much better than the original version on the Gulap Orkestar album I almost want to shoot somebody, but that probably would not achieve any desired effect. "Guyamas Sonora," from the Flying Cup Club LP. Funny thing about this song: nothing.
It has occurred to me that there's really no reason to take things off the player, it can hold hundreds of songs. It may become unmanageable, so we'll see. Anyway, this week's additions are tracks 8-14. Enjoy.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Random "Discovery" of the Day: Experimental Aircraft
No, not the Spruce Goose. Although the Spruce Goose was pretty funny.
I was listening to a KEXP (Seattle radio station) podcast at work. Personally, if I have to sit through a bunch of semi-boring mid-tempo blaahmusic to find one really good song, it's worth it to me. I almost unsubscribed to this particular podcast because I don't listen to it that much, but I'm glad I didn't, because I heard a good'un today.
This song, "Upper East Side," is a pretty good, chug-chug-chugger. I've only heard it once, but I like it. I have a terrible attention span, even when it comes to music I enjoy, and I seldom can hold on to a rock song that's longer than 5 minutes, and this one's 6 1/2, but I didn't get bored with it.
I've never heard of Experimental Aircraft before, but apparently they've been around for 11 years and they're from Austin. I'll have to check out more of their stuff. I feel like when I randomly hear a track this way, I end up disappointed by the band, but we'll see. Apparently "Upper East Side" is off of their most recent record, and it's the first they've recorded in about 5 years.
I hope you enjoy. Ain't you lucky, it's a full version, Track 7, on the player to your right. Please enjoy.
You can legally download this track at the band's website if you like it: http://www.experimentalaircraft.com/. Just hit the audio link on the toolbar and select "Upper East Side."
I was listening to a KEXP (Seattle radio station) podcast at work. Personally, if I have to sit through a bunch of semi-boring mid-tempo blaahmusic to find one really good song, it's worth it to me. I almost unsubscribed to this particular podcast because I don't listen to it that much, but I'm glad I didn't, because I heard a good'un today.
This song, "Upper East Side," is a pretty good, chug-chug-chugger. I've only heard it once, but I like it. I have a terrible attention span, even when it comes to music I enjoy, and I seldom can hold on to a rock song that's longer than 5 minutes, and this one's 6 1/2, but I didn't get bored with it.
I've never heard of Experimental Aircraft before, but apparently they've been around for 11 years and they're from Austin. I'll have to check out more of their stuff. I feel like when I randomly hear a track this way, I end up disappointed by the band, but we'll see. Apparently "Upper East Side" is off of their most recent record, and it's the first they've recorded in about 5 years.
I hope you enjoy. Ain't you lucky, it's a full version, Track 7, on the player to your right. Please enjoy.
You can legally download this track at the band's website if you like it: http://www.experimentalaircraft.com/. Just hit the audio link on the toolbar and select "Upper East Side."
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Thank You, Damon & Naomi, Because I'd Developed An Immunity To Sleeping Pills
So, Damon & Naomi are playing on Thursday. Damon & Naomi are sort of like Boston's answer to a gentle lullaby a mother sings to her baby, to which the baby responds, "even I'm too tough for this shit."
I don't really care for them. However, I do kind of care for the old 80s Boston band they were in with Dean Wareham from Luna, called Galaxie 500. Unfortunately, ol' imeem is a bit more inconsistent than I had first hoped, and each and every one of the three Galaxie 500 songs are but mere iTunes-esque 30 second clips, thus ruining the whole purpose of my summer website. However, once again, I think if you launch the player, and certainly if you visit the site itself, you can hear the full versions.
"Tugboat" is actually one of my favorite songs, and definitely their most catchy. The problem with "dream pop" is that it meanders aimlessly, the guy with the guitar playing an eternal game of mindless Windows Minesweeper for the benefit of no one. Then he remembers he was supposed to get something done that day, so after about the 8 minute mark the song is mercifully over. Well, "Tugboat" isn't really like that. Well, maybe for the last minute or so.
I also am a bit partial to some of the lyrics to that ol' classic:
"I don't wanna stay at your party
I don't wanna talk with your friends
I don't wanna vote for your president
I just wanna be your tugboat captain.
There's a place I'd like to be
there's a place I'd like to be
there's a place I'd like to bet
here's a place I'd be happy..."
Well, unfortunately, I get sea sick. But otherwise...
