One of the best things about being a blogger is the fact that I am under no obligation to be objective. So with that in mind, my last list of Bests/Favorites of 2007. Explanation where I feel its necessary, but I think you'll get the idea on most of these:
10 Best Musical Discoveries of 2007
Awarded to 10 bands/artists whose music I was at best familiar with, but not necessarily a fan of until this year
1. Pearl Jam
2. Snow Patrol
3. Paramore
4. Justin Timberlake
5. Dresden Dolls
6. Rage Against The Machine
7. The Police
8. Sufjian Stevens
9. Blue October
10. Secondhand Serenade
10 Most Underappreciated Albums of 2007
Albums that did not make the Top 10 Best of '07 list, but are still damn good and didn't get the credit they deserve
1. Chris Cornell - Carry On
2. The Crash Motive - Consequence
3. Finger Eleven - Them Vs. You Vs. Me
4. August Rush Soundtrack
5. Eddie Vedder - Into The Wild Soundtrack
6. Bright Eyes - Cassadaga
7. Dashboard Confessional - The Shade Of Poison Trees
8. Secondhand Serenade - Awake
9. Boys Like Girls - Boys Like Girls
10. Nine Inch Nails - Year Zero
Most Overrated Albums of 2007
The albums that got WAY more praise than they deserved
1. Radiohead - In Rainbows
2. Feist - The Reminder
3. Amy Winehouse - Back to Black
4. Smashing Pumpkins - Zeitgeist
5. M.I.A. - Kala
6. Band of Horses - Cease to Begin
7. Britney Spears - Blackout
8. High School Musical 2 Soundtrack
9. Modest Mouse - We Were Dead Before The Ship Even Sank
10. The Good, The Bad, and the Queen - The Good, The Bad, and the Queen
And now, at long last...
Top 10 Albums of 2007 (From Worst to Best)
10. Fall Out Boy - Infinity On High
9. Bruce Springsteen - Magic
8. Paramore - Riot!
7. Linkin Park - Minutes to Midnight
6. Jay-Z - American Gangster
5. The White Stripes - Icky Thump
4. Kanye West - Graduation
3. Across The Universe Soundtrack
2. Jimmy Eat World, Chase This Light
1. Foo Fighters - Echoes, Silence, Patience and Grace
Foo Fighters - Long Road To Ruin
I tried to come up with a good reason why the Foo Fighters weren't #1, and I couldn't come up with one. Truth is, the Foo Fighters are the best band in rock music, and this album was their best to date. End of story. I might have some more stuff for what I expect in '08, but that's for later. If I'm not back before Tuesday, Happy New Year, and see you next year.
==TJ==
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Friday, December 28, 2007
Long Live The '90s
I feel as though the last sentence in the last entry needs explaining:
For Christmas I got (among other things) the Pearl Jam Live at the Gorge box set that came out earlier this year. 7 discs, 100 tracks, 69 individual songs. Also picked up with my iTunes gift card the U218 Singles collection, and have been enjoying both, but Pearl Jam far more for some reason.
My taste for Pearl Jam has been a strange one over the last few years. I tend to go long lengths of time without listening to them, and then when I pop a CD back in, it takes maybe 3 tracks for me to fall in love with them again and wonder why I ever stopped listening to them. I think it has something to do with the fact that, at least on their albums, Pearl Jam are never as glitzy or as clean as other bands. They never have been, and probably never will. Very few songs are immediately memorable for a good hook or a chorus that gets jammed in your head. Again, not what they do. What they do do is write a song or album that you can hear a few times and maybe acknowledge, or maybe it turns into background noise, but then when you hear one of those songs out of context, say, either when iTunes is in shuffle mode or on the radio and it's then that you say "Wow, THAT'S Pearl Jam, that's REALLY cool!".
As the Gorge box set proves and as millions of concertgoers would tell you, PJ put on one hell of a live show. I forget who it was that said that Pearl Jam can make a massive arena show seem like a small club, but it's true. I'm not even halfway through listening to all 7 discs and already the softer tracks like " I Am Mine" and "Elderly Woman Behind The Counter In A Small Town" carry the same level of conviction and attention as crowd favorites "Even Flow" and "Given To Fly". One of my favorite moments on the set so far is after a particularly up-tempo performance of "Severed Hand" when Eddie Vedder talks to the crowd and tells them, referring to the heat "Y'all take care of yourselves, each other out there, we'll try to do the same."
Also unique about Pearl Jam's live show are the covers. Not many current rock bands have the balls to play a cover that came out before a fan's lifetime. Covers of classics like The Who's "Baba O'Riley" and Neil Young's "Rockin' In The Free World" are mainstays of a Pearl Jam live set, as commonplace as their own slew of hits. I don't know what halted my last round of Pearl Jam enjoyment, but it's not likely to happen again.
U2 has a slightly different situation. It's a known fact that Bono's constant preaching drives me nuts, and generally tends to turn me off to his music. But what's lost in that is the fact that more often than not the music is good. Not on the same level as Pearl Jam, but there's no denying that U2 is in fact a good band, in spite of its overzealous lead singer. If I have to choose one, then advantage: Pearl Jam, but either way, my love for the 1990s and its music is reborn.
Pearl Jam - Baba O'Riley (Live in Albany 4/29/03) [Who Cover]
U2 - One
==TJ==
For Christmas I got (among other things) the Pearl Jam Live at the Gorge box set that came out earlier this year. 7 discs, 100 tracks, 69 individual songs. Also picked up with my iTunes gift card the U218 Singles collection, and have been enjoying both, but Pearl Jam far more for some reason.
My taste for Pearl Jam has been a strange one over the last few years. I tend to go long lengths of time without listening to them, and then when I pop a CD back in, it takes maybe 3 tracks for me to fall in love with them again and wonder why I ever stopped listening to them. I think it has something to do with the fact that, at least on their albums, Pearl Jam are never as glitzy or as clean as other bands. They never have been, and probably never will. Very few songs are immediately memorable for a good hook or a chorus that gets jammed in your head. Again, not what they do. What they do do is write a song or album that you can hear a few times and maybe acknowledge, or maybe it turns into background noise, but then when you hear one of those songs out of context, say, either when iTunes is in shuffle mode or on the radio and it's then that you say "Wow, THAT'S Pearl Jam, that's REALLY cool!".
As the Gorge box set proves and as millions of concertgoers would tell you, PJ put on one hell of a live show. I forget who it was that said that Pearl Jam can make a massive arena show seem like a small club, but it's true. I'm not even halfway through listening to all 7 discs and already the softer tracks like " I Am Mine" and "Elderly Woman Behind The Counter In A Small Town" carry the same level of conviction and attention as crowd favorites "Even Flow" and "Given To Fly". One of my favorite moments on the set so far is after a particularly up-tempo performance of "Severed Hand" when Eddie Vedder talks to the crowd and tells them, referring to the heat "Y'all take care of yourselves, each other out there, we'll try to do the same."
Also unique about Pearl Jam's live show are the covers. Not many current rock bands have the balls to play a cover that came out before a fan's lifetime. Covers of classics like The Who's "Baba O'Riley" and Neil Young's "Rockin' In The Free World" are mainstays of a Pearl Jam live set, as commonplace as their own slew of hits. I don't know what halted my last round of Pearl Jam enjoyment, but it's not likely to happen again.
U2 has a slightly different situation. It's a known fact that Bono's constant preaching drives me nuts, and generally tends to turn me off to his music. But what's lost in that is the fact that more often than not the music is good. Not on the same level as Pearl Jam, but there's no denying that U2 is in fact a good band, in spite of its overzealous lead singer. If I have to choose one, then advantage: Pearl Jam, but either way, my love for the 1990s and its music is reborn.
Pearl Jam - Baba O'Riley (Live in Albany 4/29/03) [Who Cover]
U2 - One
==TJ==
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Worst of 2007: Please...Make It Stop
I find it's always wildly entertaining to make fun of bad music, sometimes more than it is to enjoy the good stuff. So I present to you my picks for the worst albums of the year, the ones we could have done without quite nicely. Keep in mind I took a little bit of liberty with this, so please don't take it too seriously (except for that part where I mean that these albums sucked/will suck)
10. Britney Spears - Blackout
Yes, I admit; I listened to this CD earlier this week. I'll even go so far as to say that I tried to like it, and in fact in some places, I did (what the bloggers are saying about "Piece of Me" is right). Despite all reason, this album was not a complete disaster. I'm chalking that fact mostly up to the fact that Blackout was on the good end of the Snakes On A Plane Effect: expectations were so low on this CD that Spears' simply showing up was a success. But the fact remains there's more AutoTone on this than Britney, and this album did more to pay the bills than it did to mark Britney's "comeback".
9. Avril Lavigne - The Best Damn Thing
Another album that wasn't a complete and total dud, but lacked much to be desired. I will once again admit that I miss the Let Go-era Avril. That CD was nigh short of excellent when it came out, and sadly, Avril's done everything possible to stray from that work. As for this album, you may not believe, there are songs on this very CD, let alone other songs from this year, that are more annoying than "Girlfriend". Scary thought, but it's true. Keep reading and you'll learn about them.
8. Guns N Roses - Chinese Democracy
Yeah yeah, I know the album never came out. But we heard the first signs that it exists in some form or other, and it is crap. This would be far less disappointing if this were billed as an Axl Rose solo project; if that were the case I would expect garbage. But alas, I am still teased with the promise that before I die, Chinese Democracy could be part of my CD collection. Based on what I've heard thus far, it probably won't be, but the important thing is that it could.
7. Cartel - Cartel
I haven't actually heard this album yet, but:
Cartel being a by-the-numbers B-list punk band + the fact that they had to have a reality series on MTV to drum up excitement for the CD + the utter failure of said reality show = This HAD to suck.
6. Radiohead - In Rainbows
That's right. I said it. Now what?
Taking nothing away from what Radiohead did to promote and market In Rainbows, I did not like this album. Melodies were few and far-between, and it seemed like Thom Yorke spent more time coming up with new and pretentious ways to get the blogs talking than he did actually recording decent music. This is easily the most overrated album to come out this year, and with a January release date for the physical CD, we get to see it on all the Best Of '08 lists too. ...Joy...
5. Feist - The Reminder
Another one that's gonna earn me hatemail from Pitchfork, Idolator, and all the other Holy Music Blogs. "1234" made me want to punch things by the thousandth time I heard it; I hated it more than I hated "Rehab". The rest of this album just put me to sleep. If I want to fall asleep to music, I'll listen to Pink Floyd; at least that has the benefit of being memorable and socially cool. There's no feist in this music, it's just dreck.
4. Shop Boyz - Rockstar Mentality
This is here mostly on the strength of my hatred for "Party Like A Rockstar", and the fact that this album pretended to have meaning when it was just garbage. Same goes for the next one.
3. Mims - Music is my Savior
This and Shop Boyz are pretty much interchangeable; they both feature criminally stupid songs, and have no real soul in them at all. What makes Mims worse is a) a stupid name, rivaled only by the artist/album at #1, and b) an equally ridiculous hit song in "This is Why I'm Hot". To my knowledge only 3 good rap albums came out, and they belonged to Timbaland, Kanye, and Jay-Z. Most of the rest were marginal, and sad cases like Mims were just awful.
2. James Blunt - All The Lost Souls
As of September this was the worst thing I had heard all year. Bland, sleep-inducing, and generally unexciting, Blunt brought back all the things we had so pleasantly forgotten about 2005's Back to Bedlam. This album is the worst kind of bad; it's not exceptionally bad, its just boring. There's nothing actively noteworthy about it, except that I can't remember anything except how lame "1973" sounded. Memo to James Blunt; get a freakin' backbone.
For a long time I thought this was the worst CD of 2007, until I heard...
1. Soulja Boy Tell 'Em - souljaboytellem.com
Oh. My. God. I don't know where to begin. I guess we start with the God-awful name of both the artist and album (your website as an album title? C'mon. Even YOUR marketing people have to be better than that). Then there's the part where every song consists primarily of shouting Soulja Boy's name over some beat, while also writing tributes to either Sidekicks (the phone, not an actual counterpart) or some ridiculous dance. To be honest, I only got four songs in before I turned it off for the sake of my own sanity. Yep, I think that's a winner/loser.
It should now be noted that I compiled this list while being too apathetic to listen to a number of albums that could have been on this list, including AmyCokewhore's Back to Black, Colbie Cailat's Coco, among others. If/when I get to these, I might make amendments. Till then, avoid these albums at all costs, and I'll have a Best Albums list by New Year's Eve. Now if you'll excuse me, I have some U2 and Pearl Jam to enjoy.
==TJ==
10. Britney Spears - Blackout
Yes, I admit; I listened to this CD earlier this week. I'll even go so far as to say that I tried to like it, and in fact in some places, I did (what the bloggers are saying about "Piece of Me" is right). Despite all reason, this album was not a complete disaster. I'm chalking that fact mostly up to the fact that Blackout was on the good end of the Snakes On A Plane Effect: expectations were so low on this CD that Spears' simply showing up was a success. But the fact remains there's more AutoTone on this than Britney, and this album did more to pay the bills than it did to mark Britney's "comeback".
9. Avril Lavigne - The Best Damn Thing
Another album that wasn't a complete and total dud, but lacked much to be desired. I will once again admit that I miss the Let Go-era Avril. That CD was nigh short of excellent when it came out, and sadly, Avril's done everything possible to stray from that work. As for this album, you may not believe, there are songs on this very CD, let alone other songs from this year, that are more annoying than "Girlfriend". Scary thought, but it's true. Keep reading and you'll learn about them.
8. Guns N Roses - Chinese Democracy
Yeah yeah, I know the album never came out. But we heard the first signs that it exists in some form or other, and it is crap. This would be far less disappointing if this were billed as an Axl Rose solo project; if that were the case I would expect garbage. But alas, I am still teased with the promise that before I die, Chinese Democracy could be part of my CD collection. Based on what I've heard thus far, it probably won't be, but the important thing is that it could.
7. Cartel - Cartel
I haven't actually heard this album yet, but:
Cartel being a by-the-numbers B-list punk band + the fact that they had to have a reality series on MTV to drum up excitement for the CD + the utter failure of said reality show = This HAD to suck.
6. Radiohead - In Rainbows
That's right. I said it. Now what?
