Bing, Bang, Boom. Three years down the road and we're still fucked

You break up, you do the friends with benefits thing for a while, and then you realize that whatever you had is broken and cannot be fixed. You call it quits, and you grow apart. After a lot of sleepless nights, and a few angry phone conversations it's end of story, right? Wrong.

When you build a relationship you build a life together, especially when it's long term. Along with this life you build a lot of subconscious reactions and interactions with each other, that, no matter how far down the road, are going to be used whenever you see one another.

Like a relationship, a post-relationship friendship consists of having to work together to find a middle ground where both people can stand confidently and individually. It makes a lot of sense on paper, but it's really tough, and most of the time best left untended since one party is probably not into it... or even aware of these notions.

Bummer... but there's no reason to bum ourselves out about it. The past is the gone. It really sucks that we no longer have anything to say to someone that we once shared many intimate moments with. But really, if we have nothing to say to them, what's the point?

I heart Metal, I heart Wine

Well, it's been a while. It's amazing what being happy with your life does to you. It's kind of crazy what happens when you change who you are, what you do, your lifestyle, ambitions, and pretty much everything under the sun.

Now as I sit on the morning of the apocalypse, I finally have found the ambition to write as myself again. I have been working to take a direction as sort of an indirective 'guiding light' in the path to a greater existence. For lack of a better phrase, I have run into a dead end. I have found I have only traveled so far, and I have much farther to go before I can say more.

I have retreated to living in music, working, and figuring out my next move. It's interesting taking such big leaps, and then taking small steps. I guess that's what life is about, huh?

It's not often, I can be unethical in a social network setting anymore. It not often I can say I enjoy a few strong drinks and being a dumb kid. I can honestly say I miss the fuck out of it. Social and Ethical constraints are a bitch, and finding the balance is really hard.

I like to have a drink, I like to listen to music, and I like to experience life through the eyes of many venues. It's hard to be in the mental health field in your 20's and still do everything you want to do. There's a good reason why I'm where I'm at now, not going head-first into my career, not being incredibly serious. It's because when we're our age, you're not supposed to. We're young and trying to figure it out.

Wine Stained Thoughts of a Twenty-Something

I've been waking up every single morning these past few weeks going "What am I doing with my life?"   There's been many existential thoughts running through my head as of late. "What is life?" or simply "Why?"

Where have my thoughts been running off to? I have been thinking. We are grounded in reality, yet we yearn to escape it every single day. Some of us cope with mood altering substances, some of us 'cope' by becoming depressed. Why do we become depressed? This is a thought that's been running through my head and into the ether constantly.

I have come to the conclusion that depression stems from the want to learn. The need to experience. The drive to get out and see what this world has to offer. We sit at our desks, day in and day out, crunching numbers, helping people that are incapable of helping themselves just so we can get by. Just so we can live in our fucking houses and drive our cars, and live one more day where we can escape this harsh 'reality' that we call our home.

Pessimistic? Yes. But why must we live inside these social norms that we have built around ourselves? If you don't like what you do, then don't do it. Do what you love, what you feel you must be doing.

I feel like this can be a radical, and even detrimental statement to most. We must always do things we don't want to do to live in this place that we have built for ourselves. Is there a reason? Absolutely. You have to make money to live. It sucks.

Make the most of your life. Every single day I've encountered this statement: "I wanted to do this, but life happened." Take a risk, fuck. Everyone that has told this to me is young, ambitious, incredibly talented; and most importantly... educated! There is no reason to piss your life away and wondering what could've been. Stability is enticing, but not necessary. It is only to fit into what our lives have been shaped around. Go to college, get a good job, support your family.

I understand the need; but not the want. I yearn for success, but what does success mean in your eyes?

The expansion of horizons

I don't know about you guys out there, but I've gone through so many musical changes, expansions, and realizations that it could be deemed ridiculous. I never realized how closed-minded that one can be when it comes to music. "Hate" is such a strong word while describing anything, and there are a couple of bands that I always found myself saying "I just don't like their music" and in some scenarios saying "I can't stand (insert band name here)'s music" One of these bands was The Smiths. I just couldn't stand Morrisey's voice. 

Nevermind the fact that The Smith's music has been described as influential for many of my favorite bands; I just didn't get it. 

However, there comes a point in every music lover's (or anybody for that matter) life that you just have to let go and decide to listen to some music objectively. And... Damn. I let go tonight and listened to The Smiths for the first time with an open ear. 

It's good, really good. Like anything and anybody, we are afraid and threatened by something we are unsure of. I've done the same thing with pretty much every band that is considered as one of "my favorites" to date, and I am grateful that I've had so many people around me that gently push me out of my comfort zone and into musical greatness.

So cheers to expanding our musical tastes!

Fighting Complacency

This morning as I woke up to go to work, I read possibly the most disturbing and depressing thing that I've ever heard. A few simple words stated as follows: "The key to success is complacency". Uhhh, what the fuck? Who says this? More importantly, who believes this?

This gave me quite the run for my money and got me thinking that I am, indeed, following this utterly disgusting guideline. The idea of doing what I'm not passionate about. Going to work everyday without a fire,  a drive, or any sort of idea about where this is going to take me next. I decided not to go to work today to think and reset.

A few factors are revolving around a rash, and most likely idiotic decision to leave a well paying job, where I like who I work with, have a great support system, and a friendly environment in which I don't mind going to 5 days a week. In all honesty, I have a great job. But to what standards?

Through life's experiences I would consider myself an artist. I know, a lofty statement to say the least. I appreciate making progressive and new music, and I enjoy making art in any medium. Sure I have a nice job with some killer benefits, but the hollow space where you're unable to stay creative has taken a huge toll on happiness, love, and finding more in life.

