I haven't read the Twilight books. I have no interest in them. My running joke is that if you shuffled together pages from a Dawson's Creek screenplay and pages from a Buffy the Vampire Slayer screenplay, you'd wind up with something close to Twilight. I find vindication in the fact that I told that to two of my friends who have read the books and they said I was more or less accurate. But regardless, Hollywood saw fit to adapt the series to film, complete with teen-girl-friendly soundtrack. Earlier this week the first track from said soundtrack, Paramore's "Decode" found its way to the public.
I want to like this song. I really, really do. I love Paramore and after being in love with Riot! I want to see where the band goes next. But "Decode" has something missing. The mood sets the song back to the band's debut All We Know is Falling. The lyrics aren't too bad, mostly basic Paramore. But something about the marriage of the two comes off as something written by Amy Lee. It's not a terrible track be any means, and perhaps with a few more listens I'll warm up to it more (I'm on listen #3 now and it's already growing), but "Decode" doesn't have the immediate draw that anything on Riot! did. The band is said to be doing at least two songs for the Twilight soundtrack, so perhaps this isn't even meant to be the single.
Paramore - Decode
And no, two Paramore songs is not enough to make me purchase anything with Twilight's logo on it.
Showing posts with label movies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label movies. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Monday, August 11, 2008
The Swell Season at Virgin Festival
This weekend was the much-anticipated (for me, anyways) Virgin Mobile Festival at the Pimlico Racetrack in Baltimore. The 31-band festival featured everyone ranging from the Foo Fighters to Lil' Wayne to Bob Dylan. I'm gonna take a cue from my comrade Matt over at Addicted to Vinyl and just try to cover one band at a time (I highly encourage you to go check out Matt's thoughts on the festival...but please do so after reading my own).
First on my docket of bands to blog about from this weekend is The Swell Season. The Swell Season is in fact the duo of Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova, stars of the movie Once. If you've never seen once, go out and rent it. On my list of movies with musical themes and whatnot, it's only slightly below High Fidelity. Trust me, it's brilliant. The Swell Season were definitely one of the lower maintenance acts of the festival; Glen Hansard did his own soundcheck, complete with the old, wrecked guitar he's had since God knows when (pretty sure it's also the same one from the movie), and when he introduced Marketa Irglova they had to delay the show to get one last piece of equipment. I've never seen an audience for a singer-songwriter duo quite so pumped (previous audiences for Cat Power and KT Tunstall were far more subdued).
The Swell Season stuck primarily to tracks from the movie and/or soundtrack to Once, making a point to play favorites like "When Your Mind's Made Up" and "Lies", and of course the song that Glen described as the child they're oh-so proud of, the Oscar-winning "Falling Slowly". Further proving they don't really take themselves to seriously Hansard joked with the crowd, saying that "all I knew of Baltimore before coming here came from 'The Wire', so I was pretty scared. We got lost on the way here and I think we drove onto the set.". And in a moment amusing to everyone in the audience and on stage, Glen asked the intrusive camera guy if he could "just fuck off a bit". Well, everyone except the camera guy was amused at least.
The Swell Season - Falling Slowly [iTunes]
After their official set came to a close, the audience (myself included) called for one more song, so Glen and Marketa came back out, jumped down into the pit, and played one last unplugged, singalong track to everyone's enjoyment. Across the board The Swell Season played one of the more enjoyable sets of Saturday afternoon. Pictures are below. Anyone who was there and took notes on the setlist can feel free to post it.
You can check out the rest of my pics at my flickr site. I'll be adding stuff that other people posted to that set as I get time to, but right now all you see is what I posted.
==TJ==
First on my docket of bands to blog about from this weekend is The Swell Season. The Swell Season is in fact the duo of Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova, stars of the movie Once. If you've never seen once, go out and rent it. On my list of movies with musical themes and whatnot, it's only slightly below High Fidelity. Trust me, it's brilliant. The Swell Season were definitely one of the lower maintenance acts of the festival; Glen Hansard did his own soundcheck, complete with the old, wrecked guitar he's had since God knows when (pretty sure it's also the same one from the movie), and when he introduced Marketa Irglova they had to delay the show to get one last piece of equipment. I've never seen an audience for a singer-songwriter duo quite so pumped (previous audiences for Cat Power and KT Tunstall were far more subdued).
