I have been sitting and stewing on the new Vanessa Carlton album, Rabbit's On The Run. I have been chewing on it like a delectable wad of the most exquisite, new flavor of bubble gum. I chewed it on the right side and then on the left, and then I even let it melt on my tongue awhile. I decided that it is fabulous. Really fabulous.
This is a huge relief to me. I was wondering if I was going to be disappointed or not. My intuition said I would be pleased, but my incorrigible brain gave in to paranoid delusions. Then, on the Tuesday morning that Rabbit's On The Run was released, I carefully downloaded it and then went on a wee drive. I listened to it in the car. I listened to it at the gym and then I listened to it at home, while I was tending the garden and cooking a meal. I listened to it over and over again, marinating in the vocals, the lyrics and the music itself.
I knew that I liked it, but the more I heard it, the more I loved it. It coiled itself around my emotions and held fast there.
The album opens with the new single entitled Carousel. I posted this song and video at the end of my last blog posting. It's a great intro to the tone of Rabbit's on the Run, and it happens to be the song on the album where the album title comes from. A reference to Lewis Carroll's Through the Looking Glass... "time won't wait, so don't be late, white rabbit's on the run." Seriously, the first song gives you a great ideas as to what the entire composition is going to sound like or feel like. It really reminds me of what a Shin's album would be if it were written and sung by a woman. Who doesn't love the Shins? It's a great, kind of folky/rock sound.
All throughout Rabbits, you hear a girls choir, pretty much on every track. My only complaint about Rabbit's is that sometimes the choir tracks sound too distant. Almost like they were recorded in an old barn and they the rest of the sounds were recorded in a studio. It is a rather trivial complaint when you think about it, but as you're listening to some of the songs, it truly does jump out at you.
I'm not going to talk track by track, but I want to tell you about some important songs on the album. The second song is called "I Don't Want to be a Bride." Bride speaks to me in a very visceral way... it talks about how loving someone in a real way has nothing to do with a wedding. I really love not only the concept of the song, but the lyrics and the melody are also superb. Carlton's piano work on this and every song is just incredible and not to be passed over.
If you want a great preview of her amazing words, because everyone know that she is a talented musician, look at the third song. "London" is my very favorite tune on the entire album. The words are so wise and haunting. They express so many abstract thoughts that float through our minds to make a bigger picture, a larger tone in our lives. My favorite part of the song is when the second verse starts up, the music swells up suddenly like a rip tide, and Vanessa belts out this passionate line: "Got a knife-throwing kind of love, but your silence cuts the deepest." UGH! I would love to just give you the entire song, since pretty much all of the words mean something huge to me...so maybe I'll post it on the end...listen to all the words as they are incredible.
"and I've never been so sure,
that after all these years, all that I've learned,
Is that heavenly creatures never come.
They never come."
Other album highlights are:
Dear California... "Your face is like a paper cut to the heart, so I slip away while you sleep..."
Fair Weather Friends... "You didn't really mean it, so I don't have to believe it, if you didn't mean to do it then magical thinking gets us by..."
The last song I will mention is a really important song to listen for: Tall Tales For Spring... "god rest his head sunday afternoon, the wicked in me is surely the wicked in you, we pray to a ghost that we've never met, time turns for a cure from the sciences..." Carlton is a huge Stephen Hawking fan and he inspired the writ for this song, it is lovely. It has this wonderfully, bounding melody that moves along like a circus.
I think that I've waxed poetic for awhile now. The long and short of it is that you should definitely get this album. Don't just check it out, buy it. You should love it. Smaller niche artists like Vanessa Carlton and so many others that I've written about, or whom I will write about eventually, have some amazing things to say and outstanding musical talent. It's a shame when their work goes un noticed. If you've been a long time fan of Carlton already, you may notice reoccurring themes in her writing, but the amazing thing about it is that she never gets boring. She talks about alchemy often, gardens, moonlight and beauty in general. She is the Stevie Nicks of our generation, and no less impactful. Her mind is definitely a bright, magical place and I love how she ties her own internal dialogue into the music that she shares with us.
as promised... London...
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Friday, July 22, 2011
Fantasies
I have rediscovered an album this week and it is MY album... if you know what I mean...
Well. It perfectly describes how I feel about my life these days. I listened to it at the gym and cried. Then i listened to it in the car and cried again. It was absolutely cathartic, although wounding at the same time. Conundrum...
Anyway, this cherished, bittersweet memento I have found is called Fantasies. This beautiful album was woven together by the band Metric. Not many people know who Metric is, just a select few of us who troll itunes or the internet looking for something new, something special out there amidst all the goo with unfettered desperation and abandon. They are a phenomenal band though. The soul of this band is a silky singer named Emily Haines and her ubiquitous partner James Shaw. They have been a part of several musical projects together including Stars and Broken Social Scene. They came together with two other band mates to form Metric with each album becoming more and more of a success. Fantasies was their latest album, released in 2009.
Hopefully it's not the last.
The album starts out with Help! I'm Alive! It was the most popular song that they have ever had. It is hypnotic and vital and opens the album perfectly. It's been used for television a lot, so if you check it out, don't be surprised if you vaguely remember the melody. Chances are that you've heard it before... The parts that I love about this song specifically are the beat... they have a great bassist and really great vocal tracks that almost act as percussion. I also love the tag line: "If I tremble, their gonna eat me alive. If I stumble, they're gonna eat me alive." We have all felt that kind of pressure and felt that kind of horrific stress that builds up in you, where you imagine goblins chasing you with their fangs bared. The visual that this song gives me is monumental.
Satellite Mind is the third track and it has these lyrics that I absolutely feel at one with:
I'm not suicidal
I just can't get out of bed
I drift into a deep fog
Lost where I forgot to hold it
I can feel you most when I'm alone
I can feel your ghost when I'm alone
Coming home cause I want to
Hang out with a starlet
Stare up at the ceiling
Hiding and revealing
Flashback of a feeling
Sixth sense of a calling
The part where she says "I drift into a deep fog, lost where I forgot to hold it..." It's totally what I feel like when I get depressed or moody. Not a lot of people seem to understand this notion about me because well, when i'm on, I'm on... I guess. Sharp and witty. That's me. Until it's not, and Emily Haines wrote that line with such seeming ease. She must know what it's like, to write those words with such conviction.
My favorite song on the album is Twilight Galaxy. Here. Read the entire song for yourself. It is special. To say the least...
Did they tell you
You should grow up
When you wanted
To dream
Did they warn you
Better shape up
If you want to
succeed
I don't know about you
Who are they talking to
They're not talking to me
I'm higher than high
Lower than deep
I'm doing it wrong
Singing along
Did I ask you
For attention
When affection
Is what I need
Thinking sorrow
was perfection
I would wallow
Till you told me
There's no glitter in the gutter
There's no twilight galaxy
Go higher than high
Go Lower than deep
Keep doing it wrong
Keep Singing along
Go higher than high
Go lower than deep
Keep doing it wrong
Keep singing along
I'm alright
Come on baby
I've seen all
The demons
That you've got
If You're not alright now
Come on baby
I'll pick you up
And take you
where you want
Anywhere you want
One of the things that frustrates me the most, when sharing music with people is that most people cannot pay attention to both the words and the music. Most people just see one or the other. I don't know if it is because music is my obsession but I cannot separate the two. They are completely woven together for better or worse when the artist writes the song. This song is perfect to me. Words and music. The message is so clearly outlined and delivered and both melody and lyrics do that for each other here. I suppose it does help that I perfectly identify with the song. Every word, every note. It means something to me.
Now that I have made you read the words, the incredibly important words, please listen to the whole song. I hope that even if you don't love just this song, you will check Metric out in greater depth. Their song Combat Baby, from the album Old World Underground... is not only great listening, but great exercise music as well...
Well. It perfectly describes how I feel about my life these days. I listened to it at the gym and cried. Then i listened to it in the car and cried again. It was absolutely cathartic, although wounding at the same time. Conundrum...
