A Myriad of Music

warning: introspective analysis of things you don't care about

Wed, 27 Jun 2012 03:33:12 -0400

Lately, examining the processes behind critique and the act of critique itself has left me thinking deeply about my stance on the (somewhat) constructive criticism of other peoples art that I spend so much time doing. I’ve been told by several individuals before that critique is a shallow career choice— I hide behind a computer screen or magazine and rant about what I feel or think to be the best interpretation of someone else’s work. The right person would say that it is never anyone else’s place to create opinions, especially negative ones, of an individuals masterpiece.

Since I’ve been trying to be the most critical of thinkers lately in order to keep my mind intact and up to speed while I’m out of school, I have been analyzing the pros and cons of the act of critique— and I believe I’ve finally come up with my final opinion of the subject. My opinions can be seen and defined as art as well, given they are in the proper setting to be interpreted as so therefore as long as I can judge other people’s work, they can judge mine. It’s a cruel cruel world out there. Anyways…

I haven’t written a review in a terribly long time because I haven’t been inspired by any artists’ work enough to write a long and educated analysis of anything, other than maybe an episode of the Real Housewives of New York. But in all seriousness, I’ve been attempting to scope out as many new artists as possible in hopes of finding someone I can rant and rave about positively for this blog. I really love having this blog more than I love any other internet account I possess, but I despise coming off as negative through my writing. Ultimately because of this, I’m left torn— simply because to me, a negative writing style exudes arrogance and creates this image of me as a narcissistic and elitist know-it-all with a blog and unlimited time to think of such nasty things about other people making music and doing things I personally could not do myself. But it’s hard for me to think up positive ideas and develop opinions on musical acts that aren’t original and are unimpressive— and sometimes being negative is fun and mildly entertaining.

I hope to someday find a band, a current one, that leaves an impression on me in the way that Pearl Jam, the Smashing Pumpkins, and other bands have left on me throughout my musical inquiries. As any music fan could say, the amount of time consumed in listening and analyzing music seems like an eternity— but an eternity well spent. I truly never want to stop listening to music and thinking and enjoying what other people create to keep themselves happy and fulfilled, as well as pleasing thousands of people they don’t know throughout the world. With all the greediness on this planet its nice to know I will always be able to share a bond with bands who value the idea of knowing they’re making people they don’t know happy by their music— essentially sharing the wealth of creativity.

But on that note… I’ve finished all of Pearl Jam’s discography and I have been basking in it like no other. Chemistry to me is so major in the process of making music, and any sensible person can tell when there is cosmic, intergalactic, sort of out of this world connection between individuals making music because the music will without a doubt sound good. Good is broad, but good in the sense of you can feel the warmth and fullness of a song made by people who care for each other, who see each others flaws, and can build off of them to create something beyond the physical limitations of this world. I feel like Pearl Jam really defines what I just explained; their chemistry is undeniable and contagious to everyone and anyone who takes a stab at listening to them.

When I look at Pearl Jam and compare them to other favorite bands of mine, they stand out because of their chemistry. No other band I favor is still together in almost their complete original lineup, except Radiohead, and I only like Radiohead prior to Amnesiac, so….they don’t even really count because now they’re just batshit (sorry for the negativity). But honestly I feel like bands like the Smashing Pumpkins, who allowed fame wealth and control to define their creative processes, fell apart because they lost sight of the major goal— making themselves happy and bringing joy to others. I don’t know; I may be really over thinking all of this but I just feel like music is a beautiful thing and it deserves to be thought out in a way beyond the logistical standpoints most people choose to graze when asked to think about the subject.

Thank you for reading this rant. I promise more substantial things will come soon enough.

it's evolution, baby

Wed, 16 May 2012 02:18:35 -0400

It’s hard to choose a starting place for this post because I have been so intensely involved in one particular band for the past few months, and since they blow my mind away, it’s hard for me to decide where to even begin my explanation of love and appreciation for/towards them. Ironically enough, they used to be on list of “Bands I hate and will never listen to, ever”. It’s evolution, baby!

So, Pearl Jam. The undying love still treks on, and even more intensely than before. I have to say that after carefully examining their discography (live albums and Lost Dogs included) up until Riot Act, I am way more fond of their post-Vs. stuff than I am of their music prior. Surprising, I know, since I channel the “grunge” gods like no other, I’m even surprised that I prefer their alternative-alternate over their deeply rooted, Seattle-punk based influences. Oh well.

But for recommendations, I would definitely 100 percent recommend Vitalogy (1994). It is a quintessential Pearl Jam conglomeration of creativity and uniqueness that displays the total change of pace the band was going for come 1994. It’s an album equipped with it’s own personality essentially; Not For You, Better Man, Nothingman, Last Exit, Corduroy…I mean, there is no wrong here. Each song is like it’s own human being— packed with individuality and a nature all of its own.

Regardless of their differences in melody, lyrical content, and over all feeling, the songs on Vitalogy are unified in such a fashion that the album is frankly addicting. I can listen to Not For You and Corduroy a million times over with no disregard towards either.

I’m all for repeats and I always have been, but these two songs sound different to me every time- and that’s why I choose to listen to them on repeat. So many sounds and instruments are being utilized in not just the two songs mentioned, but in all of the songs on the album, that every time you listen to one of them you hear something different that you didn’t hear before, or you listen to the song from a different perspective than you did prior, ultimately leading to even your frame of mind altering the way you hear the song.

Vitalogy is pure power and energy. If you want to hear a Pearl Jam album that isn’t the least bit “grunge”, try it out and see how you like it. If not there are other options.

No Code and Yield (1996 and 1998, respectively) are good as well; I prefer Yield over No Code simply because of the creative process that spawned Yield—it was a more positive and passionate environment shared between all the musicians of the band, instead of monopolized and controlled by Eddie Vedder. Not to discredit him; he has grown on me significantly, but regardless I still have some angst towards him and his crazy Capricorn control freak ways. He can’t help them though, heh.

From No Code I recommend the following:

Hail, Hail

Who You Are (my favorite from the album)

Off He Goes

Smile

From Yield:

Brain of J

Do the Evolution

Given to Fly (my favorite from the album)

SO yes. If you want to enter the 21st century, something I will always be weary about, Binaural (2000) is genius. Nothing As It Seems sends chills up your spine. Just saying.

On a side note… I’m going to Outside Lands this August! I can’t wait to see some of the greatest musicians of all time, Stevie Wonder, Neil Young & Crazy Horse, and not to forget my most favorite act on the lineup…Metallica. There are no words I can think of to explain the anticipation and excitement I have to see what Metallica chalks up for their set. Metallica live is something I have longed to see for far too long; their performances exude more energy than a hyper active five year old, and I feel that rush just from watching youtube videos…so you can assume what I’ll feel like during their live show. Ahh!

In terms of some of the other acts, I’m not nearly as excited to see them but I still am rather chipper about experiencing them live. Die Antwoord will be incredibly cool, as will Beck, Tame Impala, Norah Jones, etc. But once it gets closer to the date I’ll definitely post another entry in regards to an Outside Lands playlist of some calibur.

Thank you for listening always— updates will hopefully coming more frequently now than they have been.

Lollapalooza 2012.

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 19:59:00 -0400

Hello, this is going to be a particularly rage fueled post, so please read at your discretion.

I’ll just start by going right into it— what the fuck Perry Ferrell. I’m not even questioning, I’m stating, what the fuck. Honestly I cannot say I’m surprised at all at the Lollapalooza 2012 lineup. It turned out to be exactly what I could have guessed; a lineup full of mediocre musicians who are the poster children for this pseudo rock movement that has been plaguing airwaves, iTunes, and all other mainstream fountains for music for the past several years now, and I am so beyond sick of it.