The Swell Season stuck primarily to tracks from the movie and/or soundtrack to Once, making a point to play favorites like "When Your Mind's Made Up" and "Lies", and of course the song that Glen described as the child they're oh-so proud of, the Oscar-winning "Falling Slowly". Further proving they don't really take themselves to seriously Hansard joked with the crowd, saying that "all I knew of Baltimore before coming here came from 'The Wire', so I was pretty scared. We got lost on the way here and I think we drove onto the set.". And in a moment amusing to everyone in the audience and on stage, Glen asked the intrusive camera guy if he could "just fuck off a bit". Well, everyone except the camera guy was amused at least.
The Swell Season - Falling Slowly [iTunes]
After their official set came to a close, the audience (myself included) called for one more song, so Glen and Marketa came back out, jumped down into the pit, and played one last unplugged, singalong track to everyone's enjoyment. Across the board The Swell Season played one of the more enjoyable sets of Saturday afternoon. Pictures are below. Anyone who was there and took notes on the setlist can feel free to post it.
You can check out the rest of my pics at my flickr site. I'll be adding stuff that other people posted to that set as I get time to, but right now all you see is what I posted.==TJ==
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Cloverfield Score Finally Available!!! Oh Yeah, and that new Coldplay Track
A word to my father regarding his comment on the last entry; lead singer Chris Martin has gone on record saying he is useless with naming things, hence the ridiculous postmodern album cover/title. Remember everyone; this is the same Chris Martin who had a child with Gwenyth Paltrow and named her Apple. Why are we surprised by Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends?
In addition to the Coldplay song, there was one other release that I picked up as soon as I saw it was available this week. I think we all know that I was sold on the movie Cloverfield about 10 minutes after seeing the infamous no-name trailer. The movie came out on DVD last week (don't own it yet; holding out for the FYE/Suncoast Steelbox version, assuming its still available), and this week became available for download via iTunes and Amazon. Also available through iTunes was Michael Giacchino's ****ing brilliant score for it. "Roar!" only played during the end credits, and was truncated at that, but iTunes has the full 12-minute score available now. It's a bit over priced at $1.99 and you have to dig through the store to find it (Apparently iTunes thinks the soundtrack to 27 Dresses is a worthier purchase; do an artist search for Michael Giacchino and it should pop up), but its well worth it.
On to the Coldplay song; The song takes a more straightforward rock approach than previous Coldplay singles. The piano on "Violet Hill" seems more like an accompaniment than a core part of the song. Reports that Chris Martin was dropping the absurd falsetto on Viva la Vida aren't entirely accurate; the verses are certainly in a lower register than, say, "Yellow", but the chorus is still the sweeping high-pitched Coldplay we're used to, complete with slightly dischordant piano banging and guitar crunching (see: "Politik"). If the stories that the rest of the album are going to depart from Coldplay of old are true, then "Violet Hill" will be an excellent lead-in for fans and casual listeners alike.
"Violet Hill" will be available as a free download for a limited time at coldplay.com, and goes on sale digitally next week.
And since I feel bad about nearly going 2 full posts without an MP3, I'll be nice and post "Roar!" since it's already DRM-free.
Michael Giacchino - Roar! (Cloverfield Overture) [iTunes]
(Be advised: file is HUGE. Be patient!)
==TJ==
In addition to the Coldplay song, there was one other release that I picked up as soon as I saw it was available this week. I think we all know that I was sold on the movie Cloverfield about 10 minutes after seeing the infamous no-name trailer. The movie came out on DVD last week (don't own it yet; holding out for the FYE/Suncoast Steelbox version, assuming its still available), and this week became available for download via iTunes and Amazon. Also available through iTunes was Michael Giacchino's ****ing brilliant score for it. "Roar!" only played during the end credits, and was truncated at that, but iTunes has the full 12-minute score available now. It's a bit over priced at $1.99 and you have to dig through the store to find it (Apparently iTunes thinks the soundtrack to 27 Dresses is a worthier purchase; do an artist search for Michael Giacchino and it should pop up), but its well worth it.On to the Coldplay song; The song takes a more straightforward rock approach than previous Coldplay singles. The piano on "Violet Hill" seems more like an accompaniment than a core part of the song. Reports that Chris Martin was dropping the absurd falsetto on Viva la Vida aren't entirely accurate; the verses are certainly in a lower register than, say, "Yellow", but the chorus is still the sweeping high-pitched Coldplay we're used to, complete with slightly dischordant piano banging and guitar crunching (see: "Politik"). If the stories that the rest of the album are going to depart from Coldplay of old are true, then "Violet Hill" will be an excellent lead-in for fans and casual listeners alike.