I've also added 3 random tracks that are here partially because they're full.
The Putters are a mid-90s Seattle Empty Records punky sort of band. I always liked the guitar on this one in high school.
Jason Collett, as I often remind people, is the most boring songwriter that I actually really like. I've seen him twice, which is twice more than I saw the Beatles. I also accidentally flirted with him once after a show, which is odd, because I do love Canadians, but (slightly) prefer the ones born with (or later acquired) a vagina.
And "All the Time in the World" by The Nips, a/k/a The Nipple Erectors, Shane MacGowan's old punk band before the Pogues were even a twinkle in "Powers double, neat, and keep 'em comin'" eyes. This is one of their great songs, and they have surprisingly many stand out tracks. I was absolutely shocked, while flipping channels (that old excuse) and running across Catch & Release starring none other than Jennifer Garner and a 12 ton Kevin Smith, to discover that they use this somewhat obscure song in the soundtrack, I believe during a momentous scene where somebody caught and released something or whatever.
Songs of the week, indeed.
I don't really care for them. However, I do kind of care for the old 80s Boston band they were in with Dean Wareham from Luna, called Galaxie 500. Unfortunately, ol' imeem is a bit more inconsistent than I had first hoped, and each and every one of the three Galaxie 500 songs are but mere iTunes-esque 30 second clips, thus ruining the whole purpose of my summer website. However, once again, I think if you launch the player, and certainly if you visit the site itself, you can hear the full versions.
"Tugboat" is actually one of my favorite songs, and definitely their most catchy. The problem with "dream pop" is that it meanders aimlessly, the guy with the guitar playing an eternal game of mindless Windows Minesweeper for the benefit of no one. Then he remembers he was supposed to get something done that day, so after about the 8 minute mark the song is mercifully over. Well, "Tugboat" isn't really like that. Well, maybe for the last minute or so.
I also am a bit partial to some of the lyrics to that ol' classic:
"I don't wanna stay at your party
I don't wanna talk with your friends
I don't wanna vote for your president
I just wanna be your tugboat captain.
There's a place I'd like to be
there's a place I'd like to be
there's a place I'd like to bet
here's a place I'd be happy..."
Well, unfortunately, I get sea sick. But otherwise...
I've also added 3 random tracks that are here partially because they're full.
The Putters are a mid-90s Seattle Empty Records punky sort of band. I always liked the guitar on this one in high school.
Jason Collett, as I often remind people, is the most boring songwriter that I actually really like. I've seen him twice, which is twice more than I saw the Beatles. I also accidentally flirted with him once after a show, which is odd, because I do love Canadians, but (slightly) prefer the ones born with (or later acquired) a vagina.
And "All the Time in the World" by The Nips, a/k/a The Nipple Erectors, Shane MacGowan's old punk band before the Pogues were even a twinkle in "Powers double, neat, and keep 'em comin'" eyes. This is one of their great songs, and they have surprisingly many stand out tracks. I was absolutely shocked, while flipping channels (that old excuse) and running across Catch & Release starring none other than Jennifer Garner and a 12 ton Kevin Smith, to discover that they use this somewhat obscure song in the soundtrack, I believe during a momentous scene where somebody caught and released something or whatever.
Songs of the week, indeed.
Monday, June 9, 2008
My Prideful, Temporary Amusement
Things have changed, since the internet age took over:
http://www.overheardatmcgill.com/
I get to pretend I still go there, and also read a few stupid things people say.
http://www.overheardatmcgill.com/
I get to pretend I still go there, and also read a few stupid things people say.
Random "Discovery" of the Day: Kind of Like if Interpol were from Scotland, and Occasionally Forgot They Were Interpol
Well, they don't sound that much like Interpol. They're called We Were Promised Jetpacks, and they're from Glasgow, or Edinburgh, or Aberdeen, or something.
This isn't exactly the better of the two tracks I've heard from this band today, but I couldn't get my hands on the other to post. That one is called "Quiet Little Voices," sounds even less like Interpol (but way more Scottish), and you can hear it on their MySp*c* page if you like: http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=35958049
This one's called "Moving Clocks Run Slow." All Scottish bands sound like this these days. Guitar driven post-punk sounding stuff with some "heartfelt" vocals. You'd think everyone up there was a depressed grumbler. With Blackpool but a hop, skip and a jump away in the land of the Angles, you'd think everyone would be overjoyed.