Taking nothing away from what Radiohead did to promote and market In Rainbows, I did not like this album. Melodies were few and far-between, and it seemed like Thom Yorke spent more time coming up with new and pretentious ways to get the blogs talking than he did actually recording decent music. This is easily the most overrated album to come out this year, and with a January release date for the physical CD, we get to see it on all the Best Of '08 lists too. ...Joy...
5. Feist - The Reminder
Another one that's gonna earn me hatemail from Pitchfork, Idolator, and all the other Holy Music Blogs. "1234" made me want to punch things by the thousandth time I heard it; I hated it more than I hated "Rehab". The rest of this album just put me to sleep. If I want to fall asleep to music, I'll listen to Pink Floyd; at least that has the benefit of being memorable and socially cool. There's no feist in this music, it's just dreck.
4. Shop Boyz - Rockstar Mentality
This is here mostly on the strength of my hatred for "Party Like A Rockstar", and the fact that this album pretended to have meaning when it was just garbage. Same goes for the next one.
3. Mims - Music is my Savior
This and Shop Boyz are pretty much interchangeable; they both feature criminally stupid songs, and have no real soul in them at all. What makes Mims worse is a) a stupid name, rivaled only by the artist/album at #1, and b) an equally ridiculous hit song in "This is Why I'm Hot". To my knowledge only 3 good rap albums came out, and they belonged to Timbaland, Kanye, and Jay-Z. Most of the rest were marginal, and sad cases like Mims were just awful.
2. James Blunt - All The Lost Souls
As of September this was the worst thing I had heard all year. Bland, sleep-inducing, and generally unexciting, Blunt brought back all the things we had so pleasantly forgotten about 2005's Back to Bedlam. This album is the worst kind of bad; it's not exceptionally bad, its just boring. There's nothing actively noteworthy about it, except that I can't remember anything except how lame "1973" sounded. Memo to James Blunt; get a freakin' backbone.
For a long time I thought this was the worst CD of 2007, until I heard...
1. Soulja Boy Tell 'Em - souljaboytellem.com
Oh. My. God. I don't know where to begin. I guess we start with the God-awful name of both the artist and album (your website as an album title? C'mon. Even YOUR marketing people have to be better than that). Then there's the part where every song consists primarily of shouting Soulja Boy's name over some beat, while also writing tributes to either Sidekicks (the phone, not an actual counterpart) or some ridiculous dance. To be honest, I only got four songs in before I turned it off for the sake of my own sanity. Yep, I think that's a winner/loser.
It should now be noted that I compiled this list while being too apathetic to listen to a number of albums that could have been on this list, including Amy
==TJ==
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Biggest Letdowns of 2007 (Some of them Anyway)
2007 had some great moments, which I talked about here. Sadly, there were some low points too. In no particular order, some of the things that sucked about the year that's nearly gone past.
Amy Lee becomes the female Axl Rose
The Evanescence frontwoman probably won't be getting Christmas presents from any of her original bandmates. Earlier this year she kicked out Rocky Gray and John LeCompt, the remaining original members of the band (Founding guitarist Ben Moody quit in 2003, more on him later). By most accounts, Amy Lee seems to kick out any member of the band that dares suggest she's wrong about what the band should be. Based on the war of words that went on after the fact (Lee more or less accused Gray and LeCompt of trying to destroy "her baby", and LeCompt joked about how he hoped we would become lyrical fodder for Lee), not much love lost here, except from the fans that miss what was once a good band becoming the Amy Lee show. As much as I love Lee, she can't carry that band on her back. The Open Door was a disappointment mostly because she released the shittiest songs as singles after "Call Me When You're Sober". At this point all we can do is hope the band quits while they're ahead, or that the band gets a backbone again.
Evanescence - Call Me When You're Sober [iTunes]
(As for Ben Moody, he's spent his time writing and producing for the likes of Lindsay Lohan and Avril Lavigne. A recent report also notes he collaborated with Celine Dion on her most recent album. On the Bill Simmons Vengeance Scale, I'd say this is about a 0.7 out of 10. )
Jay-Z pulls a fast one on iTunes, revokes American Gangster
It wasthe most the third most anticipated rap album of the year, and had racked up millions of pre-orders on iTunes by the time American Gangster, the new Jay-Z album inspired by the movie was due to be released. But then at the last minute, Hova pulls it from iTunes, citing his desire for the album to be heard as one unit, not song-by-song. As a result all the people who preordered the album got screwed. Smooth...reaalll smooth.
Having said that, I heard a couple tracks off the album, and am duly impressed.
Jay-Z - Roc Boys (And The Winner Is...) [AmazonMP3]
Matchbox 20's "New Album"
A 6-song EP and a greatest hits collection that even the most casual fans have does not an album make, guys. Get back in the studio and give me more.
Matchbox 20 - How Far We've Come [iTunes]
Live Earth
Huge dud. But then again, pretty much what you'd expect from a concert organized by Al Gore, no? Even the Foo Fighters sounded boring in this one. And that Police/Kanye/John Mayer performance? You wanna tell me that wasn't the most scripted thing ever? Points for effort and trying to be socially conscious, but no-good on the execution.
Buy the album on iTunes if you must (can't even give you an mp3 of Linkin Park's performance)
Legally Blonde on Broadway
OK, I'll admit, the movie didn't suck nearly as much as I thought it would. This is more a rant about Broadway's apparent decision to join Hollywood in not coming up with original ideas. Between this, Young Frankenstein, and the slew of Disney musicals, the theatre is almost as bad as TV and film at this point.
...and this is the industry I'm gonna go into...*sigh*
High School Musical 2
A sin against God, man, and everything I did for four years between September 2002 and May 2006.
50 Cent hasn't retired yet...
Despite his album Curtis getting soundly beaten by Kanye West. I guess a rapper's promise doesn't mean as much as it once did. Does anyone else miss the days when a rapper would promise to pop some caps, and then shortly thereafter the news would get out about another shooting?
50 Cent - Ayo Technology [iTunes]
Radiohead release In Rainbows, get verbal blowjob from the blogosphere
I'll admit, I was among those who praised Radiohead's ingenuity when they self-released their new album. I also think I was one of the first to dismiss the music itself as trippy, directionless and overrated. Meanwhile nearly every other blog has added In Rainbows to their Best of 07 list. Just 'cause you do something ballsy doesn't mean you're automatically the best.
I think that's all I've got. The Best Songs of 2007 list will be arriving shortly.
On a random note, I had the strangest urge to listen to the Red Hot Chili Peppers earlier today. There was no reason for it whatsoever, but I'm blasting the Greatest Hits CD now, and thought I'd share that fact.
Red Hot Chili Peppers - Fortune Faded [iTunes]
==TJ==
Amy Lee becomes the female Axl Rose
The Evanescence frontwoman probably won't be getting Christmas presents from any of her original bandmates. Earlier this year she kicked out Rocky Gray and John LeCompt, the remaining original members of the band (Founding guitarist Ben Moody quit in 2003, more on him later). By most accounts, Amy Lee seems to kick out any member of the band that dares suggest she's wrong about what the band should be. Based on the war of words that went on after the fact (Lee more or less accused Gray and LeCompt of trying to destroy "her baby", and LeCompt joked about how he hoped we would become lyrical fodder for Lee), not much love lost here, except from the fans that miss what was once a good band becoming the Amy Lee show. As much as I love Lee, she can't carry that band on her back. The Open Door was a disappointment mostly because she released the shittiest songs as singles after "Call Me When You're Sober". At this point all we can do is hope the band quits while they're ahead, or that the band gets a backbone again.
Evanescence - Call Me When You're Sober [iTunes]
(As for Ben Moody, he's spent his time writing and producing for the likes of Lindsay Lohan and Avril Lavigne. A recent report also notes he collaborated with Celine Dion on her most recent album. On the Bill Simmons Vengeance Scale, I'd say this is about a 0.7 out of 10. )
Jay-Z pulls a fast one on iTunes, revokes American Gangster
It was
Having said that, I heard a couple tracks off the album, and am duly impressed.
Jay-Z - Roc Boys (And The Winner Is...) [AmazonMP3]
Matchbox 20's "New Album"
A 6-song EP and a greatest hits collection that even the most casual fans have does not an album make, guys. Get back in the studio and give me more.
Matchbox 20 - How Far We've Come [iTunes]
Live Earth
Huge dud. But then again, pretty much what you'd expect from a concert organized by Al Gore, no? Even the Foo Fighters sounded boring in this one. And that Police/Kanye/John Mayer performance? You wanna tell me that wasn't the most scripted thing ever? Points for effort and trying to be socially conscious, but no-good on the execution.
Buy the album on iTunes if you must (can't even give you an mp3 of Linkin Park's performance)
Legally Blonde on Broadway
OK, I'll admit, the movie didn't suck nearly as much as I thought it would. This is more a rant about Broadway's apparent decision to join Hollywood in not coming up with original ideas. Between this, Young Frankenstein, and the slew of Disney musicals, the theatre is almost as bad as TV and film at this point.
...and this is the industry I'm gonna go into...*sigh*
High School Musical 2
A sin against God, man, and everything I did for four years between September 2002 and May 2006.
50 Cent hasn't retired yet...
Despite his album Curtis getting soundly beaten by Kanye West. I guess a rapper's promise doesn't mean as much as it once did. Does anyone else miss the days when a rapper would promise to pop some caps, and then shortly thereafter the news would get out about another shooting?
50 Cent - Ayo Technology [iTunes]
Radiohead release In Rainbows, get verbal blowjob from the blogosphere
I'll admit, I was among those who praised Radiohead's ingenuity when they self-released their new album. I also think I was one of the first to dismiss the music itself as trippy, directionless and overrated. Meanwhile nearly every other blog has added In Rainbows to their Best of 07 list. Just 'cause you do something ballsy doesn't mean you're automatically the best.
I think that's all I've got. The Best Songs of 2007 list will be arriving shortly.
On a random note, I had the strangest urge to listen to the Red Hot Chili Peppers earlier today. There was no reason for it whatsoever, but I'm blasting the Greatest Hits CD now, and thought I'd share that fact.
Red Hot Chili Peppers - Fortune Faded [iTunes]
==TJ==
Monday, December 17, 2007
People Are Reading this!!!
I've had this sitting on my computer for a month now, and am only now finding the time to upload the damn thing; for everyone who's wanted it, here's my Finest Hour on Radio 104.5 from last month:
TJ's Finest Hour on Radio 104.5
In other news, the mp3s I post are getting picked up by Hype Machine now. Apparently all I needed to do was switch to a different upload site. this means that VLM is a few steps closer to being legitimate. WOOHOO!
Look for some changes and other stuff to come in the near future, maybe even later tonight.
==TJ==
TJ's Finest Hour on Radio 104.5
In other news, the mp3s I post are getting picked up by Hype Machine now. Apparently all I needed to do was switch to a different upload site. this means that VLM is a few steps closer to being legitimate. WOOHOO!
Look for some changes and other stuff to come in the near future, maybe even later tonight.
==TJ==
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Random bits of what I'm Seeing/Hearing
I've been knee-deep in finals for the last week or so, so music has taken a bit of a sidestep. But I'm back with some quick reviews and other things I've been going through:
-So I'm giving LCD Soundsystem a second listen, but from the looks of it, definitely not an album of the year contender in my book. It's decent enough for dancerock, if that's the kinda thing you're into, but 6 minute tracks with at best average lyrics gets old before the hour-long album is up.
Ruling on the Field: 5.5/10
Highlight Reel: Someone Great
Also playing OneRepublic's debut Dreaming Out Loud. Believe it or not, they have more than just "Apologize". They've got some good borderline folky stuff, and even at their most generic, there's no reason to skip a song. Unfortunately with Timbaland's offering of "Apologize" boning the radio right now, OneRepublic will probably have a hard time being taken seriously for their next single. I'm predicting these guys will become the Nickelback of 2008.
OneRepublic - Stop and Stare
-My friend Alex gave me Cobra Starship's new CD so I could check it out for my Best of 07 list. Personally I didn't think they were coming back from the overtly gimmicky novelty track "Snakes on a Plane (Bring It!)". But last month out came a ¡Viva La Cobra!, yet another entry into the growing whiteboy dancerock genre. There's nothing inherently bad about the album, its just a bit jumblefucky. Gabe Saporta likes to experiment with a lot of different sounds (punk, latin, rock, etc.), and that's great, until they all appear in one song. It's a fast-paced, fun listen, but don't expect anything memorable (unless you're Alex and make one of the songs your ringtone).
Cobra Starship - Guilty Pleasure
-Last weekend I went to see August Rush, one of the few music-based movies where all the music was completely original (not that the rest were bad because of it). It's no Across the Universe, and you can see the ending coming a mile away, but dammit if the music isn't absolutely amazing. Johnathan Rhys-Myers' songs are on par with anything that's on the radio right now, and the instrumental songs by Kaki King are equally fun to listen to. Even if you don't see the movie, pick up the soundtrack and enjoy it.
Ruling on the Field:Movie: 6.5/10; Soundtrack: 8/10
Highlight Reel: This Time
As a result of my love for August Rush, I've been making a playlist of instrumental stuff. I've got a good mix of stuff ranging from Foo Fighters to the Final Fantasy VII soundtrack. If anyone has any stuff they recommend, feel free to post it. I'm especially interested in anything from the 300 Soundtrack as well as the themes from Stargate and Independence Day. Thanks.
Back later this week.
==TJ==
-So I'm giving LCD Soundsystem a second listen, but from the looks of it, definitely not an album of the year contender in my book. It's decent enough for dancerock, if that's the kinda thing you're into, but 6 minute tracks with at best average lyrics gets old before the hour-long album is up.
Ruling on the Field: 5.5/10
Highlight Reel: Someone Great
Also playing OneRepublic's debut Dreaming Out Loud. Believe it or not, they have more than just "Apologize". They've got some good borderline folky stuff, and even at their most generic, there's no reason to skip a song. Unfortunately with Timbaland's offering of "Apologize" boning the radio right now, OneRepublic will probably have a hard time being taken seriously for their next single. I'm predicting these guys will become the Nickelback of 2008.
OneRepublic - Stop and Stare
-My friend Alex gave me Cobra Starship's new CD so I could check it out for my Best of 07 list. Personally I didn't think they were coming back from the overtly gimmicky novelty track "Snakes on a Plane (Bring It!)". But last month out came a ¡Viva La Cobra!, yet another entry into the growing whiteboy dancerock genre. There's nothing inherently bad about the album, its just a bit jumblefucky. Gabe Saporta likes to experiment with a lot of different sounds (punk, latin, rock, etc.), and that's great, until they all appear in one song. It's a fast-paced, fun listen, but don't expect anything memorable (unless you're Alex and make one of the songs your ringtone).
