I'm currently posting some content for Examiner.com, focusing locally on Raleigh, NC. I'll be talking about the concert scene in Raleigh and highlighting fantastic bands both locally and large scale bands.
Check out my first article, right here!
Saturday, May 21, 2011
The Morning Of Brings Color to the Brewery
I'm currently posting some content for Examiner.com, focusing locally on Raleigh, NC. I'll be talking about the concert scene in Raleigh and highlighting fantastic bands both locally and large scale bands.
Check out my first article, right here!
Monday, April 25, 2011
The Death of Physical Media? (Part 1, To the Cloud!)
How has your 2011 treated you thus far? Was this year everything you'd hoped it'd be? I certainly hope so, because we're almost halfway through the year and already 2011 is shaping up to be the beginning of a new decade of trends and pop culture phrases ("Winning!"). Besides having a big time movie star going insane on live television, this year has brought us a maturing form of the already popular phrase, "to the cloud".
Up until now, consumers had a few options to store their data files onto other people's servers using services like Dropbox.com or Apple's lackluster MobileMe service. The files could simply be uploaded and downloaded but nothing in between. So if you wanted to play a song that was stored on Dropbox.com or the 17th installment of the Saw movies, you were flat out of luck unless you had enough storage to fit the file onto from your cloud drive. Enter 2009, when we first got a taste of not cloud storage, but something that utilized files in a different way. Oh no. 2008 is when we got Netflix movie streaming on our computers. That streaming service got everyone thinking: "What if we could stream anything, anywhere, on any device?"
Well welcome to 2011, where one Netflix account can stream hit films via a computer, a phone, a gaming system, and directly onto a fancy flat screen TV. Gone are the days where consumers have to worry about hard drive space and syncing files to each and every machine they wish to use their files on. Granted you technically don't "own" any of the movies on Netflix, you are permitted access to a wide range of films. Recently Amazon.com took that train of thought to the new level and introduced their Cloud Drive and Cloud Player, allowing users to store and play their music via Amazon's data servers.
Personally I've switched over to the Amazon's MP3 Store a little over 2 years ago and have never looked back. All the songs do a great throwback to the golden age of digital downloads by pricing them at $.99 (that's SO 2003!) and when you let me collect albums I've missed for roughly $3.99 and call them "daily deals", you've won my business. I've always wondered why Amazon's MP3 Store hasn't caught on more in the last few years. After all, all the songs on the MP3 store can be stored and played on iTunes, and isn't that the most important thing of all? Well.....not really. Back in the last decade sure, iTunes was basically the most popular music software used by millions of people to store and play their music. In this decade, however, Amazon wants to challenge Apple by not creating a product to go against the iPod (they'll never win that way), but by creating a service on numerous products that screams simplicity.
In the good old days I would have to buy a 20 GB iPod and hope I don't fill that baby up too fast (FYI: I totally did). But in 2011, I have a smartphone, aka a Droid X, that's capable of running Amazon's Cloud Player application. So any song I download on Amazon's MP3 store on the computer, will be stored for free on my personal cloud drive. And if I'm running late and have just enough time to download the song but not sync it to my device, well that's not a problem. Within seconds my song is available to stream from my cloud drive onto my Amazon cloud player from my Droid X. I should know how much hard drive space I have on my phone, but with this set up, who cares? Amazon was so nice that they included an extra 20 GB of storage space for songs that have not been purchased from their store as long as I buy an album.
By now I'm sure you're asking the most important question: You didn't get an iPhone?! What's wrong with you? Well I have wanted an iPhone for a long time, but the iPhone is limited in its content and usage compared to open source technologies like Android. Which brings me to what I think will happen with two major companies this decade: Amazon will square off with Apple to try and dominate each other in the digital music wars. The winner will be based on content, pricing, and availability of content purchased (cause we're getting sick of having to buy hard drives to store copies of Weird Al songs). Oh, and data plans. We're all going to need unlimited data plans or worldwide WiFi for this cloud storage to work. But once it does work, what becomes of physical media? Is the CD finally going to be put down by another new form of technology? More than likely........but I shall have part 2 of my article to examine this assumption.
Up until now, consumers had a few options to store their data files onto other people's servers using services like Dropbox.com or Apple's lackluster MobileMe service. The files could simply be uploaded and downloaded but nothing in between. So if you wanted to play a song that was stored on Dropbox.com or the 17th installment of the Saw movies, you were flat out of luck unless you had enough storage to fit the file onto from your cloud drive. Enter 2009, when we first got a taste of not cloud storage, but something that utilized files in a different way. Oh no. 2008 is when we got Netflix movie streaming on our computers. That streaming service got everyone thinking: "What if we could stream anything, anywhere, on any device?"