Track 7 on the player.
This isn't exactly the better of the two tracks I've heard from this band today, but I couldn't get my hands on the other to post. That one is called "Quiet Little Voices," sounds even less like Interpol (but way more Scottish), and you can hear it on their MySp*c* page if you like: http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=35958049
This one's called "Moving Clocks Run Slow." All Scottish bands sound like this these days. Guitar driven post-punk sounding stuff with some "heartfelt" vocals. You'd think everyone up there was a depressed grumbler. With Blackpool but a hop, skip and a jump away in the land of the Angles, you'd think everyone would be overjoyed.
Track 7 on the player.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Alternative Ulster: And People Say Northern Ireland Is Just A Big Pair Of Tits
On the weekends, I think I will put up a playlist of artists from specific countries, regions or cities. Here we go. Unfortunately, only tracks 4, 5, & 6 are full on the embedded player. If you want to hear full versions of the first three, I think you either need to click the standalone player or visit the imeem site.
Region Background: Northern Ireland (Ulster, Scotland, Jr.) was founded in 1957, when Zeus gave birth to a turtle out of his skull. Unfortunately, it was inhabited by two warring clans: one that thinks Daniel Day Lewis kicked ass in In The Name of the Father, and another who quite frankly prefers lighter summer fare, like Requiem for a Dream. Northern Ireland also exports a number of products we use in our day to day lives, such as eternal dampness. Famous Northern Irelandians include: many actors who try to fake that Belfast accent where every sentence you say ends in a questioning inflection.
The Bands: According to an oft visited website of questionable accuracy, Stiff Little Fingers and the Undertones used to have it out over The Troubles™, because SLF talked about it a lot ("sensationalized it," according to the Undertones), while the Undertones just wrote songs about liking girls ("bunch of pussies," according to everyone).
Speaking of w-k-p-d-- articles that I can’t vouch for, apparently a record company threw away a demo of “Suspect Device” by Stiff Little Fingers, thinking it was, in fact, a suspect device.
Additionally, “Suspect Device” was featured in High Fidelity, where the anemic weirdo tells Roseanne’s daughter that Green Day was influenced by Stiff Little Fingers. Then he starts playing this song, and someone in the store said “Is this the new Green Day?” That’s when I could no longer suspend my disbelief that these characters were legitimate music nerds. Stick to the Beta Band, anemic weirdo. Nobody who’s ever heard a song before could mistake Stiff Little Fingers for Green Day, they sound absolutely nothing alike. The Descendants, maybe. Who’s the hyperventilating music loser now?
Both “Teenage Kicks” and “I Don’t Wanna Get Over You” were covered to death by the pop punk bands I listened to growing up, and I actually prefer The Queers cover version of the latter song to the original, because Joe King doesn’t sound quite as much like a woodland elf when he sings.
Also, the Outcasts. I’m sure they had some stories to tell. Probably still do, assuming they’re not all dead. Their stories probably start thusly: “Hey, anybody in our band, The Outcasts, have any amusing anecdotes to tell about growing up in Derry?” And then those stories end with: “no.”
“Self Conscious Over You” is the sort of song Screeching Weasel, The Queers, The Vindictives, and MTX would later perfect, but with the good fortune of not having to get through East Belfast army checkpoints to get to the recording studio.
Also, I particularly like “The Cops Are Comin’,” because it’s quite catchy and about murder. Catchy songs about murder are why the Industrialized West is beating the pants off all those other civilizations out there, because quite frankly, Chinese songs about murder never feature power chords.
These are my three favorite bands from Northern Ireland. This is partly aided by the fact that they’re the only bands I know from there. But I do like all of them.
Amazingly, 4 of 6 songs feature the double hand clap, which makes any song better.
You may wonder why I named this post "Alternative Ulster," but did not include that Stiff Little Fingers track. Actually, I don't really like that song.
Note: I took down the songs from last week, but if you feel like hearing any of them you can ask me and I'll put them up again.
Region Background: Northern Ireland (Ulster, Scotland, Jr.) was founded in 1957, when Zeus gave birth to a turtle out of his skull. Unfortunately, it was inhabited by two warring clans: one that thinks Daniel Day Lewis kicked ass in In The Name of the Father, and another who quite frankly prefers lighter summer fare, like Requiem for a Dream. Northern Ireland also exports a number of products we use in our day to day lives, such as eternal dampness. Famous Northern Irelandians include: many actors who try to fake that Belfast accent where every sentence you say ends in a questioning inflection.