Cobra Starship - Guilty Pleasure
-Last weekend I went to see August Rush, one of the few music-based movies where all the music was completely original (not that the rest were bad because of it). It's no Across the Universe, and you can see the ending coming a mile away, but dammit if the music isn't absolutely amazing. Johnathan Rhys-Myers' songs are on par with anything that's on the radio right now, and the instrumental songs by Kaki King are equally fun to listen to. Even if you don't see the movie, pick up the soundtrack and enjoy it.
Ruling on the Field:Movie: 6.5/10; Soundtrack: 8/10
Highlight Reel: This Time
As a result of my love for August Rush, I've been making a playlist of instrumental stuff. I've got a good mix of stuff ranging from Foo Fighters to the Final Fantasy VII soundtrack. If anyone has any stuff they recommend, feel free to post it. I'm especially interested in anything from the 300 Soundtrack as well as the themes from Stargate and Independence Day. Thanks.
Back later this week.
==TJ==
Monday, December 10, 2007
Stuff I Heard This Weekend
That review of LCD Soundsystem is still coming. Till then, a small taste of stuff I heard over the last few days:
-I've heard it about a dozen times now (my girlfriend is big into ridiculous rap songs), and I still don't know how I feel about Flo Rida's "Low". It's got a "feat. T-Pain" in it, and T-Pain is more ubiquitous than Nickelback at this point. It's also featured on the soundtrack to the utterly unnecessary Step Up 2 the Streets, a movie with a name only slightly less ridiculous than 2 Fast 2 Furious. Furthermore the name Flo Rida is about on par with 50 Cent on the terrible rapper name scale. But at the same time, I can't help but think it's a damned fun song. Expect me to be singing it in my subconscious for awhile.
Flo Rida - Low
(Side note: If you have a group of friends that are REALLY good at making fun of (MST3K-ing, if you will) a movie, go ahead and rent Step Up. It might actually be an enjoyable experience with the right people/right amount of alcohol.
-I think I found the song that will replace "You're Beautiful" for straddling the line between annoying and cute for its simplicity; I give you Colbie Cailat's "Bubbly". It's got shades of James Blunt all over it, right down to the dialogue before the actual entrance to the song. And another thing; am I distorting the lyrics too much, or is she singing about having an orgasm?
Colbie Cailat - Bubbly
And on the offchance you hear a dance version of this with the drums boosted and a bit faster, just run in the other direction
-It's pretty much a scientific fact that I hate Fergie. The only Black Eyed Peas song I truly liked was "Where is the Love?", and after "My Humps", she just kinda made me want to cut my ears off whenever she came on the radio. "London Bridge", "Fergalicious", and "Glamorous" all displayed things I hated about hip-hop. I was at best indifferent toward "Big Girls Don't Cry"; lacked the annoying factor of her first singles, but I always felt that it sounded like she was trying to be Kelly Clarkson on that song. Then in the car I heard this remix with Sean Kingston (who never did anything for me one way or the other), and it was just enough to lure me in. My feelings toward both artists pretty much remain the same, but points for a nice remix/collaboration.
Fergie - Big Girls Don't Cry [remix]
-Heard all of Cass Dillon's EP (as mentioned two entries back). Love it. Can't wait to hear what he comes out with in 2008.
Back tomorrow with that LCD review and other stuff.
==TJ==
-I've heard it about a dozen times now (my girlfriend is big into ridiculous rap songs), and I still don't know how I feel about Flo Rida's "Low". It's got a "feat. T-Pain" in it, and T-Pain is more ubiquitous than Nickelback at this point. It's also featured on the soundtrack to the utterly unnecessary Step Up 2 the Streets, a movie with a name only slightly less ridiculous than 2 Fast 2 Furious. Furthermore the name Flo Rida is about on par with 50 Cent on the terrible rapper name scale. But at the same time, I can't help but think it's a damned fun song. Expect me to be singing it in my subconscious for awhile.
Flo Rida - Low
(Side note: If you have a group of friends that are REALLY good at making fun of (MST3K-ing, if you will) a movie, go ahead and rent Step Up. It might actually be an enjoyable experience with the right people/right amount of alcohol.
-I think I found the song that will replace "You're Beautiful" for straddling the line between annoying and cute for its simplicity; I give you Colbie Cailat's "Bubbly". It's got shades of James Blunt all over it, right down to the dialogue before the actual entrance to the song. And another thing; am I distorting the lyrics too much, or is she singing about having an orgasm?
Colbie Cailat - Bubbly
And on the offchance you hear a dance version of this with the drums boosted and a bit faster, just run in the other direction
-It's pretty much a scientific fact that I hate Fergie. The only Black Eyed Peas song I truly liked was "Where is the Love?", and after "My Humps", she just kinda made me want to cut my ears off whenever she came on the radio. "London Bridge", "Fergalicious", and "Glamorous" all displayed things I hated about hip-hop. I was at best indifferent toward "Big Girls Don't Cry"; lacked the annoying factor of her first singles, but I always felt that it sounded like she was trying to be Kelly Clarkson on that song. Then in the car I heard this remix with Sean Kingston (who never did anything for me one way or the other), and it was just enough to lure me in. My feelings toward both artists pretty much remain the same, but points for a nice remix/collaboration.
Fergie - Big Girls Don't Cry [remix]
-Heard all of Cass Dillon's EP (as mentioned two entries back). Love it. Can't wait to hear what he comes out with in 2008.
Back tomorrow with that LCD review and other stuff.
==TJ==
Saturday, December 8, 2007
VLM's Yearly Rant About The Grammys (Or Is It?)
Earlier this week The Recording Academy released the nominations for the 2007 Grammys. Now would usually come the part where I rant and rave about how badly they screwed up and who got truly screwed...
...except this year they did a pretty good job. No, seriously, the nominees are pretty much right. Kanye has 8 including Album of the Year. In a showing of pure awesome, the Foo Fighters are up for Album, Song, and Record of the year. Didn't I tell you Echoes, Silence, Patience, and Grace was amazing? Amy Winehouse is up forsix counts of drug posession and being a dumb bitch Grammys for the inexplicably lauded Back to Black and song "Rehab". Other deserving nominees include Paramore for Best New Artist (in a category completely female dominated...coincidence?), Rihanna for Record and Song of the Year (the Grammy voters are clearly still singing "ella, ella, ella"), as well as Daughtry and Bruce Springsteen, who each got for noms in the rock category. All in all, props to the Grammy Association for not fucking this one up. Commentary on who will and should win will come sometime in 08 closer to the actual ceremony.
Meanwhile, I've been keeping tabs on various groups' Best of '07 lists, and two things pop into my mind:
-Who do Dave Grohl, Jim Adkins, and Trent Reznor need to blow in order to get in anyone's Top 25??
-The overwhelming love for LCD Soundsystem's CD Sound of Silver led me to pick up a copy for myself. Is it good? yes. Is it likely to grow on me? Yes. Do I think it belongs as #1 on everyone's list? NO. Full review coming, but my first impression was "Four-and-a-half Inch Nails".
Back later.
==TJ==
...except this year they did a pretty good job. No, seriously, the nominees are pretty much right. Kanye has 8 including Album of the Year. In a showing of pure awesome, the Foo Fighters are up for Album, Song, and Record of the year. Didn't I tell you Echoes, Silence, Patience, and Grace was amazing? Amy Winehouse is up for
Meanwhile, I've been keeping tabs on various groups' Best of '07 lists, and two things pop into my mind:
-Who do Dave Grohl, Jim Adkins, and Trent Reznor need to blow in order to get in anyone's Top 25??
-The overwhelming love for LCD Soundsystem's CD Sound of Silver led me to pick up a copy for myself. Is it good? yes. Is it likely to grow on me? Yes. Do I think it belongs as #1 on everyone's list? NO. Full review coming, but my first impression was "Four-and-a-half Inch Nails".
Back later.
==TJ==
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Introducing Cass Dillon: Billy Joel's New Golden Boy
Billy Joel has been in a form of self-imposed retirement for the last few years, popping up here and there with singles or special appearances. His most recent musical venture came out today, but don't look for any new album. The great American songwriter wrote the music and lyrics for a new holiday single called "Christmas in Fallujah". The voice behind the song is Cass Dillon, a singer/songwriter and fellow Long Islander and seemingly Joel's new protege. As you'd expect from the title, there's quite the political undertone in the song:
It's Christmas in Fallujah
And no one gives a damn
And I just got your letter
And this what I read
You said I'm fading from your memory
So I'm just as good as dead
Expected amount of time remaining until Joel gets flak for politicizing Christmas or whatever: 19 minutes. "Christmas in Fallujah" is only available through iTunes, and proceeds from the song go to charities that benefit Iraq War vets. iTunes also has a 6-track EP of Dillon's solo work available for a limited time. You'll hear more about this in the next round of Best Of '07 stuff, but remember Cass Dillon, 'cause hopefully you'll be hearing more of him by this time next year.
I'll post a link to Christmas in Fallujah on iTunes when it stops being glitchy
Cass Dillon - These Wounds
==TJ==
It's Christmas in Fallujah
And no one gives a damn
And I just got your letter
And this what I read
You said I'm fading from your memory
So I'm just as good as dead
Expected amount of time remaining until Joel gets flak for politicizing Christmas or whatever: 19 minutes. "Christmas in Fallujah" is only available through iTunes, and proceeds from the song go to charities that benefit Iraq War vets. iTunes also has a 6-track EP of Dillon's solo work available for a limited time. You'll hear more about this in the next round of Best Of '07 stuff, but remember Cass Dillon, 'cause hopefully you'll be hearing more of him by this time next year.
I'll post a link to Christmas in Fallujah on iTunes when it stops being glitchy
Cass Dillon - These Wounds
==TJ==
Monday, December 3, 2007
10 Awesome Things That Happened in 2007
Maybe it's just because I was paying more attention this year, but it seemed like a lot of really awesome things happened to the music world this year. And contrary to what Rolling Stone and Idolator will want you to think, not ALL of them were tied to Radiohead. Below are my top 10 awesome stories from 2007:
10. New Guns N' Roses tracks leak; proof Chinese Democracy was at some point being recorded
Ah, how could anyone forget how we all (OK, maybe it was just me) waited with bated breath for March 6th to roll around when Axl Rose announced said date as the release for the eternally anticipated Chinese Democracy album. Of course once again we/I was left hanging, but we got a few unmastered tracks from the album as consolation. Granted, only one of these was worth hearing, but it was still proof that maybe, just maybe, it* could happen.
Guns N' Roses - Better
*By "it", I actually mean democracy in China, not Chinese Democracy. Come on now, what kind of fool do I look like?
9. Radio 104.5 brings the rock back to Philly
For anyone reading outside of the greater Philadelphia area, this means almost nothing. But just know that prior to this past February, Philly was without a decent alt. rock station for just over 2 years after the demise of Y100. 104.5 (WRFF-FM) filled that hole, and Philly radio is a better place for it.
Finger Eleven - Paralyzer (Live on Radio 104.5)
8. "The Battle of Sept. 11"
It's refreshing to hear rappers talk about duels and fighting that don't involve guns. 50 Cent and Kanye West had plenty of hype, hoopla, and excitement building up to the simultaneous release of their new albums, Curtis and Graduation, respectively. 50 promised to retire from the business if Kanye sold more albums in the first week, only to then cry foul when his CD got stomped on in the charts. But in the end, when two music greats go head-to-head in the name of getting music to the fans, doesn't everybody win?
Well, except for those fools who bought Curtis. Sucks to be them.
Kanye West - Stronger
7. Guitar Hero III/Rock Band
As a college student and music lover, I feel that my life is somehow more fulfilled as a result of these games. I have yet to play Rock Band, but cannot wait to get behind the electronic drum set and go Keith Moon-style on "Learn to Fly". The rest of the track listing is damned impressive, almost better than GHIII. Speaking of which, I have played, and am thoroughly awed. As much as the wireless controllers made me nuts (stupid lag...), the gameplay is as good as ever, and the songs are classic. Words don't describe how excited I was to blast through "Paint It, Black" and "Even Flow". This year I have 2 more reasons to upgrade to an Xbox 360.
Foo Fighters - Learn to Fly
Pearl Jam - Even Flow
6. Movies + Movies = Good times for all
2007 saw a blend between music and film that hadn't been particularly strong of late. Between the biopics for Bob Dylan (I'm Not There) and Joy Division (Control), the fictional projects August Rush and Into the Wild (not actually dealing with music, but scored by the amazing Eddie Vedder), and Across the Universe, the Beatles tribute in a class all its own, moviegoers saw and heard one hell of a good experience this year. And that's all excluding the tradtional musicals (Hairspray and next month's Sweeney Todd).
The Killers - Shadowplay
Across the Universe Soundtrack - Hey Jude
5. John, Paul, George and Ringo go digital; Beatles to follow in '08?
So all of the solo work from the Beatles became available for digital download across 2007, most notably when Paul McCartney tied his new album's release to the launch of the iTunes DRM-free store. Lennon's solo catalog followed, and a few weeks ago McCartney said that the Beatles catalog could go digital by early 2008. If this happens, it will leave only Kid Rock in the stone age of major label acts without a good reason to have their music available online. I see no problem with this.
4. Year of the Reunions
2007 seemed to be the year for bands to kiss and make up, with The Police, Rage Against the Machine, Genesis, and Led Zeppelin all reuniting in some form or other for tours and/or new albums. Now that second-rate bands like Extreme are feeling the need to join the party, I think it's time to kiss the reunion train up to God, but all things considered, that's a damn good set of bands making comebacks. Now give me some new albums!!
