As an addendum to my thoughts from last night and as a reaction to my friend’s recent top 5 lists (seen here and here), i got to thinking about why we like the music we do and i’m just going to go ahead and pose this as a broad question for you to answer in the comments. Is there a division amongst music fans, one that likes music because of the lyrics with the instrumental as an afterthought and the other that likes music because of the instrumental with the lyrics as an afterthought?
And of course there’s going to be a grey area…i find myself in the lyricist camp but that doesn’t mean i don’t love listening to Jazz or a terrific guitar/drum/piano solo. And maybe we should break this down into live music too because the thought that really got this going was — and i know some of you are going to just shit in your uppity pants over this — that i would rather see Motion City Soundtrack in concert than Radiohead. (Update: For clarification, this thought was a direct quote from my brain as i was leaving the concert at that exact moment in time. I’m not suggesting that if you asked me 10 times who i’d rather see that i would say MCS every time. Just so we’re clear.)
Take a deep breath. Relax. Better now? Ok, keep reading.
Am i saying that some poppy rock band is a better band? Hell no. All i’m saying is that as far as fun at a concert goes, i’d rather see someone that i knew all the songs (including the drum beats, lyrics, guitar solo, etc.) and could dance and sing a long to instead of a band that you really can’t sing along to every song and maybe they’re switching things up and playing different versions, etc. It’s kind of why i couldn’t stand going to see Phish back in the day or how people became so dedicated to seeing them live…you couldn’t sing a long and even if you could, there were 40-50 minute sections during a show where you weren’t involved. You were getting music played at you instead of you being apart of it by singing along or putting your hands in the air or clapping (maybe that explains the drug use at Phish shows). And i’m sure i’m going to get at least 95 comments from people who will say that Radiohead is the most incredible live experience ever and i’m insane and have no idea what i’m talking about (you’re right, i don’t, i’ve never seen them). Anyway, all of this is just saying that i had an amazing time at a show last night that for all intents and purposes was like getting a few hundred people together in a room, putting a band’s albums on shuffle and cheering at the speakers…i mean, there wasn’t a ton of innovation or creativity around it but i had an awesome time just being involved in the music. I don’t know, i feel like i’ve lost my point…but you get what i’m saying and discuss amongst yourselves, yadda yadda.
OK, a few other things:
Sherri Shepherd is good at history. (listen to the first 15 seconds of this video, it sounds like a damn hen house, clucking and all. Do people actually watch The View and take is seriously? God help us.)
Did you think that Knocked Up was sexist? Katherine Heigl did. (My take? Movies, especially comedies, are supposed to take things to their logical extreme. If it was a completely accurate representation of humanity, then we wouldn’t need the friggin movie now would we? If Katherine wants something sexist how about she read the one right here: Sweetheart nobody’s paying you to think, so why don’t you just stop talking and stand there and look pretty for me. Alright sugar?*
*May not represent author’s true feelings
In the last 3 weeks, i’ve been to 3 concerts…before that it was a long, long time since i’d seen live entertainment of any sort. First, i saw Coheed and Cambria, a prog rock outfit with soaring guitars and metal riffs intertwined with a sci-fi love story. After that, i saw Paramore, a band with a 17-year old girl lead singer who is primed and ready to become the next Avril LaVigne – and the most likely band to land me on a show with Chris Mathews — but i behaved myself and despite being surrounded by 14 year old girls, had an awesome time singing goofily along to their songs. At that show, i saw two little girls, maybe 8-12 years old — sisters, obviously — being strung along by their mother who, at best, was unhappy to be there. But the girls, despite being far from the stage and probably unable to see, danced and sang with reckless abandon, the way few of us would. I watched these girls (briefly, i swear) and noticed the innocence and pure thrill they got out of even being in the same room as a group that had performed on a CD player in their rooms, or god forbid, TRL. Similar to many of us seeing Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles or Rainbow Bright on Ice (kidding!)….
