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.