To start with a more positive outlook (if you want to call it that), seeing Jack White and RHCP on the lineup was mildly spirit lifting, but I can’t say I respect what RHCP has become since last summers release of I’m With You, and I could have easily guessed Mr. White would be performing since his first solo album Blunderbuss is dropping this summer (which I cannot deny, I am quite excited for). Nonetheless they’ve both been around since before the turn of the century, which is why I’m not as angry about them performing, but be aware that that doesn’t mean I’m not upset about it.

But to see the Black Keys, Florence and the Machine, At The Drive In, and Bassnectar as headlining acts makes me cringe more than anything. Perry Ferrell, you are only attributing to every teenager’s fantasy of bad indie music, wannabe blues rock, and now age old, substandard dubstep. I feel like being an musician aficionado of Ferrell’s caliber, the man who helped to bring 90’s alternative to a level it hadn’t ever even dreamed of reaching, he could at least try to speak to a crowd different than just the general masses of today. I appreciate Ferrell’s efforts every year to put on a festival bigger and better than any other one going on in the country, but to be honest, how many fucking festivals have the Black Keys headlined in the past two years? [It’s more than sickening that people actually give them the time of day— the day the Black Keys release an album that doesn’t sound exactly like the past two they’ve put out, maybe I won’t hate them as much. Until then I have zero tolerance and almost no respect for their strange cult following of boat wearing shoe boys and floral dress wearing girls who think they’re listening to rock and roll. Pish posh.]

To continue on the topic of Perry Ferrell and whatever fucking committee he put together to create this joke of a lineup, I need people to understand and be educated on the bands he has in the past line up his festival. The Smashing Pumpkins, George Clinton & Parliament, Pearl Jam, Nine Inch Nails, Hole, Pavement, Rage Against the Machine, I mean I could go on literally for an hour explaining why it makes legitamately no sense that Lolla has stooped so low. Since the revival of the concert in 2003, it just seems to have gotten worse and worse each year with who is asked to perform.

And at the same time as me heavily criticizing Perry Ferrell, I also want to say it’s not his fault. What has music become, really, that the so called “best festival line up of this year” is made up of such bad music. I wrote a post several months ago actually addressing this topic so I won’t digress into it any further, but all I can say is that it breaks my heart to see how dilapidated the music industry is these days.

In regards to the smaller acts on the line up, such as Toro y Moi, Die Antwoord, Sigur Rios and Tame Impala, I will not surprised if their crowds of fans are significantly smaller and their sets are overshadowed by the bellowing of bands who don’t deserve the respect they will most likely be given. The fact that this will most likely be a reality is also absolutely horrendous to have to think about.

And the one final thing about the Lolla lineup that left me shell shocked was that Black Sabbath is on it. I’m sorry— did I read that right?

Sabbath has so much going on with them as of right now (as most people attending Lolla wouldn’t know), from lineup changes to lawsuits, I have no clue why they’d sign up to participate at a festival that seemingly goes against all that they cherish with being one of the founding Shock Rock metal bands of the 20th century. Why isn’t Sabbath playing at Orion Fest, a place they will be much more appreciated? It makes no sense to me, and ultimately their decision to play at Lolla makes me think that they’re revitalization to them is about attracting a younger and hipper audience than it is about gaining the liking of a smaller group of metal fans who still exist, young and old.

Once again, to see such shitty acts on a lineup for such a legendary festival is just proof of how deplorable the music industry is right now. It makes me so angry to have no sort of liking for any current band, and that I’ve had to resort to the bands of past generations in order to hear some real music.

I don’t even really want to discuss the assortment of rap and hip hop Lolla has on it’s lineup this year because I don’t really feel like it’s my place to. Even so, it’s not really my place to say any of this… but just know this rant is coming from the place of a frustrated rock fan.

Thank you for listening.

update

Sat, 31 Mar 2012 20:01:18 -0400

Per usual it’s been a while and I can happily say that I continue to find more and more music almost on a weekly basis that I am so easily falling in love with. To be presented constantly with endless bands and albums that I’ve just begun to indulge in is like a present in disguise; it is so awfully time consuming to listen to hours on end of music, but at the same time it never stops exciting me and opening my mind and ears up to new sounds.

To be specific, I’ve been all over the map in terms of what I’ve been listening to. It was effortless for me to transition out of metal, just because it’s a mindlessly melodic genre that allows me to divulge in the sound without having to think much about it. Since then I’ve been back on to Pearl Jam— I recently acquired both Live on Ten Legs (2011) and their performance at Madison Square Garden in September of 2011. Live music and albums are definitely major catalysts in deciding how I view a band or solo artist; if you can’t do a good live show then you’re simply a mediocre studio musician, and that’s quite an insult in my humble opinion, (sorry). Eddie Vedder once said that all Pearl Jam really wanted to do was perform strictly live shows in order for their fans to really understand what they were all about. Justifiable and meaningful in their own right surely, but this ideology should apply to all musicians who look to get any sort of praise from a bonafide music critic. Just saying.

But I’m sorry for the digression— anyways, I’ve also been heavily seduced by the ever-so-classic-album Blue (1971), by Joni Mitchell. An absolute masterpiece in so many ways it’s hard for me to gather at a starting point, but if you’ve never taken the time to listen to the album all the way through, I won’t insult you, but I don’t know why you haven’t yet.

Let it Bleed (1969), (one of the many influential Rolling Stones masterpieces) has also been flooding my speakers endlessly, and to seemingly no avail I can’t seem to prefer any other RS album over it. Blasting Love in Vain as I’m getting ready for school in the morning hasn’t gotten disappointing yet and I don’t see it becoming so in the near future.

To conclude I advise if you’ve taken any interest in this post to try out the live Pearl Jam albums, Live on Ten Legs especially.

Will you review us?

Fri, 02 Mar 2012 15:04:35 -0500

Sure no problem! By when?

what a long strange trip it's been

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:07:01 -0500

With a new year comes new beginnings, and as much as I hate to be cliche, I can’t help but admit how much that term has applied to my musical taste the past month and a half.

I have drifted immensely from my usual go to genres; ranging from Grunge/90’s Alternative to any relatively new hipster shit, I’m usually some what predictable with my taste and what I like to blog about. But lately a certain documentary series has completely opened my eyes to an entire movement of music I always seem to avoid with purpose.

I never wanted to be that girl who became obsessed with Maiden, Priest, or Metallica, but what can I say? Metal is such a stereotyped and often over looked genre of music that it almost makes me sick to know that there are people in this world who have never taken the time to listen to Ride the Lightening, Piece of Mind, or Reign in Blood. Like seriously, who are you losers?

Anyways, the reason I’m bringing this up is because of the documentary series playing on vh1 now that I’m utterly obsessed with called Metal Evolution; directed and written by Sam Dunn, an extreme Metal enthusiast and anthropologist (might I add).

Each episode is an hour long and merely scratches the surfaces of some incredibly important and influential sub-genres of Metal. Little do most people know the true impact Metal has had on many of the bands our parents still croon to to this very day, as well as my personal favorite genre known as the “teen-spirited” movement of Grunge, as I have previously mentioned.

With this synopsis I would now like to divulge a little bit into what I’ve personally taken from this series, as it is coming to a close in this upcoming month.

Basically I’ve decided as a newly passionate metal fan that everyone on planet earth should take the time to really deeply listen to some good ol’ metal. Don’t be shy and don’t be dumb; I don’t want you to listen to the cracks of Nu Metal, pathetic Shock Rock bands, or anything that doesn’t show off a little melody. I want you to hear and experience the heavy and intense bass wails from Cliff Burton, the unrealistic vocal ranges of Lemmy, and the ever-so-iconic Kill ‘em All.

I think a main reason many choose to turn the other cheek to most Metal is because most by-standards’ ears are trained to like melodic songs that are not typically heavy. Understandable at most, but sometimes when developing an eclectic and worldly music taste, you have to jump the gun a bit.

I’m not going to include any songs specifically that I recommend in this post, since it’s more of a reflection on where I’ve been musically the past month or so. Soon I will be posting more frequently like I used to, I just hadn’t had the time.