All creepiness aside, i remembered back to my own days as an idealistic 15-year old at 106.3’s Damn Show, seeing 15 bands a day and crowd surfing and moshing to each one, even if i didn’t particularly care for them (ie Fenix TX).
The thing that struck me was the pure joy that i used to feel, at seeing something that had always come through an electronic means finally be seen live and in person. It used to be a joy, nay, a privilege, for us too.
So tonight i went to see Motion City Soundtrack, a pop punk outfit from Minnesota, and was again the only person there old enough to be holding a beer in my hand. They played with Mae and Anberlin, who were both incredible and had bigger crowds than the headliners, and then when MCS came on stage, i just said, “You know what? Fuck whoever is watching. I left my skinny jeans at home, i’m not wearing Keds, Chucks or Vans, and my t-shirt is not ironic. Fuck the scene, fuck that i’m almost 25, i’m going to have some fun.” And so thats what i did. And thats what my friend Lisa did too. We sang along, pumped our fists in the air, played air guitar, air synth and air drums and laughed our asses off. And even though people in the back of the room looked at me and thought i was weird and pointed with their tattoo-sleeved arms, I sang at the top of my lungs, i danced to every song and i had a terrific time. My drive home was spent catching my breath after all the lyrics i belted out. And i still wanted more. The best part without a doubt was when they finished playing and we were like “Crap, they didn’t play that one song that we wanted to hear.” and they came out for the encore and played it! Unbridled joy right there.
Go see live music, go participate in it. Pump your fist, dance around, shake your ass, move your feet. Music was meant to be moved to, and i suggest all of us let our proverbial hair down and have some fun. You’re talking to the biggest cynic here…
Filed under: Coheed, Dropkick Murphys, Motion City Soundtrack, Spoon, Tokyo Police Club
I want to talk about music, but before we get to that, i found this link on Kelli’s blog and i thought it was pretty interesting. Although, for a constantly updated chronicling of global incidents, does anyone think that the lack of activity in Africa is a bit suspect?
Anyway, I’m picking up new music at one hell of a fast pace lately…Case in point, my computer has 35 total GB of memory, and my music folder takes up 22 GB of that. I have 330 MB remaining. Yeah, you read that right 330 MBs…that’s barely enough to even run my computer…i’ve placed all my digital pictures on my external hard drive and deleted them off of my computer to make room…deleted pictures of family and friends to make room for music…totally worth it.
So here’s what i’m into this week:
Motion City Soundtrack – Even If It Kills Me
I’ve liked these guys for a long, long time and their new album is just as good as anything they’ve ever done. I’m not going to lie to you, it’s super emo pop punk. If you went to their concert and stood in the 21 and up section, you’d be the only person there…and to go one step further, there’s a good chance your car may be the only one in the parking lot. But after months of listening to bands whose names start with “The,” i’m feeling like i need something with a little more force and direction, not to mention some more drum and guitar and MOOG synth. I don’t know what Chutes Too Narrow or Pablo Honey mean to me as album names, but i sure as fuck know what “Even If It Kills Me” means. Sometimes you just need that.
Dropkick Murphy’s – The Warrior’s Code
I know they’re kinda old and pretty damn silly, but their music is funny, upbeat and has an old school punk feel that i’ve always loved and always will. Besides, any music that combines sing-along choruses, fist-pumping beats and bagpipes is A-OK in my book.
Tokyo Police Club – A Lesson in Crime Ep
This band comes highly recommended from my friend Sara, who by living in NYC always is one step ahead of all of us when it comes to cool music. She goes to Arcade Fire concerts like we go to the bathroom.
Spoon – Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga
This is a terrific album that i’ve listened to only once. And i’m pretty convinced that me saying its terrific after only one listen is kind of a big deal. I’d never heard of them but apparently this is their 6th album. Who knew?