"Violet Hill" will be available as a free download for a limited time at coldplay.com, and goes on sale digitally next week.
And since I feel bad about nearly going 2 full posts without an MP3, I'll be nice and post "Roar!" since it's already DRM-free.
Michael Giacchino - Roar! (Cloverfield Overture) [iTunes]
(Be advised: file is HUGE. Be patient!)
==TJ==
Friday, February 22, 2008
Real Life vs. Blogging-- Advantage: Real Life
Once again this whole consistent blogging thing is not happening. Let's try this again.
I spent several hours last night hoping that Mother Nature would trample Murphy's Law, and that I wouldn't have to leave my room. It didn't quite succeed, but it did enough to cancel my one class today. I declare victory.
Red Hot Chili Peppers - Snow (Hey Oh) [iTunes]
Tangent: Oscars are Sunday night. We had a nice long chat in my Theatre History class, in which I pretty much said that most of the Grammy and/or Oscar voters are crochety old farts bent on self-preservation, which is why you keep seeing the same, largely dull, safe stuff getting nominated and winning (the ballsiest Best Picture Award in the last 10 years went to Crash, and look at what kind of hell the Academy received for that one). And frankly this batch of nominees is the weakest I've seen in recent memory. Only one of the movies this year (Juno, and if you think that's gonna win you're kidding yourself) shows any kind of guts to not take itself so unbearably seriously (and I haven't seen it, but don't get me started on Atonement). That said, I'm curious to see how the Best Original Song category plays out. Enchanted dominates the field, but the other 2 songs are absolutely incredible.
Jamia Simone Nash and Impact Repertory Theater- Raise it Up (from August Rush) [iTunes]
Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova - Falling Slowly (from Once) [Album Only on iTunes]
The August Rush song is great (the girl who sings the second verse is only 11 years old), but I still think "This Time" is the better song. However having recently seen "Once", I have to say that "Falling Slowly" is just too beautiful for words. It's a pretty, simple song, and really reflects the mood of the entire movie. So I'm hoping for "Falling Slowly" over anything else.
I think that's all. Back this weekend with another round of Weekend WTF.
Current Music: The Rolling Stones - Paint it Black [iTunes]
(Note: this is the studio version, NOT on Flashpoint. My bad.)
==TJ==
I spent several hours last night hoping that Mother Nature would trample Murphy's Law, and that I wouldn't have to leave my room. It didn't quite succeed, but it did enough to cancel my one class today. I declare victory.
Red Hot Chili Peppers - Snow (Hey Oh) [iTunes]
Tangent: Oscars are Sunday night. We had a nice long chat in my Theatre History class, in which I pretty much said that most of the Grammy and/or Oscar voters are crochety old farts bent on self-preservation, which is why you keep seeing the same, largely dull, safe stuff getting nominated and winning (the ballsiest Best Picture Award in the last 10 years went to Crash, and look at what kind of hell the Academy received for that one). And frankly this batch of nominees is the weakest I've seen in recent memory. Only one of the movies this year (Juno, and if you think that's gonna win you're kidding yourself) shows any kind of guts to not take itself so unbearably seriously (and I haven't seen it, but don't get me started on Atonement). That said, I'm curious to see how the Best Original Song category plays out. Enchanted dominates the field, but the other 2 songs are absolutely incredible.
Jamia Simone Nash and Impact Repertory Theater- Raise it Up (from August Rush) [iTunes]
Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova - Falling Slowly (from Once) [Album Only on iTunes]
The August Rush song is great (the girl who sings the second verse is only 11 years old), but I still think "This Time" is the better song. However having recently seen "Once", I have to say that "Falling Slowly" is just too beautiful for words. It's a pretty, simple song, and really reflects the mood of the entire movie. So I'm hoping for "Falling Slowly" over anything else.
I think that's all. Back this weekend with another round of Weekend WTF.