I had a long, and incredibly real conversation with one of my greatest friends last night about staying happy, and guess where we ended up? Do what you love, and love what you do.

The strive to stay passionate, the want and need to be creative. This is all I want from life. I don't want or need a ton of money. In every sense of the phrase "money does not buy happiness" I have realized this to a greater extent than I knew possible. When you have a truly fulfilling "job" is when you have achieved true happiness. Everyone's cup of tea is different, and finding just the right cup for me is where I'm at. I need a change, I need to thrive.

So complacency doesn't breed success. It breeds, well, complacency.

Phases

The trials and tribulations of life. There are ups, there are downs; and there is inevitably a soundtrack to every single moment. The association of music to feelings plays a much bigger part to our lives than we know. It takes some objective thinking and digging into our day to day lives to realize this and find this pattern; and to see how our musical tastes partner with our feelings.

Our music tastes change throughout our lives, and most of the time this caters to how a song or album attaches itself lyrically and emotionally to meaningful events. I was just happening to be pondering this idea in my head for a number of reasons today.

Today; being my birthday, has been barraged (in a very good way) with many people wishing you the best. A happy, healthy, and joyful year ahead that will be better than the last by at least tenfold. While in many circumstances this may be true, today has seen a little heartache from none other than the opposite sex. It's never fun when communication breaks down, and it's really not fun to get blown off on your birthday; whether it is intentional or not.

Why am I upset? There's really no factual or quantifiable reason; just making plans and having them broken sucks. Especially when you're interested.

Where am I going with this? Well I woke up this morning finding lyrics in songs much more identifiable. Much more close to where "My Heart" is at in the current moment. It's amazing how I thrived on being alone for so long, and now I cringe at the thought of another second of it! Listening to Brand New, Afghan Whigs today it's amazing how identifiable all these subjects are when you're looking for it. Feeling of loss, loneliness, and also being close to someone are all heavy themes in Brand New's music. However I have failed to take these to heart until this very moment when I'm feeling it. While Afghan Whigs lyrical themes are a bit more brash and blunt, the idea is there. I have loved Brand New's music for a long time, but a lot of it was more of the emotion in the actual instrumentation. The lyrics are just great.

I find myself listening to "Jesus" on repeat today for these very reasons. The heartache and emotion that went into that song is incredible; and it's simplicity continues to intrigue me every time.

Enough heartache though, we are almost forgetting the other parts of our lives, the amazing ones! While Brand New plays heavily into that as well, I definitely find my self either attaching to different aspects of the music or reading into lyrics differently. There is definitely much more Blink 182 involved in the mix, and quite a bit more NOFX as well.

I just find it pretty interesting and in fact amazing that our minds will automatically change gears and find different themes in the same songs. Our minds are a crazy thing, and the thought of cracking open and deciphering our own thoughts is one that is a career in itself.

Like a Paintbrush to Paper

Whatever place music plays in our lives, in some capacity we draw inspiration from it. From having a bad day, to having the most incredible day of your life, there is undoubtedly a soundtrack to our experiences.

So what is making or breaking my day?  After a lengthy and trying day of work, there was nothing better to cure my ailments than Thrice's 'Vheissu' which contains the exact amount of heaviness and melody that made me want to go and throw some punches in the mosh pit; not to mention geek out and lament over the fact that Dustin Kensrue can write better melodies than I could ever think of. 

Music is always such a great way to vent how we feel. It's like the comfort food to our feelings, hopes, dreams; and also nightmares. It can get you through the most trying times, but luckily right now music is the soundtrack to a great chapter of my life.

The strangest thing about finding inspiration for writing music has been trying to translate that feeling of happiness without sounding corny and short-handed. It's always been a good way to vent a general dismay for a current situation, but what happens when artists that draw from that unhappiness inevitably become happy? Almost every one of my top artists have been known to be severely depressed, or at least are going through something that permits drawing from poor situations. It seems to create this heavy, almost crushing atmosphere in the music and art that truly translates how the said artist is feeling at the moment.

So I pose the question, does an artist have to be in a shitty situation to create some of the most memorable art? There was a recent story I read (http://www.psych.ucalgary.ca/pace/va-lab/avde-website/vangogh.html) that brought Vincent Van Gogh's life to light for me. One of the most revered painters of his time, Van Gogh was known to have suffered from depression after being rejected by the love of his life, and suffered increasingly from schizophrenia as he got older; the article leaning towards the notion that when he painted "Starry Night" he was actually painting what he saw. Elliot Smith, one of the most underrated songwriters of our time, was known to suffer from severe depression; and his music painted a picture of that beautifully; however very tragic.

Kurdt Cobain, Jim Morrison, and countless other memorable songwriters suffered from alcoholism and drug addiction with co-occuring depression symptoms.

So why; I ask, does this make for such good art? We have struggled for a long time with trying to channel our emotions and describe what we see, how we feel, and how were dealing with it. It's comforting to know that in some regard, others feel exactly how you do.

Another point is the amount of passion that goes into this fringe of songwriting. When you feel so down and out, and disparaged the amount of heart that goes into making something beautiful is exponentially increased. That paintbrush becomes something more than a paintbrush, those guitar strings also become something much more than steel tuned to EADGBE. They become a an extension of self, an extension of your own eyes into a canvas or into an amp and microphone. For many this can be the ultimate therapy, a complete window into one's soul that can not quite be described but incredibly understood. It's amazing to me to listen to these people speak about their art and how they don't think much of it, it just being something they do on an everyday basis.

To liken music to life in general, out of tragedy and despair often comes the best part of living; or in this case songs. Is it fun? No. But does it pay off? Absolutely. I wouldn't trade any of my bad experiences for an easy life, and I hope none of the amazing artists that created so many amazing things we appreciate today would either. Inspiration can come from the strangest things, but the strangest things can be the best.