Coheed & Cambria – Good Apollo, I’m Burning Star IV, Volume II: No World For Tomorrow
How can you not love an album with that kind of name? This is the second act of the 4th and final chapter in the story of Coheed and Cambria and it is a very decent album. I’m going to go ahead and say that their previous 2 albums were better but i think that’s only because i expected so, so much from this one. It’s the last chapter in what will be 5 albums (their last album will be a prequel) of crescendoing, high-powered rock and roll and it just should have been blow-your-mind huge…and most of it is, but i think the last song really disappoints me and that taints the whole album. There were musical questions that i had after the last album and they weren’t answered in this one. It’s still a kick ass record and can be listened to on repeat for days at a time.
What are you listening to?
Filed under: Crosby Stills and Nash, Death Cab For Cutie, Monday Morning Shuffle, Motion City Soundtrack, Tenacious D, White Stripes
Sorry this took me so long to get to. I had an insane morning, there was just no way i could take the time out to write it. My apologies.
This will also be interesting because these will not be the first 5 songs of my day, as they typically have been, instead, i have listened to music a lot today and this will be the last 5 songs of my day. Could be interesting….
On with the shuffle:
1. Fuck You Slowly – Tenacious D
No little kids read this right? Right?
Funny that this song came on because i just happened to make a pilgrimage back to Mill Avenue and The Big Bang Saturday night. It was probably the first time since i graduated that i was back hanging out with the college kids, raising a glass (of water) and singing my lungs out to the dueling pianos. That place is still fun, even if i felt like 420 years old.
Well they play that song at the Big Bang, because it’s just generally an awesome song to play in a room full of 20-somethings that are drinking and hoping to end up sharing body heat with someone later in the evening.
Great song, great subject matter. No art needed. Just come right out and say it. HAHA. I’ve probably heard it 500 times, and it still makes me laugh. (also appropriate given the title of this blog and the Jack Black connection that lay theirin…if you don’t know what i’m talking about, stop reading and go watch High Fidelity. Don’t come back until you do. Seriously, i’m not even joking.)
2. In The Cold Cold Night – The White Stripes, off of Elephant
This song is surprisingly beautiful and enjoyable. I’ve NEVER liked the White Stripes, not even a bit. But not there are 2 songs on this CD that i like and i’m wondering if, like a virus, this CD is starting to spread a little bit. I don’t think i’ll ever completely like it, but it is growing on me.
I was kinda writing the last few sentences of the last song as this one came on, and i didn’t immediately recognize it…so i open up iTunes to see what it is and i was pretty surprised with the result.
3. No Joy In Mudville – Death Cab For Cutie, off of We Have The Facts And We’re Voting Yes
Mostly, i really like Death Cab. This song is not working for me. Too slow, too many effects and weird sounds. I’m sure i’d love it in the flow of the entire album, it just isn’t working for me in this venue. It’s actually actively bothering me. I’m hitting next. I never do this.
4. Cambridge – Motion City Soundtrack, off of I Am The Movie
So i’ve often spoke of the traits of my favorite CDs…a good flow from song to song, how the organization is important, how the first song – like a lead-off hitter in baseball – can set the tone for an entire album, and if the first song doesn’t work, it can ruin an album. So let’s do a little top 5 of best Track 1’s, Side 1’s in my uneducated opinion:
5. Bombtrack – Rage Against The Machine
4. Black Dog – Led Zep IV
3. Enter Sandman – Metallica, Metallica
2. Son Et Lumiere – The Mars Volta, De-loused in the Comatorium
1. Welcome To The Jungle – Guns and Roses, Appetite For Destruction
There are a ton more we could list, but these were all Lead-off Homeruns. Now let’s talk about this song: IT’S A TOTAL STRIKEOUT! I bought this CD because i liked one song off of an epitaph CD sampler and i put it on at the beginning of a road trip, and this song was just putrid. Almost ruined the trip…but i forged through it and I can say that i’ve liked every single one of their songs on 2 cds since this song. That’s 25 out of 26 songs that i’ve loved, and 1 that i can’t listen to at all. How the hell did that happen?