Anyway, this cherished, bittersweet memento I have found is called Fantasies. This beautiful album was woven together by the band Metric. Not many people know who Metric is, just a select few of us who troll itunes or the internet looking for something new, something special out there amidst all the goo with unfettered desperation and abandon. They are a phenomenal band though. The soul of this band is a silky singer named Emily Haines and her ubiquitous partner James Shaw. They have been a part of several musical projects together including Stars and Broken Social Scene. They came together with two other band mates to form Metric with each album becoming more and more of a success. Fantasies was their latest album, released in 2009.
Hopefully it's not the last.
The album starts out with Help! I'm Alive! It was the most popular song that they have ever had. It is hypnotic and vital and opens the album perfectly. It's been used for television a lot, so if you check it out, don't be surprised if you vaguely remember the melody. Chances are that you've heard it before... The parts that I love about this song specifically are the beat... they have a great bassist and really great vocal tracks that almost act as percussion. I also love the tag line: "If I tremble, their gonna eat me alive. If I stumble, they're gonna eat me alive." We have all felt that kind of pressure and felt that kind of horrific stress that builds up in you, where you imagine goblins chasing you with their fangs bared. The visual that this song gives me is monumental.
Satellite Mind is the third track and it has these lyrics that I absolutely feel at one with:
I'm not suicidal
I just can't get out of bed
I drift into a deep fog
Lost where I forgot to hold it
I can feel you most when I'm alone
I can feel your ghost when I'm alone
Coming home cause I want to
Hang out with a starlet
Stare up at the ceiling
Hiding and revealing
Flashback of a feeling
Sixth sense of a calling
The part where she says "I drift into a deep fog, lost where I forgot to hold it..." It's totally what I feel like when I get depressed or moody. Not a lot of people seem to understand this notion about me because well, when i'm on, I'm on... I guess. Sharp and witty. That's me. Until it's not, and Emily Haines wrote that line with such seeming ease. She must know what it's like, to write those words with such conviction.
My favorite song on the album is Twilight Galaxy. Here. Read the entire song for yourself. It is special. To say the least...
Did they tell you
You should grow up
When you wanted
To dream
Did they warn you
Better shape up
If you want to
succeed
I don't know about you
Who are they talking to
They're not talking to me
I'm higher than high
Lower than deep
I'm doing it wrong
Singing along
Did I ask you
For attention
When affection
Is what I need
Thinking sorrow
was perfection
I would wallow
Till you told me
There's no glitter in the gutter
There's no twilight galaxy
Go higher than high
Go Lower than deep
Keep doing it wrong
Keep Singing along
Go higher than high
Go lower than deep
Keep doing it wrong
Keep singing along
I'm alright
Come on baby
I've seen all
The demons
That you've got
If You're not alright now
Come on baby
I'll pick you up
And take you
where you want
Anywhere you want
One of the things that frustrates me the most, when sharing music with people is that most people cannot pay attention to both the words and the music. Most people just see one or the other. I don't know if it is because music is my obsession but I cannot separate the two. They are completely woven together for better or worse when the artist writes the song. This song is perfect to me. Words and music. The message is so clearly outlined and delivered and both melody and lyrics do that for each other here. I suppose it does help that I perfectly identify with the song. Every word, every note. It means something to me.
Now that I have made you read the words, the incredibly important words, please listen to the whole song. I hope that even if you don't love just this song, you will check Metric out in greater depth. Their song Combat Baby, from the album Old World Underground... is not only great listening, but great exercise music as well...
Hope you love it... XOXO
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Harmonium
I love Vanessa Carlton. She has a new album coming out really soon and I am dying with anticipation. This might be a dangerous thing though... the dying with anticipation part... because last time I did that, I was sorely disappointed. Think Lady Gaga. Born This Way.
I really have hopes for this one only because of Vanessa's track record. Her first album was ok with a few really great tracks that piqued my interest. I got tired of it after awhile, but it lasted me an entire summer, so I can't complain. You all remember A Thousand Miles. It's still a great girl song. Love it. She also does a really great, emotional cover of Paint it Black by the Rolling Stones. I don't know if at this point it is worth it to purchase this album, but there are some good moments. If you are a playlist fiend than it's worth it to sample and buy the one ore two songs that you like for your playlist. This was largely a label album. Vanessa didn't necessarily call the shots on the song picks although she did write the songs and play the piano on the album.
My favorite thing about Vanessa Carlton... her second album Harmonium. It is exquisite. The album tanked, although I really feel that it has more to do with the lack of press from her record label then me being the only person on the planet that stood in awe of it. I'm a musician. I know when something is crap. It is good. Click on the link above and test it out for yourself though. I think a lot of people just didn't know that it was out there. The one single that got released didn't get any attention, and I imagine these bigwigs sitting in boardrooms saying that she's too "girl with the piano" for them to back up financially. Well those of us who appreciate music for it's aesthetic value and not just for the KA-CHING, bought the album seven years ago and still listen to it today. SO THERE!
Seriously, it is probably my twelfth, all time favorite album. And you thought I would really stop at eleven?
Harmonium had beautiful piano riffs and is ripe with hopeful, unique songs. This album is about her falling in love and getting married to Steven Jenkins from Third Eye Blind. My favorite song is Afterglow. Sample the whole album, I really love the entire thing, every song.
Her third album is Heroes and Thieves. It is about her break up and divorce from Steven Jenkins. It is beautiful too although I don't love EVERY song like I do on the Harmonium album. This third effort features Stevie Nicks. Apparently, after the disappointing album sales from Harmonium, the record label took her contract, she had to wrangle a new one and Stevie Nicks stepped in somewhere along the line to mentor her on the "new" album. Stevie did a great job as a mentor and is featured on the song The One, which represents the melancholy, haunting tone of the entire record. Steven Jenkins is still really close to his ex wife and produced this music.
Ok. So. If you are going to delve into Vanessa Carlton, I say start with Harmonium, move on to Heroes and Thieves and then keep your fingers crossed that the new album Rabbits on the Run is lovely and memorable as well. It comes out on 7/26/11 and I am downloading it as soon as it comes out. I guess, keep your fingers crossed for me that my heart does not break yet again over another lackluster record this year.
Here's the new video to check out. I like it.
The last thing that excites me about this artist is her sense of fashion. Oh. She has a great wardrobe. I'm a little obsessed with her clothes.
I really have hopes for this one only because of Vanessa's track record. Her first album was ok with a few really great tracks that piqued my interest. I got tired of it after awhile, but it lasted me an entire summer, so I can't complain. You all remember A Thousand Miles. It's still a great girl song. Love it. She also does a really great, emotional cover of Paint it Black by the Rolling Stones. I don't know if at this point it is worth it to purchase this album, but there are some good moments. If you are a playlist fiend than it's worth it to sample and buy the one ore two songs that you like for your playlist. This was largely a label album. Vanessa didn't necessarily call the shots on the song picks although she did write the songs and play the piano on the album.
My favorite thing about Vanessa Carlton... her second album Harmonium. It is exquisite. The album tanked, although I really feel that it has more to do with the lack of press from her record label then me being the only person on the planet that stood in awe of it. I'm a musician. I know when something is crap. It is good. Click on the link above and test it out for yourself though. I think a lot of people just didn't know that it was out there. The one single that got released didn't get any attention, and I imagine these bigwigs sitting in boardrooms saying that she's too "girl with the piano" for them to back up financially. Well those of us who appreciate music for it's aesthetic value and not just for the KA-CHING, bought the album seven years ago and still listen to it today. SO THERE!
Seriously, it is probably my twelfth, all time favorite album. And you thought I would really stop at eleven?
Harmonium had beautiful piano riffs and is ripe with hopeful, unique songs. This album is about her falling in love and getting married to Steven Jenkins from Third Eye Blind. My favorite song is Afterglow. Sample the whole album, I really love the entire thing, every song.
Her third album is Heroes and Thieves. It is about her break up and divorce from Steven Jenkins. It is beautiful too although I don't love EVERY song like I do on the Harmonium album. This third effort features Stevie Nicks. Apparently, after the disappointing album sales from Harmonium, the record label took her contract, she had to wrangle a new one and Stevie Nicks stepped in somewhere along the line to mentor her on the "new" album. Stevie did a great job as a mentor and is featured on the song The One, which represents the melancholy, haunting tone of the entire record. Steven Jenkins is still really close to his ex wife and produced this music.