Rest in Peace to the Compact Disc

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 19:41:00 -0500

If you do or do not know, CD’s will no longer be produced by the end of 2012.

I don’t really want to digress into that topic, although it is the title for this post, because I have a plentiful amount of opinions in regards to it. But I will for just a moment…

CD’s have projected the music industry into the multi-billion dollar empire it is today. Even though the internet has taken music and propelled it into something larger and more empirical than it ever has been, you cannot say that CD’s did not bring music to the point it’s at currently.

Ultimately the death of the Compact Disc will be a tragic loss to all music lovers, unless you do not appreciate anything else but the internet and downloading.

In other music news, Lulu was released this past week. If you had not heard about this joke of an album, let me be the first to tell you. Metallica and Lou Reed have decided to collaborate and create a…rock album of sorts? Yes. I’m tempted to get it and review it, but then again I’m not in the mood to poison my ears if it is unnecessary and avoidable.

In other news, my all-time favorite band Guns N Roses was nominated this past week for the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame. What an honor. The debate now is who would show up to receive the award… Slash I choose you!

But in terms of myself and non-stop musical adventures, lately I’ve been indulging in the White Stripes more than usual. Icky Thump will always be an important album to me; it allowed me to give more Modern Rock a chance— back in 2008. I think you can see how that worked out…

Nonetheless, my favorite song from the album will always be 300 MPH Torrential Outpour Blues. If you’ve never heard the song, then you will be graced with a multitude of different sounds that set a tone for individuality, which Jack White never fails to embody. The song goes from loud to quiet, obnoxious to soulful, but never once does it lose a sense of melody. I highly recommend the song and album if you’ve never heard it- the album itself is definitely a memorable mixture of some Jack and Meg White masterpieces.

I’ve also been harping on Pearl Jam lately. I just got Vs. (1994) and I liked it a lot more than I did Ten (1991). Vs. has a way more Post-Grunge feel to it than Ten does, which is completely understandable. Not to say I don’t like Grunge as much as I do Post-Grunge, (I’d choose the nitty-gritty, loud, original Seattle sound any day over it’s ‘Post’ sound counterpart) it’s just that Ten is a little more rough than Vs., therefore I’d prefer to listen to Vs. due to its including of acoustic sounds. I don’t want to say I have a favorite song from the album yet because I’m still feeling it out, but the ever-so-popular Yellow Ledbetter has been on repeat lately… if that means anything.

Overall I recommend both of these albums, and if any of my followers take a look at Lulu, please shoot me a message and let me know how it is. I’m dying to know!

Happy listening!

Rewinding

Sun, 30 Oct 2011 23:15:00 -0400

If you followed my blog months and months ago, you will know that I used to post generally mini-playlists including songs that I had recently been enthralled by and that I felt compelled to share with the world.

Well reader I am doing that once more. I’ve been trying to write a post recently about something, anything music related. But I’ve had absolutely no inspiration. Pop Culture these days is so discouraging.

So I’m going to include a few songs here that I’ve been dying over. This mix is a pretty phenomenal one, but certainly not for the faint of heart. So if you do not like anything relatively heavy, you will not like the majority of this list. I apologize greatly, but you also never know until you try. So take a dip into what I’ve been indulging in lately just for the fun of it. Some good ol’ Rock N’ Roll never hurt anyone, right?

1. Double Talkin’ Jive- Guns N Roses (Use Your Illusion I, 1991) An all-time favorite song definitely. I don’t know how people just don’t like Guns N Roses. Sure it is hard to listen to a band where you consciously know how arrogant of dicks they once were. But sometimes it’s necessary to put those ideas away for the sake of the music. This song has one of the most radical riffs I’ve ever let my ears experience. Slash, Duff and Matt co-conspire on this song like nobody’s business, an unstoppable trio unleashed some incredible power in this song. There are minimal lyrics throughout, and maximum rocking, which I have absolutely no problem with whatsoever.

Although the song is short, it is upbeat and a great change of pace from the rest of the album. After the loud intensity of the song subsides, the last 20 or so seconds are a beautiful flamenco-spanish guitar breakdown. Fuck yeah for creativity, Slash.

2. Wicked Garden- Stone Temple Pilots (Core, 1992) I can never figure out how I began liking STP. I was so against them due to the stigma surrounding them and their “fake grunge” style. Since I am a devoted fan to all that is grunge, I wearily began listening to STP fearing for the worst. I was surprised by the best, and I mean that honestly. I would never go as far as calling STP grunge because they certainly aren’t. They’re more so a hard rock ensemble, certainly a breath of fresh air from the other popular bands like them around at the same time, for instance Metallica and Guns N Roses (not to discredit either of those bands, since I like them more than STP to begin with). But anyways…

I love this song because it’s loud as fuck. Any way you hear it, it’s loud. Scott Weiland’s vocals are absolute in this song, relatively strained, but fully maximized due to the backing up of the DeLeo brothers and their ever so talented bass and guitar unity. Without the DeLeo brothers, STP could not exist. Their playing brings so much style and personification to their music, it makes Stone Temple Pilot’s truly one of a kind. This song once again is loud, and heavy, though it is one of the best from Core. If you like the song Dead & Bloated by STP, there is no reason for you not to like Wicked Garden.

3. The Lung- Dinosaur Jr. (You’re Living All Over Me, 1991) This album is full of raunchy guitar riffs, punk rock influence, and loud screeching amps, but it is the best mixture of all of those components that I’ve yet to appreciate. I fucking hate punk but I love Dinosaur Jr. They aren’t really punk, but it is clearly evident Murph and J. Mascis listened to punk back in the day. Anyways, this song begins with an incredibly long intro, almost reaching two minutes which leads you to think the song is just a great instrumental. I was so pleasantly surprised to hear J’s voice for the momentary time that you do, because soon enough it goes back into an intensely fueled instrumental breakdown.

I love this song, and if you like Dinosaur Jr. at all, please give this song a try. If you’ve never listened to Dinosaur Jr. before I wouldn’t recommend this being the first song you hear by them. It’s kind of an acquired taste kind of tune, so be cautious.

4. Ocean Size- Jane’s Addiction (Nothing’s Shocking, 1988) Fuck. This album was certainly before it’s time. I love Nothing’s Shocking, definitely my favorite between Ritual De Lo Habitual (1990) and itself. The original Jane’s Addiction sound is a sound I can simply call exciting. Perry Ferrell’s voice makes you want to move your shoulders, as rough and loud as Dave Navarro’s melody’s can be. Ferrell could be any type of singer, he can screech, he can sing, he’s almost like Axl Rose just not as psychotic. And let me tell you, mental sanity definitely plays a part in the wildness of your music.

Nonetheless, this is my most favorite song from Nothing’s Shocking. Navarro let’s you know how good of a musician he is just within this song. Ocean Size could be the only song I ever need to listen to by Jane’s Addiction for the rest of my life and I would be content. The song leaves you absolutely fulfilled, which is a good thing. Contrary to popular opinion, I do not like songs that leave me wanting more. I want a song that’ll get the job done and satisfy my ears to the perfect level I am striving for. Ocean Size does that with no questions asked.

Now I know only four songs is the bare minimum of what I’m capable of writing about but I wrote more than enough about these four that maybe just from my mediocre synopsis’ you’ll be able to investigate some of these bands and songs on your own. Happy listening!

have I got a little story for you...

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 03:12:00 -0400

I hate feeling like a hypocrite, but I am going to swallow my pride right now and admit to something I absolutely never thought would happen.

I listened to all of Ten (1991) by Pearl Jam.

What. The. Fuck.

Let me explain my situation and maybe you will understand why this happened. So I was thinking about how I really liked the soundtrack to the film, Into the Wild. Given, since Eddie Vedder did all of the music for the film, in my mind I was left with two choices:

1. Listen to the Into the Wild soundtrack, allow myself to get into 21st century Eddie Vedder, become a fan of middle aged men singing folk music when they shouldn’t be, and allow my music taste to be completely shifted forever.

or…

2. Listen to Ten, hear Stone Gossard, Jeff Ament, and Mike McCready play what is said to be their best compilation of music, and mildly enjoy Eddie Vedder as I take in everything else from the album.