Filed under: ACDC, Jethro Tull, Monday Morning Shuffle, Motion City Soundtrack, further seems forever, stephen stills
First off, did anyone go to Coachella? If so, this space is yours to write a review or a little recap of your experience. I’m always open to guest bloggers so if you’re interested, write me at adammack.wright@gmail.com.
I really want to go next year but inevitably i’ll look at the ticket prices and the logistics of getting there and the fact that i’d be watching some of my favorite bands with 180,000 other people and decide it’s not my scene. I am sad that i missed this though.
Last week i ended up with strep throat. I could barely swallow for a week, let alone eat, so that was a ton of fun. I got some antibiotics and started feeling better by Saturday, almost a week later. It was pretty awful. Anyway, i kinda have this routine on Sunday nights to order Chinese food and catch up on all of my DVRed shows. Well last night i ordered from a new place just to try something new. Well imagine my surprise when i wake up this morning, not to my alarm clock, but to an overwhelming (and inevitably unstoppable…) desire to throw up . Yup, so i may be on my way to food poisoning now…let’s hope it passes quickly. I can’t catch a break lately.
Let’s try and get through the shuffle before this gets any worse.
1. Thick As A Brick – Jethro Tull
A pretty good start to the morning. A few weeks ago i talked about the Dispatch song “Walk With You” and the fact that it had this low-register flute part that i loved. Well every Jethro Tull song sounds like that. I’m not sure any other band in history was incorporated the flute into their songs as often and as successfully as Jethro Tull and it gave every song such a unique sound. Their sound is unmistakable and enjoyable.
2. Make It A Part – Further Seems Forever, off of Hide Nothing
This CD turned out really really well considering this was the third reincarnation of FSF. It’s much less screamy than its predecessors and actually went for much more of a rock and roll sound (power chords, big drums, powerful vocalist) than an emo sound (punk-inspired drums and guitar hooks, high vocal harmonies, screaming).
That being said, this CD runs together. You can listen to the entire thing without paying a ton of attention and you would be hard pressed to notice any huge difference from song to song. Another knock on this CD would be that it is only 9 songs long. They added 3-4 acoustic tracks on the end but it’s just acoustic versions of the song on the CD. Kinda lame.
3. Black Queen – Stephen Stills
This is a live song of Stills by himself. He is introduced and comes out on stage and begins to tell a story about an old black man that worked at a store by his house where he grew up and how this guy would sit out back after work and play the blues on his guitar. And not just because he knew how to play guitar or liked that genre of music, but for the real reason that blues music exists…because the guy actually had the blues.
So Stills is playing this opening blues riff and something must have happened in the audience because you can hear a bunch of people laughing in the audience…he keeps jamming on this guitar riff but stops singing for a few bars, until the laughing dies down. When the audience is completely quiet he says, “One thing…the blues ain’t….is funny…” in rhythm with the music and just keeps on jamming through the song. The rest of the audience roars in applause as he puts these people in their place. Top notch.
4. Big Balls – AC/DC
This is one of the best Bon Scott-era AC/DC songs in existence and one of the best double-entendres to every be placed in heavy rotation on FM radio in history.
“Some balls are held for charity/And some for fancy dress/But when they’re held for pleasure/They’re the balls that I like best/My balls are always bouncing/To the left and to the right/It’s my belief that my big balls/Should be held every night.”
Can you imagine them playing this on the radio today? Not if Clear Channel has anything to say about it.
5. Capital H – Motion City Soundtrack, off of I Am The Movie
I’ve talked about Motion City before and it’s weird that they came on the shuffle today because i spent most of yesterday listening to their two albums.