The Bands: According to an oft visited website of questionable accuracy, Stiff Little Fingers and the Undertones used to have it out over The Troubles™, because SLF talked about it a lot ("sensationalized it," according to the Undertones), while the Undertones just wrote songs about liking girls ("bunch of pussies," according to everyone).
Speaking of w-k-p-d-- articles that I can’t vouch for, apparently a record company threw away a demo of “Suspect Device” by Stiff Little Fingers, thinking it was, in fact, a suspect device.
Additionally, “Suspect Device” was featured in High Fidelity, where the anemic weirdo tells Roseanne’s daughter that Green Day was influenced by Stiff Little Fingers. Then he starts playing this song, and someone in the store said “Is this the new Green Day?” That’s when I could no longer suspend my disbelief that these characters were legitimate music nerds. Stick to the Beta Band, anemic weirdo. Nobody who’s ever heard a song before could mistake Stiff Little Fingers for Green Day, they sound absolutely nothing alike. The Descendants, maybe. Who’s the hyperventilating music loser now?
Both “Teenage Kicks” and “I Don’t Wanna Get Over You” were covered to death by the pop punk bands I listened to growing up, and I actually prefer The Queers cover version of the latter song to the original, because Joe King doesn’t sound quite as much like a woodland elf when he sings.
Also, the Outcasts. I’m sure they had some stories to tell. Probably still do, assuming they’re not all dead. Their stories probably start thusly: “Hey, anybody in our band, The Outcasts, have any amusing anecdotes to tell about growing up in Derry?” And then those stories end with: “no.”
“Self Conscious Over You” is the sort of song Screeching Weasel, The Queers, The Vindictives, and MTX would later perfect, but with the good fortune of not having to get through East Belfast army checkpoints to get to the recording studio.
Also, I particularly like “The Cops Are Comin’,” because it’s quite catchy and about murder. Catchy songs about murder are why the Industrialized West is beating the pants off all those other civilizations out there, because quite frankly, Chinese songs about murder never feature power chords.
These are my three favorite bands from Northern Ireland. This is partly aided by the fact that they’re the only bands I know from there. But I do like all of them.
Amazingly, 4 of 6 songs feature the double hand clap, which makes any song better.
You may wonder why I named this post "Alternative Ulster," but did not include that Stiff Little Fingers track. Actually, I don't really like that song.
Note: I took down the songs from last week, but if you feel like hearing any of them you can ask me and I'll put them up again.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Hayden Plays Tonight at Great Scott
Hayden is an example of someone who was once rather popular (er, "in Canada"), had Neil Young produce one of his albums (this is supposedly some kind of good thing), and comes to the States and plays...Great Scott's. Well, here's hoping for a turnout of 30, although I suppose I've seen packed shows in there once or twice. I may not be one of the 30, but if you enjoy falling asleep on your feet, Hayden will do the trick, as he gently soothes you with all the songs about Thornhill, Ontario one person could ever hope to hear (my number was zero. But I still kind of like Hayden).
In the music player I've added Hayden's classic & depressing "Damn This Feeling" as Track 6. It's a live version, but still, it captures the album rather well.
The song is about someone who's depressed that their depression is ending. Oh, Hayden. You're like a Canadian Leonard Cohen. That doesn't really work. So let's say a Canadian Leonard Cohen who isn't Jewish.
"Damn This Feeling" is a track off his 2008 album In Field & Town.
It also contains the excellent lyrical snippet: "Women adored me/for the sad look in my eyes/now they ignore me/for getting on with my life."
The piano in this song is also quite beautiful. Take a listen.
"I think I'm healing, damn this feeling..."
In the music player I've added Hayden's classic & depressing "Damn This Feeling" as Track 6. It's a live version, but still, it captures the album rather well.
The song is about someone who's depressed that their depression is ending. Oh, Hayden. You're like a Canadian Leonard Cohen. That doesn't really work. So let's say a Canadian Leonard Cohen who isn't Jewish.
"Damn This Feeling" is a track off his 2008 album In Field & Town.
It also contains the excellent lyrical snippet: "Women adored me/for the sad look in my eyes/now they ignore me/for getting on with my life."
The piano in this song is also quite beautiful. Take a listen.