Ok. So. If you are going to delve into Vanessa Carlton, I say start with Harmonium, move on to Heroes and Thieves and then keep your fingers crossed that the new album Rabbits on the Run is lovely and memorable as well. It comes out on 7/26/11 and I am downloading it as soon as it comes out. I guess, keep your fingers crossed for me that my heart does not break yet again over another lackluster record this year.
Here's the new video to check out. I like it.
The last thing that excites me about this artist is her sense of fashion. Oh. She has a great wardrobe. I'm a little obsessed with her clothes.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Hello Summer
So. Finally. It's summer time. We have had an extended winter and spring barely existed in the first place here. All of this summer sun that we're getting makes me feel nostalgic. I am reliving all of the days where I drove to the beach with my favorite album of the moment playing as loudly as possible. Then I thought of all the albums that have been important to me and realized that I wanted to go through my collection and pin down the music that means the most to me.
So. If you are finally having summer sun and want some new/ old music to listen to, here are my top ten favorite albums of all time. My friend Anna gave me a phrase the other day that has totally stuck with me and that I am using a lot: "I am quite promiscuous with my music." Taking time to figure out which are my truly favorite albums out of my entire music collection has made me giggle. I seem to have "quite promiscuous" taste. This could be good though because that way there is something for everyone.
Anyway here goes:
1. Portishead/ Portishead Live from Roseland NYC
Portishead is that magical band for me. All of their music comes from this amazing,creative, blow your mind place and I adore them. This album is sheer genius. They mix big band with orchestra, goth with hip hop.
2. The Beatles/ The White Album
What can I say about the Beatles that hasn't already been said? They practically are their own genre. The White Album changed my life. Simple as that. Whenever I hear While My Guitar Gently Weeps, I am transcended to another place.
3. Tori Amos/ Boys For Pele
If you've read my blog, you know that Tori Amos is my Obi Wan Kenobi. Boys For Pele is art in motion. It is also the album that I identify most with in the entire world.
4. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers/ Greatest Hits
My sister and I. Driving in the car. Hollering Last Dance With Mary Jane at the top of our lungs. Her picking out the guitar riff to Breakdown while I sing the words. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers made this sensational compilation of all their best work and we have paid tribute to it time and time again.
5. Neko Case/ Fox Confessor Brings The Flood
Please see my prior blog. This album is perfect from start to finish. I have never met another like it.
6. Nickel Creek/ Why Should the Fire Die?
Who said that bluegrass can't be sensational, sexy and tear you to bits? Not only are Nickel Creek incredibly talented but Why Should the Fire DIe? is also emotional, provocative and haunting. Such depth from bluegrass is really moving.
7. Marilyn Manson/ Mechanical Animals
I love Marilyn Manson. I am a huge fan of Manson and always will be. I wrote about Mechanical Animals briefly last week. I will just say that he is a truly great lyricist with a hardcore sound that is unrivaled by most artists in the same genre as he.
8. Cake/ Fashion Nugget
Fashion Nugget is Cake at their best. Quirky and fun with a very serious message at the core (listen to Going The Distance), this album is timeless. Put it on and it will surprise you just which people in the room start singing along.
9. Lady Gaga/ The Fame Monster
Lady Gaga really came close to perfection with The Fame Monster. Lyrically it is filled with twists, turns and puzzles. Musically it is hyper and pop production at it's best. I know that Lady Gaga annoys people very easily, but don't take for granted that her music will necessarily be the same way.
10. Fiona Apple/ When the Pawn...
I will never tire of Fiona Apple. I will always want more music from her and who knows if she will ever write another album? It might break my heart forever. When The Pawn... was her second album and still moves me to this day. If you want to understand the raw, female psyche. Download this album and listen to it with your mind, body and soul.
11. Counting Crows/ August and Everything After
I snuck a number eleven in there. Sorry. Well, I wish I was sorry. I had to add the Counting Crows album because it has always been monumental in my life. What can I say about Counting Crows? I wish that they hadn't run out of creative ideas. I listened to this album for the first time when I was eighteen years old and never got over it. Moody and vital are the adjectives that come to mind when I try to describe this record.
Check out something new that you don't have yet. Not all of this is summer music. Portishead and Fiona Apple are great autumn/ winter albums... as in they could last you an entire season. So think about these selections very carefully and how they can fit into your life.
I hope this list is complete. I pondered these for a long time, agonizing over every detail. I had to move things around over and over because each record is in a very specific spot. Believe it or not, the top five were the easiest, it was the bottom five that gave me the most trouble.
I will leave you now with something for the road. wink wink.
So. If you are finally having summer sun and want some new/ old music to listen to, here are my top ten favorite albums of all time. My friend Anna gave me a phrase the other day that has totally stuck with me and that I am using a lot: "I am quite promiscuous with my music." Taking time to figure out which are my truly favorite albums out of my entire music collection has made me giggle. I seem to have "quite promiscuous" taste. This could be good though because that way there is something for everyone.
Anyway here goes:
1. Portishead/ Portishead Live from Roseland NYC
Portishead is that magical band for me. All of their music comes from this amazing,creative, blow your mind place and I adore them. This album is sheer genius. They mix big band with orchestra, goth with hip hop.
2. The Beatles/ The White Album
What can I say about the Beatles that hasn't already been said? They practically are their own genre. The White Album changed my life. Simple as that. Whenever I hear While My Guitar Gently Weeps, I am transcended to another place.
3. Tori Amos/ Boys For Pele
If you've read my blog, you know that Tori Amos is my Obi Wan Kenobi. Boys For Pele is art in motion. It is also the album that I identify most with in the entire world.
4. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers/ Greatest Hits
My sister and I. Driving in the car. Hollering Last Dance With Mary Jane at the top of our lungs. Her picking out the guitar riff to Breakdown while I sing the words. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers made this sensational compilation of all their best work and we have paid tribute to it time and time again.
5. Neko Case/ Fox Confessor Brings The Flood
Please see my prior blog. This album is perfect from start to finish. I have never met another like it.
6. Nickel Creek/ Why Should the Fire Die?
Who said that bluegrass can't be sensational, sexy and tear you to bits? Not only are Nickel Creek incredibly talented but Why Should the Fire DIe? is also emotional, provocative and haunting. Such depth from bluegrass is really moving.
7. Marilyn Manson/ Mechanical Animals
I love Marilyn Manson. I am a huge fan of Manson and always will be. I wrote about Mechanical Animals briefly last week. I will just say that he is a truly great lyricist with a hardcore sound that is unrivaled by most artists in the same genre as he.
8. Cake/ Fashion Nugget
Fashion Nugget is Cake at their best. Quirky and fun with a very serious message at the core (listen to Going The Distance), this album is timeless. Put it on and it will surprise you just which people in the room start singing along.
9. Lady Gaga/ The Fame Monster
Lady Gaga really came close to perfection with The Fame Monster. Lyrically it is filled with twists, turns and puzzles. Musically it is hyper and pop production at it's best. I know that Lady Gaga annoys people very easily, but don't take for granted that her music will necessarily be the same way.
10. Fiona Apple/ When the Pawn...
I will never tire of Fiona Apple. I will always want more music from her and who knows if she will ever write another album? It might break my heart forever. When The Pawn... was her second album and still moves me to this day. If you want to understand the raw, female psyche. Download this album and listen to it with your mind, body and soul.
11. Counting Crows/ August and Everything After
I snuck a number eleven in there. Sorry. Well, I wish I was sorry. I had to add the Counting Crows album because it has always been monumental in my life. What can I say about Counting Crows? I wish that they hadn't run out of creative ideas. I listened to this album for the first time when I was eighteen years old and never got over it. Moody and vital are the adjectives that come to mind when I try to describe this record.
Check out something new that you don't have yet. Not all of this is summer music. Portishead and Fiona Apple are great autumn/ winter albums... as in they could last you an entire season. So think about these selections very carefully and how they can fit into your life.
I hope this list is complete. I pondered these for a long time, agonizing over every detail. I had to move things around over and over because each record is in a very specific spot. Believe it or not, the top five were the easiest, it was the bottom five that gave me the most trouble.
I will leave you now with something for the road. wink wink.
This is one of my all time favorite songs. It seemed appropriate to post with the theme of the blog as well as the tie in to my "best of" list...