Music Fads: Part One

We all go through a point in our lives where it's really cool to like a certain thing. We MUST HAVE what is cool at that point and our lives seemingly depend on it. Pokemon, Ninja Turtles, Beanie Babies, and Hammer Pants were all things that were just too cool for school at some point in time.

Unfortunately, we see these same trends happen in music all the time. We call them fads and we are all victim to them. One of the biggest musical fads I have seen go in and out a couple times already is Ska. There are even designated time periods that ska has that clarified when it was popular and who was making it popular. First, Second, Third, and now even Fourth Wave Ska are all testaments of a genre that has continually swept in and out of popularity since its inception into the music scene in the late 60's and early 70's. When I got into it, Ska was in it's full-fledged third wave in the early 2000's when I was in high school and starting college. It seemed like there were endless amounts of punk and/or rock bands that were capitalizing on this music style made popular at the time by bands paving the way like Reel Big Fish & Catch 22.

We all are susceptible to musical growth, but are musical trends just one of those things that is the unfortunate casualty of this growth? Is ska music a genre that we all need to experience and be aware of on our ongoing path to musical enlightenment? I think so. I am very fond of these bands such as Reel Big Fish & Streetlight Manifesto, but I definitely don't identify with it as something that I listen to on a regular basis, and very rarely do I find someone that doesn't share these views. Does it mean that ska isn't cool to listen too? Absolutely not. It just appears that it's a fad that goes in and out of style every few years.

WHY THOUGH?! Why doesn't ska have the staying power to stay a relevant genre for more than a couple of years at a time? I am at a loss for this information.

Reel Big Fish's "Turn The Radio Off...", Catch 22's "Keasby Night's", and Streetlight Manifesto's "Everything Went Numb" are all groundbreaking albums that broke down barriers of what ska can be and do. They all have much of the chemistry needed to be incredibly popular albums, but get lost in the sands of time, as well as the tides and waves that ska falls victim to. Bands like NOFX, and Rancid draw influence from the ska and reggae scene, but do not rely on it to maintain their popularity and follow these same waves of popularity with the inclusion of ska influences in their music and on their respective labels.

In the end, it is just food for thought. I don't have the answer for why this happens; especially with ska. I guess I'm just looking for the answers myself.



1. Streetlight Manifesto- "Everything Went Numb"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_XKs8TsY3XI

2. Reel Big Fish- "Beer"
www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCgX4ixCRcQ&noredirect=1

Blink 182- Neighborhoods

Without a doubt, this has been for me personally the most anticipated release of this year. I have been a diehard Blink fan since I can remember. The fact that they have gone through such a great amount of turmoil, and a growth experience that has been unrivaled amongst so many other pop-punk bands; has led me to become even more stoked about what they have to offer after a long, long eight years.

Upon purchasing this album, I was so eager, nervous, and incredibly excited to hear Blink as what they described themselves as: a more modern, mature, but still relevant form of what everybody came to know and love them as.

The first song "Ghosts On The Dancefloor" sets the mood for the album with its proggy guitar riff, synth layers, and dance-oriented drums. The lyrics set the same landscape by crooning "I saw your ghost tonight, the moment felt so real." The bridge is the only part of the song that is questionable, with its unnecessary noodling, and Barker's flashy excuses to place himself in the rock drummers' heirarchy.

"Natives" is such a great example of what the band was and what the band is. The opening riff is very reminiscent of "M+M's" opening guitar part, while the trade-off of vocals and musical styles in the chorus reminds me of a song on TOYPAJ. The final chorus bleeds a passion for melody that easily makes this my favorite song on the album.

Refer to my earlier post regarding "Up All Night", the first single on the album. My opinion remains the same.

"After Midnight" is by many opinions an "instant classic" as far as the Blink 182 catalog is concerned. It is instantly catchy in the verses as well as the choruses, and is equally easy to sing along to.

"Snake Charmer" finds itself reminiscent of Delonge's side project Boxcarracer, complete with heavy riffs and dissonant chords. I think that the crowning achievement of this song is the outro and flow into the second half of the album. Regardless of this fact, the guitar riff in the song is heavy as fuck, and makes you want to learn how to play it and think you can find beauty in such simplicity.

"Hearts all Gone Interlude"- One of the most delicate and well thought out songs on the record in my opinion. This is exactly where my tastes lie... somewhere in between coherence and progressive rock craziness.

Where this progressive rock ends, and the straight forward rock begins is such a great transition and sets the mood for the second half of the album. "Hearts all Gone" is a simple, pop-punk track that yearns for the youth and angst that Blink came from; but also the darkness that has helped this machine come what it has today. The bass is screams through the song with such authority, and the lyrics makes me rethink every relationship I've ever had.

It's hard to listen to the song "Wishing Well" without thinking about the lyrics to the early Blink song "Carousel", but the pre-chorus's "la-da-da-da-da-da-das" make it difficult to not sing along. It's such a cool song about finding yourself, and it's so catchy.

"Kaleidescope" is definitely a Hoppus track. It's decidedly more concise easier to digest, and much more indie-rock oriented than a lot of the record. It's cool that there's this dichotomy on the record.

In listening to interviews about "This Is Home", it's interesting that the song was actually written by Mark Hoppus, but ended up being sung by Tom Delonge. It makes this sing have a little more meaning, and it's reassuring to know that they actually worked together to make this record; regardless of being in separate studios. It's synthy domination, and use of acoustic guitars throughout make this a much more interesting song if listened to at more than face value.

"MH 4.18.2011" is another one of Mark's tracks that brings it home to the indie/pop-punk craftwork that he is known for. It's another anthem that voices the fact that we have a lot more to be thankful for than we really know.