"I think I'm healing, damn this feeling..."
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Some Thoughts On This Week's Music
I have installed an imeem music player so people can actually hear the songs I'm referring to. I'll try to cycle in a new list every week. The imeem player appears in the right column. If you don't see it, you probably need "java," whatever that is. And for whatever reason, some songs will not appear as full songs when embedded off the imeem site (songs 3 & 4 here), but rather 30 second iTunes-esque previews. Something about "permissions" from the artist to stream songs, even though if you're on the imeem site itself you can hear the full song. I don't know. But if you hit "launch standalone" I think they'll play in full on a popout player. In any event, songs 1, 2, and 5 from this week are all full versions, anyway.
Song #1: "Makin' Room for Youth" by Social Unrest (1981)
"Epic" is a funny word when it comes to punk music. It is often associated with bands that released 40 copies of one seven inch decades ago, and have been heard of by 85 people on planet earth. On that note, here's an epic track from epic SoCal hardcore band Social Unrest, from an epic 1981 seven inch. But in all honesty, I hear songs like this and don't understand why people hate punk so much. Did I mention that in addition to being epic, it's also seminal?
Song #2: "Parasites" by Ugly Casanova (2002)
Funny story about Ugly Casanova. Isaac Brock, of Modest Mouse fame, claimed that a mysterious stranger named Edgar Graham gave him versions of these songs he'd written under the moniker Ugly Casanova on a rough cassette tape, and then disappeared forever. In order partly to try to smoke him out, Isaac and some buddies recorded all of these songs using the name Ugly Casanova. Isaac Brock later admitted this was all made up, a story concocted to save him from having to be interviewed about the band. Yeah, Isaac. Making up a story about a mysterious stranger leaving songs behind is likely to lead to far less interviews than simply admitting you've put together some stupid Modest Mouse side project. Later, Isaac would accomplish several other feats, like being accused of date rape. Actually, that happened way before this album, and I have no insight into its truthfulness. As for this song, it's pretty good, if you like things that sound exactly like Modest Mouse in every conceivable respect.
Song #3: "I Can't Forget" by The Pixies (1991)
I can't tell you how upset I was to find out that there existed a studio recorded Pixies song I didn't have in my collection. Yes, I'm that pathetic. I was all the more disturbed to find out the song in question is a Leonard Cohen cover. How could this have happened? In any event, this song contains a truly fine example of Joey Santiago's revolutionary guitar work. It also contains the lyrics: "And I promise, cross my heart, they'll never catch us, but if they do, just tell them it was me." Oh, Lenny. Boston & Montreal, together at last. Well, other than when UMass students head north to puke on rue Crescent. Or when Quebecois head south to either take photos of the First Church of Christ, Scientist every day of the week, or get the shit beat out of them at Bruins games.
Song #4: "Hybrid Moments" by The Misfits (1978)
Mssr. Danzig shows off his pipes on this track like on no other. It's so catchy. My man is crooning. Unfortunately(?), my personal interpretation of this song is that he's in the middle of killing someone. If interpretting this song was a rorschach test, I'd be committed as criminally insane, because most people seem to think it's either about sex, or maybe a werewolf. Sorry, suckers. It's clearly murder.
Song #5: "The Swimmer" by Frank Black (2001)
Speaking of crooning, that's what Frank Black Francis does on this track. Some people say Frank Black's solo work sucks. I only agree 45% of the time. This is not one of those times.
Song #1: "Makin' Room for Youth" by Social Unrest (1981)
"Epic" is a funny word when it comes to punk music. It is often associated with bands that released 40 copies of one seven inch decades ago, and have been heard of by 85 people on planet earth. On that note, here's an epic track from epic SoCal hardcore band Social Unrest, from an epic 1981 seven inch. But in all honesty, I hear songs like this and don't understand why people hate punk so much. Did I mention that in addition to being epic, it's also seminal?
Song #2: "Parasites" by Ugly Casanova (2002)
Funny story about Ugly Casanova. Isaac Brock, of Modest Mouse fame, claimed that a mysterious stranger named Edgar Graham gave him versions of these songs he'd written under the moniker Ugly Casanova on a rough cassette tape, and then disappeared forever. In order partly to try to smoke him out, Isaac and some buddies recorded all of these songs using the name Ugly Casanova. Isaac Brock later admitted this was all made up, a story concocted to save him from having to be interviewed about the band. Yeah, Isaac. Making up a story about a mysterious stranger leaving songs behind is likely to lead to far less interviews than simply admitting you've put together some stupid Modest Mouse side project. Later, Isaac would accomplish several other feats, like being accused of date rape. Actually, that happened way before this album, and I have no insight into its truthfulness. As for this song, it's pretty good, if you like things that sound exactly like Modest Mouse in every conceivable respect.