Rage Against the Machine - Bulls on Parade
The Police - Roxanne
3. AmazonMP3
Finally someone has the balls to (seriously) take aim at the iTunes juggernaut. While it still has a ways to go to match iTunes, Amazon gave music listeners a lot of things that iTunes wasn't; good quality DRM free music from popular bands at a cheap price. The store itself is still a bit clunky and lacks the ease of use that iTunes users enjoy, but they've got the one-up in that they have the rights to the likes of Radiohead and deal exclusively in MP3s. iTunes is far from dead, but at least now there's another fish in the pond
Snow Patrol - You're All I Have (the first song I downloaded in Amazon's MP3 store)
2. Radiohead releases In Rainbows themselves, allow fans to name price
This proved to be the ultimate "Fuck You" to the record industry this year. While bloggers and journalists were wondering what to expect from Radiohead, the band was quietly putting together this little bombshell. The move was inspired; people who wanted the music decided just how badly they wanted it and no major label could touch it. It was ingenious and a move that's already being copied by other bands. The only downside is that the music itself was decidedly sub-par, and the band later admitted the self-release acted as a promotional device so people would buy the CD. Given my lack of interest in the music, I would say it backfired. But either way, any band that sticks it that hard and that fast deserves some kudos.
1. Year Zero Viral Marketing/ARG
Leave it to Trent Reznor to create the ultimate musical reality experience. Nine Inch Nails had fans foaming at the mouth for 3 months while Reznor let slip USB sticks in bathrooms at concerts, created fake forums to establish the world of the album...hell, he even went as far as to set up fake hotlines where people could call in "suspicious figures" and the like. With a concept album like Year Zero, it's essential to get a sense of what they're getting across. The Marketing campaign did exactly that, and wound up inspiring the entire entertainment industry to find new ways to market material (see also: The Dark Knight, Cloverfield). Forget about making the music sound different; make the whole experience different, make me believe what I'm hearing.
Nine Inch Nails - Survivalism
Back again this week with more 2007 madness.
==TJ==
10. New Guns N' Roses tracks leak; proof Chinese Democracy was at some point being recorded
Ah, how could anyone forget how we all (OK, maybe it was just me) waited with bated breath for March 6th to roll around when Axl Rose announced said date as the release for the eternally anticipated Chinese Democracy album. Of course once again we/I was left hanging, but we got a few unmastered tracks from the album as consolation. Granted, only one of these was worth hearing, but it was still proof that maybe, just maybe, it* could happen.
Guns N' Roses - Better
*By "it", I actually mean democracy in China, not Chinese Democracy. Come on now, what kind of fool do I look like?
9. Radio 104.5 brings the rock back to Philly
For anyone reading outside of the greater Philadelphia area, this means almost nothing. But just know that prior to this past February, Philly was without a decent alt. rock station for just over 2 years after the demise of Y100. 104.5 (WRFF-FM) filled that hole, and Philly radio is a better place for it.
Finger Eleven - Paralyzer (Live on Radio 104.5)
8. "The Battle of Sept. 11"
It's refreshing to hear rappers talk about duels and fighting that don't involve guns. 50 Cent and Kanye West had plenty of hype, hoopla, and excitement building up to the simultaneous release of their new albums, Curtis and Graduation, respectively. 50 promised to retire from the business if Kanye sold more albums in the first week, only to then cry foul when his CD got stomped on in the charts. But in the end, when two music greats go head-to-head in the name of getting music to the fans, doesn't everybody win?
Well, except for those fools who bought Curtis. Sucks to be them.
Kanye West - Stronger
7. Guitar Hero III/Rock Band
As a college student and music lover, I feel that my life is somehow more fulfilled as a result of these games. I have yet to play Rock Band, but cannot wait to get behind the electronic drum set and go Keith Moon-style on "Learn to Fly". The rest of the track listing is damned impressive, almost better than GHIII. Speaking of which, I have played, and am thoroughly awed. As much as the wireless controllers made me nuts (stupid lag...), the gameplay is as good as ever, and the songs are classic. Words don't describe how excited I was to blast through "Paint It, Black" and "Even Flow". This year I have 2 more reasons to upgrade to an Xbox 360.
Foo Fighters - Learn to Fly
Pearl Jam - Even Flow
6. Movies + Movies = Good times for all
2007 saw a blend between music and film that hadn't been particularly strong of late. Between the biopics for Bob Dylan (I'm Not There) and Joy Division (Control), the fictional projects August Rush and Into the Wild (not actually dealing with music, but scored by the amazing Eddie Vedder), and Across the Universe, the Beatles tribute in a class all its own, moviegoers saw and heard one hell of a good experience this year. And that's all excluding the tradtional musicals (Hairspray and next month's Sweeney Todd).
The Killers - Shadowplay
Across the Universe Soundtrack - Hey Jude
5. John, Paul, George and Ringo go digital; Beatles to follow in '08?
So all of the solo work from the Beatles became available for digital download across 2007, most notably when Paul McCartney tied his new album's release to the launch of the iTunes DRM-free store. Lennon's solo catalog followed, and a few weeks ago McCartney said that the Beatles catalog could go digital by early 2008. If this happens, it will leave only Kid Rock in the stone age of major label acts without a good reason to have their music available online. I see no problem with this.
4. Year of the Reunions
2007 seemed to be the year for bands to kiss and make up, with The Police, Rage Against the Machine, Genesis, and Led Zeppelin all reuniting in some form or other for tours and/or new albums. Now that second-rate bands like Extreme are feeling the need to join the party, I think it's time to kiss the reunion train up to God, but all things considered, that's a damn good set of bands making comebacks. Now give me some new albums!!
Rage Against the Machine - Bulls on Parade
The Police - Roxanne
3. AmazonMP3
Finally someone has the balls to (seriously) take aim at the iTunes juggernaut. While it still has a ways to go to match iTunes, Amazon gave music listeners a lot of things that iTunes wasn't; good quality DRM free music from popular bands at a cheap price. The store itself is still a bit clunky and lacks the ease of use that iTunes users enjoy, but they've got the one-up in that they have the rights to the likes of Radiohead and deal exclusively in MP3s. iTunes is far from dead, but at least now there's another fish in the pond
Snow Patrol - You're All I Have (the first song I downloaded in Amazon's MP3 store)
2. Radiohead releases In Rainbows themselves, allow fans to name price
This proved to be the ultimate "Fuck You" to the record industry this year. While bloggers and journalists were wondering what to expect from Radiohead, the band was quietly putting together this little bombshell. The move was inspired; people who wanted the music decided just how badly they wanted it and no major label could touch it. It was ingenious and a move that's already being copied by other bands. The only downside is that the music itself was decidedly sub-par, and the band later admitted the self-release acted as a promotional device so people would buy the CD. Given my lack of interest in the music, I would say it backfired. But either way, any band that sticks it that hard and that fast deserves some kudos.
1. Year Zero Viral Marketing/ARG
Leave it to Trent Reznor to create the ultimate musical reality experience. Nine Inch Nails had fans foaming at the mouth for 3 months while Reznor let slip USB sticks in bathrooms at concerts, created fake forums to establish the world of the album...hell, he even went as far as to set up fake hotlines where people could call in "suspicious figures" and the like. With a concept album like Year Zero, it's essential to get a sense of what they're getting across. The Marketing campaign did exactly that, and wound up inspiring the entire entertainment industry to find new ways to market material (see also: The Dark Knight, Cloverfield). Forget about making the music sound different; make the whole experience different, make me believe what I'm hearing.
Nine Inch Nails - Survivalism
Back again this week with more 2007 madness.
==TJ==
Sunday, December 2, 2007
10 things I DON'T Want to Hear in 2008
I'm going to devote most of December's entries to looking back on the year and some looking forward to next year. The easiest way to do this would be in a series of lists and the like. Some of these will be in a particular order, others notsomuch. What follows is the latter:
As great as some of the music in 2007 was, there were some awful stinkers too. I didn't realize this until I went to a dance this past weekend that seemed to have a small army of such songs. Some of these songs were decent for about 10 minutes, others begged for death on impact. Here's a small sampling of songs I sincerely hope fade into oblivion by year's end:
Britney Spears - Gimme More
The whole "It's Britney, Bitch" thing was funny for a good length of time, for no other reason then it was unexpected. It's too bad the song itself sucked. All the production and guest vocals in the universe couldn't have saved this piece of garbage. Every time this song comes on my friend Alex enjoys pointing out that the chorus sounds like it was spliced out of a deathmetal song (this is most notable whenever she sings the word "More") By all accounts the Britney Spears "comeback" was a disgrace to the music world, and if there's any mercy in this world it, like her, will fade into nothingness next year.
Soulja Boy Tell 'Em - Crank That (Soulja Boy)
Easily one of the most annoying things to come out of 2007. For starters rap songs with dance moves built in went out of style like 3 years ago, and for bonus suckage, when half of the people listening can't figure out what said dance is, you've got pure crap on their hands. Luckily this song is only half a notch better than the onslaught of "ringtone rap" that plagued us all this year (More on THAT later), so odds of this song going into the archives as a classic are slim to none.
Nickelback - Rockstar
As it is Nickelback is only tolerable in the smallest of doses before you want to throw something at your radio. This song has to crack into the upper echelons of Unintentional Comedy, whatwith the utterly ridiculous backing vocals that sound better in a porno than they do in a song like this. For added fun, despite my high tolerance for Nickelback, I certainly don't need to hear about Chad Kroeger's plans to get laid and piss away the money he claims to not have. Leave the tongue-in-cheek to Fall Out Boy, guys, and go back to crying over spilt milk.
Journey - Don't Stop Believin'
OK, now follow me on this one before you go apeshit. I love this song as much as any other cultured music fan. But 2007 saw this track get played more than usual. Between it suddenly becoming fair game at every dance, everyone and their brother's ringtone, that absurd mashup with "Promiscuous", and it's appearance on The Sopranos finale. We need to remember this song came out 25 years ago, and most of its contemporaries are ridiculed these days. Thus I call for "Don't Stop Believin'" to go on a one-year moratorium, so come 2009 we can truly appreciate its greatness once more.
Any song containing the words "Featuring T-Pain" in the title
As much as I love when two artists collaborate, it's getting out of hand. There have been more tracks featuring T-Pain to become hits than T-Pain has had himself. Some of these are actually pretty good (See: "Kiss Kiss" by Chris Brown"). Others are positively insufferable ("Cyclone") or just annoying ("Low"). If this trend keeps up, I'm going to personally start an investigation into whether or not T-Pain is the Devil and helping artists get hits in exchange for their souls. I'm not kidding, it's possible.
Three Days Grace - Never Too Late
Yawn. This one track pretty much sums up the whole angst-rock genre to such a degree that it might be time to call time of death on it. Give me something new, or get off the stage.
Shop Boyz - "Party Like A Rock Star"
This song embodies the biggest problem the music world faces; ringtone rap. Ringtone rap has no soul. There's no message behind it, and the lyrics are secondary, at best. All that matters here is an infectiously catchy hook and a sound that sounds good through the crappy speakers of a cell phone. It gives the likes of Kanye West a bad name. Not unlike the bubblegum pop of the '60s, there's nothing behind this except the desire to make a buck. It needs to go away. Now.
The Cast of "High School Musical"
Except Zac Efron. I'll let him stay, since he might actually have a career ahead of him. The rest of you...no...oh, God, please.....no.
American Idol Contestants not named Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Bo Bice, and Chris Daughtry
Those four are the only ones to prove they have any legitimacy in the real world (looking at you, Taylor Hicks). Unless something drastic happens, the rest need to just fade away. And having said that, Bo Bice is on notice; this had BETTER be good.
Bono and/or Tom DeLonge doing anything that isn't singing
Enough with the preaching, now give me some good music dammit!
OK that's all for now. Back later this week.
==TJ==
As great as some of the music in 2007 was, there were some awful stinkers too. I didn't realize this until I went to a dance this past weekend that seemed to have a small army of such songs. Some of these songs were decent for about 10 minutes, others begged for death on impact. Here's a small sampling of songs I sincerely hope fade into oblivion by year's end:
Britney Spears - Gimme More
The whole "It's Britney, Bitch" thing was funny for a good length of time, for no other reason then it was unexpected. It's too bad the song itself sucked. All the production and guest vocals in the universe couldn't have saved this piece of garbage. Every time this song comes on my friend Alex enjoys pointing out that the chorus sounds like it was spliced out of a deathmetal song (this is most notable whenever she sings the word "More") By all accounts the Britney Spears "comeback" was a disgrace to the music world, and if there's any mercy in this world it, like her, will fade into nothingness next year.
Soulja Boy Tell 'Em - Crank That (Soulja Boy)
Easily one of the most annoying things to come out of 2007. For starters rap songs with dance moves built in went out of style like 3 years ago, and for bonus suckage, when half of the people listening can't figure out what said dance is, you've got pure crap on their hands. Luckily this song is only half a notch better than the onslaught of "ringtone rap" that plagued us all this year (More on THAT later), so odds of this song going into the archives as a classic are slim to none.
Nickelback - Rockstar
As it is Nickelback is only tolerable in the smallest of doses before you want to throw something at your radio. This song has to crack into the upper echelons of Unintentional Comedy, whatwith the utterly ridiculous backing vocals that sound better in a porno than they do in a song like this. For added fun, despite my high tolerance for Nickelback, I certainly don't need to hear about Chad Kroeger's plans to get laid and piss away the money he claims to not have. Leave the tongue-in-cheek to Fall Out Boy, guys, and go back to crying over spilt milk.
Journey - Don't Stop Believin'
OK, now follow me on this one before you go apeshit. I love this song as much as any other cultured music fan. But 2007 saw this track get played more than usual. Between it suddenly becoming fair game at every dance, everyone and their brother's ringtone, that absurd mashup with "Promiscuous", and it's appearance on The Sopranos finale. We need to remember this song came out 25 years ago, and most of its contemporaries are ridiculed these days. Thus I call for "Don't Stop Believin'" to go on a one-year moratorium, so come 2009 we can truly appreciate its greatness once more.
Any song containing the words "Featuring T-Pain" in the title
As much as I love when two artists collaborate, it's getting out of hand. There have been more tracks featuring T-Pain to become hits than T-Pain has had himself. Some of these are actually pretty good (See: "Kiss Kiss" by Chris Brown"). Others are positively insufferable ("Cyclone") or just annoying ("Low"). If this trend keeps up, I'm going to personally start an investigation into whether or not T-Pain is the Devil and helping artists get hits in exchange for their souls. I'm not kidding, it's possible.
Three Days Grace - Never Too Late
Yawn. This one track pretty much sums up the whole angst-rock genre to such a degree that it might be time to call time of death on it. Give me something new, or get off the stage.