"Love is Dangerous" is, for lack of better words ominous and creepy. The octave lyrics in the verses leave me with the chills every time.

"Fighting The Gravity" got the most negative reviews from the whole album from others, while I think it's one of the coolest tracks. It's super electronic, dark, progressive, and not really what I would expect from these guys at all. Once again, it borders between coherence and oblivion; which is exactly where my tastes lie. I'm so impressed with this song and how weird it is. I can't say enough good things about this song.

The last song "Even if She Falls" (which is only on the deluxe edition I might add) is the only song in this set that I would categorize as filler. I'm not really sure if I like it still. It just seems like regurgitation of what people wanted to hear. Don't get me wrong, it's catchy, fun, and upbeat, but it seems to lack the depth that the other songs possess on the album.



What I have to say about this album is that I'm impressed with where they decided to go with it. I thoroughly enjoy listening to it (I've probably played it through ten or more time since I got it). What I'm more interested to hear is where they'll go next. It seems like it's more of a stepping stone into being a more mature and pragmatic band than they were previously. When you break it down, it has many of the same song, chord, and album structures, that identifies itself as a Blink 182 album. That is what people like, and I'm VERY, VERY ok with that. However, with benchmarks like "Fighting The Gravity" and "Natives" that set this album very much apart from what they have done previously, I want to see what this band can do if they set there minds out to create something really creative, progressive and different.

It's just another monday night in paradise

With admittedly nothing to really write about, I've got 10 shuffle picks to keep things moving since we've got the new Thirce (Major/Minor) coming out tomorrow, and the new Blink 182 (Neighborhoods) coming out next Tuesday. There's definitely going to be a lot to write about in the next couple weeks, but until then random songs on my itunes will have to do.

1. Cat Power- "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" -The Covers Record

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W97TF9PCKWg

A haunting cover of a great song. I wouldn't say it's better or worse than The Rolling Stones, it's just different

2. Rivers Cuomo- "Wanda (You're My Only Love)"- Alone: The Home Recordings

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W48yINUF_1A

Rivers' musings alone in his room are all like blueprints of Weezer songs that were just a little too weird to make it to a record. Some of them are SO good, and some are just kinda out there. "Wanda" is a cool introspect into Cuomo's mind outside of Weezer.

3. Radiohead- "Bloom" -King Of Limbs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1g6R89fCUBE

Radiohead is doing cool shit as far as releasing their music in a changing landscape. Bloom is a song that I need to listen to more, along with the entire album. I don't quite get it, but I think if I get really stoned it might make a lot of sense.

4. Radiohead- "15 Steps" -In Rainbows

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tk4goNqMdwE

I love this song. The guitar line is catchy, and Yorke's lyrics and melody line keep you interested. A small relapse into coherence in later Radiohead work.

5. Rise Against- "Give it All" - Rock Against Bush Vol: 1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhldbymXK-8

To me, the heart's there, but the music is not. I like that they're trying to send a message in their music, but I think the music is boring and over produced "punk". (read my previous post for my rant on this genre.)

6. A.F.I.- "Bleed Black" - Sing The Sorrow

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llzNXZ5JFlM

Now this! This, is a quintessential punk rock record in my opinion. Everything in this song and record breathes what progression and punk rock should be; and why they should go hand in hand. I love this song.

7. Mars Volta- "Intertiatic E.S.P." - Deloused in the Comatorium

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vzRFlXbq-cY

Such a great song. It's a damn shame the band got so incoherent after this album. Octahedron is close to where this band started out, let's hope Omar can sacrifice some of his noodling for melody on their next effort

8. Jimmy Chamberlain Complex- "Loki Cat" - Life Begins Again

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMAZubL9VzQ

Though this song gets some help from former companion and Pumpkins bandmate Billy Corgan, The Jimmy Chamberlain Complex sets itself apart from the Pumpkins with its jazz/fusion sound and Chamberlain's booming and complex (but amazing) drum beats. He knows when to be upfront and when to keep the time.

9. The Strokes- "Two Kinds of Happiness" - Angles

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6J385pjZzfA

I'm sad to say that this record coming out earlier this year was one of the bigger disappointments as far as records go. There was so much hype surrounding its release, and I was greeted by something I was not impressed with. It seems like they got stuck in a rut with this record, and the song is no different. I like this song/record, but I think that they could've done something better.

10. Bloc Party- "Halo" -Intimacy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6J385pjZzfA

Bloc Party is one of my favorite bands for so many reason. They are ambitious, different, complex, but they manage to keep you hooked with memorable riffs and melodies. I had a hard time getting into this record, but the time spent was worth it.

What is punk rock? Or even music for that matter?

The simple statement of these questions can unlock a feud that could never be solved. Even though there is no definitive answer, the question begs for one simply because anything resembling it is SO multifaceted.

So to answer the seemingly unanswerable, let's first look at some basics here.

Punk rock was started as a counter-culture movement. Whoever we deem "the founders" (i.e. Sex Pistols, Ramones, Velvet Underground) It doesn't really matter. It started as a group of artists and musicians that disagreed with the popular culture of the mid 70's and wanted to change it by doing something different. By creating a community and culture that thrived on seperating from the norm, an amazing group of people; and eventually a genre flourished into something many people could call "home". It was a thing where the freaks and the geeks were in control.


Unfortunately, like anything else the genre got flooded by people that believed they could make money, be cool (how ironic), and capitalize on something like punk rock that had become so near and dear to people's hearts. Through the incorporation of punk as a genre, people seemed to quickly become judgmental within the punk community as to what is deemed "punk rock" by calling out any band that came along that strayed from the blueprint that the genre had created for itself.