Now, make your way to the pool and pick up some BBQ while you are at it!
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Tournaquet
Rough week. Not gonna lie. The kind of week where you are in agony almost every second. Luckily, I have a good ol' chum in Marilyn Manson.
I am a huge Manson fan... although I will admit that his last album, released in 2010 interested me not one bit so I declined that purchase. Besides that, I have all the rest of his music. One of his albums is actually in my top ten all time fav list: Mechanical Animals. Animals was flawlessly executed with one exception... cheesy background vocals on a couple of the songs. Speed of Pain was the main culprit. Songs like Dope Show, Dis associative and I Don't Like the Drugs more than make up for the little snafu.
The Manson album that got me through this week was not Mechanical Animals though. It was Antichrist Superstar that did it. When you are hurt, angry and depressed all at the same time, listen to the Irresponsible Hate Anthem. Oh man. It really helps. My favorite line from that song is "I wasn't born with enough middle fingers." When ever I hear that lyric I get chills. I take all my negative emotion, gather it up in a big ball in my chest and imagine that I have a million middle fingers to stick out all at once. Then I sing along at the top of my lungs. Then I play the song on repeat a couple more times.
Tourniquet is another song on that album that gets repeated. I'm a girl, what can I say? If I'm really into a song, I can listen to it 6 or 7 times in a row. Amazing. Tourniquet is a song that stays with you. It is perfectly produced and another great song to sing out all of your aggression to. The words to this song are beautiful and eerie. Creepy yet soothing.
"Prosthetic synthesis and butterfly
Sealed up with virgin stitch
If it hurts baby please tell me
Preserve the innocence"
This is definitely some of Manson's best writing ever and many people really believe that this entire album is his best. To me, some of the later songs on this album drag so even though the first half is sublime, the second half takes a little nose dive. Still, great music.
Golden Age of Grotesque is another great, solid, old school Manson. Eat Me, Drink Me... is a recent favorite of mine It is so different from his other work. There is so much electric guitar as a focus, with all the other instruments taking a back seat. It is definitely his tribute to the great music of rock and roll. It is so well written from a lyrical perspective as well, true to his usual style. Sometimes beneath all of the strong music, you forget how great his words are. So next time you listen to Marilyn Manson, take extra care to pay attention to his words or you will miss out.
I am a huge Manson fan... although I will admit that his last album, released in 2010 interested me not one bit so I declined that purchase. Besides that, I have all the rest of his music. One of his albums is actually in my top ten all time fav list: Mechanical Animals. Animals was flawlessly executed with one exception... cheesy background vocals on a couple of the songs. Speed of Pain was the main culprit. Songs like Dope Show, Dis associative and I Don't Like the Drugs more than make up for the little snafu.
The Manson album that got me through this week was not Mechanical Animals though. It was Antichrist Superstar that did it. When you are hurt, angry and depressed all at the same time, listen to the Irresponsible Hate Anthem. Oh man. It really helps. My favorite line from that song is "I wasn't born with enough middle fingers." When ever I hear that lyric I get chills. I take all my negative emotion, gather it up in a big ball in my chest and imagine that I have a million middle fingers to stick out all at once. Then I sing along at the top of my lungs. Then I play the song on repeat a couple more times.
Tourniquet is another song on that album that gets repeated. I'm a girl, what can I say? If I'm really into a song, I can listen to it 6 or 7 times in a row. Amazing. Tourniquet is a song that stays with you. It is perfectly produced and another great song to sing out all of your aggression to. The words to this song are beautiful and eerie. Creepy yet soothing.
"Prosthetic synthesis and butterfly
Sealed up with virgin stitch
If it hurts baby please tell me
Preserve the innocence"
This is definitely some of Manson's best writing ever and many people really believe that this entire album is his best. To me, some of the later songs on this album drag so even though the first half is sublime, the second half takes a little nose dive. Still, great music.
Golden Age of Grotesque is another great, solid, old school Manson. Eat Me, Drink Me... is a recent favorite of mine It is so different from his other work. There is so much electric guitar as a focus, with all the other instruments taking a back seat. It is definitely his tribute to the great music of rock and roll. It is so well written from a lyrical perspective as well, true to his usual style. Sometimes beneath all of the strong music, you forget how great his words are. So next time you listen to Marilyn Manson, take extra care to pay attention to his words or you will miss out.
Here is my favorite one for now... hopefully this helps you throughout your rough times too...
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Tori Time
I have had a difficult week. When my world is upside down and I need fortification, I don't turn to food, I don't turn to exercise... I turn to music. There is one artist above all others who has the ability to help me transcend above all of the chaos and find some kind of peace. That artist is Tori Amos. Now, I know that you all think that she has had her time in the sun and is totally irrelevant to your life today, but I would say that if you have the ability to dissect the music that you listen to while delving into it at the same time, Tori Amos will cure your ails.
What I love about her is the absolute perfectionism and the fact that her craft is her religion. I also love that she doesn't censor herself to sell more albums but rather has such a soul deep connection to her fans that she can stay true to her message and we don't expect or ask her to compromise. I had a very similar upbringing as she did and so I understand the deep religious exorcism that goes into her songs even today after her christianity has been shed for probably a good 40 years.
The last thing that so impresses me about Tori Amos and always keeps me coming back for more is the way that you can't have her music without their words and you can't have her lyric's without their melodies. They are vital to each other and are all superb. Her melodies are detailed to a science and her lyrics are abstract like Miro. She is a brilliant piano player. Her skill with the keyboard is almost overwhelming to me sometimes and I play the piano as well. It's her ear and personal style that make her skill stand out so much.
Ok, I will start giving you some examples of what rescues me:
"Icicle, Icicle where are you going? I have a hiding place when spring comes around..."
"Don't judge me so hard little girl, you've got a playboy mommy..."
"Muhammad my friend, it's time to tell the world, we both know it was a girl, back in Bethlehem..."
Intrigued yet???
Today I started with Under The Pink. Ten years ago, when I purchased this album and all the others that she had out at the time, it was my least favorite. I had no use for it. I couldn't comprehend the ideas that lay beneath the majority of the tracks. Now, Under the Pink is my second favorite album of hers. I listen to it often, but I totally had to grow into it. I am still discovering things about this album, every time that I listen to it... little revelations about meaning and importance, pop into my mind as I sing along to every song. My all time favorite Tori Amos song Cornflake Girl, is also on this record. No matter how many times I listen to it, I can always play it back one more time. This album is about a woman coming into her own, shedding the religion that has hugely disappointed (and betrayed) her and the sexual awakening that comes with leaving archaic rules and prejudices behind you forever.
Tori Amos will definitely appeal to the more feminine personality types, but that is because she delves into female archetypes often as a reoccurring theme throughout all of her music. I know many mature men that greatly appreciate both her wisdom and her humor as they are comfortable with their own identities though so don't think that it is just one big chick fest waiting to happen.
Try Tori. Don't just give it a quick listen and give up. Try Tori over and over. You will find yourself hypnotized and moved under the guidance of her skilled piano hands.
I will most likely devote more blog space to this artist, so beware...
Here is her cover of Smells Like Teen Spirit, which she sang live in honor of Kurt Cobain a year after he passed away. It is a brilliant cover and the only way that a female voice can effectively sing this song. This is on the Crucify Ep... it is really old but still powerful.
What I love about her is the absolute perfectionism and the fact that her craft is her religion. I also love that she doesn't censor herself to sell more albums but rather has such a soul deep connection to her fans that she can stay true to her message and we don't expect or ask her to compromise. I had a very similar upbringing as she did and so I understand the deep religious exorcism that goes into her songs even today after her christianity has been shed for probably a good 40 years.
The last thing that so impresses me about Tori Amos and always keeps me coming back for more is the way that you can't have her music without their words and you can't have her lyric's without their melodies. They are vital to each other and are all superb. Her melodies are detailed to a science and her lyrics are abstract like Miro. She is a brilliant piano player. Her skill with the keyboard is almost overwhelming to me sometimes and I play the piano as well. It's her ear and personal style that make her skill stand out so much.
Ok, I will start giving you some examples of what rescues me:
"Icicle, Icicle where are you going? I have a hiding place when spring comes around..."