Shop Boyz - "Party Like A Rock Star"
This song embodies the biggest problem the music world faces; ringtone rap. Ringtone rap has no soul. There's no message behind it, and the lyrics are secondary, at best. All that matters here is an infectiously catchy hook and a sound that sounds good through the crappy speakers of a cell phone. It gives the likes of Kanye West a bad name. Not unlike the bubblegum pop of the '60s, there's nothing behind this except the desire to make a buck. It needs to go away. Now.
The Cast of "High School Musical"
Except Zac Efron. I'll let him stay, since he might actually have a career ahead of him. The rest of you...no...oh, God, please.....no.
American Idol Contestants not named Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Bo Bice, and Chris Daughtry
Those four are the only ones to prove they have any legitimacy in the real world (looking at you, Taylor Hicks). Unless something drastic happens, the rest need to just fade away. And having said that, Bo Bice is on notice; this had BETTER be good.
Bono and/or Tom DeLonge doing anything that isn't singing
Enough with the preaching, now give me some good music dammit!
OK that's all for now. Back later this week.
==TJ==
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Tom DeLonge Apologizes For Being Pretentious, Not For Being an Asshole
The story surrounding the buildup of hype for post-Blink 182 project Angels and Airwaves keeps changing. First, AvA was going to revolutionize music and be the most important band of the last 20 years. Then it was that their impact wasn't going to be felt for another 30 years. Now Tom DeLonge told MTV's Buzzworthy Blog last week that those claims were just the drugs talking:
TD: I broke my back years ago and got spun out on all these narcotics, so when we were making the first Angels & Airwaves record [We Don’t Need to Whisper] all that stuff kind of exploded and I went out into the press with all these crazy things and all this controversy erupted.
Lay rotting where I fall
I'm dead from bad intentions
Suffocated and embalmed
And all those dreams are cashed in...
...So please understand, this isn't just goodbye
This is I can't stand you
Well then. Seems like DeLonge has as much credibility as Axl Rose. Also seems like a Blink 182 reunion is dead in the water.
Speaking of reunions (or lack thereof), Alter Bridge guitarist Mark Tremonti has sworn off the idea of Creed getting back together, expressing as much irritation with Scott Stapp as everyone else in America. Too bad the guys from Extreme decided to join the reunion train.
New rule for 2008: before a defunct band reunites, there has to be a significant population of fans who want said reunion. On that note, apologies to the guys from Third Eye Blind, Smash Mouth and any other '90s band having trouble paying the bills.
+44 - No It Isn't
Angels and Airwaves - Everything's Magic
Alter Bridge - Rise Today
==TJ==
MTV Buzzworthy Blog
Give Thanks: Creed Is Never Getting Back Together [Idolator]
TD: I broke my back years ago and got spun out on all these narcotics, so when we were making the first Angels & Airwaves record [We Don’t Need to Whisper] all that stuff kind of exploded and I went out into the press with all these crazy things and all this controversy erupted.
BW: Because of something you said?
TD: Yeah, ’cause I went out and said [the band] was the second coming of Christ. But that’s what’s funny in the documentary; I was like, “If God came down I really, truly believe it wouldn’t be bigger than this record.” [Laughs.]
BW: Is all that behind you now?
TD: Yeah, it’s all behind me. But the documentary will shed a lot of light onto the meaning of this band and what we’re trying to accomplish and how it all stemmed from the breakup of Blink-182.
DeLonge went on to say that he hasn't had any contact with former bandmates Travis Barker and Mark Hoppus, now with (+44). (+44) issued their thoughts on DeLonge in 2005 with the song "No It Isn't":Lay rotting where I fall
I'm dead from bad intentions
Suffocated and embalmed
And all those dreams are cashed in...
...So please understand, this isn't just goodbye
This is I can't stand you
Well then. Seems like DeLonge has as much credibility as Axl Rose. Also seems like a Blink 182 reunion is dead in the water.
Speaking of reunions (or lack thereof), Alter Bridge guitarist Mark Tremonti has sworn off the idea of Creed getting back together, expressing as much irritation with Scott Stapp as everyone else in America. Too bad the guys from Extreme decided to join the reunion train.
New rule for 2008: before a defunct band reunites, there has to be a significant population of fans who want said reunion. On that note, apologies to the guys from Third Eye Blind, Smash Mouth and any other '90s band having trouble paying the bills.
+44 - No It Isn't
Angels and Airwaves - Everything's Magic
Alter Bridge - Rise Today
==TJ==
MTV Buzzworthy Blog
Give Thanks: Creed Is Never Getting Back Together [Idolator]
Monday, November 26, 2007
A RIOT! Breaks Out On The Best Of '07 List
OK, so I have no idea why the iTunes widget isn't registering anything, but it is mistaken to think I haven't had any activity lately. Whatever.
Over the weekend I picked up Riot!, the breakthrough album from Paramore. I've already mentioned my love for Paramore (and Hayley Williams) on this very blog, and ever since I've been eager to hear the full album.
Every review of Paramore and Riot! tends to center around frontwoman Hayley Williams. It's true the the 18-year-old is a phenomenal talent (and pretty damned attractive too). Her lyrics are a near-perfect balance between girlish boy-inspired musings and the ravings of a pissed-off beeyotch not to be messed with. Comparisons to Gwen Stefani and Avril Lavigne are totally justified, as are comparisons to Kelly Clarkson's recent work. But let's get one thing straight; Paramore is more than just Hayley Williams and her pipes. The instrumentals on Riot! are as tight as any band in the pop/punk genre. Drummer Zac Farro is no Travis Barker, but he helps keep things moving and headbobbingly fun. Likewise, brother Josh shreds one hell of a hook on tracks like first single "Misery Business" and "Hallelujah", but when matched with Fueled By Ramen labelmates Fall Out Boy and Panic! At the Disco, nothing terribly trailblazing is happening.
But at the same time, Paramore doesn't try to pretend that they are. Everyone in the band seems well aware of the fact that Williams is groundbreaking enough; in a year where female artists produced primarily bubblegum dreck ("Girlfriend" and "The Sweet Escape" come to mind), Paramore and their balls-to-the-wall brand of rock is proof of what both FBR and pop/punk in general are capable of. The live tracks on the reissue make it perfectly clear that despite the remarkable production work, Paramore knows how to play live, and aren't afraid to crank it up to 11 for a live audience. Look for Paramore to be around for awhile, and you can expect Riot! to show up on more than a couple of best-of lists this year.
Ruling on the Field: 9/10
Highlight Reel:
Paramore - Hallelujah
Paramore - Misery Business (acoustic)
Which brings me to Viva La Mainstream!'s Best of 2007 list. It was a really good year for the rock world, which makes the job of coming up with the Best Album and Best Song lists incredibly tough. The following list is just a small taste of what the Album list could look like, and there's still a month left to go (this is in no particular order):
Paramore, Riot!
Foo Fighters, Echoes, Silence, Patience and Grace
Jimmy Eat World, Chase This Light
Linkin Park, Minutes to Midnight
Kanye West, Graduation
Bright Eyes, Cassadaga
Nine Inch Nails, Year Zero
Soundtrack, Across the Universe
Fall Out Boy, Infinity On High
Bruce Springsteen, Magic
And that leaves out potential dark horses like Boys Like Girls, OneRepublic, and less obvious picks like Dashboard, Finger Eleven, Timbaland...the list goes on. Look for more on my Best Of as we get closer to 2008. As always, your suggestions are welcome.
Over the weekend I picked up Riot!, the breakthrough album from Paramore. I've already mentioned my love for Paramore (and Hayley Williams) on this very blog, and ever since I've been eager to hear the full album.
Every review of Paramore and Riot! tends to center around frontwoman Hayley Williams. It's true the the 18-year-old is a phenomenal talent (and pretty damned attractive too). Her lyrics are a near-perfect balance between girlish boy-inspired musings and the ravings of a pissed-off beeyotch not to be messed with. Comparisons to Gwen Stefani and Avril Lavigne are totally justified, as are comparisons to Kelly Clarkson's recent work. But let's get one thing straight; Paramore is more than just Hayley Williams and her pipes. The instrumentals on Riot! are as tight as any band in the pop/punk genre. Drummer Zac Farro is no Travis Barker, but he helps keep things moving and headbobbingly fun. Likewise, brother Josh shreds one hell of a hook on tracks like first single "Misery Business" and "Hallelujah", but when matched with Fueled By Ramen labelmates Fall Out Boy and Panic! At the Disco, nothing terribly trailblazing is happening.
But at the same time, Paramore doesn't try to pretend that they are. Everyone in the band seems well aware of the fact that Williams is groundbreaking enough; in a year where female artists produced primarily bubblegum dreck ("Girlfriend" and "The Sweet Escape" come to mind), Paramore and their balls-to-the-wall brand of rock is proof of what both FBR and pop/punk in general are capable of. The live tracks on the reissue make it perfectly clear that despite the remarkable production work, Paramore knows how to play live, and aren't afraid to crank it up to 11 for a live audience. Look for Paramore to be around for awhile, and you can expect Riot! to show up on more than a couple of best-of lists this year.
Ruling on the Field: 9/10
Highlight Reel:
Paramore - Hallelujah
Paramore - Misery Business (acoustic)
Which brings me to Viva La Mainstream!'s Best of 2007 list. It was a really good year for the rock world, which makes the job of coming up with the Best Album and Best Song lists incredibly tough. The following list is just a small taste of what the Album list could look like, and there's still a month left to go (this is in no particular order):
Paramore, Riot!
Foo Fighters, Echoes, Silence, Patience and Grace
Jimmy Eat World, Chase This Light
Linkin Park, Minutes to Midnight
Kanye West, Graduation
Bright Eyes, Cassadaga
Nine Inch Nails, Year Zero
Soundtrack, Across the Universe
Fall Out Boy, Infinity On High
Bruce Springsteen, Magic
And that leaves out potential dark horses like Boys Like Girls, OneRepublic, and less obvious picks like Dashboard, Finger Eleven, Timbaland...the list goes on. Look for more on my Best Of as we get closer to 2008. As always, your suggestions are welcome.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Hawthorne Heights Guitarist/Screamer Found Dead
My original plan for this entry was commentary on the ongoing legal battles plaguing emo band Hawthorne Heights and the resulting delay of the band's third album. But then I read this on a friend's site last night:
If you want info on the legal trouble or anything else, go google it. I'll be back later with other stuff I heard over the weekend, up to and including a review of Paramore's new album.
==TJ==
Today is probably the worst day ever. Its with our deepest regrets that we have to write this. Casey Calvert passed away in his sleep last night. We found out this afternoon before sound-check. We've spent the entire day trying to come to grips with this and figure out as much as possible. At this time we're not sure what exactly happened. Just last night he was joking around with everyone before he went to bed. We can say with absolute certainty that he was not doing anything illegal. Please, out of respect to Casey and his family, don't contribute or succumb to any gossip you may hear. We don't want his memory to be tainted in the least. Casey was our best friend. He was quirky and awesome and there will truly be no others like him! His loss is unexplainable. As soon as we know more we will let you know.
Sincerely,
Hawthorne Heights
Eron, JT, Micah and Matt
Those truly familiar with my music taste are aware of my feelings toward Hawthorne Heights. A few years ago they topped my "Artists screwing up the music world" list, and would outright refuse to show the band any degree of appreciation. Since then I've retracted those sentiments, though I still can't help but roll my eyes when I recount their antics in the past (The whole battle with Ne-Yo two years ago comes to mind). But regardless, anytime a band that young loses a talent like Calvert, it's a nasty blow. At this point there's no word on whether or not Hawthorne Heights will continue their tour (though I seriously doubt it), or whether they will further delay the album release.If you want info on the legal trouble or anything else, go google it. I'll be back later with other stuff I heard over the weekend, up to and including a review of Paramore's new album.
==TJ==
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
VLM Still Has The Best Music Taste in Philly
Well, my playlist fell short of making the next round at 104.5. Before I continue, I'm not bitter or angry; getting the chance to do that was just awesome as it is. But having said that, I looked at the playlist that did win, and while it's not the crapfest that was the Friday night spot, mine could still kick its ass. I mean, come on, Fall Out Boy and Panic! At the Disco back-to-back? LAME.
Anyway, I'm home for Thanksgiving break, and that means I don't have access to my amazing library of music. So odds are I'll be going dark til Saturday unless something fun happens in the music world. In the meantime, Happy Thanksgiving, and check out the links on the left if you want some entertainment.
==TJ==
Anyway, I'm home for Thanksgiving break, and that means I don't have access to my amazing library of music. So odds are I'll be going dark til Saturday unless something fun happens in the music world. In the meantime, Happy Thanksgiving, and check out the links on the left if you want some entertainment.
==TJ==
Thursday, November 15, 2007
MORE COOLNESS!!!
OK, so awhile ago I submitted a playlist to Radio 104.5 here in Philly for a contest called "Philly's Finest Hour", and they randomly select playlists, and the playlist creator comes in and shows off their 12 songs on the air, and then listneners rate the playlist. The top rated after each week goes to the next round, and then the best of them all wins a show for a month on 104.5
MY PLAYLIST GOT SELECTED!!! So earlier today I went in and recorded some stuff for between songs, and my playlist will air TONGIHT AT 11PM!!! If you live in the Philly area tune into 104.5 tonight to hear my songs, or if you're out of state go to http://www.radio1045.com and listen to the internet stream. Then go to radio1045.com and rate my playlist. If I get the best rating out of this week I move on to the next round! HOW COOL IS THAT?!?!
My playlist can be found here on iTunes (it's not in the right order though...working on that now)
PLEASE RATE MY PLAYLIST!!!
==TJ==
MY PLAYLIST GOT SELECTED!!! So earlier today I went in and recorded some stuff for between songs, and my playlist will air TONGIHT AT 11PM!!! If you live in the Philly area tune into 104.5 tonight to hear my songs, or if you're out of state go to http://www.radio1045.com and listen to the internet stream. Then go to radio1045.com and rate my playlist. If I get the best rating out of this week I move on to the next round! HOW COOL IS THAT?!?!
My playlist can be found here on iTunes (it's not in the right order though...working on that now)
PLEASE RATE MY PLAYLIST!!!
==TJ==
Sunday, November 11, 2007
The Killers Give us an Album of Songs They Didn't Want Us To Want
Over the weekend the B-Side compilation from The Killers leaked to the internet, and here I am to tell you all about it.