So, when you think about it, punk rock as a whole completely turned it's back on it's very own musical ideals. Eventually bands like Bad Religion, Rancid, and NOFX were thrown into the well known pop-punk pile and advertised as sell outs because they wrote catchy songs people from the "popular culture" liked. Bands that take D.I.Y. ideals, or punk rock song structures, are characterized as posers, sellouts, etc.

That brings me to my next point, music is about making it your own. There would be no culture or genre if everything followed a blueprint of what your music was supposed to sound like. Who cares if a band like Yellowcard has a violin, and embraces pop music song structures and hooks? Who cares if Blink 182 puts out a record that doesn't sound anything like their last one? I also feel like Elliot Smith fits ideally into the category of punk. He also did something different, but embraced the ideals of a community he grew up in.

To me, this is the most punk rock thing someone can do; which is go against what the status quo has made punk out to be. Music is about progression. Art is about progression. Passion is passion, and chastising someone for their art should be a crime. If you're not into it don't listen to it.

With all of that being said, the simple answer to "What is Punk Rock?" is doing something that you want to do. In the words of Mathew Lillard's character in SLC Punk! : "If you want to break it down, the best way to do it is from the inside."

If you want to change what popular music is, the most punk thing to do is become part of it by doing something that is different and that people will recognize as doing so.

Blink 182's "Up All Night"

If you are not familiar with Blink 182 other than 3 guys who put out songs in the late 90's and early 2000's about balls, wieners, and inappropriate jokes about your mom; than they definitely have been warranted a second look.

Recently the band put out a new single entitled "Up All Night" after an eight year hiatus consisting of feuding band members, fighting spouses, and a few side projects. (Mark Hoppus & Travis Barker's +44, an electronic tinged "Hoppus-song heavy" collaboration; Tom DeLonge's stadium rock Angels and Airwaves, as well as individual work such as successful producing careers from both Barker & Hoppus. The later producing records from Motion City Soundtrack most notably, and Barker remixing a slew of hip-hop songs.)

Understandably, many are very skeptical as to what a new Blink song will "sound like" given these many and varying paths each have chosen to take. However, it is also important to remind ourselves of the band's last effort, (Blink 182, 2003) which showed us that these guys do have the talent & the dedication to put out a legit rock record that still managed to keep you singing along; sans dick jokes.

All that being said, I found myself about as giddy as a 13 year old girl before a Justin Bieber concert, anxiously checking my phone for updates last Thursday night as to when I could listen to a new effort from the band.

After an initial listen, and just getting my boyish anxiousness out of the way; it was important to critique the song for what it was: a Blink 182 song. Markedly poppy, simple, but fuck! Fun to listen too.

Lyrics/Melody:

For something that's been hyped up for so long, I was kind of disappointed that the lyrics seem hastily put together and at some points fail to flow into each other. It gives the impression that Hoppus & Delonge are fighting for lead vocals on the song, with Delonge pushing himself to the front by stomping on Hoppus's last line in the verses to start the pre-choruses. Beside that fact the harmonies in the chorus are pretty cool and they flow nicely. The lyrics and melody are catchy and fun, but with pretty dark lyrics and a 'glass half-empty' mentality.

Song Structure/Production:

It seems like they are trying to be different just for the hell of it. Many of the parts are based in groups of 3's and 5's, (where a typical pop song would be 2's and 4's). This is great though. I like the fact that it's just a bit different and not everyone is going to pick up on that fact. The chord structures are of typical Blink 182 nature, employing the traditional "box" chord structure that makes a lot of pop-punk bands sound like they do. The verse's guitar hangs on the root while the bass plays along the structure, the chorus unites the guitar and bass (with a little lead guitar riff buried in the corner) , and the intro/outro riff is interesting but still plays along the same structure. Simple. But simple is right, if it isn't broken don't fix it; just make it a little more interesting and fun for us music geeks out there.

Mixing:

This the thing that both made me really happy, but also I was most skeptical about. It is ambitious and different. The thing that I noticed the most is that each band member seems to make themselves sound how they want, and not what would be a cohesive sound for the band. The pre-chorus lyrics (Delonge) are swimming in reverb while the rest of the song stays quite dry in comparison, the drums are very biting and are pretty much a copy/paste of what the drums sound like on Barker's solo album; which I am not a fan of. There is also some synth program or pad that plays through the intro/outro and choruses that is borderline annoying and very unnecessary. Also, the bass pattern in the verses does not play to the drums?! Come on. The thing I am the biggest fan of is Hoppus's conservative approach to his singing and bass playing (minus the verse pattern) in mixing and production that still lets us know that there is a sane ear left in Blink 182.

All in All Critique:

I think that this is a great song at face value. It is a simple, catchy, and more mature version of Blink 182 that I am very excited to see and hear more of. It shows every single part of where the band has been individually and as a whole, showcasing important values the members have learned through working in other projects. I've heard things like "it sounds too much like Angels and Airwaves/+44/Boxcarracer, not enough/too much Mark/Tom. I think it sounds like a stronger and healthier Blink 182; which is right where they need to be. Their new album "Neighborhoods" drops on September 27th, and I am super excited to hear what this band has been up too.

So check this song out:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JkoCkva-rBc

It's all about knowing your limits

We can all apply this term to many, many contexts of our lives. However, in the music world, how many theoretical drinks are too many?

I am sitting here at my desk trying to apply this analogy to some of my favorite groups of bands. The stipulation being: a band that broke up and formed two equally as successful groups that have separate; and sometimes equal purposes.

(*Disclaimer* since this is my blog, I am not going to be objective in my statements. This is a strictly opinionated point of view. I like both bands equally in the end.)