I obviously chose the latter. I stick by my decision, and I could say that I am somewhat happy to admit that I actually liked the album to some degree.

Ten is a classic. If you ask anyone who grew up in the early-mid 90’s, they will tell you that Ten defined rock music as they knew it when they were young. It’s undeniable when you listen to the album how perfectly concocted it is. Pearl Jam lives up to their title as one of the best rock bands of all time, and I’m content with saying I finally gave them the chance they deserved.

The only reason I never listened to them was because of the stigma surrounding Eddie Vedder. And I can’t deny it, something about him I still don’t like. His voice is not that pleasing. He is no Chris Cornell, no Layne Staley, but he is someone different and I have chosen to appreciate him…mildly.

Nonetheless, Stone Gossard, Jeff Ament, and Mike McCready are musical phenomenons whom I’ve always found to be incredibly talented. Mother Love Bone’s only album Apple (1990) is to this day, one of my most favorite albums of all time. Temple of the Dog’s self titled album (released in 1990 as well) makes it on that list too, and without the trio, those albums would not be possible. Thus, I felt since my musical taste and maturity has definitely taken more shape over the past 5 years, it was time to finally appease myself in the band I said I never would.

I can’t help but mention though how this album reminds me of Core (1992). People have always said that Stone Temple Pilots are ‘wannabe grunge’, and I have always ignored that claim on account of the fact I do not agree in the slightest for a multitude of reasons I do not feel like explaining at this present time. Nonetheless there are undertones within Core that remind me of Ten, most definitely.

Statements made about who was ‘real grunge’ and who was ‘fake grunge’ are only valid when speaking about who sold out and who didn’t. But that’s just my opinion. Furthermore, it is still interesting how many bands in the early 90’s had vocalists with similar abilities, strong guitarists, and a alternative feel so impacting that people like myself are still heavily indulging in their music today.

Personally, the song I enjoyed the most from Ten was Garden. I had to repeat the song three times before I decided to conclude my time with the album for the night.

I’m looking forward to investigating Pearl Jam a little more, but carefully and timidly. I don’t want to dive into a pool if I can’t swim too well…right?

This weekend I plan to get another album, Toothbrush (2002) by Dr. Dog, per recommendation.

Wish me luck, reader.

out with the old, in with the new?

Sun, 02 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0400

Lately I’ve had a lot of trouble attempting to get into new music.

I spent most of the summer trying to find new bands that I could get into. Not to say that I wasn’t already content with my list of favorite bands, I just wanted something new to pop out at me and give me the same rush of feelings I get when I listen to my usual music.

I can say that I pretty much failed. Over the past three months I have gotten several albums including Joy Division’s first album Unknown Pleasures, Watch the Throne, both Grizzly Bear albums, Sonic Youth’s so-called masterpiece ‘Goo’, Reel Big Fish’s only major album Turn The Radio Off, Radiohead’s and the Jimi Hendrix Experience’s full discographies, and lastly Helplessness Blues by Fleet Foxes.

Let me just tell you that I am only still listening to Radiohead and Jimi. Everything else I invested in I was impressed by for merely a week, tops.

This experience of trying out new music made me realize that sticking to what you’re used to may not always be such a bad thing. I like what I like and everyone else should like what they like too. If one is open to suggestions, they should always take them. Otherwise, do not try to guide yourself because you may end up in a pile of musical shit, like I did, which ultimately made me realize that I should not be my own musical guru. I am only good at recommendations for others, not myself, if that makes any sense to you.

Nonetheless, I’m still going to post a list of songs for you to listen to and enjoy, all from the music I accumulated this summer.

1. Beer- Reel Big Fish (Turn Off The Radio, 1996) Actually, an old favorite. I’ve been listening to this song for the past three years. It was, and still is the only Reel Big Fish song I actually like. I decided to get the whole album because I liked this song so much, and I can now say that Beer is the best song on the album, by far. If you like ska but haven’t really investigated into the older ska, listen to this song. It’s really cool. The album though wasn’t really for me, but maybe if you like Ska a lot, you’ll like it. You never know.

2. Bones- Radiohead (The Bends, 1996) I really really love this song. The Bends has turned out to be my favorite of all the Radiohead albums, and this song really sealed the deal on that for me. I don’t know what it is specifically about the song that I find so intriguing, maybe it is the prominent bass line, the almost new-wave intro, or the incredibly powerful chorus, I’m not quite sure but I do know the song is phenomenal. It is my most favorite song from The Bends by far, so take a listen you won’t regret it.

3. Gotta Have It- Jay-Z & Kanye West (Watch The Throne, 2011) One of the most fun songs from the album. Watch The Throne is an album filled with hits and misses, but this song is my most favorite so you can assume it is a hit… to an extent. The beat is really sick, the switch off’s from Jay to Kanye are really good, and Kanye’s parts are fucking great. It is my second favorite song from the album, my first being No Church For The Wild. The only reason I didn’t write about that song is because never is it acceptable to say an album intro is your favorite song on the album. But that’s just my opinion. Overall I love this song and if you’re interested in Watch the Throne but you’ve only grazed over the album, take a listen to this song.

4. Remember- The Jimi Hendrix Experience (Are You Experienced?, 1967) Are You Experienced? is my favorite Jimi album by far. Every single song off the album is filled with such emotion and excellent vibes, you can’t help but smile during every song. In particular, Remember has such a nice riff, a great chorus, and a beyond excellent instrumental interlude. I’ve noticed with Jimi’s songs that the shorter the song, the better it is. This song is short, simple, and to the point- a great song for idle listening.

5. 64- MellowHype (BlackenedWhite, 2011) Holy. Fuck. I really need to get this whole album, but I want to buy it instead of download it soooo, I’m waiting. But let me just say, I love Hodgy Beats. His flow is absolutely ridiculous, his lyrics are so fucking clever, and Left Brain…thank you. I accredit Left Brain for bringing back truly good beats to rap music. Tyler and himself are such excellent producers, but Left Brain’s style is very different from Tyler’s, which I admire greatly. MellowHype is definitely a reflection of how well Hodgy and Left Brain can collaborate. 64 is such a creepy, dark song that you can’t help but get a little on edge when you listen to it. At the same time though, it’s one of those songs that MUST be on repeat. Bravo, guys.

So yeah, there’s just five songs that I liked from the summer. Since summer is now officially over and it is fall now, I will start to get into my fall mood, which means, better music. The seasons I like the best always bring the best songs with them. So get ready for future posts with some excellent tunes.

seattle sound

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 23:22:00 -0400

It was Nevermind’s 20 year anniversary this past Saturday. I can honestly say I think that album is the most overrated album, ever. Nirvana is the most overrated band ever, too. Apples don’t fall far from the tree.

Grunge is honestly my most favorite type of music. Soundgarden, Stone Temple Pilots, Temple of the Dog, Alice in Chains, Hole, Mother Love Bone, I mean…what can I say? The music is always electrifying, the lyrical content is generally beyond intense and incredibly bold, and Chris Cornell… enough said. (just kidding, but not really.)

It just bothers me so much that Nevermind is given as much as credit as it is for being a pioneering Grunge album. Nevermind literally defines Grunge in terms of Pop Culture, which is so unfair and rash. There were so many better albums put out before Nevermind and after, so many better bands were touring. Nevermind did not influence Grunge as as whole, it only made it publically acceptable. It’s just fucked up that a three man band with a weak bassist, an alright lyricist, and a drummer way too talented for his counterparts, were given so much fame they didn’t even want, or so much deserve.

I think Live Through This (1994), Superunknown (1994), Dirt (1992), Badmotorfinger (1991) and Apple (1990) are never given as much credit as they deserve. These albums define the real, raw Seattle sound that Nevermind fails to embody.