The Killers are as polarizing a band as any these days. People either love the '80s revival sound and Springsteen worshipping grandeur, or are turned off by Brandon Flowers' perpetually off-key warble. It seems that the Las Vegas band could give a crap and are willing to put out both, as evidenced by this wandering, off-kilter compilation. The first two tracks are utter throwaways; "Tranquilize" sounds like a self-absorbed dream come true for Flowers, and the cover of Joy Division's "Shadowplay" offers no reason to keep listening. But that's probably the worst of it. Most of the compilation (I won't call this disc an album, as it has no cohesive anything, save for the people performing) isn't particularly bad, it's just forgettable. These tracks were left off the first two Killers albums for a reason, and are probably only being released now so the band can make a profit off what would otherwise be bootlegs traded amongst hardcore fans.
(Random digression: What does a hardcore Killers fan look like? Do they all grow out goatees? Can any of them sing? Can any of them figure out what these songs mean? I think if the Killers have any die-hard fans, they're all probably just people trapped in the '80s, thinking they just discovered some criminally underrated band from 20 years ago. I kinda wanna meet one of these people now.)
Despite the lackluster quality of the bulk of these songs, when Sawdust shines, it's a freakin' diamond. "Leave the Bourbon on the Shelf" is golden, a jewel that will probably end up as one of the most underrated Killers songs ever. But the finest moments come near the end of the album, with the oft-bootlegged "The Ballad of Michael Valentine" showing off some of Flower's best songwriting to date. The Abbey Road Version of "Sam's Town" is on par with the original, to the point that it almost deserved to be on the album. And in the last shining spot, The Killers nail a version of Dire Straits "Romeo and Juliet" to the wall, sounding perhaps even better than the original. The disc closes with the excessively long remix to "Mr. Brightside", a song that didn't need a 10-minute long remix to make it more annoying (don't get me wrong; I love the song, but by the time the original is over, I'm ready for something new. Ten minutes is overkill). Overall Sawdust is a textbook case of what you see is what you get; a bunch of second-rate songs by a band that's hit or miss already, with a few gems lost in the mediocrity.
Ruling on the Field: 6/10
Highlight Reel: Leave the Bourbon on the Shelf, Romeo and Juliet
==TJ==
The Killers are as polarizing a band as any these days. People either love the '80s revival sound and Springsteen worshipping grandeur, or are turned off by Brandon Flowers' perpetually off-key warble. It seems that the Las Vegas band could give a crap and are willing to put out both, as evidenced by this wandering, off-kilter compilation. The first two tracks are utter throwaways; "Tranquilize" sounds like a self-absorbed dream come true for Flowers, and the cover of Joy Division's "Shadowplay" offers no reason to keep listening. But that's probably the worst of it. Most of the compilation (I won't call this disc an album, as it has no cohesive anything, save for the people performing) isn't particularly bad, it's just forgettable. These tracks were left off the first two Killers albums for a reason, and are probably only being released now so the band can make a profit off what would otherwise be bootlegs traded amongst hardcore fans.
(Random digression: What does a hardcore Killers fan look like? Do they all grow out goatees? Can any of them sing? Can any of them figure out what these songs mean? I think if the Killers have any die-hard fans, they're all probably just people trapped in the '80s, thinking they just discovered some criminally underrated band from 20 years ago. I kinda wanna meet one of these people now.)
Despite the lackluster quality of the bulk of these songs, when Sawdust shines, it's a freakin' diamond. "Leave the Bourbon on the Shelf" is golden, a jewel that will probably end up as one of the most underrated Killers songs ever. But the finest moments come near the end of the album, with the oft-bootlegged "The Ballad of Michael Valentine" showing off some of Flower's best songwriting to date. The Abbey Road Version of "Sam's Town" is on par with the original, to the point that it almost deserved to be on the album. And in the last shining spot, The Killers nail a version of Dire Straits "Romeo and Juliet" to the wall, sounding perhaps even better than the original. The disc closes with the excessively long remix to "Mr. Brightside", a song that didn't need a 10-minute long remix to make it more annoying (don't get me wrong; I love the song, but by the time the original is over, I'm ready for something new. Ten minutes is overkill). Overall Sawdust is a textbook case of what you see is what you get; a bunch of second-rate songs by a band that's hit or miss already, with a few gems lost in the mediocrity.
Ruling on the Field: 6/10
Highlight Reel: Leave the Bourbon on the Shelf, Romeo and Juliet
==TJ==
Angels and Airwaves Start To Fill Some Empty Promises
So the writers in Hollywood are on strike meaning that TV favorites like The Daily Show and Late Night with Conan O'Brien are already in reruns, and others, like Grey's Anatomy only have enough new episodes to last till mid-December (the worst scenario award goes to Lost, which due to contract clauses and other randomness, may not air again until February of 2009). Meanwhile in New York the Local One Stagehands are striking, which has effectively shut down Broadway for the second time in 5 years (in 2003 the musicians staged a four-day walkout). So for the time being, TV and Broadway are in a state of limbo. For more on these events, special commentator Michael Stipe:
Audio Commentary from Michael Stipe
At any rate, the music world soldiers on, despite being plagued by the likes of pirates like you and me. Which brings me to tonight's reviews. First, Angels and Airwaves sophomore album, I-Empire:
You kinda have to hand it to Tom DeLonge; the man has a hell of a lot of confidence in his work and refuses to let anyone sway him from it. Prior to releasing We Don't Need to Whisper, his first album after the demise of Blink 182, DeLonge promised that Angels & Airwaves would be the biggest thing to happen to music in two decades, among other such inflated nonsense. The album was an underwhelming ho-hum, an exercise in over-the-top, neverending songs with no clear direction or reason to keep listening. PMA put it best when they said "There was actually a pretty good album buried in WDNTW, but it was difficult to find". DeLonge spent too much time trying to put on the face of maturity and growth without any substance in the music to back it up.
Now AvA is back with I-Empire. The pretentious promises to reshape music and revolutionize the world, etc. are still here, as evidenced by the accompanying website modlife.com, which offers music, podcasts, and film features tied to an eventual movie (all available for a small fee, mind you...). On the surface the music hasn't changed much either; lots of huge intros and spacey guitars vaguely similar to early U2. But beneath the surface, the songs are a bit tighter. They still run between 4 and a half to 5 minutes, but they have more focus than before, and the hooks are much more defined than they were in the past. DeLonge and company come in, make their point and get the hell out. As for DeLonge's songwriting, not much has changed, for better or for worse. DeLonge's lyrics still sound best when written in a highschool yearbook, but there's still a charm to them, that right something that makes you say "Yeah, I've been there" as he sings. Songs like the pedestrian first single "Everything's Magic" and opener "Call to Arms" may not help their crusade, but once those are out of the way, AvA treats us to arena-ready, upbeat rock, highlighted by "Love Like Rockets" and "Rite of Spring", both prime examples of what AvA could accomplish if they spend more time rocking and less time preaching (are you taking notes, Bono?).
Now comes the great question of how Angels and Airwaves compares to the other post-Blink band, Mark Hoppus's and Travis Barker's (+44). Prior to I-Empire, (+44) was obviously the better of the two. The fast pace and tight hooks made Blink so popular, and Travis Barker took both with him and Hoppus. Even after hearing the new album I think that musically (+44) is the better band, though admittedly Mark Hoppus's songwriting is an attempt to mimic the sincerity of DeLonge's. But Angels and Airwaves win the award for most improvement with I-Empire, now if Tom DeLonge could stop making absurd promises, maybe we really could have something great on our hands.
Ruling on the Field: 7/10
Highlight Reel: Rite of Spring
I'll be back in a bit with a review of The Killers B-Side collection Sawdust, due out this Tuesday.
==TJ==
Audio Commentary from Michael Stipe
At any rate, the music world soldiers on, despite being plagued by the likes of pirates like you and me. Which brings me to tonight's reviews. First, Angels and Airwaves sophomore album, I-Empire:
You kinda have to hand it to Tom DeLonge; the man has a hell of a lot of confidence in his work and refuses to let anyone sway him from it. Prior to releasing We Don't Need to Whisper, his first album after the demise of Blink 182, DeLonge promised that Angels & Airwaves would be the biggest thing to happen to music in two decades, among other such inflated nonsense. The album was an underwhelming ho-hum, an exercise in over-the-top, neverending songs with no clear direction or reason to keep listening. PMA put it best when they said "There was actually a pretty good album buried in WDNTW, but it was difficult to find". DeLonge spent too much time trying to put on the face of maturity and growth without any substance in the music to back it up.
Now AvA is back with I-Empire. The pretentious promises to reshape music and revolutionize the world, etc. are still here, as evidenced by the accompanying website modlife.com, which offers music, podcasts, and film features tied to an eventual movie (all available for a small fee, mind you...). On the surface the music hasn't changed much either; lots of huge intros and spacey guitars vaguely similar to early U2. But beneath the surface, the songs are a bit tighter. They still run between 4 and a half to 5 minutes, but they have more focus than before, and the hooks are much more defined than they were in the past. DeLonge and company come in, make their point and get the hell out. As for DeLonge's songwriting, not much has changed, for better or for worse. DeLonge's lyrics still sound best when written in a highschool yearbook, but there's still a charm to them, that right something that makes you say "Yeah, I've been there" as he sings. Songs like the pedestrian first single "Everything's Magic" and opener "Call to Arms" may not help their crusade, but once those are out of the way, AvA treats us to arena-ready, upbeat rock, highlighted by "Love Like Rockets" and "Rite of Spring", both prime examples of what AvA could accomplish if they spend more time rocking and less time preaching (are you taking notes, Bono?).
Now comes the great question of how Angels and Airwaves compares to the other post-Blink band, Mark Hoppus's and Travis Barker's (+44). Prior to I-Empire, (+44) was obviously the better of the two. The fast pace and tight hooks made Blink so popular, and Travis Barker took both with him and Hoppus. Even after hearing the new album I think that musically (+44) is the better band, though admittedly Mark Hoppus's songwriting is an attempt to mimic the sincerity of DeLonge's. But Angels and Airwaves win the award for most improvement with I-Empire, now if Tom DeLonge could stop making absurd promises, maybe we really could have something great on our hands.
Ruling on the Field: 7/10
Highlight Reel: Rite of Spring
I'll be back in a bit with a review of The Killers B-Side collection Sawdust, due out this Tuesday.
==TJ==
Friday, November 9, 2007
How Cool Is THAT?!?!
I know I promised a review of the new Angels & Airwaves album, but this came across my desk just now and it's too cool to pass up. It's always awesome when I get messages from people regarding what I put here, and it's even awesomer (yes, I just made up a word) when those who message me are in the music business. I just got a message on my MySpace from Sarah at Wind-Up Records. She came across this very blog and saw that I had recently purchased Consequence, the debut album from The Crash Motive that I've raved about here and here. She asked if I could put a plug in for something, and being a fan of the music, I jumped at the chance. So here goes.
The image is pretty self-explanatory; make an iMix on iTunes containing at least one Crash Motive song and if the band likes it enough, you can win prizes ranging from signed CDs to an autographed Fender Squier guitar. I posted about this awhile back, but I already submitted an iMix called "GET AMPED" which can be found here.
Now, before I go on with a review of Consequence, I want it noted that neither Wind-Up nor The Crash Motive have promised me any compensation of any kind for what you read in this entry. The words and opinions are purely my own.
I've been waiting for a CD by The Crash Motive since their early days, back when they were known as Omnisoul, and just a bunch of college students fresh out of the University of Delaware. I heard "Waiting (Save Your Life)" on the Fantastic 4 OST, and fell in love with it almost immediately. Since then, I heard the singles they dropped to iTunes, got excited when I heard they got signed, and kept playing the three songs I knew.
Fast forward; it's 2007, and Omnisoul changes their name to The Crash Motive, and out comes Consequence. Without a second thought I get the album (legally, mind you, an increasingly rare event). My biggest fear was that the album would be a typical debut album, with "Not Giving Up" and "Waiting (Save Your Life)" at the front of the album, and weaker, less enjoyable tracks filling up the remaining 10 songs. It's true that nothing on the album matches the one-two-three punch of "Not Giving Up", "No Tomorrow, Just Tonight" and "Waiting", but everything else on this album is quality stuff. These days heavy production and a clean sound is usually used to mask a band's lack of talent, but not so on Consequence. Everything sounds clean and polished, even moreso than some of the most shameless radio rock. But underneath the layer of production, there's still rock going on, as evidenced by "Things That Could Be Said" and the bouncy drum lick behind "Not Giving Up".
If you want to find fault with Consequence, then find it in their occasional lack of originality. Lead singer Derek Fuhrmann is a solid frontman, but there were times on the album that I couldn't be sure if I was just listening to Maroon 5 demos, and after awhile the songs can potentially blend into one mass, with not much variety. But it doesn't take much to snap out of it and realize that The Crash Motive are (or at least should be) legit, and their music a breath of fresh air.
The guys in The Crash Motive are what we all secretly hope for in rock music. Beneath the shiny top layer, there's a rock band under there, the kind of band that I can envision practicing in their parent's basement or in an empty garage. And now they've got a CD out and are on TV, in movies, and on their way to chasing that age-old rockstar dream. Let's hope they don't crash before they get there.
Ruling on the Field: 7.5/10
Highlight Reel: I've posted an mp3 of "Not Giving Up" twice now. If you haven't gotten it yet, you have no excuse, go find it. Note to Wind-Up; if you want said mp3s taken down, let me know and I will oblige.
I'll be back again this weekend, and be sure to check out the iMix contest as well as my submission!
==TJ==
The image is pretty self-explanatory; make an iMix on iTunes containing at least one Crash Motive song and if the band likes it enough, you can win prizes ranging from signed CDs to an autographed Fender Squier guitar. I posted about this awhile back, but I already submitted an iMix called "GET AMPED" which can be found here.
Now, before I go on with a review of Consequence, I want it noted that neither Wind-Up nor The Crash Motive have promised me any compensation of any kind for what you read in this entry. The words and opinions are purely my own.
I've been waiting for a CD by The Crash Motive since their early days, back when they were known as Omnisoul, and just a bunch of college students fresh out of the University of Delaware. I heard "Waiting (Save Your Life)" on the Fantastic 4 OST, and fell in love with it almost immediately. Since then, I heard the singles they dropped to iTunes, got excited when I heard they got signed, and kept playing the three songs I knew.