The Moog keyboard really became the defining sound on this album and is probably the best on this song. And it’s just a 2 minute, 52 second sprint to the finish line. This is a top-10 driving song of all time and is just top-notch fun from the drums to the guitar to the fact that the lyrics make absolutely no friggin sense at all. Good times.
Alright, that’s enough for today. I’m off to lay down or throw up, i can’t tell which.
Filed under: Before Braille, George Clinton, Journey, Motion City Soundtrack, Norah Jones
1. Faithfully – Journey, off of Journey’s Greatest Hits
Journey is just fantastic. I know, I know, it’s 80s and cheesy and everything but they’re also great for all those same reasons. And really, can you think of a song that has covered this topic in the last 20 years??? No, because it hasn’t been done. When I think of Steve Perry and Journey, I think of some of the hardest partying, groupie shacking rock and rollers out there and it’s hard for me to believe that they wrote a song about how hard it is to be on the road and miss their families and their wives while traveling around and then promising to be forever theirs, faithfully. It just cracks me up. And you know you like it too, stop lying to yourselves.
2. Atomic Dog – George Clinton
Let’s put it this way: Without this song Snoop Dogg has no career. George Clinton has really gotten screwed/left out of this whole forefather of hip-hop conversation. He probably would have made billions in royalties if he was The Beatles, but instead he had his just had his beats robbed from him by the word “sampling” which is somehow different that “stealing.” Puff Daddy alone owes George millions. Let’s move on.
3. Arrive Alive – Before Braille, off of The Rumor
B4B has already made an appearance on the shuffle before so I don’t need to tell you again how much I like them. I was looking at their myspace the other day however and it doesn’t look like they’ll be doing any new stuff anytime soon. That’s pretty upsetting to me but the good news is that Rajiv gets back from his mission any day now so I’m excited to have his guitar skills back in the area. I hope to hear something new and great from him soon. Maybe he can re-energize the guys. The Rumor was their first full-length CD and i’m still really impressed with it. For a local, small label release, it is just mastered and arranged so well. Like I’ve said before, the order of the songs matter so much and I think The Rumor is one of the finest examples of that I’ve found.
4. Autographs & Apologies – Motion City Soundtrack, off of I Am the Movie
You know those CD samplers you get when you buy shoes at Industrial or pick up for free at a concert or festival? Well I got one from Epitaph a while back and it had this super-catchy song called The Future Freaks Me Out by this band called the Motion City Soundtrack. The future was in fact freaking me out at the time so I loaded my car up with stuff and took off for about 3 weeks. On the way out of town I bought this CD and spent the next 3 weeks listening to it, digesting it, singing along with it. It was amazing timing. The struggles that the songwriter was going through and the struggles I was having were common in many way and of course that just sucks you deeper into any album. “Long lasting this obsession, from sleepless Mays, to Denver cold. Somewhere in between, I threw myself away.” Good stuff. But the real artwork comes on the song Modern Chemistry, a little ditty about therapy and psychiatric medicine that goes like this:
“i barely have the motivation
they say i suffer from a lack of serotonin synapses
they happen too
infrequently for me to be functioning properly
i took the pills i took the advice the panic stopped
but still i’m not right”
You work the words serotonin synapses into a song and then call me.
5. Those Sweet Words – Norah Jones, off of Feels Like Home
It’s weird how this CD never got the acclaim of the first one, even though it’s so similar. Anyway, I’ve always liked Norah. Her voice is a warm blanket, or hot chocolate, or a fire in the fireplace or a second glass of red wine or a Crown and water. Ok, maybe the last one’s just for me but seriously, you know what I’m saying. Norah is that warm tingly feeling in your belly. And that’s all I have to say about that.
And in other news, a beautiful and talented new voice has entered this conversation about music, and in turn, life. Laura is, like many of us, a frustrated journalism major searching for a medium to express her ideas and thoughts. And after some encouragement, I think she’s found an excellent venue. Check her newest words out in my link section and give her your love and thoughts in the comments.