Well welcome to 2011, where one Netflix account can stream hit films via a computer, a phone, a gaming system, and directly onto a fancy flat screen TV. Gone are the days where consumers have to worry about hard drive space and syncing files to each and every machine they wish to use their files on. Granted you technically don't "own" any of the movies on Netflix, you are permitted access to a wide range of films. Recently Amazon.com took that train of thought to the new level and introduced their Cloud Drive and Cloud Player, allowing users to store and play their music via Amazon's data servers.
Personally I've switched over to the Amazon's MP3 Store a little over 2 years ago and have never looked back. All the songs do a great throwback to the golden age of digital downloads by pricing them at $.99 (that's SO 2003!) and when you let me collect albums I've missed for roughly $3.99 and call them "daily deals", you've won my business. I've always wondered why Amazon's MP3 Store hasn't caught on more in the last few years. After all, all the songs on the MP3 store can be stored and played on iTunes, and isn't that the most important thing of all? Well.....not really. Back in the last decade sure, iTunes was basically the most popular music software used by millions of people to store and play their music. In this decade, however, Amazon wants to challenge Apple by not creating a product to go against the iPod (they'll never win that way), but by creating a service on numerous products that screams simplicity.
In the good old days I would have to buy a 20 GB iPod and hope I don't fill that baby up too fast (FYI: I totally did). But in 2011, I have a smartphone, aka a Droid X, that's capable of running Amazon's Cloud Player application. So any song I download on Amazon's MP3 store on the computer, will be stored for free on my personal cloud drive. And if I'm running late and have just enough time to download the song but not sync it to my device, well that's not a problem. Within seconds my song is available to stream from my cloud drive onto my Amazon cloud player from my Droid X. I should know how much hard drive space I have on my phone, but with this set up, who cares? Amazon was so nice that they included an extra 20 GB of storage space for songs that have not been purchased from their store as long as I buy an album.
By now I'm sure you're asking the most important question: You didn't get an iPhone?! What's wrong with you? Well I have wanted an iPhone for a long time, but the iPhone is limited in its content and usage compared to open source technologies like Android. Which brings me to what I think will happen with two major companies this decade: Amazon will square off with Apple to try and dominate each other in the digital music wars. The winner will be based on content, pricing, and availability of content purchased (cause we're getting sick of having to buy hard drives to store copies of Weird Al songs). Oh, and data plans. We're all going to need unlimited data plans or worldwide WiFi for this cloud storage to work. But once it does work, what becomes of physical media? Is the CD finally going to be put down by another new form of technology? More than likely........but I shall have part 2 of my article to examine this assumption.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Satellite Radio: The Future of Radio?
This past Christmas I was finally presented with something I had been dying to use. A Droid X smartphone! And after that initial shock wore off and I learned that I can have endless apps on this thing, I downloaded the Sirius XM Satellite Radio App. Let's just say I have recently forgotten about my iPod Touch and the fact that listening to my same 150 artists can in fact get boring.
Satellite radio is great for people dying to listen to new music that fits their favorite genres. The downside is, the numerous stations available on a smartphone is VERY genre specific. I cross genres constantly but if you're listening to the Top 20 on 20 channel, you can bet you'll be hearing Usher, Pitbull, Lil Wayne, and a variety of Lady Gaga over and over again. They at least give you what you want, but is satellite radio the future of radio?
It's a tough question, but I'd like to digest what people get with Sirius XM Radio (the only satellite radio provider at the moment) versus listening to iTunes/Amazon MP3 bought songs and of course the FM Radio, which I can't believe is still hanging on in times like these!
First things first:
Variety
We've got three options presented to us: Sirius XM, the iPod, and of course FM Radio. When it comes to variety, you can't go wrong with creating your own playlists in your iPod. But then again, how are you supposed to keep up with all the new bands and rappers that come out each and every week? By listening to another freaking Linkin Park song? Nah, you need Sirius XM radio for that. Since I've had XM Radio I've listened to countless channels such as Hits on 1, Alt Nation, Laugh USA, Rawdog, Shade 45, The Blend, and even Rosie O'Donald (hey, I was bored one night). Talk about variety. I have learned about at least 7 or so bands thanks to Alt Nation and also with the exception of the comedy channels, no commercials! Just an occasional what up from the interesting DJ's present. The coolest DJ so far I've heard would be Madison, found on Alt Nation. She's pretty crazy and down to earth. Oh, and uncensored. ;)
As far as FM radio goes, you have commercials and a bunch of the same songs being played over and over and over and over again. If you like all of that, then FM radio is awesome! I also recommend going back to 1982 and sweeting to the oldies.