Fast forward; it's 2007, and Omnisoul changes their name to The Crash Motive, and out comes Consequence. Without a second thought I get the album (legally, mind you, an increasingly rare event). My biggest fear was that the album would be a typical debut album, with "Not Giving Up" and "Waiting (Save Your Life)" at the front of the album, and weaker, less enjoyable tracks filling up the remaining 10 songs. It's true that nothing on the album matches the one-two-three punch of "Not Giving Up", "No Tomorrow, Just Tonight" and "Waiting", but everything else on this album is quality stuff. These days heavy production and a clean sound is usually used to mask a band's lack of talent, but not so on Consequence. Everything sounds clean and polished, even moreso than some of the most shameless radio rock. But underneath the layer of production, there's still rock going on, as evidenced by "Things That Could Be Said" and the bouncy drum lick behind "Not Giving Up".
If you want to find fault with Consequence, then find it in their occasional lack of originality. Lead singer Derek Fuhrmann is a solid frontman, but there were times on the album that I couldn't be sure if I was just listening to Maroon 5 demos, and after awhile the songs can potentially blend into one mass, with not much variety. But it doesn't take much to snap out of it and realize that The Crash Motive are (or at least should be) legit, and their music a breath of fresh air.
The guys in The Crash Motive are what we all secretly hope for in rock music. Beneath the shiny top layer, there's a rock band under there, the kind of band that I can envision practicing in their parent's basement or in an empty garage. And now they've got a CD out and are on TV, in movies, and on their way to chasing that age-old rockstar dream. Let's hope they don't crash before they get there.
Ruling on the Field: 7.5/10
Highlight Reel: I've posted an mp3 of "Not Giving Up" twice now. If you haven't gotten it yet, you have no excuse, go find it. Note to Wind-Up; if you want said mp3s taken down, let me know and I will oblige.
I'll be back again this weekend, and be sure to check out the iMix contest as well as my submission!
==TJ==
VLM Presents Your Daily Dose of WTF??!!
Found this while I was searching for other stuff and it was too ridiculous to let pass.
Foo Fighters - With Arms Wide Open (Creed Cover)
Apparently during a sound check for a radio on-air performance or something, Dave Grohl decided to break out into "With Arms Wide Open", complete with bad Scott Stapp impersonation. In true Grohl-esque manner, he flubs the lyrics to hell and back (probably on purpose), and the result is this novelty track. Enjoy. More stuff to come later.
==TJ==
Foo Fighters - With Arms Wide Open (Creed Cover)
Apparently during a sound check for a radio on-air performance or something, Dave Grohl decided to break out into "With Arms Wide Open", complete with bad Scott Stapp impersonation. In true Grohl-esque manner, he flubs the lyrics to hell and back (probably on purpose), and the result is this novelty track. Enjoy. More stuff to come later.
==TJ==
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Project Phoenix To Rise From The Ashes In '08
Anyone who is/has been familiar with my music taste has probably heard me mention and rant and rave about Project Phoenix. I was a fan of Project Phoenix since the days of their original unbelievably-long-as-hell moniker, The Unethical Development Of Hopeless Romanticism (TUDOHR). Their sound is best described as the instrumentals of U2 matched with the inspiring lyrics and melodies of Jimmy Eat World. Since their 2006 debut EP The Future Through Fresh Eyes the band, fronted by J. Michael "MJ" Storey has laid low, with Storey attending film school in the hopes of creating a huge multimedia project for their first full length album. The band also set up a huge recording studio in Orlando that appears to be acting as the home base for this project.
Earlier today I received an email from MJ asking for help in starting to spread the word about what's to come from the band. The band is embarking on a massive project involving music, film and who knows what else in a 10-part project launching May 1st 2008. In an email sent to me regarding the project, Storey promised that what they're working on will "make certain 'products' absolutely free to anyone who wants them...no catch".
Sounds like Project Phoenix is trying to follow in the footsteps of Angels & Airwaves and/or Radiohead, only without being so pretentious. Either way, I'm excited to see what the next step is, and I'll be along for the ride.
Speaking of Angels & Airwaves, I'm listening to I-Empire right now in the hopes of giving you a review tomorrow or Saturday. I've got a whole bunch of stuff in the pipeline that should come out in the next couple days. Keep your eyes peeled.
Project Phoenix - Take Comfort In Knowing
Project Phoenix on MySpace
The Future Through Fresh Eyes [iTunes]
==TJ==
Earlier today I received an email from MJ asking for help in starting to spread the word about what's to come from the band. The band is embarking on a massive project involving music, film and who knows what else in a 10-part project launching May 1st 2008. In an email sent to me regarding the project, Storey promised that what they're working on will "make certain 'products' absolutely free to anyone who wants them...no catch".
Sounds like Project Phoenix is trying to follow in the footsteps of Angels & Airwaves and/or Radiohead, only without being so pretentious. Either way, I'm excited to see what the next step is, and I'll be along for the ride.
Speaking of Angels & Airwaves, I'm listening to I-Empire right now in the hopes of giving you a review tomorrow or Saturday. I've got a whole bunch of stuff in the pipeline that should come out in the next couple days. Keep your eyes peeled.
Project Phoenix - Take Comfort In Knowing
Project Phoenix on MySpace
The Future Through Fresh Eyes [iTunes]
==TJ==
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
New vids from the Foo, Linkin Park
Earlier today the Foo Fighters premiered the video for new single "Long Road To Ruin" on MTV.com (a pleasant surprise; I had heard the next single was "Cheer Up Boys, Your Makeup is Running"). The video is classic Dave Grohl weirdness set to the backdrop of a bad soap opera complete with characters like "Saul Goode" and "Les Groper". Oh yeah, and the song is effing amazing
And a few weeks ago, Linkin Park released their video for "Shadow of the Day", their third single from Minutes to Midnight and yet another video directed by band member Joe Hahn. The video is traditionally dark, but as per the theme of the new album, much more insightful and powerful than the Linkin Park of old. I especially like the sound effects over top of the music. Another great song from an amzing album
Youtube disabled the embed function for this song, but here's a link. While you're at it, check out the piece on Chester's broken wrist.
That's all for tonight. Back when there's more cool stuff to show off.
Foo Fighters - Long Road to Ruin
Foo Fighters [iTunes]
Linkin Park - Shadow of the Day
Linkin Park [iTunes]
==TJ==
And a few weeks ago, Linkin Park released their video for "Shadow of the Day", their third single from Minutes to Midnight and yet another video directed by band member Joe Hahn. The video is traditionally dark, but as per the theme of the new album, much more insightful and powerful than the Linkin Park of old. I especially like the sound effects over top of the music. Another great song from an amzing album
Youtube disabled the embed function for this song, but here's a link. While you're at it, check out the piece on Chester's broken wrist.
That's all for tonight. Back when there's more cool stuff to show off.
Foo Fighters - Long Road to Ruin
Foo Fighters [iTunes]
Linkin Park - Shadow of the Day
Linkin Park [iTunes]
==TJ==
Monday, November 5, 2007
Artists I Should Have Been Raving About A LONG Time Ago...
In my ongoing quest to be the universe's most educated music listener, I've recently come across a bunch of artists that I find I should have known some time ago, but only just now loving. I now present my recent musical discoveries to you.
Paramore
With Britney Spears going batshit crazy at every corner, Avril Lavigne making people want to gouge their ears out, and Amy Lee on the road to becoming the next Axl Rose, rock music needs another "nice girl" for the reviewers to adore and the rocker dudes to drool over. That's where Paramore, fronted by 18-year-old Hayley Williams, come in. Their second album Riot! is climbing the iTunes charts, and singles "Misery Business" and "Crushcrushcrush" are making bloggers and DJs alike go crazy. The lyrics are totally true to William's 18-year-old girl demeanor, and the band delivers them with all the pop-punk fury that was absent from recent efforts from Good Charlotte and Yellowcard, and Hayler Williams has a set of pipes that put the likes of Amy Lee and Avril to shame. And oh yeah, have you seen Hayley Williams?
Yeah, I said it.
Paramore - Crushcrushcrush
Paramore on iTunes
Oh, and as long as I mentioned her, I might as well issue my (and by default, this blog's) official position on the perpetual media event that is the "artist" formerly known as Britney Spears. Seriously, who gives a fuck anymore? On one level, she's more fun when she's batshit crazy, because you honestly don't know what the hell she's gonna do next. And her album? Psh. Yeah its getting decent reviews, but you know that's all the work of the bazillion producers and stuff who are writing her music and making it sound good amidst her drunken escapades and attempts at singing the way she did 10 years ago. And with that, I hope to never have to utter her name ever again on this blog.
Chris Brown
Like I've said, the more I listen to Top 40 R&B, the more I like it. My first real experience with Chris Brown was in the "Umbrella" remix I posted last week (I had heard "Run It!" in the past at high school dances and the like, but didn't recognize it as him/didn't care enough to really listen). After hearing his awesome contribution to that track, I downloaded "Run It!" and his new one "Kiss Kiss". Both are fun, upbeat, and all the things I want out of Hip-Hop and R&B. And in case you somehow didn't know this, Chris Brown is 18 years old. Watch the clip of "Run It!" and listen to "Kiss Kiss" and maybe you'll see why I'm impressed.
Chris Brown - Kiss Kiss (feat. T-Pain)
Chris Brown - Run It! [Youtube]
Chris Brown on iTunes
I think that's it for now. The radio show is most likely going on an indefinite hiatus due to some personal stuff (mostly just I don't have time), but keep your eyes peeled in case that changes.
==TJ==
PS Oh and in honor of Guy Fawkes Day, I know I posted the original version of this song last time out, but it seems appropriate to hand you a cover, given the occasion.
Stone Temple Pilots - Revolution (Beatles Cover)
STP on iTunes
Paramore
With Britney Spears going batshit crazy at every corner, Avril Lavigne making people want to gouge their ears out, and Amy Lee on the road to becoming the next Axl Rose, rock music needs another "nice girl" for the reviewers to adore and the rocker dudes to drool over. That's where Paramore, fronted by 18-year-old Hayley Williams, come in. Their second album Riot! is climbing the iTunes charts, and singles "Misery Business" and "Crushcrushcrush" are making bloggers and DJs alike go crazy. The lyrics are totally true to William's 18-year-old girl demeanor, and the band delivers them with all the pop-punk fury that was absent from recent efforts from Good Charlotte and Yellowcard, and Hayler Williams has a set of pipes that put the likes of Amy Lee and Avril to shame. And oh yeah, have you seen Hayley Williams?
Yeah, I said it.
Paramore - Crushcrushcrush
Paramore on iTunes
Oh, and as long as I mentioned her, I might as well issue my (and by default, this blog's) official position on the perpetual media event that is the "artist" formerly known as Britney Spears. Seriously, who gives a fuck anymore? On one level, she's more fun when she's batshit crazy, because you honestly don't know what the hell she's gonna do next. And her album? Psh. Yeah its getting decent reviews, but you know that's all the work of the bazillion producers and stuff who are writing her music and making it sound good amidst her drunken escapades and attempts at singing the way she did 10 years ago. And with that, I hope to never have to utter her name ever again on this blog.
Chris Brown
Like I've said, the more I listen to Top 40 R&B, the more I like it. My first real experience with Chris Brown was in the "Umbrella" remix I posted last week (I had heard "Run It!" in the past at high school dances and the like, but didn't recognize it as him/didn't care enough to really listen). After hearing his awesome contribution to that track, I downloaded "Run It!" and his new one "Kiss Kiss". Both are fun, upbeat, and all the things I want out of Hip-Hop and R&B. And in case you somehow didn't know this, Chris Brown is 18 years old. Watch the clip of "Run It!" and listen to "Kiss Kiss" and maybe you'll see why I'm impressed.
Chris Brown - Kiss Kiss (feat. T-Pain)
Chris Brown - Run It! [Youtube]
Chris Brown on iTunes
I think that's it for now. The radio show is most likely going on an indefinite hiatus due to some personal stuff (mostly just I don't have time), but keep your eyes peeled in case that changes.
==TJ==
PS Oh and in honor of Guy Fawkes Day, I know I posted the original version of this song last time out, but it seems appropriate to hand you a cover, given the occasion.
Stone Temple Pilots - Revolution (Beatles Cover)
STP on iTunes
Saturday, November 3, 2007
Images Of Broken Light That Dance Before Me Like A Million Eyes...
Before I get started, the link to the iMix from the last entry.
Earlier this week I FINALLY got to see Across the Universe, the Beatles tribute movie that was recommended to me by everyone from Pretty Much Amazing to my own brother. I had seen trailers for it and was on the fence. I love the Beatles and liked the idea, but thought the movie looked a bit too acid-trippy for my taste. But after a string of recommendations, I went to give it shot.
Holy crap. The movie was beyond incredible. From the very first song the movie is a fun, poignant ride. And the music? Absolutely amazing. Despite my usual dislike for Bono, his versions of "I Am The Walrus" and "Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds" are surprisingly enjoyable. But by far the best moments belong to Jim Sturgess (as Jude) and Joe Anderson (Max) on songs like "With A Little Help From My Friends" and "I've Just Seen A Face". Virtually every performance in this movie is noteworthy, and the only number that misses is the utterly ridiculous "Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite" (remember that acid trip I was worried about? Yeah.). Even when the movie gets abstract and conceptual, it takes you along for the ride instead of wondering what the hell is happening. And of course the favorites ("Hey Jude", "All You Need is Love") are pulled off masterfully.
One of the best parts of this is the re-imagining of some songs. Envision a version of "I Want To Hold Your Hand" slowed down, and lounge-style, or perhaps a gospel twist on "Let it Be". Beatles purists will probably scoff at the idea, but it works, and it works well. My only complaints are the lack of tracks from Rubber Soul (the best Beatles album in my opinion), and the aforementioned over-the-top "Mr. Kite" sequence. If you can get a chance to see this before it leaves theatres, do so. Otherwise definitely a DVD pickup, and FOR GOD'S SAKE GET THE SOUNDTRACK!!!
Across the Universe - I Want to Hold Your Hand
Across the Universe - I've Just Seen A Face
Across the Universe - Hey Jude
Across the Universe Soundtrack on iTunes
And now it should be noted that I've uploaded all the Beatles music I have to iTunes and am listening to it now.
The Beatles - In My Life
The Beatles - Revolution
The Beatles on Amazon.com
==TJ==
Earlier this week I FINALLY got to see Across the Universe, the Beatles tribute movie that was recommended to me by everyone from Pretty Much Amazing to my own brother. I had seen trailers for it and was on the fence. I love the Beatles and liked the idea, but thought the movie looked a bit too acid-trippy for my taste. But after a string of recommendations, I went to give it shot.