"Don't judge me so hard little girl, you've got a playboy mommy..."
"Muhammad my friend, it's time to tell the world, we both know it was a girl, back in Bethlehem..."
Intrigued yet???
Today I started with Under The Pink. Ten years ago, when I purchased this album and all the others that she had out at the time, it was my least favorite. I had no use for it. I couldn't comprehend the ideas that lay beneath the majority of the tracks. Now, Under the Pink is my second favorite album of hers. I listen to it often, but I totally had to grow into it. I am still discovering things about this album, every time that I listen to it... little revelations about meaning and importance, pop into my mind as I sing along to every song. My all time favorite Tori Amos song Cornflake Girl, is also on this record. No matter how many times I listen to it, I can always play it back one more time. This album is about a woman coming into her own, shedding the religion that has hugely disappointed (and betrayed) her and the sexual awakening that comes with leaving archaic rules and prejudices behind you forever.
Tori Amos will definitely appeal to the more feminine personality types, but that is because she delves into female archetypes often as a reoccurring theme throughout all of her music. I know many mature men that greatly appreciate both her wisdom and her humor as they are comfortable with their own identities though so don't think that it is just one big chick fest waiting to happen.
Try Tori. Don't just give it a quick listen and give up. Try Tori over and over. You will find yourself hypnotized and moved under the guidance of her skilled piano hands.
I will most likely devote more blog space to this artist, so beware...
Here is her cover of Smells Like Teen Spirit, which she sang live in honor of Kurt Cobain a year after he passed away. It is a brilliant cover and the only way that a female voice can effectively sing this song. This is on the Crucify Ep... it is really old but still powerful.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
SUCKS
Lady Gaga's new album sucks. That is all I have to say while I am sitting here typing with my bottom lip protruding into a pout. Not gonna talk about any songs, not gonna talk about any words.
I am so irritated. We'll try again tomorrow.
I am so irritated. We'll try again tomorrow.
Friday, May 20, 2011
Inertia
I should be sleeping right now, but I am writing instead. I have these words swirling through my mind:
My true love died in a dirty ol' pan of oil that did run from the block,
of a Falcon Sedan 1969, the paper said '75.
There were no survivors, none found alive...
So, first the words distract me, then I hear the melody that belongs to these words creep into my mind and finally I begin to hum. Of course, what else but a song can get me this worked up? I have this amazing ability to hear the composition replayed in my head just as I would hear it on the record. The only problem is that after it loops in my brain for awhile, I want to listen out loud and sing along. Talk about a HUGE distraction from sleeping.
For those of you who don't know me well, and for those of you who do... I am usually a good, no, GREAT sleeper. Typically I can sleep when and where that I choose. I could literally curl up in a ball on most floors (as long as they are clean), and fall asleep if I want to. So tonight, what song is distracting me from my blessed slumber? What minstrel wrote words and music that so distract me?
Neko Case. Who else?
Fox Confessor Brings The Flood is a rare and perfect album that Neko Case released in 2006 and it still mesmerizes me to distraction. Even the one song on the album that would typically annoy me can convince me to listen to it. Strange because I am good at skipping through what I deem to be the "fluff" on most albums. Even Neko Case's fluff is not fluff.
Once I started humming the afore mentioned song, I just had to keep going through the remainder of the album.
Once I started humming the afore mentioned song, I just had to keep going through the remainder of the album.
There are moments in a musician's career or life where magic happens. Moments. Neko Case had an entire album full to the brim of these moments. How? I don't know. Her next album, Middle Cyclone was released in 2009 and was better than good for sure, but to me it still pales in comparison to the 2006 release. How does one recreate such perfection? Maybe she will figure it out and amaze me again. All I know is that five years later, I still catch myself visiting that album with just my mind and then needing to listen to it after I touch on it in thought. I can't even pick a song highlight for you because they all hold such power over me that to pick one over the other is too traumatic.
You can say that I am melodramatic if you like, and I am for great music, but listen to this album as soon as possible and then just try to tell me that I am wrong.
You can say that I am melodramatic if you like, and I am for great music, but listen to this album as soon as possible and then just try to tell me that I am wrong.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Photo Journals and Airbending
Are photo journals really the thing? I looked on the list of noteworthy blogs and most of the top blogs are photo oriented. Perhaps I am the only one left obsessed with words??? I am so enthralled with them that I have approximately ten Words With Friends going at a time. I think about the way words are shaped, the way they sound, the way I say them, the way others say them... ah well, you get the point. Am I the only person left with this obsession on my mind? Is everyone else that much more visual than me?
Well, there is another thing here that I am a fan of, despite everyone else's opinion: The Last Airbender. This film was the latest by M. Night Shyamalan and was really unpopular. It is a children's movie and is incredibly well done so that an intelligent adult may just find that they like it too. There are a few spots of C.G. here and there that weren't executed perfectly, but that's not the reason that no one saw the film. Apparently it wasn't Asian enough. Yes, I just said that. Since The Last Airbender was an anime, moviegoers were upset that there weren't any Asian characters in the movie. What they did not take into consideration was the fact that this series was an American made franchise, thus it makes complete sense that the characters were a complete mix of ethnicities. America is the "melting pot" of the world, is she not? I would beseech fans of good sci fi/fantasy to view this film without bias and consider the magic it presents to us. After all, it is a tale of balance in the world. It tells the story of our planet missing some of it's elements and how to fight against that imbalance. Ah, perhaps that is why American's didn't love it... it tells the tale of making sacrifices for the better of the earth, rather than letting her flounder in our disruption. Simple enough answer? Or am I paranoid as well as strange?
Well, there is another thing here that I am a fan of, despite everyone else's opinion: The Last Airbender. This film was the latest by M. Night Shyamalan and was really unpopular. It is a children's movie and is incredibly well done so that an intelligent adult may just find that they like it too. There are a few spots of C.G. here and there that weren't executed perfectly, but that's not the reason that no one saw the film. Apparently it wasn't Asian enough. Yes, I just said that. Since The Last Airbender was an anime, moviegoers were upset that there weren't any Asian characters in the movie. What they did not take into consideration was the fact that this series was an American made franchise, thus it makes complete sense that the characters were a complete mix of ethnicities. America is the "melting pot" of the world, is she not? I would beseech fans of good sci fi/fantasy to view this film without bias and consider the magic it presents to us. After all, it is a tale of balance in the world. It tells the story of our planet missing some of it's elements and how to fight against that imbalance. Ah, perhaps that is why American's didn't love it... it tells the tale of making sacrifices for the better of the earth, rather than letting her flounder in our disruption. Simple enough answer? Or am I paranoid as well as strange?
There, I added a photo for good measure...
Really, M. Night did a fantastic job. The music is that he added is a vital part of the film, it ties everything together. The script is simple enough for the target audience but not dumbed down so that the more mature audience can't enjoy it if they are intereted. Today, I saw it for the second time, and I marveled at the beautiful set construction, elemental themes and wardrobe.
If you have kids, let them watch this movie... also, feel free to sit yourself down while they view it and get lost in the fantasy.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Playlist Frenzy
I have several playlists that I have on my ipod at all times. I have a Classic song playlist that has mostly old and amazing songs on it. I have a pop mix with all of my favorite pop songs. Most pop albums do not appeal to me in full. I have a hard time with them, because most of them are over produced and many of the songs are just filler for the few projected "hit" songs on the record. However, I do believe that there is such good thing as good pop, even great pop. Justin Timberlake's Cry Me A River for instance is one of the greatest produced pop songs ever. All of the layering, synthesizing and vocal effects are perfectly executed on that song. It will always be great, no matter how much time passes which cannot be said of most pop music. Therefore, I have a full playlist of pop songs that I feel this way about.
Anyway, I digress...
The most important playlist I have is called XYZ. It is a mish-mosh of songs that I love, love, love. Perhaps these songs are from albums which had only one song on it that I adored but maybe I didn't connect with the rest of the album. Or, they are just songs that mean magic to me. Songs that I can't resist. These tunes range from newer, contemporary artists to older, classic works. They span most musical genre's from country, to rock.
