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.
Monday, September 19, 2011
Friday, September 16, 2011
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.
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.
Monday, July 18, 2011
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
Saturday, July 2, 2011
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.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
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.
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.
Saturday, May 28, 2011
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.
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.
Friday, May 27, 2011
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.
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