Nevermind will always sound like a bad post-punk album to me. Kurt Cobain is given a pass to sound like a dying animal because he was an attractive man who gave the press severe attitude, which his fans literally lived for.

Even though In Utero (1993) was practically forced out of Cobain, I respect the album way more than I do Nevermind. I literally like one song off of Nevermind, and it’s In Bloom. Even then I don’t like the song that much.

Something in the Way isn’t even a true story. Get over it.

If you are a Nirvana fan, please try to rethink your stance. Listen to Nevermind, then listen to In Utero. If you try to tell me that Nevermind is better, I cannot respect your musical taste in the slightest. Even if you like other shit.

Fuck Pop Culture for over publicizing such a mediocre album. Long live real Grunge.

feelin' inspired

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 01:21:00 -0400

Hello readers. I want to cut right to the chase for this post- I’m not so interested in digressing on some random shit about my week or what this post is going to be about. Just read and enjoy.

I read a book this week, called Killing Yourself To Live by Chuck Klosterman. If you haven’t read the book, I recommend it. If you don’t know who Chuck Klosterman is, well, find out. He is an absolutely phenomenal writer with so much personality in his work that while reading Killing Yourself To Live, I really felt like he was talking to me. He is a talented music journalist, specifying in rock critique. If you like music and you like to read, I really recommending trying out the book. You won’t be disappointed.

His book has inspired this post completely. Throughout the novel, Klosterman went into detail about his career as a music journalist, and his opinions on plenty of albums and musicians alike.

Now, if you know me, you know I’ve been really into Radiohead recently. Klosterman reviewed all of Kid A in the middle of the book, completely out of nowhere. Spontaneity is really a way to gain my liking, and his opinions made me want to scream out loud about how much I agree with him. Now this review really got me thinking. Mind you, the book was written in 2003, the album was released in 2000. So it brought me to this question…

Why is it, my devoted readers, that there is absolutely no music created today that I can personally define as timeless?

This question has been bothering me every single time I listen to music anywhere, whether it be the random bullshit that comes on Los Angeles radio stations, or my own personal iTunes (made up of some excellent shit, might I add).

Now I am completely open for discussion about this question because I really want to know. Is the music today that many consider to be good, (Fleet Foxes, Smith Westerns, Grizzly Bear, Mumford and Sons, etc), actually good, or is it just fitting for the time, since we never hear anything better? Could you see yourself listening to Sigh No More 20 years from now?

And see this is where I am severely conflicted. Because reader, I cannot see myself divulging in any of those bands above, in the future. I can barely do it now.

Artists today are seeming to have the timelessness problem more so than any other decade has. Many can agree that music today is deplorable, sure, but something that should be remembered is that many people today do not have high musical standards, based on what they have been predisposed to which is ultimately allowing this trend-fitting music to dominate a music listener’s daily life.

I have a few questions that I would like you to ask yourself about bands and musicians today. Who will you really remember? Who will still be popular 10 years from now? Will you remember ‘indie rock as a genre of music that really impacted people and pop culture alike’?

I have found people get the most defensive when trying to validate their musical taste. I guess I get it, I get the same way when people try to insult Hole or any other bands I listen to. But it bothers me that people get insulted when they’re trying to defend bands that play at Warped Tour or that make music that sounds like distorted radio waves (sorry, that’s not authentic nor is it talent in my eyes).

I feel like the problem with bands today, is that they are attempting to fit into that ‘indie music’ trend and have problems finding musicians who can create original music. Fleet Foxes sound like Mumford and Sons. Smith Westerns remind me of a lame version of Grizzly Bear. I really don’t want to keep going on because I feel like I could be already offending some of my peer’s musical taste, and I mean not to do that. It’s just that I feel like I’m hearing the same shit over and over again, and I feel there is truly no authenticity.

Why can’t Jack White continue to play with Meg White? Why can’t Wolfmother come out with another album? Why is it that Radiohead has seemed to lose their thunder with time? Why is hardcore music taking their places on KROQ? The world may never know.

So it is your job reader, to let your musical taste flourish. If you like what you’re listening to, then cool dude, don’t open your ears and minds. But be open to music that is raw, intense and original. Investigate the oldies, don’t be afraid. I can name so many albums from the past 22 years that I highly recommend and owe a lot to. I can name albums from the past 45 years too that make me feel the same way. Maturing in musical taste opens a whole new world mentally and emotionally, and that is a fact.

To conclude, have we dumbed down as a species to a lower tolerance of musical pleasure? Definietely. Can we fix that? Probably not. I’m making it my mission to sometime soon, hear some real rock music that makes me say ‘Wow’ out loud. That should be your mission too.

Toodles.

feed your appetite

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 02:41:00 -0400

Listening to a band you once loved and then chose to ignore purposefully, just so you could get that intense sensation when you listen to them for the first time in months, is an absolutely magical feeling.

I don’t really know about you, but for me this happens with several bands and several songs. What can I say, I’m a passionate music fan who would not be able to survive without the repeat button. I have an embarrassing tendency to overplay all music I enjoy, because when I hear something once, I figure that hearing it another 30-50 times that day won’t hurt anyone.

Anyways, that immensely electrifying feeling has inspired me to write a post, not really about anything in particular, just thoughts in regard to the obvious.

But back to that feeling, so the album that I listened to which brought me such excitement was Appetite For Destruction (1987). Could have guessed, right?

Each time I hear that album from start to finish, I take a deep breath when it concludes. Every. Single. Time.

I do this because the album is mentally tiring. That explanation may sound negative now but I’d like to explain. Mentally tiring in the way that maybe a sports fan gets by the end of a suspenseful game, and to their pleasure their team has won. After that, you feel mentally tired yet incredibly content.

That’s how Appetite makes me feel. I feel like it takes me on this insane roller coaster, with Axl just standing at the gears, telling people to keep their legs and arms in the tobagon at all times, and Slash, Izzy, Steven (and I guess Duff too) pushing the buttons to make sure everything goes smoothly. When the roller coaster is over I feel so relieved but because I had so much fun, I want to ride it again.

Do you understand what I’m trying to say? In simplistic terms, the album is just really fucking good and it is definitely worth spending an hour or so listening to in solitude. Raw energy is key my friends, and Appetite defines it.

It’s interesting how much the Use Your Illusion duo and Appetite differ. I mean, for obvious reasons the albums are very very different, but they just permeate such different vibes. Appetite is just so rock star, while Use Your Illusion I&II make me feel like an old-time rock music fanatic. It’s like, going from listening to Bad Brains to listening to some classic rock band, like the Allman Brothers or something. I don’t know, maybe not that dramatic of a leap but I hope you understand where I’m going with this.

My top ten GnR songs come from all three albums though. Just a side note.

But to fast forward a few years, another album I have recently felt extremely nostalgia for is Dirt (1992). If you do not know, Dirt is a larger than life, nitty gritty, perfect example of grunge music album, created by the ever so talented Alice in Chains.

Man, 1992 was such an amazing year. Incredible music was just spewing from the minds and fingers of almost every great musician. I don’t want to get annoying and start listening all the well-renowned albums that came out that year, but just so you know if you ever want an album to listen to, just look up, 1992 in music on the internet. You will be graced with some beautiful music, reader.

Anyways, several songs from Dirt came on my shuffle tonight and man, was I surprised. I forgot how great this album was. I don’t even need to say or explain how petrifying Layne Staley’s voice was. I don’t like Jerry Cantrell as a person, for very moral reasons, but Alice in Chains would have been nothing without him.

Rooster, Angry Chair, Dirt, Junkhead, Them Bones, Rain When I Die, Would?, and Hate to Feel. If you have gone through your life and have never heard any, or not all of those songs before, then you are certainly not living. These songs are literally like a time machine- this album makes you feel like you’re sitting in a basement, wearing a cheap flannel and washed out ripped Levi’s, listening to Alice in Chains on your cassette player. I find it important that this album is like a time machine because even though it is 2011, you can just hear that 90’s grunge style like it was created yesterday. Mmm. Purity.