Song #3: "I Can't Forget" by The Pixies (1991)
I can't tell you how upset I was to find out that there existed a studio recorded Pixies song I didn't have in my collection. Yes, I'm that pathetic. I was all the more disturbed to find out the song in question is a Leonard Cohen cover. How could this have happened? In any event, this song contains a truly fine example of Joey Santiago's revolutionary guitar work. It also contains the lyrics: "And I promise, cross my heart, they'll never catch us, but if they do, just tell them it was me." Oh, Lenny. Boston & Montreal, together at last. Well, other than when UMass students head north to puke on rue Crescent. Or when Quebecois head south to either take photos of the First Church of Christ, Scientist every day of the week, or get the shit beat out of them at Bruins games.
Song #4: "Hybrid Moments" by The Misfits (1978)
Mssr. Danzig shows off his pipes on this track like on no other. It's so catchy. My man is crooning. Unfortunately(?), my personal interpretation of this song is that he's in the middle of killing someone. If interpretting this song was a rorschach test, I'd be committed as criminally insane, because most people seem to think it's either about sex, or maybe a werewolf. Sorry, suckers. It's clearly murder.
Song #5: "The Swimmer" by Frank Black (2001)
Speaking of crooning, that's what Frank Black Francis does on this track. Some people say Frank Black's solo work sucks. I only agree 45% of the time. This is not one of those times.
Poems About World Politics
spanish bombs
the downside
of the spanish civil war
was that it ushered in
four decades of fascist dictatorship
on the upside
no mudvayne albums had been recorded yet
the caucasus
when armenia and azerbaijan start sniping
at each other
i never know who to root for
tom clancy better get on this shit soon
write a book called "the crimson cougar" or something
to let me know who's the bad guy
if he's not too busy
trying to get thrown on the funeral pyre
of zombie ronald reagan
instead
nafta
everytime someone says
"canadian softwood lumber"
in a nafta fight
i always picture gordon lightfoot
apologizing to a prostitute
who's just relieved
to get her cash
without having to do anything
until she realizes
she now has to hear
acoustic versions
of "if you could read my mind"
performed in the nude
for like an hour
yeah,
nafta sucks
the downside
of the spanish civil war
was that it ushered in
four decades of fascist dictatorship
on the upside
no mudvayne albums had been recorded yet
the caucasus
when armenia and azerbaijan start sniping
at each other
i never know who to root for
tom clancy better get on this shit soon
write a book called "the crimson cougar" or something
to let me know who's the bad guy
if he's not too busy
trying to get thrown on the funeral pyre
of zombie ronald reagan
instead
nafta
everytime someone says
"canadian softwood lumber"
in a nafta fight
i always picture gordon lightfoot
apologizing to a prostitute
who's just relieved
to get her cash
without having to do anything
until she realizes
she now has to hear
acoustic versions
of "if you could read my mind"
performed in the nude
for like an hour
yeah,
nafta sucks
And Here's One, Plus One
reflections on boredom
people talk about
"being bored to death"
like it's such a bad thing
but if you've got to go
it sounds a lot better
than hemorrhagic fever
in honor of our founding fathers
if our founding fathers
had ever seen
the fast and the furious: tokyo drift
they probably would have called off
this whole country
and then nuked japan
oh wait
that second part actually happened
people talk about
"being bored to death"
like it's such a bad thing
but if you've got to go
it sounds a lot better
than hemorrhagic fever
in honor of our founding fathers
if our founding fathers
had ever seen
the fast and the furious: tokyo drift
they probably would have called off
this whole country
and then nuked japan
oh wait
that second part actually happened
Even More Short Poems
sketches
if there was a yiddish version
of saturday night live
and i was a staff writer
i'd write a sketch called
Chef Goy-ardee
it would air at 12:55 AM
and illicit no laughs
but one very serious lawsuit
from the catholic league
i'd then write one called
"if vin diesel was a ganif"
and then get totally fired
daydreaming
when i daydream of shannyn sossamon
especially when she was in that piece of shit
"rules of attraction"
do you think she daydreams
of law students
with lactose intolerance
and blogger accounts?