The song that opens my all time favorite playlist is called 32 flavors and it is originally an Ani DiFranco song. The version that I like is a cover by a small niche artist named Alana Davis. She released the album Blame It On Me in 1997. So... this is kind of an oldie now by today's standards. I love her cover of 32 flavors much better than the original Ani version because occasionally Ani gets a little long winded. I know, I know... who dares to talk about the great Ani DiFranco this way? Me!!! That's who!! She writes so much music that sometimes she just gets lost in it. She has moments of sheer brilliance and then has these passing works of fumbling. This song is amazing. The lyrics are pure poetry at it's finest but she wrote too many verses. They don't all add up and they turned on each other. Alana Davis, must have understood that and so she edited the sloppy verse out. The finished product is perfection and it haunts me. Literally.
Sometimes I wake up singing it. There are many situations in my life that bring the lyrics to this song slamming into me throughout the day. I will do something that I haven't done yet... I'll post the lyrics to the entire song for you all:
Anyway, I digress...
The most important playlist I have is called XYZ. It is a mish-mosh of songs that I love, love, love. Perhaps these songs are from albums which had only one song on it that I adored but maybe I didn't connect with the rest of the album. Or, they are just songs that mean magic to me. Songs that I can't resist. These tunes range from newer, contemporary artists to older, classic works. They span most musical genre's from country, to rock.
The song that opens my all time favorite playlist is called 32 flavors and it is originally an Ani DiFranco song. The version that I like is a cover by a small niche artist named Alana Davis. She released the album Blame It On Me in 1997. So... this is kind of an oldie now by today's standards. I love her cover of 32 flavors much better than the original Ani version because occasionally Ani gets a little long winded. I know, I know... who dares to talk about the great Ani DiFranco this way? Me!!! That's who!! She writes so much music that sometimes she just gets lost in it. She has moments of sheer brilliance and then has these passing works of fumbling. This song is amazing. The lyrics are pure poetry at it's finest but she wrote too many verses. They don't all add up and they turned on each other. Alana Davis, must have understood that and so she edited the sloppy verse out. The finished product is perfection and it haunts me. Literally.
Sometimes I wake up singing it. There are many situations in my life that bring the lyrics to this song slamming into me throughout the day. I will do something that I haven't done yet... I'll post the lyrics to the entire song for you all:
Squint your eyes and look closer
I'm not between you and your ambition
I am a poster girl with no poster, I am 32 flavors and then some
And I'm beyond your peripheral vision so you might want to turn your head
'Cause someday you're going to get hungry and eat all of the words that you just said
I am what I am, I am 32 flavors and then some
I'm not between you and your ambition
I am a poster girl with no poster, I am 32 flavors and then some
And I'm beyond your peripheral vision so you might want to turn your head
'Cause someday you're going to get hungry and eat all of the words that you just said
I am what I am, I am 32 flavors and then some
God help you if you are an ugly girl
Course too pretty is also your doom
'Cause everyone harbors a secret hatred for the prettiest girl in the room
God help you if you are a phoenix and you dare to rise up from ash
A thousand eyes will smolder with jealousy while you are just flying past
I am what i am, I am 32 flavors and then some
I'm taking my chances as they come
I am 32 flavors and then some, I'm nobody but I am someone, someone...
Course too pretty is also your doom
'Cause everyone harbors a secret hatred for the prettiest girl in the room
God help you if you are a phoenix and you dare to rise up from ash
A thousand eyes will smolder with jealousy while you are just flying past
I am what i am, I am 32 flavors and then some
I'm taking my chances as they come
I am 32 flavors and then some, I'm nobody but I am someone, someone...
I'd never try to give my life meaning by demeaning you
And I would like to state for the record...
I did everything that I could do
I am beyond your peripheral vision so you might want to turn your head
'Cause someday you're going to be starving and eating al the words that you just said
And I would like to state for the record...
I did everything that I could do
I am beyond your peripheral vision so you might want to turn your head
'Cause someday you're going to be starving and eating al the words that you just said
That you said
I am what I am, I am what I am
I am 32 flavors and then some
I'm taking my chances as they come
I am 32 flavors and then some
I'm looking for truth and there is none
I am what I am, I am what I am
I am 32 flavors and then some
I'm taking my chances as they come
I am 32 flavors and then some
I'm looking for truth and there is none
Why this topic today? Well, I just switched computers which means I had to manually recreate my playlists on the new computer. It excited me and made me fall in love with them all over again, which means that I have been listening to them all for several days. I listened to XYZ and then wanted to hear 32 Flavors again so I started it over.
Right now, as I write, I am watching Game Of Thrones. It is a new HBO series that everyone should probably see. Game of Thrones is set in a mythical land and the setting is very medieval as well as bleak. The story is fascinating though so tune in as soon as you can... although give it some concession... it is HBO after all, so there will be a slight amount of gratuitous nudity. The script and sets are very well executed, and the acting is top notch. This storyline is fathoms deep and deserves our attention.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Jack White's Immaculate Taste In Women.
I don't want to sound like a used car salesmen today. I want to write a blog that inspires you to log onto itunes and explore music that you haven't considered before. I want you to experience the textures and layers in music that I do and find sounds that come to mean more to you than just background music in the car. I can't help but hear magic in certain sounds and then I have to talk about them... or write about them. Sometimes I become obsessed with just one measure, or a single harmony. I can replay it over and over and over in my head, and if I hear it enough in my mind, I have to listen to it again. I hear that this is typical which is good, because after I obsess about a single line, I sometimes feel as though I am losing grasp on reality.
While I find complete joy in many musical moments that I hear, there are very few complete albums these days that make me want to listen from open to close. Sometimes I feel like the days of vast imagination in music are over. Then I will be proven wrong by one great album. One of the new album's that made it's way onto this "great album" list of mine is Karen Elson's, The Ghost Who Walks.
If you are familiar with fashion then you have heard her name before. She is the tall, drop dead gorgeous, red head model that seems to have a contract with everyone. Seriously, her face is everywhere. She's a great model though who deserves the work, her pictures are compelling. She was one of my favorite fashion models already, and then I heard that her husband, Jack White, was producing an album that she was writing and singing herself. Insert token eye roll here.
Of course she married a musician, and of course he produced an album. That was the first thought that crept through my mind. We must have heard this story before. Now think back to the part of the blog where I said that her album fascinated me. Ok, that's not verbatim, but it's close.
I should have known not to doubt the power of that almighty genius who's name is Jack White. I mean, he has not steered me wrong yet... I LOVE all of his projects, including the bluegrass that he did for the Cold Mountain soundtrack. When I sampled The Ghost Who Walks, I knew from the first twenty seconds that it was awesome, as I had goosebumps. The title song is haunting and lilting. Karen spends half of her time back in retro and the other half of her time singing songs with a country/bluegrass/folky flair. The opening song, The Ghost Who Walks is retro for sure, with a faint echo and a steady beat. It is genius, and every time I listen to it, I hum the melody for days. Putting that song first on the album was a great move because it succeeds in grabbing the listener and hooking them in. I looked forward to hearing the rest of the album solely from sampling the first song.
The only fault I find is that Karen's voice is a little thin. Her music is pretty, some of it brilliant. Her range is good and there are moments that she lets go, lets her voice fly and it fills itself out for her. Other moments show that she is an inexperienced singer who must work on rounding out the tone. Jack heard it, and compensated for it in a truly interesting way: he layered her voice on several tracks. While someone who hasn't listened to the album might call this cheating, I call it ethereal. To have an artist layer their own voice and sing the same line on top of itself is interesting to say the least. Here it has a chilling affect and provides greater grasp in the melodies.
If you liked Neko Case's perfect album, Fox Confessor Brings The Blood, then you will like this album. Songs like Stolen Roses and Mouths To Feed are compelling and reminiscent of old British folky music, while being contemporarily relevant at the same time. All of the harmonies are performed by Elson herself, which I always prefer.
Should I provide a sample for you? I should.
While I find complete joy in many musical moments that I hear, there are very few complete albums these days that make me want to listen from open to close. Sometimes I feel like the days of vast imagination in music are over. Then I will be proven wrong by one great album. One of the new album's that made it's way onto this "great album" list of mine is Karen Elson's, The Ghost Who Walks.