Current Music: The Rolling Stones - Paint it Black [iTunes]
(Note: this is the studio version, NOT on Flashpoint. My bad.)
==TJ==
Thursday, January 24, 2008
A Week's Worth of Stuff in 3 Paragraphs
Hey everyone. Sorry for the weeklong absence. Real life/College life can get in the way like that sometimes. Let's get started with all the stuff that I've been meaning to post for the last week.
A combination of my joining the Activist club on campus plus and doing community service work on MLK Day led me to pick up a whole bunch of Rage Against the Machine music. I iTunes'd their self-titled album and bought The Battle of Los Angeles via Amazon and the latter arrived today and I love it. Look for a second spin column on them in the near future.
Rage Against the Machine - Testify [iTunes]
Rage Against the Machine - Sleep Now in the Fire [iTunes]*
*Easily the best RatM song, and perhaps one of my new favorite songs from my lifetime
In the last week Chris Daughtry has once again trashed American Idol, been verbally spanked by someone tied to the show, and consequently backpedaled from said comments. Daughtry told Rolling Stone that AI has lost a lot of credibility since he's been on the show, citing the poor ratings from last season as well as the failed records by Taylor Hicks, Katharine McPhee and Reuben Studdard. Randy Jackson then proceeded to say something to the effect of "Without American Idol there is no Chris Daughtry". Daughtry then backpedaled on his website, agreeing with Jackson's statements. The problem is, both sides are right. American Idol did create Chris Daughtry, and ironically getting kicked off the show was the best career move Daughtry could have made. Also, Taylor Hicks sucks. End of story. It's science. "Tattoo" is a great song and Jordin Sparks has talent, but Kelly Clarkson she ain't. Blake Lewis could potentially be a hit, but his record label doesn't seem interested in promoting him, so its a safe bet he'll be seen working at a coffee shop within two years. I don't know what it'll take to make AmIdol relevant again, but if Chris Daughtry has any ideas, they'd do right to listen.
This next bit isn't exactly music related, but the theatre guy in me won't let this go unnoticed on this blog. Heath Ledger's death earlier this week was just crushing. I was shocked when I first got word, and talking to people on campus I haven't heard a single person express any level of apathy. Everyone I've talked to is shocked and saddened beyond words. I haven't seen Brokeback Mountain or Casanova (what are believed to be his best performances), but A Knight's Tale has always been a favorite of mine and is probably one of the most depressingly underappreciated movies ever. There was so much future ahead for him, and as Alex said, there is one less star on Earth tonight.
RIP Heath Ledger...you will be missed
Yellowcard - View From Heaven (Live) [iTunes]
Jimmy Eat World - Hear You Me [iTunes]
Back soon.
==TJ==
A combination of my joining the Activist club on campus plus and doing community service work on MLK Day led me to pick up a whole bunch of Rage Against the Machine music. I iTunes'd their self-titled album and bought The Battle of Los Angeles via Amazon and the latter arrived today and I love it. Look for a second spin column on them in the near future.
Rage Against the Machine - Testify [iTunes]
Rage Against the Machine - Sleep Now in the Fire [iTunes]*
*Easily the best RatM song, and perhaps one of my new favorite songs from my lifetime
In the last week Chris Daughtry has once again trashed American Idol, been verbally spanked by someone tied to the show, and consequently backpedaled from said comments. Daughtry told Rolling Stone that AI has lost a lot of credibility since he's been on the show, citing the poor ratings from last season as well as the failed records by Taylor Hicks, Katharine McPhee and Reuben Studdard. Randy Jackson then proceeded to say something to the effect of "Without American Idol there is no Chris Daughtry". Daughtry then backpedaled on his website, agreeing with Jackson's statements. The problem is, both sides are right. American Idol did create Chris Daughtry, and ironically getting kicked off the show was the best career move Daughtry could have made. Also, Taylor Hicks sucks. End of story. It's science. "Tattoo" is a great song and Jordin Sparks has talent, but Kelly Clarkson she ain't. Blake Lewis could potentially be a hit, but his record label doesn't seem interested in promoting him, so its a safe bet he'll be seen working at a coffee shop within two years. I don't know what it'll take to make AmIdol relevant again, but if Chris Daughtry has any ideas, they'd do right to listen.