Accessibility
It used to be that you would have to own a satellite receiver to get any satellite signal in your car or a boombox. But those days are still here.......they just seem outdated. I can listen to Sirius XM on my smartphone at night and in full clarity too. Sure it does us a LOT of data but what do I care, I have unlimited data. If you can afford it, I recommend getting Sirius XM on your phone that way you can plug it into your car stereo and then use it as an iPod replacement for the gym. I know I highly enjoy it. And it's nice to feel like you're connected to the outside world when a DJ does come on and mention current events or when Madison talks about random music news. Half the time I know the news before Madison, but I give her credit for being awesome and mentioning the underground news on bands that deserve the credit.
FM Radio is easy to get but now a days seems restricted to your car. Oh sure you can buy a boombox (I think?) and walk down your block looking like the Fresh Prince blasting Lil Wayne. Or you could put on your big boy/girl pants and whip out the iPod you know you own. That seems to be the trend for the last decade. With the iPod you get uncensored, non-commercialized media that YOU control. That's great to listen to your favorites and to keep them secret to others (yay signature white earbuds!) but if your'e like me, that does get old eventually. Where am I supposed to go to find the underground music or what if the shuffle on my iPod is secretly in love with my secret stash of Jewel songs a little too much? The options tend to turn to satellite radio or numerous blogs and internet radio stations. Speaking of new music and DJ's, check this guy out: Magik Productions (Good DJ and great friend)
Pricing
Alright, let's face it: FM Radio wins! In fact, why both to mention the other two? Free is king in this economy. Granted, free is also restricted in most cases and if you expect FM radio to play the songs YOU want.....you may be very depressed. Unless you love the top 20 stations, you'll get the daily dose of sameness there all day long. But if you wanna listen to unique underground rap songs from people who are just starting out, turn to Shade 45 on Sirius XM. Uncensored and constantly challenging what you expect out of it. It's pretty cool, though ironically Shade 45 is maintained by Eminem and yet I haven't heard a single song by Eminem while I listened to the station. Go figure.
So Sirius XM costs $12.95 a month for a basic plan but if you want Howard Stern (and who does? lol) then you'll be setting yourself back to $16.99 a month. It could seem a bit steep but you have to remember the benefits that satellite radio offers. Granted it's an additional $2.99 a month to get smartphone/internet streaming access as well. Lucky me my dad has XM service so I just give him the extra $2.99 to have the service but for most people the pricing can get high. With no competition now (XM and Sirius are one company now), don't expect the prices to drop anytime soon either.
The iPod choice is simple, a variety of choices and prices are at your disposal. And chances are you already own an iPod or something very similar. Hell, if you have a new smartphone with a large amount of hard drive space, you have an iPod basically. Now if you are way behind the times, I highly suggest getting an iPod Touch or a smartphone because that way you've got a MP3 player and a phone with even more capabilities than your FM Radio. Which usually has the ability to fade in and out between tunnels! An extra feature just for you!
Bottom Line
It's all about preferences when it comes to music. However, times they are a changing, and unfiltered music with a multitude of choices seems like the natural progression. Satellite radio may not be the future of music anytime soon, but that seems to be a barrier to entry simply based on pricing tactics. Once satellite radio is fully realized and distributed to even more devices, we could see FM radio cool down significantly. Either way though, the consumer will either be paying more for no ads, or advertisers are gonna get clever in making an extra buck.
Your iPods will still be safe and sound for years to come, but I see a trend of people moving over to the "cloud" and storing songs off of hard drives and into streaming services. Which would create more cell phones with data packages being available and killing these 160 GB iPods that are so "classic". Soon enough, you could see playlists being replaced with DJ lists and having Sirius XM being your own shuffle of popular and underground music.
Only time will tell.
Alright enough, I gotta get back to listening to Alt Nation.
Satellite radio is great for people dying to listen to new music that fits their favorite genres. The downside is, the numerous stations available on a smartphone is VERY genre specific. I cross genres constantly but if you're listening to the Top 20 on 20 channel, you can bet you'll be hearing Usher, Pitbull, Lil Wayne, and a variety of Lady Gaga over and over again. They at least give you what you want, but is satellite radio the future of radio?
It's a tough question, but I'd like to digest what people get with Sirius XM Radio (the only satellite radio provider at the moment) versus listening to iTunes/Amazon MP3 bought songs and of course the FM Radio, which I can't believe is still hanging on in times like these!