If you are familiar with fashion then you have heard her name before. She is the tall, drop dead gorgeous, red head model that seems to have a contract with everyone. Seriously, her face is everywhere. She's a great model though who deserves the work, her pictures are compelling. She was one of my favorite fashion models already, and then I heard that her husband, Jack White, was producing an album that she was writing and singing herself. Insert token eye roll here.
Of course she married a musician, and of course he produced an album. That was the first thought that crept through my mind. We must have heard this story before. Now think back to the part of the blog where I said that her album fascinated me. Ok, that's not verbatim, but it's close.
I should have known not to doubt the power of that almighty genius who's name is Jack White. I mean, he has not steered me wrong yet... I LOVE all of his projects, including the bluegrass that he did for the Cold Mountain soundtrack. When I sampled The Ghost Who Walks, I knew from the first twenty seconds that it was awesome, as I had goosebumps. The title song is haunting and lilting. Karen spends half of her time back in retro and the other half of her time singing songs with a country/bluegrass/folky flair. The opening song, The Ghost Who Walks is retro for sure, with a faint echo and a steady beat. It is genius, and every time I listen to it, I hum the melody for days. Putting that song first on the album was a great move because it succeeds in grabbing the listener and hooking them in. I looked forward to hearing the rest of the album solely from sampling the first song.
The only fault I find is that Karen's voice is a little thin. Her music is pretty, some of it brilliant. Her range is good and there are moments that she lets go, lets her voice fly and it fills itself out for her. Other moments show that she is an inexperienced singer who must work on rounding out the tone. Jack heard it, and compensated for it in a truly interesting way: he layered her voice on several tracks. While someone who hasn't listened to the album might call this cheating, I call it ethereal. To have an artist layer their own voice and sing the same line on top of itself is interesting to say the least. Here it has a chilling affect and provides greater grasp in the melodies.
If you liked Neko Case's perfect album, Fox Confessor Brings The Blood, then you will like this album. Songs like Stolen Roses and Mouths To Feed are compelling and reminiscent of old British folky music, while being contemporarily relevant at the same time. All of the harmonies are performed by Elson herself, which I always prefer.
Should I provide a sample for you? I should.
Quirky? Yup! Of course it is! It is also solid gold.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Killing It...
So... I took a few days off to clear my head and think about writing. I feel refreshed and ready to take a stab at interpreting my impressions for you...
First of all, I went to see the Isabelle de Borchgrave exhibit at the SF Legion of Honor entitled PULP FASHION. It was breathtaking. For any of you who don't know who she is, de Borchgrave is the artist who started recreating historical and artistic clothing out of paper. Yes. Paper. Some of the recreations are mind blowing. Many of them don't look like paper, but like cloth. Don't believe me? See for yourself:
This is a shot of the Medici room. She went through paintings of the Medicis and then painstakingly hand painted and refashioned what she saw into 3-d form, using only different types of paper. Of course, she has a team of assistants, which I would humbly volunteer for any time. Even with help these projects are beyond the scope of my imagination. We don't often hear about current and or modern artists these days unless you closely monitor the art scene. Ms. de Borchgrave has made herself an original niche. Please go and see this installation if you have time.
As for listening, it was The Killers for me today. I know that the most popular album for The Killers is Hot Fuss (which I adore), but for me, the magic lies in Sawdust. Sawdust is a bsides/ cover album done with immense style. From the first song, there are chills as Brandon Flowers harmonizes with Lou Reed on Tranquilize. it's an eerie start to a truly great album, and Dave Keuning's guitar really stands out throughout the entire composition. The only song that creeps me out is Where the White Boys Dance. I just don't get it. My guilty pleasure though is their cover of the Mel Tillis song: Ruby, don't take your love to town. It's one of the best and most honest cover's that I've heard in awhile. Their take on the Dire Straits song: Romeo and Juliet is also sublime.
As I leave you to go and watch college gymnastics, I want you to take a listen to Tranquilize. Let me know how many goosebumps you get... :)
First of all, I went to see the Isabelle de Borchgrave exhibit at the SF Legion of Honor entitled PULP FASHION. It was breathtaking. For any of you who don't know who she is, de Borchgrave is the artist who started recreating historical and artistic clothing out of paper. Yes. Paper. Some of the recreations are mind blowing. Many of them don't look like paper, but like cloth. Don't believe me? See for yourself:
As for listening, it was The Killers for me today. I know that the most popular album for The Killers is Hot Fuss (which I adore), but for me, the magic lies in Sawdust. Sawdust is a bsides/ cover album done with immense style. From the first song, there are chills as Brandon Flowers harmonizes with Lou Reed on Tranquilize. it's an eerie start to a truly great album, and Dave Keuning's guitar really stands out throughout the entire composition. The only song that creeps me out is Where the White Boys Dance. I just don't get it. My guilty pleasure though is their cover of the Mel Tillis song: Ruby, don't take your love to town. It's one of the best and most honest cover's that I've heard in awhile. Their take on the Dire Straits song: Romeo and Juliet is also sublime.
As I leave you to go and watch college gymnastics, I want you to take a listen to Tranquilize. Let me know how many goosebumps you get... :)
Like always, here are some lyrics that move me:
"Kick the can, kick the can, skip and blackjack
Steal a car and ring a round-rosey,
Rock and roll, candyland, boogeyman,
Run away and give me your sneakers
Acid rain, when Abel looked up at Cain
We began the weeping and wailing
A hurried high from pestilence, pills and pride,
It's a shame, we could of gone sailing
But heaven knows,
Heaven knows everything
Tranquilize"
Steal a car and ring a round-rosey,
Rock and roll, candyland, boogeyman,
Run away and give me your sneakers
Acid rain, when Abel looked up at Cain
We began the weeping and wailing
A hurried high from pestilence, pills and pride,
It's a shame, we could of gone sailing
But heaven knows,
Heaven knows everything
Tranquilize"
I love the juxtaposition between these two stanza's that segue into each other and I love the tremble in Brandon's voice as he sings. Now, if only his solo stuff impressed me this much...
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Cave Trolls and Other Fascinating Creatures
Why am i obsessed with The Lord of the Rings? I turned the t.v. on tonight after work, fully intending to leave it as background noise while I waxed poetic on the music that I listened to during my commute today. When the picture came up, The Fellowship of the Ring was on, and I was immediately hooked. I want to be perfectly clear with you: I have seen these movies (extended versions) over a dozen times, I have the soundtracks (Howard Shore wrote AMAZING scores for these films.), I am listenting to the complete series on audio book including the Hobbit and the Silmarillion, unabridged. So, here I am, obsessed again. Luckily it was almost over because I would have been up way too late if it weren't. There is something about these stories that haunt me. I want to be a part of them. I wish J.R.R Tolkien would rise from his eternal slumber and write me into these books.
The mythology alone is mind boggling to me. I have always written, ever since I learned how to write. What he has done though goes beyond writing. He has created entire worlds with languages, customs and it's own histories. I have a hard time fathoming the sheer scope of imagination that goes into this process.
I think that Galadriel is my favorite character. She is so mysterious, so old, so wise, so beautiful. If we could all be so lovely....
So what else did I hear, see and smell today?
Well, I listened to The Duke Spirit's album: Neptune. I have been accused many a time of being an anglophile. To put it crudely. Anyway, much great art has come from Britain and The Duke Spirit is a genuinely good band. Leila Moss, the lead singer, sounds really HOT when she sings. You totally will want to make out with her just after listening to the first song, I Do Believe, and this is before you've seen what she looks like. Her voice is raspy, a little gravelly and she is not afraid to experiment with it all over the album. Lets add that to the rest of the band. They put together a solid alternative rock sound, executed much more cleanly than many of their peers. They sound very bluesy in parts of the album with the definitive rock and roll vibe rolling alongside the rest. If you like a good rock album much along the veins of Florence and the Machine (which deserves it's own review... soon!) then please check out The Duke Spirit. They deserve our attention with all of that talent!
Sample anyone?
The mythology alone is mind boggling to me. I have always written, ever since I learned how to write. What he has done though goes beyond writing. He has created entire worlds with languages, customs and it's own histories. I have a hard time fathoming the sheer scope of imagination that goes into this process.
I think that Galadriel is my favorite character. She is so mysterious, so old, so wise, so beautiful. If we could all be so lovely....