This next bit isn't exactly music related, but the theatre guy in me won't let this go unnoticed on this blog. Heath Ledger's death earlier this week was just crushing. I was shocked when I first got word, and talking to people on campus I haven't heard a single person express any level of apathy. Everyone I've talked to is shocked and saddened beyond words. I haven't seen Brokeback Mountain or Casanova (what are believed to be his best performances), but A Knight's Tale has always been a favorite of mine and is probably one of the most depressingly underappreciated movies ever. There was so much future ahead for him, and as Alex said, there is one less star on Earth tonight.
RIP Heath Ledger...you will be missed
Yellowcard - View From Heaven (Live) [iTunes]
Jimmy Eat World - Hear You Me [iTunes]
Back soon.
==TJ==
Monday, January 7, 2008
On Account of Nothing, A Little Bit Of Everything
Most of this weekend was spent doing a whole bunch of nothing, both in my universe, and it would appear to be the same for the rest of the world (except for that Britney Spears episode, but in the interest of NOT giving into the media frenzy, we'll pretend that didn't happen). Luckily that gives me free range to post random stuff for your enjoyment.
First, I present to you a song dedicated to my new television obsession:
The Wallflowers - Heroes (Not available on iTunes or AmazonMP3)
I rented the first two discs of season 1 this weekend. I tried giving it a shot earlier in the year, but real life kept me from watching it regularly. I'm truly impressed. Definitely not the typical comic book superhero type thing going on, but it still holds my attention as well as Spider-Man. Definitely something I'm gonna try to snag on DVD when I have money again.
I went bowling with a few of my friends this weekend. No real story here, it just gave me an excuse to post this video/song. If you didn't see Across the Universe in theaters, its out on DVD February 5th. Make your life a little better and go watch it.
Jim Sturgess - I've Just Seen A Face [iTunes]
I got a new phone last week, and finally managed to get some ringtones that don't suck. If you were to call me right now, I would hear "Paralyzer" by Finger Eleven. I posted it in the last entry, go pick it up.
In what is the ultimate proof of justice in the music world, American Idol winner Taylor Hicks was dropped by his record label last week. When reached for comment, fellow contestant Chris Daughtry had only this to say: "Taylor Who?"
Daughtry - Over You [iTunes]
I think that's it for now. I promise a better entry tomorrow.
Currently Listening: Snow Patrol - Set Fire to the Third Bar [iTunes]
==TJ==
First, I present to you a song dedicated to my new television obsession:
The Wallflowers - Heroes (Not available on iTunes or AmazonMP3)
I rented the first two discs of season 1 this weekend. I tried giving it a shot earlier in the year, but real life kept me from watching it regularly. I'm truly impressed. Definitely not the typical comic book superhero type thing going on, but it still holds my attention as well as Spider-Man. Definitely something I'm gonna try to snag on DVD when I have money again.
I went bowling with a few of my friends this weekend. No real story here, it just gave me an excuse to post this video/song. If you didn't see Across the Universe in theaters, its out on DVD February 5th. Make your life a little better and go watch it.
Jim Sturgess - I've Just Seen A Face [iTunes]
I got a new phone last week, and finally managed to get some ringtones that don't suck. If you were to call me right now, I would hear "Paralyzer" by Finger Eleven. I posted it in the last entry, go pick it up.
In what is the ultimate proof of justice in the music world, American Idol winner Taylor Hicks was dropped by his record label last week. When reached for comment, fellow contestant Chris Daughtry had only this to say: "Taylor Who?"
Daughtry - Over You [iTunes]
I think that's it for now. I promise a better entry tomorrow.
Currently Listening: Snow Patrol - Set Fire to the Third Bar [iTunes]
==TJ==
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Songs I'm Loving (Perhaps A Bit Too Much)
-A month after seeing the movie, I'm still loving the music from the August Rush Soundtrack. I went looking to see if Johnathan Rhys Meyers was ever in a band or had any other music out, and was sad to find nothing. Even his work in Velvet Goldmine was redone by other bands for the soundtrack. Rather unfortunate if you ask me, but then again the rest of the industry seems pretty bent on crucifying actor/musicians (look at the way other artists have trashed Jared Leto and 30 Seconds to Mars). At any rate, another sampling of Meyer's music ("This Time" was posted in an earlier entry)
Johnathan Rhys Meyers & Steve Erdody - Bach / Break [iTunes]
-As much as the rock fanatic in me hates to admit it, the new song by Avril Lavigne is too damned much fun. Say what you will about how 'corporate' she is or whatever, it's still ridiculous, upbeat pop that's got just enough in it to keep my brain cells from dying. At this rate The Best Damn Thing might end up getting a second spin before too long.