I am of course talking about the timeless controversy of The Mars Volta V. Sparta. Both bands formed from the remnants of the iconic post-hardcore group At The Drive In, which achieved mild success in the early 2000's with the song "One-Armed Scissor".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NYbojdoAQE

Between two guitarists' Omar Rodriguez-Lopez and Jim Ward's duality of pop sensibility (Ward), and progressive/ambient (Rodriguez-Lopez) influences, the group maintained an incredible balance of power throughout their short but eventful career. The result of this unstable combination proved to be one that was incredibly tasty, but you wouldn't be able to remember past your first sip. (tacky alcohol related reference).

The unstable combination proved true when the band split in 2001, leaving fans waiting for what would come next. Singer Cedric Bixler-Zavala and Guitarist Omar Rodriguez-Lopez went on to form progressive rock band The Mars Volta, with a promising first effort entitled "De-Loused in the Comatorium" (2003) which was an amazing and understandable departure from ATDI's post-hardcore sound into a more mature, yet slightly less coherent sound that still aimed to please even the most skeptical Drive-In fan. HOWEVER, after this first record, one can clearly see why the departure occurred. With 2004's Frances the Mute, we are shown the ten minute noodling and unnecessary complexities that undoubtedly split the band up in the first place. The Mars Volta is without a doubt one of the most ambitious groups I've heard, but one that is ridiculously complex for no reason. To cite the alcohol references I mentioned earlier, The Mars Volta clearly "had to many". We get it. You're a good guitar player, you understand how your instrument works. Now let's just make it sound like something other than a beached whale.

On the other hand, we have Jim Ward (guitar/vocals); as well as Tony Haijar (drums) went on to form the alternative rock band Sparta. Sparta started off with a much quieter and well planned out start with Wiretap Scars (2002). We can clearly see where the melody came from in ATDI with this release. However, with the release of Porcelain (2004) the band truly found their ground as a more melodic, as well as more accessible effort from ATDI alums.

In my opinion, "Porcelain" is how a record should sound. Everything about it is, for lack of a better word, beautiful. There are no soft spots, slow points, or parts where one would question where the band came from or where they were going. It's hard to say anything bad about this record.

Even better in my eyes, is that the band decided to call it quits after their third record Threes (2006) to pursue other projects. How awesome is this? In complete contrast to The Mars Volta, they did not and are not bleeding and beating a dead horse by continuing something that is not permanent and/or is losing momentum. They quit while they were strong and dignified. They accomplished something admirable by putting out three great records that people liked and were full of great songs.

So in the end, what I have to offer is that bands are full of duality; and that is often what makes great music, both pre and post breakup. Both groups have put out good efforts, and some prove to be a bit more successful in any perception. It's important to have that pop sensibility, as well as that exploration that sends things close to the edge of coherence.

Rainy Day Reach

Music is all about moods, and the unseasonal rainy weather here in Reno incites a rather rare (and unseasonal) mood. Depression. Depression is one of those things that I've come to welcome with age. It's not that I like being depressed, but the state of mind helps me remember how awesome it is to be happy. It also reminds me a a very special time in my life where it was all I knew; and in retrospect how great of a period it was.

All I can think about during the rain is the soundtrack to the movie Garden State. The soundtrack and the movie do such an amazing job setting a very particular mood and mindset; and it is to exactly this weather. Zach Braff, who wrote & directed the movie, as well as hand-picked the soundtrack, could not have done a better job at doing so. To re-enstate what I just said, Braff does a beautiful job creating not only a mood for a movie, but a state of mind. If this could be classified as masterworks I would call it nothing less.

Coldplay, and The Shins. Admittedly a couple of bands that I'm most skeptical about give me one of the most beautiful feelings I can muster; comfort. I have never felt better listening to these artists' songs "Don't Panic" and "Caring is Creepy" with so much feeling and emotion along with a rainy, somewhat cold day.

There are no two artists that I associate with more entirely with the pattering of rain than these two.

Refining Tastes (part duex)

In continuation of my last post, here are some other bands that I've been really been into that are along the same vein as the others:

The Whitest Boy Alive- Dreams (2006)

"Burning"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hz1V0gaCsK4

Yet another band from northern Europe, The Whitest Boy Alive is a project that is definitely a lot more pop than rock. They have put out a couple records since this debut, but "Dreams" proves to be a groovy, poppy exploration into songwriting. I had quite a good time listening to this record, as it provides a good look into both lead singer/songwriter Ereland Oye's view of life and love; and a way to remember why he thinks that. Quite a cool album.


Miike Snow- Miike Snow (2009)

"Black & Blue"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8oKQSAt4c4c

All I can say about this song, record, and band is "FUCK YES". Miike Snow, a Swedish dance/indie band was formed by famed producers and songwriters of the same nationality Christian Karlsson and Pontus Winnberg. Who are these people you might ask? They wrote many, many of the popular songs of the late 90's and early 2000's; most notably, but not limited to "Toxic" as performed by Brittany Spears. Amongst other heavy hitters such as Kylie Minouge, Christina Aguilera, and Jennifer Lopez. With names such as these we might say "REALLY?!" but these are probably some of the most talented songwriters I have ever encountered. Simply said, they write songs to sell to big name artists. With these minds working together on their own material, Miike Snow is in my opinion one of the most beautifully crafted records of the 2000's. There is not a single skip in the entire record. Each break, move, and transition is planned with complete and utter accuracy, as well as each lyric. These guys know what they're doing.

With credentials like these, it is hard not to give these guys a fighting chance; and it really isn't hard to. Also, it is important to check out their live show. Though I haven't personally seen them, they have a slew of HQ youtube videos that set themselves far far above other bands of the same genre, posting them in my book as one of my all time favorite electronic/pop/indie acts.