So what else did I hear, see and smell today?
Well, I listened to The Duke Spirit's album: Neptune. I have been accused many a time of being an anglophile. To put it crudely. Anyway, much great art has come from Britain and The Duke Spirit is a genuinely good band. Leila Moss, the lead singer, sounds really HOT when she sings. You totally will want to make out with her just after listening to the first song, I Do Believe, and this is before you've seen what she looks like. Her voice is raspy, a little gravelly and she is not afraid to experiment with it all over the album. Lets add that to the rest of the band. They put together a solid alternative rock sound, executed much more cleanly than many of their peers. They sound very bluesy in parts of the album with the definitive rock and roll vibe rolling alongside the rest. If you like a good rock album much along the veins of Florence and the Machine (which deserves it's own review... soon!) then please check out The Duke Spirit. They deserve our attention with all of that talent!
Sample anyone?
This clip came out kind of small but listen anyway, I don't think you will be disappointed. That rasp in Leila's voice is great, and it makes their sound one of a kind.
OH. ORC FIGHT! GOTTA GO!
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
A Day with the Dogs...
Today was a day for soft, easy melodies and intricate harmonies. Where else would you turn when you want those things but to country/bluegrass? I have had the Court Yard Hounds album since it came out. I recall listening to it one time when i first purchased it and then, somehow it fell to the wayside. I don't know how I let that happen, since it is great. I have always been a fan of the Dixie Chicks, but have to admit that I am not always in the mood for the vocal stylings of Natalie Maines.
So... this... must be the best alternative.
These women know their craft and that is what I have always loved. Their instruments are always in unison. Their melodies are always so wonderfully intertwined. Vocally, they are perfect as well. Perfect pitch, perfect harmonies, perfect.
If you like the kind of perfection in your music that comes from raw talent and patient, hard work... then come sit out in the yard with these pups. I don't think that you will be sorry.
I started reading the most intriguing book today. Check out Savage Grace. This is a true crime novel which portrays the Baekeland family and the twisted details surrounding their matriarch's murder in the 1970's. Barbara Baekeland was murdered by her son and from the first page I was hooked (I started reading it today and no doubt will finish it in the next couple of days). Not only is it well written, but captivating too since much of it is actual content from interviews of friends and family. Even if fiction is your normal genre of choice, this is still a non-fiction book that is, well, fascinating.
Now, here is a tune to leave you humming...
I know this is a cover, but it is lovely, haunting and provocative. We don't hear enough from Jakob Dylan anymore, but he is on the Court Yard Hounds album. This song should be in everyone's music library.
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Hello Mr. West...
Dear Kanye,
I don't care if you're a jerk. I don't care if you are an arrogant ass. Your new album My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy is beating in my blood. I hear what you're trying to say, but more importantly, I feel it too. There are definite highlights: Power, All of the Lights, Monster and Runaway. Power has got to be my favorite because the lyrics get inside me, the bass gets inside me. The dichotomy makes me smile... this man flirting with disaster and ruin, addicted to this life that worships him and turns him sour simultaneously. So, Mr. West, please keep on keeping up the game. It works for the music and since artists must suffer for their art, I guess you are just stuck. Poor you.
Love always,
Me
The words are brilliant if any of you stand in doubt after listening:
"I’m livin’ in the 21st century
Doin’ something mean to it
Do it better than anybody you ever seen do it
Screams from the haters, got a nice ring to it
I guess every superhero need his theme music"
So maybe hip hop isn't your favorite, it's definitely not my favorite, but this album is not just hip hop. It's art as well. Give it one chance, it will make you mad, it will make you laugh and you will listen again.
Cross my heart, hope to die, stick a needle in my eye...
I don't care if you're a jerk. I don't care if you are an arrogant ass. Your new album My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy is beating in my blood. I hear what you're trying to say, but more importantly, I feel it too. There are definite highlights: Power, All of the Lights, Monster and Runaway. Power has got to be my favorite because the lyrics get inside me, the bass gets inside me. The dichotomy makes me smile... this man flirting with disaster and ruin, addicted to this life that worships him and turns him sour simultaneously. So, Mr. West, please keep on keeping up the game. It works for the music and since artists must suffer for their art, I guess you are just stuck. Poor you.
Love always,
Me
The words are brilliant if any of you stand in doubt after listening:
"I’m livin’ in the 21st century
Doin’ something mean to it
Do it better than anybody you ever seen do it
Screams from the haters, got a nice ring to it
I guess every superhero need his theme music"
So maybe hip hop isn't your favorite, it's definitely not my favorite, but this album is not just hip hop. It's art as well. Give it one chance, it will make you mad, it will make you laugh and you will listen again.
Cross my heart, hope to die, stick a needle in my eye...
It's a Dylan kind of day...
Today I woke up and just KNEW it was a Bob Dylan day. For those of you who don't know me yet, you need to know that I truly love all types of music. I listen to them all, sing them all, breathe them all. My musical moods swing like a massive pendulum and teeter on the verge of neurosis. Some days you wake up and the map is charted out for you though. Today I had to listen to Dylan, like I had to suck in air and expel it again.
So I drove to work and as I did, Bob sang to me about The Watchtower, and he sang to me about Rainy Day's. Lay Lady Lay, Maggie's Farm, Masters of War were all lovers of mine for the time it took me to drive to work. As he sang to me, I felt my heart rise up and embrace the day so as I pulled into work I felt fat and full... as though I had just eaten a humongous and satisfying meal. I probably had several mini orgasms as well as a meal, come to think of it. Yes, a lot can happen in an hour. Yikes!
On the way home from work, we switched tactics a bit. It went something like this:
"WHOOOOOOOOOA, whoooooooa whoooooa whoooooooo!!!! You've left me Speechless, so Speechless..."
Yes, I am talking MAJOR Lady Gaga time. Stereo turned up too loud to think, cruising along and so by the time I got home, I was hungry rather than sated. I didn't get to finish the album which I am neurotic and obsessive about. I have to finish albums. I hate stopping in the middle of an album even if I know it by heart. I feel like I'm not doing it justice and when I get back to it, I have to start over. O. C. D... you are the one for me...
I have been dancing around the fact that this is my very first blog. I guess I just wanted to dive right in and write about these melodies that have been swirling around in my head all day long. Tomorrow I am going for a run on the beach so there will probably be some... aggressive... yes that's the right word, music to talk about.
Here are my recommendations for you if you need something new that perhaps you haven't tried yet:
So I drove to work and as I did, Bob sang to me about The Watchtower, and he sang to me about Rainy Day's. Lay Lady Lay, Maggie's Farm, Masters of War were all lovers of mine for the time it took me to drive to work. As he sang to me, I felt my heart rise up and embrace the day so as I pulled into work I felt fat and full... as though I had just eaten a humongous and satisfying meal. I probably had several mini orgasms as well as a meal, come to think of it. Yes, a lot can happen in an hour. Yikes!
On the way home from work, we switched tactics a bit. It went something like this:
"WHOOOOOOOOOA, whoooooooa whoooooa whoooooooo!!!! You've left me Speechless, so Speechless..."
Yes, I am talking MAJOR Lady Gaga time. Stereo turned up too loud to think, cruising along and so by the time I got home, I was hungry rather than sated. I didn't get to finish the album which I am neurotic and obsessive about. I have to finish albums. I hate stopping in the middle of an album even if I know it by heart. I feel like I'm not doing it justice and when I get back to it, I have to start over. O. C. D... you are the one for me...
I have been dancing around the fact that this is my very first blog. I guess I just wanted to dive right in and write about these melodies that have been swirling around in my head all day long. Tomorrow I am going for a run on the beach so there will probably be some... aggressive... yes that's the right word, music to talk about.
Here are my recommendations for you if you need something new that perhaps you haven't tried yet:
Bob and Janis singing one of my fav Dylan songs of all time...
It Ain't Me Babe
The lyrics to this song blow me away...
"Go lightly from the ledge love, go lightly to the ground..."
Best Lady Gaga song ever.
So Happy I Could Die
A control freak's kindred spirit...
"And when something falls out of place, I take my time, I put it back, I touch myself 'til I'm on track..."
Goodnight Moon...
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)