Well I won’t rant any longer but I just wanted to post this because I was slightly inspired and barely tired. But I must depart, for I have school in the morning and will probably not have any energy on account of the fact I will most certainly be listening to these two albums until about 2 in the morning.

Toodles!

toro y moi

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 21:15:00 -0400

Hi, I have some reviews for you. Enjoy.

I got the new Toro Y Moi single, it’s called All Alone. If you’ve yet to get the song and you like electronic-esk music, (Toro Y Moi himself calls it ‘chillwave’) GET THE SONG! It’s so fun to listen to. It’s super upbeat and delicious and it has an awesome intro. I’ll include the link for the single at the end of the post.

Due to All Alone inspiring me to get more invested into Toro Y Moi’s music, I also decided to get Toro Y Moi’s debut album called Causers of This (2010). It’s actually so impressive. I feel like if you hear a debut album from an artist, and you feel confident in the fact you know you liked hearing the album for the first time, then you know the artist has real talent. I feel absolutely confident that I loved the album and I highly recommend it to anyone who is interested. I like every single song on the album. Blessa, Imprint After, and Low Shoulder are my three favorites.

Anyways, I never formally reviewed Radiohead’s albums after I got them because I felt like if I did it would be so repetitive and actually not matter to anyone at all. Radiohead is such a highly critiqued band that my measly opinion won’t change anyone’s opinion on them. I have some recommendations though (song wise) that if you’d like to get more involved with Radiohead’s music, these are perfect songs to begin with.

1. Black Star (The Bends, 1996)

2. Ripcord (Pablo Honey, 1993)

3. Videotape (In Rainbows, 2007)

4. Knives Out (Amnesiac, 2001)

5. Everything In Its Right Place (Kid A, 2000)

I kind of want to take a minute to go in depth with Pablo Honey. It’s pretty much my favorite album by Radiohead, I can’t choose just one song I love from it. I listed Ripcord up there because I think it’s an easy song to like generally.

I really love the songs You, Vegetable and Thinking About You. If you don’t like Ripcord, take a listen to either of those three, or if you’re feeling optimistic, all three! I really hope you will not be disappointed.

Just a side note, I’m getting back into Hole. I took a long break from them, but it’s hard for me to ignore Miss World whenever it comes on my iTunes shuffle. Just so much raw intensity permeates through Live Through This, it’s impossible not to be startled by album. I will definitely never get over how much I love it. It’s inexplicably one of the best albums from the 90’s.

Alright that’s it sorry this isn’t great I just needed to write about Toro Y Moi basically. Better stuff coming soooon!

Before I forget, get that track dude!:

http://www.spin.com/articles/exclusive-funky-new-toro-y-moi-track

beware reader, for your mind is about to be blown from the intensity that is...

Fri, 02 Sep 2011 03:25:00 -0400

Hello there. So today I’m going to try to discuss various things, some things will have shorter snip its than others. Bear with me?

So I have Watch The Throne. It’s chill. That’s my only real critique, sorry. Yeah I know, I’m late but I figured I’d wait for the hype to die down a wee bit, then get my listening time in on the album. I think if you know me or read this blog, you know that I’m going to say that The Neptunes are absolute geniuses (Chad Hugo and Pharrell, if you didn’t know), Frank Ocean should marry me, or better yet, just live in my house and serenade me while I venture around my abode doing daily chores, and fuck Otis cause that song is so repetitive and really irritating. But kudos for that VMA performance cause they did an impeccable job in comparison to some of the hot messes who performed that night. I’ll get back to that later.

Second, I’m With You came out this week. If you do not know, it is the highly anticipated new Red Hot Chili Peppers album, minus John plus Josh. Since The Adventures of Rain Dance Maggie was so so, as everyone is now aware, I have developed a sort of blueprint as to how I am planning to listen to this album. Now listen to my logic here, because I think it’s pretty valid.

I’m not going to listen to the album until I buy it hard copy. When I buy the hard copy (this could be from two days from now, or two years from now) I plan to be completely ready mentally to be disappointed by complete castastrophe this album could be. Or, I want to be so fucking shocked because my expectations were so incredibly low, that I cry and go into a complete state of shock and become the most devoted Red Hot Chili Peppers fan I could possibly be (even though I’m pretty sure I’m already at that level). So basically either I want this album to impress me beyond mental capacitance, (the chances of that happening are so fucking slim), or I just want to be expecting some extreme disappointment. But I digress…

The MTV VMAS. I’m going to keep this short because I’m talking way too much, but seriously. What was that!? Justin Bieber seriously was just refusing to clap for anyone. Justin Bieber, stop being such a pompous identity confused 17 year old and show some respect for real musicians. Thanks. Lil Wayne you fucking suck, I don’t even want to dirty my hands with Tha Carter IV, Chris Brown just quit it (even though I love you), and yeah fuck you Justin Bieber. Odd Future I’m so proud of you guys, good fucking luck with your future, it’s looking super bright. Oh yeah and Britney….I fucking love you. You are my idol for life.

So, to end this excessively long post, what is a blog post of mine without some good ol’ tunes to recommend? My iTunes was doing that annoying shuffling thing it does, and with a music library like mine, the chances of a good song that actually fits my current mood is uh…50/50. So being me, I’m always expecting the worse, and tonight I was actually so pleasantly surprised by some of the songs that came on. Here are a few of the songs that in particular made me smile when they graced me with their presence, randomly:

1. The Morning After- Faith No More (The Real Thing, 1989)

2. Interstate Love Song- Stone Temple Pilots (Purple, 1994)

3. Last Caress- The Misfits (Beware, 1980)

4. Holidays in the Sun- The Sex Pistols (Nevermind the Bollocks, Here’s the Sex Pistols, 1977)

First song is an old favorite. Faith No More is an acquired taste. They’re loud in a different way (don’t ask me to evaluate on that). Their lead singer has a voice that sounds like nails on a chalk board, but at the same time you wanna just turn them up and bob your head really hard, maybe even dance around in your bedroom in your undies, I don’t know your life but I do know mine, and this song def makes me want do those things. Anyways…..Morning After has a great intro that automatically reels you into the song. Take a listen.

Second song, I can’t even begin. Stone Temple Pilots are one of my all time favorite bands. I really don’t why but whenever I listen to their music there are two actions I immediately want to take, per them as inspiration. First, take a road trip somewhere cool and secluded that would need some good ol’ rock and roll as the soundtrack, and Scott Weiland as the lyrical narrator (hehe i’m so funny). Second thing, is cry. They just make me wanna cry. Scott Weiland’s voice absolutely petrifies me. I don’t know why, but I don’t think the feeling I get when I hear his voice will ever subside. I can legitimately feel tears being created every time I hear those two musical masterpieces. I’m talking about Core and Purple. (released in 92 and 94, respectively)

The third and fourth songs, forgive me. I had a bit of a punk music phase about 4 years ago…I was trying to find myself…yeah okay I’m not even going to get into that but these are two songs I love that survived through that phase with me. Holidays in the Sun is the ONLY Sex Pistols song that doesn’t make me want to rip my hair out (in a bad way) and The Misfits are pretty tight but they’re a toughie. So this song is even ground for me, catchy and upbeat.

So yeah um that’s my post. Have a great holiday weekend, readers.

Helplessness Blues

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 20:22:00 -0400

Hi followers. It’s been a while (like always…) and I’m so so sorry! I just started school last week and it fucking sucks, so I’ve barely had time to write. But I am back and ready to pump out posts like crazy! Not really though cause I can barely ever live up to that promise.