Refining Tastes

There comes a time in everyone's life when something that once seemed repulsive turns into something most loved; and vice versa. Whether this be someone you love, the music you love, religion, or anything for that matter; it seems to happen to everyone at some point.

I have come to a point in my listening of music where this has happened. Much of the music I find myself getting into are things I wouldn't have touched with a ten-foot pole even a year ago. These are all bands that are extremely concerned with melody and catchy-ness.

It's so funny to me that there was a point in my life where I was so concerned with being into bands that no one heard of that I had lost sight of the most important aspect of music: "Does it sound good?"

These following are all bands that I think almost everyone can listen to on this most primal level of music; it being memorable and fun to listen to.

Neon Trees- Habits (2010)

"Animal"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gM7Hlg75Mlo

I had the good fortune of being able to play with these guys last summer at KRZQ's "Spring Forward By Paying it Forward". I wish I had an idea of who these guys were then. All I remember is the lead singer sitting upstairs with us and thinking "who is this guy with the mohawk and super tight pants?" They played an amazing set that night, and I've been hooked on their feel-good mixture of pop, dance, and punk influences that just keep offering up catchy lines to sing in your head day in and out. The Utah (yes Utah) based band has gotten some good exposure opening up for bands such as The Killers, however they are one of those bands that should really be receiving more credit for being both an amazing live and studio act. Check them out.

Carolina Liar- Coming To Terms (2008)

"I'm Not Over"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ijSg4NkOIeY

This LA based band that hails from Carolina, and Sweden are an incredible pop/rock outfit that have climbed to minor success with the singles "Show Me What I'm Looking For", and "I'm Not Over". Possibly their biggest claim to fame is working with acclaimed Swedish pop producer Max Martin (Britany Spears, *N'snyc, Kelly Clarkson, Pink) The product proves to be a beautifully crafted pop rock record that does not disappoint at any minute in the record.

This is one of those albums that you can listen too, sing along with, be proud you listen to it, and say the same guy that helped write it wrote "...Oops I Did it Again." by Britany Spears. Weird, but super cool in my opinion.




So in the end, just take a few hours and give these albums a chance. It may seem drab or conventional at first, but these are the kind of bands that should be the face of popular music. It's fun and easy to listen too, but they are backed by some amazing talent and credentials.

Faking It

What do you do when something amazing happens at exactly the wrong time? In my case I am finding some shelter in music. It is so insane to me that everything presents itself when it is supposed to, and tonight was no exception.

On my drive home I was feeling horrible. In fact, a decision I made earlier is currently enveloping me more than it should. Oh well.

Anyway, I decided to put on Brand New's album "The Devil and God are Raging Inside Me" to counteract and siphon my displeasure. This record has been one of my favorites ever since one of my good friends showed it to a couple years ago; with one exception. The song "Jesus Christ" just never did it for me. It always seemed like a single, dragging riff that kept you hanging just long enough until the next track started. Admittedly a track that I've skipped numerous times while listening to the album, however tonight this song really made an impression on me tonight.

"Jesus Christ" really pertains to the fact that music is all feeling and emotion. Such a simple riff recreated the most amazing and accurate emotion that I was feeling on my drive home. For the first time I really understood what Jesse Lacey was going for when he wrote this song. How much time, work, and feeling went into this. I commend you, good sir.

"Jesus Christ"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCCyuIEucYs&feature=fvwrel

Retrospection

A good friend and I started a project a few months back that is proving to be much more difficult than either of us thought; a 'sampler' of our progression and evolution in musical tastes from our first interests in music all the way to what is currently pumping out of our earbuds.

The biggest catch is that the playlist needs to fit on two audio CD's. Believe it or not, trying to both trace your musical taste while narrowing it down to a tangible playlist is really, really hard. So, in a primary attempt at slimming some songs down, here are some retrospect albums that I listened to on my drive to (and from) Tahoe today, accompanied by some favorite music videos to keep you non-readers (because SOOO many people read this) interested.

1. Paul Simon- Negotiations & Love Songs 1971-1986

"You Can Call Me Al"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HOiVaE-pKqM

2. Blink 182- Dude Ranch (1997)

"Josie"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6kfin-UeAQ

3. Chumbawamba- Tubthumper (1997)

"Tubthumping"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2H5uWRjFsGc

4. Arctic Monkeys- Favourite Worst Nightmare (2007)

"Brainstorm"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGKWeu3gYHo&feature=fvst

5. Rage Against The Machine- Evil Empire (1996)

"Down Rodeo"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYlfQ-7zUUE&feature=fvwrel

Once again, an increasingly difficult task. Hopefully these are some picks that are a little bit more left field than what I've been posting about, even though the current music is just as important as the past and future music.

Top 5 Cince De Drinko picks

In honor of cinco de mayo (of which I wish I was celebrating) here's some fun songs that I enjoy that have to do with a favorite pastime of many; drinking! Enjoy Cinco De Mayo everyone!

1.Drinkin for 11/Just One More- Mad Caddies

2. This Addiction/This Addiciton- Alkaline Trio

3. Spaz's House Destruction Party/ Underground Network- Anti-Flag

4. LGFAD/ Commit This To Memory- Motion City Soundtrack

5. Reflections/Seven's Travels- Atmosphere

It's time to mix things up a bit

A great exercise for anyone in this day and age is to put their iTunes (or applicable music player) on shuffle mode and just listen. At least for me, I tend to become bored or fall into listening niches on a weekly on monthly basis. Shuffling is an excellent way to keep ourselves interested. It provides a great retrospect on our surprisingly eclectic music tastes.