lucky penny
penny penny
on the ground
you just doubled my gross income
for the 2007-2008 calendar year
memories
do you remember
when they cancelled nightline?
me neither.
grad school daze
if anyone in here
says
"gender through the prism of otherness"
one more time
i'm going to murder suicide
every motherfucker in this joint
if there was a yiddish version
of saturday night live
and i was a staff writer
i'd write a sketch called
Chef Goy-ardee
it would air at 12:55 AM
and illicit no laughs
but one very serious lawsuit
from the catholic league
i'd then write one called
"if vin diesel was a ganif"
and then get totally fired
daydreaming
when i daydream of shannyn sossamon
especially when she was in that piece of shit
"rules of attraction"
do you think she daydreams
of law students
with lactose intolerance
and blogger accounts?
lucky penny
penny penny
on the ground
you just doubled my gross income
for the 2007-2008 calendar year
memories
do you remember
when they cancelled nightline?
me neither.
grad school daze
if anyone in here
says
"gender through the prism of otherness"
one more time
i'm going to murder suicide
every motherfucker in this joint
More Short Poems
career ambitions
you could make a lot of money
as a throat surgeon
who specialized in
death metal singers
not because singing like that
must hurt their throats so badly
but because
if you just take out their voiceboxes
i'd probably pay you like a million dollars
puppies
rolling around
with furry little puppies
climbing on your face
probably isn't so fun
if you've got contact determititis
the nauru national anthem
this country may only be 8 miles long
and have 9 thousand people
but we needed to be free
because australia's filled with assholes
and queen elizabeth ii makes the marshall islands
look like the federated states of micronesia
if you catch our drift
you could make a lot of money
as a throat surgeon
who specialized in
death metal singers
not because singing like that
must hurt their throats so badly
but because
if you just take out their voiceboxes
i'd probably pay you like a million dollars
puppies
rolling around
with furry little puppies
climbing on your face
probably isn't so fun
if you've got contact determititis
the nauru national anthem
this country may only be 8 miles long
and have 9 thousand people
but we needed to be free
because australia's filled with assholes
and queen elizabeth ii makes the marshall islands
look like the federated states of micronesia
if you catch our drift
Monday, June 2, 2008
Some Short Poems
Suze Orman
i'd say that Suze Orman is
everything that's wrong with everything
but then i remember hitler existed
the auld triangle, revisited
brendan behan once wrote
he wished he dwelled in the women's prison
i'm not sure how much time he spent
around women
convicted of credit card fraud
at safeway
in loving memory
this year
to mourn the passing of ian curtis
i'm going to listen to
love will tear us apart
over and over again
because i don't know any other joy division songs
hope dies
i used to say i wanted to live forever
until i remembered
there's no end in sight for 3rd rock from the sun's
syndication deal
so it really isn't worth it
i'd say that Suze Orman is
everything that's wrong with everything
but then i remember hitler existed
the auld triangle, revisited
brendan behan once wrote
he wished he dwelled in the women's prison
i'm not sure how much time he spent
around women
convicted of credit card fraud
at safeway
in loving memory
this year
to mourn the passing of ian curtis
i'm going to listen to
love will tear us apart
over and over again
because i don't know any other joy division songs
hope dies
i used to say i wanted to live forever
until i remembered
there's no end in sight for 3rd rock from the sun's
syndication deal
so it really isn't worth it
If You Try Acting Sad, You'll Only Make Me Glad
I imagine this will be mostly about music, and maybe some photography.
The blog title is from my favorite Rolling Stones song, as is the title of this post.
The original title of this venture was meant to by Hybrid Moments, from a Misfits song, but that was taken. I suppose it's a lucky thing, as if I'd successfully snagged the Misfits title, I would have had to design this webpage with far more corpses. As it stands, there will only be a few corpses, mostly the Rolling Stones.
The blog title is from my favorite Rolling Stones song, as is the title of this post.
The original title of this venture was meant to by Hybrid Moments, from a Misfits song, but that was taken. I suppose it's a lucky thing, as if I'd successfully snagged the Misfits title, I would have had to design this webpage with far more corpses. As it stands, there will only be a few corpses, mostly the Rolling Stones.
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