Holy crap. The movie was beyond incredible. From the very first song the movie is a fun, poignant ride. And the music? Absolutely amazing. Despite my usual dislike for Bono, his versions of "I Am The Walrus" and "Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds" are surprisingly enjoyable. But by far the best moments belong to Jim Sturgess (as Jude) and Joe Anderson (Max) on songs like "With A Little Help From My Friends" and "I've Just Seen A Face". Virtually every performance in this movie is noteworthy, and the only number that misses is the utterly ridiculous "Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite" (remember that acid trip I was worried about? Yeah.). Even when the movie gets abstract and conceptual, it takes you along for the ride instead of wondering what the hell is happening. And of course the favorites ("Hey Jude", "All You Need is Love") are pulled off masterfully.
One of the best parts of this is the re-imagining of some songs. Envision a version of "I Want To Hold Your Hand" slowed down, and lounge-style, or perhaps a gospel twist on "Let it Be". Beatles purists will probably scoff at the idea, but it works, and it works well. My only complaints are the lack of tracks from Rubber Soul (the best Beatles album in my opinion), and the aforementioned over-the-top "Mr. Kite" sequence. If you can get a chance to see this before it leaves theatres, do so. Otherwise definitely a DVD pickup, and FOR GOD'S SAKE GET THE SOUNDTRACK!!!
Across the Universe - I Want to Hold Your Hand
Across the Universe - I've Just Seen A Face
Across the Universe - Hey Jude
Across the Universe Soundtrack on iTunes
And now it should be noted that I've uploaded all the Beatles music I have to iTunes and am listening to it now.
The Beatles - In My Life
The Beatles - Revolution
The Beatles on Amazon.com
==TJ==
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
About that Singles post...
...yeah life got in the way, and I'm only getting around to it now. What with the show opening I've been listening to a bunch of different stuff, some of it to get me pumped (or "amped" as Ernie liked to put it), other stuff just because it sounds good. Let's get started.
Kanye West - Stronger
This one is just a given. It played on the radio once in the dressing room, leading me to start rapping along since I knew every word to the track (having heard it a million times by now). After that it just got played every single pre-show after that. My love for this track is well documented on this blog.
Black Sabbath - War Pigs
A favorite of my castmate and friend Ernie. Before "Stronger" rolled around, this song was the song to which we all danced, moshed, and air-guitarred prior to curtain. I'm not a huge fan of Black Sabbath or even metal for that matter, but this song did what it had to do.
Finger Eleven - Paralyzer
Another dance around the dressing room favorite. Very sad to hear this song somehow got snubbed on the Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock setlist. Awesome riff, the beat is simple, but unforgettable, and its just a great song by a band that most people wrote off.
Speaking of which, what should a band do when its core fans abandon them for having "sold out" for getting a radio friendly hit? Do what Finger Eleven did and get a new fanbase. I bought Them vs. You vs. Me the other day, and their new brand of bouncy hard rock is positively amazing. It'd be easy to assume "Paralyzer" is just another one-hit wonder track, but in reality its matched by the likes of "Falling On", "Change the World", and "I'll Keep Your Memory Vague". It's not earth-shattering, but dammit if isn't better than the by-the-numbers angst rock we've become so used to. I hope you're taking notes, Seether.
Ruling on the Field: 7.5/10
Rihanna - Umbrella (Cinderella remix feat. Chris Brown)
I know I'm way behind the times on this "Umbrella" remix, but it got played on Alex, Helen, and Amanda's show and I fell in love with it. The more I listen to Top 40 R&B, the less I find myself hating it. I ruckused Good Girl Gone Bad to see what I was missing, and it wasn't nearly as bad as I was thinking it would be (and nowhere near as sickeningly sugarpoppy as the new Backstreet Boys album). While I'm at it, Shut Up and Drive is equally good at getting the adrenaline flowing.
Dropkick Murphys - I'm Shipping Up To Boston
Anyone who saw The Departed will know this song, and it's textbook DKM with it's throat wrenching vocals, pulsing drums and sick guitars. Another fun song to get yourself worked up to.
The Crash Motive - Not Giving Up
Yeah, I know I posted this last time, but it's still just as appropriate. Every time I hear this song, I feel like I need to get up and fight someone. The drums sound like they belong on a rap album, and you can't not bounce along in your chair to the chorus. I'm playing through their debut album, and can't stop raving about these guys. If you don't have this song, you really have no excuse.
All these tracks and others can be found on the iMix I just threw together, aptly titled "GET AMPED". Go check it out on iTunes (I posted it as an entry for a contest The Crash Motive is holding right now). I'll link to the mix tomorrow after the updates I made to it take hold.
Back later with other stuff.
==TJ==
Kanye West - Stronger
This one is just a given. It played on the radio once in the dressing room, leading me to start rapping along since I knew every word to the track (having heard it a million times by now). After that it just got played every single pre-show after that. My love for this track is well documented on this blog.
Black Sabbath - War Pigs
A favorite of my castmate and friend Ernie. Before "Stronger" rolled around, this song was the song to which we all danced, moshed, and air-guitarred prior to curtain. I'm not a huge fan of Black Sabbath or even metal for that matter, but this song did what it had to do.
Finger Eleven - Paralyzer
Another dance around the dressing room favorite. Very sad to hear this song somehow got snubbed on the Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock setlist. Awesome riff, the beat is simple, but unforgettable, and its just a great song by a band that most people wrote off.
Speaking of which, what should a band do when its core fans abandon them for having "sold out" for getting a radio friendly hit? Do what Finger Eleven did and get a new fanbase. I bought Them vs. You vs. Me the other day, and their new brand of bouncy hard rock is positively amazing. It'd be easy to assume "Paralyzer" is just another one-hit wonder track, but in reality its matched by the likes of "Falling On", "Change the World", and "I'll Keep Your Memory Vague". It's not earth-shattering, but dammit if isn't better than the by-the-numbers angst rock we've become so used to. I hope you're taking notes, Seether.
Ruling on the Field: 7.5/10
Rihanna - Umbrella (Cinderella remix feat. Chris Brown)
I know I'm way behind the times on this "Umbrella" remix, but it got played on Alex, Helen, and Amanda's show and I fell in love with it. The more I listen to Top 40 R&B, the less I find myself hating it. I ruckused Good Girl Gone Bad to see what I was missing, and it wasn't nearly as bad as I was thinking it would be (and nowhere near as sickeningly sugarpoppy as the new Backstreet Boys album). While I'm at it, Shut Up and Drive is equally good at getting the adrenaline flowing.
Dropkick Murphys - I'm Shipping Up To Boston
Anyone who saw The Departed will know this song, and it's textbook DKM with it's throat wrenching vocals, pulsing drums and sick guitars. Another fun song to get yourself worked up to.
The Crash Motive - Not Giving Up
Yeah, I know I posted this last time, but it's still just as appropriate. Every time I hear this song, I feel like I need to get up and fight someone. The drums sound like they belong on a rap album, and you can't not bounce along in your chair to the chorus. I'm playing through their debut album, and can't stop raving about these guys. If you don't have this song, you really have no excuse.
All these tracks and others can be found on the iMix I just threw together, aptly titled "GET AMPED". Go check it out on iTunes (I posted it as an entry for a contest The Crash Motive is holding right now). I'll link to the mix tomorrow after the updates I made to it take hold.
Back later with other stuff.
==TJ==
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Too Many Albums, Too Little Time...
I've listened to a lot of stuff over the last week or two, some of it leaks of stuff and other random songs, and now I'd like to offer up some of that to you lovely people.
-Just for the hell of it I snagged a leak of Say Anything's concept album In Defense of the Genre. I generally tend to sneer at concept albums (these days they're overdone, and only My Chemical Romance and Nine Inch Nails have done them REALLY well). But with the help of a laundry list of guest acts (Gerard Way, Chris Carrabba, Adam Lazzarra, among others), Say Anything puts together a fun, meaningful group of songs that may not be immediately memorable, but you can't help but want to keep listening to see what happens next. I'm only a couple tracks into the second disc, but it's a really strong set from a band I never really took seriously before
Ruling on the Field: 8/10
Highlight Reel: The Church Channel
A few weeks ago iTunes offered up a free song called "Pictures of You" by a band called The Last Goodnight. The track was amazing, and after they dropped the album price down to $5.99, I decided to give it a shot. I still haven't played the whole CD yet, but comparisons to a young, slightly more diverse Maroon 5 are accurate. That said, it doesn't appear to be that exciting either. Still giving it a shot though, so a rating is pending. In the meantime, I offer you "Pictures of You"
The Last Goodnight - Pictures of You
I meant to post this awhile ago (like back in July), but forgot till now. After 3 years of releasing singles to whet the appetite of fans and a change in moniker, the band formerly known as Omnisoul released their debut album under their new name, The Crash Motive. The album, entitled Consequence, was released on October 9th and somehow managed to sneak under my radar and the collective radar of the rest of the industry. The album contains the three songs already released under the old name ("Waiting (Save Your Life)", "Not Giving Up", and "When You Go") along with 10 other tracks. Haven't gotten to hear the new material, but very excited to pick this up.
The Crash Motive (formerly Omnisoul) - Not Giving Up
I think that'll do it for now...expect a singles entry tomorrow. Just to give a peek, popular tracks on my iPod right now include a remix of "Umbrella", Snow Patrol, Sufjian Stevens, and a whole mess o' stuff. Also expect early reaction to the leaked Backstreet Boys album.
==TJ==
-Just for the hell of it I snagged a leak of Say Anything's concept album In Defense of the Genre. I generally tend to sneer at concept albums (these days they're overdone, and only My Chemical Romance and Nine Inch Nails have done them REALLY well). But with the help of a laundry list of guest acts (Gerard Way, Chris Carrabba, Adam Lazzarra, among others), Say Anything puts together a fun, meaningful group of songs that may not be immediately memorable, but you can't help but want to keep listening to see what happens next. I'm only a couple tracks into the second disc, but it's a really strong set from a band I never really took seriously before
Ruling on the Field: 8/10
Highlight Reel: The Church Channel
A few weeks ago iTunes offered up a free song called "Pictures of You" by a band called The Last Goodnight. The track was amazing, and after they dropped the album price down to $5.99, I decided to give it a shot. I still haven't played the whole CD yet, but comparisons to a young, slightly more diverse Maroon 5 are accurate. That said, it doesn't appear to be that exciting either. Still giving it a shot though, so a rating is pending. In the meantime, I offer you "Pictures of You"
The Last Goodnight - Pictures of You
I meant to post this awhile ago (like back in July), but forgot till now. After 3 years of releasing singles to whet the appetite of fans and a change in moniker, the band formerly known as Omnisoul released their debut album under their new name, The Crash Motive. The album, entitled Consequence, was released on October 9th and somehow managed to sneak under my radar and the collective radar of the rest of the industry. The album contains the three songs already released under the old name ("Waiting (Save Your Life)", "Not Giving Up", and "When You Go") along with 10 other tracks. Haven't gotten to hear the new material, but very excited to pick this up.
The Crash Motive (formerly Omnisoul) - Not Giving Up
I think that'll do it for now...expect a singles entry tomorrow. Just to give a peek, popular tracks on my iPod right now include a remix of "Umbrella", Snow Patrol, Sufjian Stevens, and a whole mess o' stuff. Also expect early reaction to the leaked Backstreet Boys album.
==TJ==
Monday, October 22, 2007
Covering the Bases...
After seeing Pretty Much Amazing put up a positively stellar covers post, I decided to follow suit. I present you with 20 of my favorite covers. Original artists in parenthesis.
30 Seconds to Mars - Stronger (Kanye West)
AFI - Ziggy Stardust (David Bowie)
Alanis Morrissette - My Humps (Black Eyed Peas)
Ben Folds - Lost in the Supermarket (The Clash)
Chris Cornell - Billie Jean (Michael Jackson)
Dashboard Confessional - In A Big Country (Big Country)
Dashboard Confessional - El Scorcho (Weezer)
Dashboard Confessional - Better (Regina Spektor)
Foo Fighters - Born on the Bayou (CCR)
The Fray - Have You Ever Seen the Rain? (CCR)
Jack's Mannequin - American Girl (Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers)
The Killers - Shadowplay (Joy Division)
Korn - Another Brick in the Wall (Pink Floyd)
Lostprophets - Cry Me A River (Justin Timberlake)
Michelle Branch - Heart-Shaped Box (Nirvana)
Panic! At The Disco - Maneater (Nelly Furtado)
Pearl Jam - Baba O'Riley (The Who)
Ryan Adams - Wonderwall (Oasis)
Snow Patrol - Crazy In Love (Beyonce)
Stone Temple Pilots - Revolution (The Beatles)
And even though this isn't a cover per se, I came across this while perusing the blogs, and it's just too awesome to let slip away:
The Police vs Snow Patrol - Every Car You Chase
OK, that's all for now. Back later today/tomorrow with some other goodies
==TJ==
30 Seconds to Mars - Stronger (Kanye West)
AFI - Ziggy Stardust (David Bowie)
Alanis Morrissette - My Humps (Black Eyed Peas)
Ben Folds - Lost in the Supermarket (The Clash)
Chris Cornell - Billie Jean (Michael Jackson)
Dashboard Confessional - In A Big Country (Big Country)
Dashboard Confessional - El Scorcho (Weezer)
Dashboard Confessional - Better (Regina Spektor)
Foo Fighters - Born on the Bayou (CCR)
The Fray - Have You Ever Seen the Rain? (CCR)
Jack's Mannequin - American Girl (Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers)
The Killers - Shadowplay (Joy Division)
Korn - Another Brick in the Wall (Pink Floyd)
Lostprophets - Cry Me A River (Justin Timberlake)
Michelle Branch - Heart-Shaped Box (Nirvana)
Panic! At The Disco - Maneater (Nelly Furtado)
Pearl Jam - Baba O'Riley (The Who)
Ryan Adams - Wonderwall (Oasis)
Snow Patrol - Crazy In Love (Beyonce)
Stone Temple Pilots - Revolution (The Beatles)
And even though this isn't a cover per se, I came across this while perusing the blogs, and it's just too awesome to let slip away:
The Police vs Snow Patrol - Every Car You Chase
OK, that's all for now. Back later today/tomorrow with some other goodies
==TJ==
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