So last time I posted I had just gotten all that Radiohead and Grizzly Bear shit, and let me tell you, I was mighty impressed. I decided on it being a tie between Pablo Honey and The Bends for first, and Kid A being second. OK Computer came in third. If you want to get a Grizzly Bear album, get Yellow House. But anyways…

I got an excellent album this past week! Helplessness Blues, by Fleet Foxes. It came out in May of this year and I’m actually upset that I waited so long to get it. I am pretty impressed by the album. I know I say that pretty often, but let me explain why I am so particularly impressed with this album. I never really listened to Fleet Foxes prior to last week. I used to hear their first, self-titled album on repeat in one of my friends cars about two years ago, and I was pretty into their stuff, I guess. I never further investigated them though because at the time my musical taste buds were not mature enough to really appreciate all that is…indie folk music. But anyways…

This album is very original to me. I find it to be unlike most stuff you hear now a days. I think it’s also incredibly interesting that they’re on SubPop’s label. Who would have guessed?

So this album is pretty shweet, it’ll knock your socks off if you’re into that indie shit. But if you’re into indie music, you probably already have this album, and I am most likely late on reviewing it. Regardless, I like every song on the album, it plays so well if you listen to it track by track. A lot of the guitar melodies sound like Nick Drake to me, actually. I wonder if they’ve heard anyone say that to them before, because Sim Sala Bim’s intro sounds identical to a Nick Drake riff.

The songs I especially like from the album are:

Montezuma

Sim Sala Bin

Bedouin Dress

Battery Kinzie

Helplessness Blues

Lorelai

The Cascades

I know this is most of the album but there are several songs I don’t like as much, for the same reasons two reasons. They either sound too much like another song on the album, or they remind me of a Mumford and Sons song. But overall, I thrououghly enjoyed this album. I give it 7 out of 10…if you care.

Thanks for reading bai

alternative route

Fri, 12 Aug 2011 05:50:35 -0400

Heeeeelllllllllloooo. I have chosen for this post to be a discussion about alternative music, if you could not already tell from the title.

Lately I’ve been getting semi-bored from the music I listen to on a daily basis. I was looking for a sound to help me get out of this musical stage I was in, and ladies and gentlemen I have finally found the cure!

Two bands, actually.

First, Radiohead. Now see, I have always been a fan. OK Computer is a masterpiece, as we all know. But tonight for some reason, I decided to invest in their whole discography. Call me crazy call me kooky, but uh, they really are the greatest alternative band of all time (I don’t really consider the Smashing Pumpkins to be alternative, so they’re not in the running). But bands like Pavement do not even compare to these guys. I was absolutely blown away by Pablo Honey. Such a piece of art for their first album. They have so much to be proud of, in my opinion. Their music is innovative and beyond unique. The Bends was such a pleasure to listen to. OK Computer as always, quite the compilation. I began Kid A, but I’m tired and a bit woosey now, so I decided to save that album for tomorrow. Furthermore I would just like to restate how much I fancy Radiohead and all that they do.

Here’s a really great video of a live recording session of ‘High and Dry’. Enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9WtJYBVAeXM

Now second…okay, if you know me or read this blog, you know that I do not like current music. It just isn’t my thing. But I have opened up my doors a little bit, and I have allowed one band to come in to my musical library. Grizzly Bear.

Yes, I know, I can’t get much more hip than Grizzly Bear. But my goodness, they are…amazing. So fulfilling. They honestly remind me of Radiohead, but less loud. They’re like Radiohead’s brain child. I’m about to go and get as many songs as I humanly can by them because I’ve been listening on youtube and that just isn’t sufficing for me. Overall from the 7 songs I’ve listened to, I am beyond impressed. I’m also a bit mad at myself for not wanting to listen to them at an earlier time. Oh well, everything happens for a reason.

So yes, this is me and my musical state of mind right now. I’m a bit in agony about going back to school, so what better way to cope than by listening to some emotion-filled, experimental alternative rock. Yepppity. I really recommend further investigating Radiohead if you haven’t already. If you don’t like Radiohead though, I do not recommend Grizzly Bear. Actually you know what, I do. Grizzly Bear is recommendable to anyone and everyone.

Okay bye

Either/Or (no, not an Elliott Smith review)

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 08:16:00 -0400

A common issue I have writing this blog is finding inspiration to write about things. I want to rant on and on aimlessly about music literally, all of the time. But sometimes I struggle to find a topic I genuinely want to speak about. I don’t like to seem repetitive or anything of the sort, so yes, it is hard to write posts as often as I once did. But I digress…

Anyways, this post is going to be similar to one of my older posts where I listed 10 or so songs I enjoyed the past week or two, make my commentary, and that be it. I wish I could be a little more creative right now, but forgive me for it is 4 30 in the morning and I have just woken up with a bit of a unusual pep in my step, which is causing me to gravitate towards writing.

Forgive me now, I do not know how this post may turn out. I am writing it as I go along, meaning no revisions were done during the making of this specific post (heh, I sound like a movie ). These songs may be absolutely excellent, or by far some of the worst things you’ve ever heard. But I think you should trust my judgement if you’re reading this, and enjoy anything that may be below.

1. The Day I Tried To Live- Soundgarden (Superunknown, 1994) Superunknown is the only Soundgarden album that you don’t have to be in a particular mood to listen to. Superunknown flows particularly well, more so than their previous album, Badmotorfinger. Why two albums of theirs have titles that are mushed together to create some massive word, I do not know… Anyways, I will always love this song for several reasons. First off, the intro is very captivating. If you have heard the song you hopefully know what I am talking about. If you have not, go listen and hopefully you will understand. It is not really explainable in words, the riff is one of those riffs you have to experience to understand. Next, the song also is a perfect range for Chris Cornell. He does not strain his voice nearly as much as he does on many others songs. Although that is one of his ‘signature qualities’, I think his voice is a lot better when he’s just singing. To end, melodically this song is pretty much perfect, it’s a very easy listen, and always enjoyable. Idle listening is always the best, and this song is a great song to listen to while enjoying other activities, like eating.

2. Fell On Black Days- Soundgarden (Superunknown, 1994) This song reminds me a bit of the previous song I mentioned, but I find it to be better. Once again, Cornell sings more so than screams, and I really like that. The song is not heavy at all, but more of an up tempo and very melodic musical fusion. The intro on this song is a lot like the latter as well, once again incredibly captivating. Soundgarden has a knack for getting a listener very involved in their music. I call them one of my favorite bands, but I’ve never really listened to them on a marathon like I do with my other bands. It is not needed with them because their songs stick in your head with no effort. I find that to be such skill, to create music that is so memorable that you only need to listen to a song one time and you’ll love it forever. This song is a way better idle listening song than The Day I Tried To Live though, it’s a less involved song melodically, therefore, even more effortless to listen to.

Oh yeah, sorry sidetrack, but I heard Watch the Throne was released or something. Leaked, I don’t know. Is it bad I have absolutely no ambition to listen to the so called album of the year and possibly collaboration of the decade? Otis heavily discouraged me. Sorry Hov and Yeezy, nothing personal.

Anyways…

3. We Dance- Pavement (Wowee Zowee, 1995) This is the least upbeat song on the album. I like it but sometimes, I’m not quite sure on how I feel about it overall. The song is actually almost annoying, but sometimes it’s a nice song to listen to. I use it as a transition song from certain bands that I can’t listen to without some sort of median in between. Anyways, I don’t know why sometimes it’s good and other times not so much, but I think that the reason is because Pavement has an issue with lyrics. See the melodies of their songs are always pretty good, they have a very different sound generally, that I find to be very unique and pleasurable to listen to. They just have a tendency to ruin songs with their lyrics. Sorry, it’s true. They say the most random things and I don’t fucking get it. I try to decode their lyrics, and then just throw me off by saying some strange obscure thing. It bothers me. In this song, Stephen Malkmus says something about Brazilian Nuts. Then he says ‘Maybe we can dance together’. Like fuck dude what is this song supposed to be about? I don’t get it. Don’t make a song sound sentimental and beautiful then talk about Brazilian Nuts. It doesn’t keep me interested. It only frustrates me.