And just for the record, nobody is forcing me to write any of this, I promise.
Avril Lavigne - Hot [iTunes]
-There was once a time where I would trash anything that came out of American Idol. Then 2007 happened, and Kelly Clarkson released a rock album, Chris Daughtry did his thing, and most recent winners Jordin Sparks and Blake Lewis both released great first singles (yeah I know I'm behind on this, but I've been hiding behind my rock music for awhile). Sparks' "Tattoo" is a version of "Big Girls Don't Cry" that guys won't feel as embarrassed to listen to, and as my friend Alex put it, Blake Lewis' "Break Anotha" is Justin Timberlake minus the annoying. Given the choice, I think I prefer "Break Anotha", but just the fact that I enjoy both is earth-shattering. A review of Lewis' Audio Day Dream will be coming soon.
Blake Lewis - Break Anotha [iTunes]
Jordin Sparks - Tattoo [iTunes]
-My rediscovered love for Pearl Jam that I talked about last week is still going strong. I've been in the process of uploading every Pearl Jam CD I own, which is surprisingly hefty given that I previously only gave them a passing glance. Given that I also watched Reign Over Me earlier this week, this song seems appropriate.
Pearl Jam - Love Reign O'er Me (Who Cover) [iTunes]
(One day I will post a PJ MP3 that isn't a cover...I promise)
-Shortly before naming Chase This Light the second best album of 2007, I uncovered this B-Side left off the album. Only heard it once so far, but its just as good as everything else on the CD, and I'm not quite sure why it was left off. Enjoy.
Jimmy Eat World - Open Bar Reception [Chase This Light on iTunes]
That's all for now. Back later.
Currently Listening To: Pearl Jam - Jeremy [iTunes]
==TJ==
Johnathan Rhys Meyers & Steve Erdody - Bach / Break [iTunes]
-As much as the rock fanatic in me hates to admit it, the new song by Avril Lavigne is too damned much fun. Say what you will about how 'corporate' she is or whatever, it's still ridiculous, upbeat pop that's got just enough in it to keep my brain cells from dying. At this rate The Best Damn Thing might end up getting a second spin before too long.
And just for the record, nobody is forcing me to write any of this, I promise.
Avril Lavigne - Hot [iTunes]
-There was once a time where I would trash anything that came out of American Idol. Then 2007 happened, and Kelly Clarkson released a rock album, Chris Daughtry did his thing, and most recent winners Jordin Sparks and Blake Lewis both released great first singles (yeah I know I'm behind on this, but I've been hiding behind my rock music for awhile). Sparks' "Tattoo" is a version of "Big Girls Don't Cry" that guys won't feel as embarrassed to listen to, and as my friend Alex put it, Blake Lewis' "Break Anotha" is Justin Timberlake minus the annoying. Given the choice, I think I prefer "Break Anotha", but just the fact that I enjoy both is earth-shattering. A review of Lewis' Audio Day Dream will be coming soon.
Blake Lewis - Break Anotha [iTunes]
Jordin Sparks - Tattoo [iTunes]
-My rediscovered love for Pearl Jam that I talked about last week is still going strong. I've been in the process of uploading every Pearl Jam CD I own, which is surprisingly hefty given that I previously only gave them a passing glance. Given that I also watched Reign Over Me earlier this week, this song seems appropriate.
Pearl Jam - Love Reign O'er Me (Who Cover) [iTunes]
(One day I will post a PJ MP3 that isn't a cover...I promise)
-Shortly before naming Chase This Light the second best album of 2007, I uncovered this B-Side left off the album. Only heard it once so far, but its just as good as everything else on the CD, and I'm not quite sure why it was left off. Enjoy.
Jimmy Eat World - Open Bar Reception [Chase This Light on iTunes]
That's all for now. Back later.
Currently Listening To: Pearl Jam - Jeremy [iTunes]
==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 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==
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==
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