Here's my first fifteen shuffle tunes that came up tonight; along with a short description of each:

(song/album/artist)

1. Everything Reminds Me of Her/Figure 8- Elliot Smith
I first got into Smith after a gnarly breakup. It reminds me of her (pun intended) but all in a good light. He's one of the first artists that I really connected with on a deeper level. Depression, drug use, and general discontent are all themes that run deep in Elliot Smith's music & lyrics; and are all things that one deals with at some time in their lives on many different levels. Fortunately happiness stemmed from listening and getting into Elliot Smith, so all I have to say is that this song reminds me of a time in my life that I learned a great deal from; and for that I am proud.

2. Kryptonite/The Better Life- 3 Doors Down
Really... I don't know where this came from or how it got on my iTunes, but shit; a great song. Simple, to the point, and it gets stuck in your head. It reminds of a time exactly like that. When music to me was a virgin experience, one that meant simply if it sounded good I liked it. I'm coming to realize that's still all that matters, but it's still one that is not as prestine as the first time I listened to this song.

3. Cold Hands/Crash Love- A.F.I.
This is admittedly a band that I'm becoming less and less interested in through the years, however this song is one that I thoroughly enjoy. A nice, crunchy guitar riff provided by Jade Pugett drives the song, and the song moves seamlessly through intro/verse/choruses. I like it.

4. Onemosphere/God Loves Ugly- Atmosphere
What I love about Atmosphere is that the lyricist Slug (Sean Daley) has completely changed his perception of life throughout his career. This early album proves to be part of his "I'm a badass rapper" stage. Aside from that, Atmosphere is one of the few hip-hop outfits that I honestly LOVE. They are unique, fun, and keep you guessing. This song is no exception.

5. What It Is/ Genesis- Busta Rhymes
Again, I'm not sure how this is on my computer. It's really good to mix it up again. This songs reminds me of middle school. I remember talking to my mom on the way to school about how my dad watched MTV after we left to go to my earlybird Jazz Band class. I remember being really impressed that my dad was into Busta Rhymes (who wouldn't be). Not on my normal listening regime, but that's what this exercise is for, right?

6. Triad/ Lateralus- Tool
Math and Industrial rock collides. I like it. I am reminded of my friend Wyatt talking about how the inner sleeve of this album is laden with a math equation that is (for lack of a better phrase) "not easy to figure out or understand". Too is a band I desperately want to get into and understand, however I just can't find it in me to attach to it in any way. It's good, complex, and gives the listener a lot to think about moth lyrically and musically; but give me Blink 182's "What's My Age Again" over this any day.

7. I Belong To You/ Resistance- Muse
Easily my favorite song on this album. It's so delightfully sexy, beautiful, and easy to listen to. I LOVE this song. The bass clarinet solo gives me the chills every single time, and the piano interlude leaves me yearning for some mid-century classical music to drink a deep and complex red wine to. It is a simply beautiful song.

8. Crackity Jones/Doolittle- Pixies
A band that helped create the "loud/soft/loud" formula that paved the road for countless other artists. This song is a loud, fast, and sloppy number that shows where the Pixies came from. I love that a band that created such an iconic song as "Where is My Mind" also plowed through a gnarly punk rock song like this without any hesitation.

9. Hold On/ A Poet's Life- Tim Armstrong
The frontman of Rancid, Tim Armstrong helped all of us remember not to forget your roots. His solo album is nothing but pure rootsy old-school reggae. This song leaves me reminiscing the greatest winter I've had so far, spent with one of my greatest friends on the ski hill. I can recite this album from front to back because I've listened to it countless times.

10. Under Control/ Room On Fire- The Strokes
Junior Year. This was one of the first songs and albums that launched me into a further understanding of music. I always think of a band at a high school dance in the 1950's for some reason. The Strokes are band that I will always hold very close to my heart for breaking me out of a rut of punk rock that I might still be stuck in.

11. The Lady Killer Theme (Intro)/ The Lady Killer- Ceel Lo Green
Though not a justifiable "song", this album has reset my zero for what popular music can and should be. The entire record is so soulful and tinged with a 1970's vibe that has been; but should have not been forgotten. Thank you Cee Lo for bringing back real R&B

12. Immature/Homogenic- Bjork
Once again, Bjork is an artist that has brought me out of the box so to speak. She creates such beautiful textures between her voice and her music. It truly is art. I'd like to thank one of my good friends for introducing me to her at the right time in order to appreciate who she is as an artist. Bjork is a great example of pushing the bounds of what music can be

13. I Only Want You/ Peace Love DeathMetal- Eagles of Deathmetal
I chose to get a tattoo of this album's cover on my ankle simply because it entitles everything music should be. The side project of Queens of the Stone Age's lead man Josh Homme, this roots rock outfit is just fucking rad. It's so simple and rock & roll. I had the privilege of meeting the bands frontman Jesse Hughes here in Reno, and he holds true to his bands mentality, "Peace, Love, Deathmetal". I love how this band is just about gettin' drunk and having fun. That's what rock music is about right?

14. Just A Habit/ You In Reverse- Built To Spill
BTS is one of those bands that you have to be into at one point. They are a great post-grunge rock band with a folky vibe. They remind me of my friend Chris, and in turn, memories of warm Tahoe Summers spent at the beach appreciating music. Such a great album that is in all honesty an ALBUM, which is harder and harder to find these days. All they songs play into each other perfectly, and when it ends you are okay with it ending.

15. Room Without a Window/ Operation Ivy- Operation Ivy
Tim Armstrong from Rancid's previous project. It fuses ska, punk, and reggae into one glorious idea. The lyrics are often politically tinged, but still catchy none-the-less. I really enjoy listening to this band. They were one of the first bands that made the iconic Gilman Street venue in Berkley, Ca famous. This song reminds me of my first band, Secret Weapon 8, that followed along the same lines musically.