Oh I also heard Stephen Malkmus (the old front man of Pavement, if you did not know) has a new band. Or, i’m not so sure if they’re technically ‘new’, but they just came out with a new album. I hear they’re a little bit 90’s alt-ish, with some more modern alternative influence and some jazz infusion sort of shit. Not so sure if I’m down to listen but I may as well take a chance. Stephen Malkmus and the Jics. What the fuck is a Jick? Is it some alternative indie word that many people use, that I am too mainsteam-ish to know? I think maybe. But anyways, thanks Spin.com for the article about them.

Sorry sorry, back to the list now…

4. Debra- Beck (Midnite Vultures, 1999) I will always love this song. I actually think this song is one of my all time favorites in general. When I was little my Dad used to play it all the time, so I always will remember it as a song from my childhood. The song is just also fucking genius, Beck’s vocals are absolutely insane. They’re unlike what he usually does. This song reminds me of Prince, which I think is why I like it so much. It’s beautifully composed, the array of instruments used absolutely makes the song just so….I don’t know. It leaves me in such a great mood, often times speechless right after listening. The chorus is one of the best choruses I have ever had the privilege of hearing. If you’re going to listen to any song from this list, make it be this one. It will not disappoint you. If it does, then I’m sorry but I will think poorly of you. So don’t tell me on your own time if you don’t like it. Lie to me and tell you did.

5. Angeles- Elliott Smith (Either/Or, 1997) I really really like Elliott Smith. I emphasize that because generally I dislike one man bands. I’m not just not into that type of indie folk shit, it’s reallllyyy not my thing. I could go on and on how I find musicians like Elliott Smith to generally be pretty cocky and annoying, but I feel like Elliott Smith was too sad of a person to ever let those things channel into his music. Either/Or is an absolute gem, it’s one of those albums you should listen to before you die. Or before you graduate high school. Over time it gets better and better, the first time you hear the album you’re like ‘oh shit that was kinda sick’ but then when you listen to it again later, you’re like ‘fuck that was awesome’. And the opinions just get better and better from there. I like this song because it’s just guitar and his voice. It’s upbeat but not really, and it’s quick and to the point.

Okay I am done for now. I hope this list is satisfying.

3 things.

Wed, 03 Aug 2011 02:34:00 -0400

Hi there, I just wanted to write about a few things here today because I have a lot i’d like to talk about.

First off, did anyone see MTV30 this weekend? Wow. I was so impressed. Honestly, I know it’s a cliche, but what the fuck happened to Mtv? MTV30 made me realize how much our society has declined in terms of sophistication in regards to music. I say this because there was barely ever a moment during MTV30, where the program was not focused on musicians. Even Beavis and Butthead talked about musicians. I think everyone knows that if you turn on Mtv today, you will be graced by pregnant teenagers and trashy people from the East Coast, not Fast 5 Freddy, Kurt Loder, or one of the most entertaining shows I have ever seen -Remote Control. It’s honestly a travesty to think what Mtv has turned into.

Second, I watched Funky Monks last week for the first time in a while, and since then I have been back on the RHCP train like no other. Every time I have the opportunity and the pleasure to sit back and watch the Chili Peppers at work in that documentary, I have to laugh for two reasons. First, they’re all hysterical, charismatic, and talented. It’s impossible not to love them after watching them at work. Their chemistry is undeniable, and absolutely mesmerizing. Second, I laugh because it’s so ridiculous to think that there are truly no more musicians emerging right now, with the drive and talent the Red Hot Chili Peppers had. It’s disappointing at most, because I want to be able to give my generation some credit for making at the least, some great music. Tragically, I cannot and I have to revert back to pre-1999 for all music listening pleasures.

Third, I’ve been watching live performance videos on youtube for well…a very long time. It’s a bit of an addiction, more or less a hobby though I’d say. I’ve scavenged through the website countless times and I have found a plethora of fantastic footage, whether it be interviews, concerts, or whatever else. I’m thinking about sharing some in posts to come, but I am not quite sure I’d like to unleash all of the goodies I have found. But since I’ve embellished the videos in this description to sound so lovely, I may as well post two now.

Here is my most favorite live concert footage I’ve ever seen of Blind Melon. This performance exudes so much emotion and raw energy, you can feel it as you watch. This is Blind Melon performing Change at Woodstock ‘94, with Danny Clinch (the music photographer, if you know him) on harmonica. Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R5mjntMAfbU&feature=related

Next I have posted a video which differs greatly from Blind Melon, but is still a Woodstock classic. This video is from Woodstock ‘99 and it depicts the notorious nu-metal band, Korn, performing their routine opening song, Blind. Blind comes from Korn’s first album, released in 1995. This performance is absolute insanity, the quality is beyond proficient, and Jonathan Davis…well…he speaks for himself.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8j6bHnWRjs

I hope you watch both videos, reader! Even if you do not like either of those bands or the type of music they may play, it is beyond that. Watch the videos with an open mind and look at how pure and passionate their performances are. Hopefully with those ideas in mind, you may be able to appreciate these artists and their abilities to perform live in such radical ways.

Thank you for reading!

little stuff

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 01:09:00 -0400

Hi there, this post was going to be about hip hop music and such, but I decided to change that idea and write more about music I’ve been listening to a lot, per usual. I’m not down to do a lot of commentary right now but at the same time I’m really in the mood to write about what I’ve been enjoying, thus I am here doing so.

Now I’ve never really been much of a 60’s and 70’s music fan. It’s just not an era that speaks to me in any particular way. All of the music kind of revolved around the same sort of topics and such…I don’t know. I don’t really want to start unleashing all of my opinions on psychedelic rock, since many people respect it. I just don’t and probably never will, get it. I feel like it’s an almost empty sound with minimal intensity. Anywhom, I have though, been listening to quite a few artists from that time period lately.

The Doors are one of my top five favorite bands. Recently I’ve been listening to them a ton, they’re a staple band in my daily listening routine. I feel as of though they differ and stand out though, in terms of bands from that era for a few reasons. First, The Doors have an amazing rhythm. They used instruments most bands at the time would have never wanted to even dabble in, and they can jam unlike any other band from that period, and actually sound good. The Doors are always kind of funky, Jim Morrison was absolutely unreal. I could go on forever, but I shouldn’t. So the songs I’ve been listening to the most by them are- Backdoor Man, Waiting for the Sun, Love Me Two Times, Strange Days, and the ever-so-famous, Riders on the Storm. Some of these songs are my most favorite songs by them, Waiting for the Sun definitely is one of my all time favorite songs. I recommend it the most out of all of the songs listed above.

Next I’d like to talk about Nick Drake. Now, this guy is definitely another one of my favorite musicians. I don’t really talk about, or show other people Nick Drake for two reasons. First, he’s not easy to like. He’s solemn, melancholy and dreary. Second, he’s actually so good that I don’t want people to hear his music and just say they like it, but not truly appreciate it. Nick Drake was so sophisticated in terms of his musical talents- he surpassed any expectation people had for him at the time. He was beyond his time as a matter of fact. A complete musical genius, completely out of this world, Nick Drake created low budget albums that created a legacy to carry on for 30+ years. His song writing skills were, and are still, so underestimated. His songs are actually some of the most beautifully written pieces I’ve ever had the privilege of hearing. If you think you are ready as a musical appreciator to listen to Nick Drake, I recommend the following songs.

From Bryter Layter (1970):

Fly, Northern Sky, One of These Things First, Poor Boy

From Five Leaves Left (1969):

Time Has Told Me, Three Hours, Thoughts of Mary Jane, Cello Song, Day is Done

From Pink Moon (1971):

Which Will, Road, Things Behind the Sun

Also other songs that were later released on a compilation album, Time of No Reply (1986)

Time of No Reply, I Was Made To Love Magic

Not to extend this post any further, I shall be off now. I highly highly highly recommend Nick Drake. Please investigate him if you have not! If we are buddies, ask me to send you some of his songs. I’d be happy to do so!