First things first:
Variety
We've got three options presented to us: Sirius XM, the iPod, and of course FM Radio. When it comes to variety, you can't go wrong with creating your own playlists in your iPod. But then again, how are you supposed to keep up with all the new bands and rappers that come out each and every week? By listening to another freaking Linkin Park song? Nah, you need Sirius XM radio for that. Since I've had XM Radio I've listened to countless channels such as Hits on 1, Alt Nation, Laugh USA, Rawdog, Shade 45, The Blend, and even Rosie O'Donald (hey, I was bored one night). Talk about variety. I have learned about at least 7 or so bands thanks to Alt Nation and also with the exception of the comedy channels, no commercials! Just an occasional what up from the interesting DJ's present. The coolest DJ so far I've heard would be Madison, found on Alt Nation. She's pretty crazy and down to earth. Oh, and uncensored. ;)
As far as FM radio goes, you have commercials and a bunch of the same songs being played over and over and over and over again. If you like all of that, then FM radio is awesome! I also recommend going back to 1982 and sweeting to the oldies.
Accessibility
It used to be that you would have to own a satellite receiver to get any satellite signal in your car or a boombox. But those days are still here.......they just seem outdated. I can listen to Sirius XM on my smartphone at night and in full clarity too. Sure it does us a LOT of data but what do I care, I have unlimited data. If you can afford it, I recommend getting Sirius XM on your phone that way you can plug it into your car stereo and then use it as an iPod replacement for the gym. I know I highly enjoy it. And it's nice to feel like you're connected to the outside world when a DJ does come on and mention current events or when Madison talks about random music news. Half the time I know the news before Madison, but I give her credit for being awesome and mentioning the underground news on bands that deserve the credit.
FM Radio is easy to get but now a days seems restricted to your car. Oh sure you can buy a boombox (I think?) and walk down your block looking like the Fresh Prince blasting Lil Wayne. Or you could put on your big boy/girl pants and whip out the iPod you know you own. That seems to be the trend for the last decade. With the iPod you get uncensored, non-commercialized media that YOU control. That's great to listen to your favorites and to keep them secret to others (yay signature white earbuds!) but if your'e like me, that does get old eventually. Where am I supposed to go to find the underground music or what if the shuffle on my iPod is secretly in love with my secret stash of Jewel songs a little too much? The options tend to turn to satellite radio or numerous blogs and internet radio stations. Speaking of new music and DJ's, check this guy out: Magik Productions (Good DJ and great friend)
Pricing
Alright, let's face it: FM Radio wins! In fact, why both to mention the other two? Free is king in this economy. Granted, free is also restricted in most cases and if you expect FM radio to play the songs YOU want.....you may be very depressed. Unless you love the top 20 stations, you'll get the daily dose of sameness there all day long. But if you wanna listen to unique underground rap songs from people who are just starting out, turn to Shade 45 on Sirius XM. Uncensored and constantly challenging what you expect out of it. It's pretty cool, though ironically Shade 45 is maintained by Eminem and yet I haven't heard a single song by Eminem while I listened to the station. Go figure.
So Sirius XM costs $12.95 a month for a basic plan but if you want Howard Stern (and who does? lol) then you'll be setting yourself back to $16.99 a month. It could seem a bit steep but you have to remember the benefits that satellite radio offers. Granted it's an additional $2.99 a month to get smartphone/internet streaming access as well. Lucky me my dad has XM service so I just give him the extra $2.99 to have the service but for most people the pricing can get high. With no competition now (XM and Sirius are one company now), don't expect the prices to drop anytime soon either.
The iPod choice is simple, a variety of choices and prices are at your disposal. And chances are you already own an iPod or something very similar. Hell, if you have a new smartphone with a large amount of hard drive space, you have an iPod basically. Now if you are way behind the times, I highly suggest getting an iPod Touch or a smartphone because that way you've got a MP3 player and a phone with even more capabilities than your FM Radio. Which usually has the ability to fade in and out between tunnels! An extra feature just for you!
Bottom Line
It's all about preferences when it comes to music. However, times they are a changing, and unfiltered music with a multitude of choices seems like the natural progression. Satellite radio may not be the future of music anytime soon, but that seems to be a barrier to entry simply based on pricing tactics. Once satellite radio is fully realized and distributed to even more devices, we could see FM radio cool down significantly. Either way though, the consumer will either be paying more for no ads, or advertisers are gonna get clever in making an extra buck.
Your iPods will still be safe and sound for years to come, but I see a trend of people moving over to the "cloud" and storing songs off of hard drives and into streaming services. Which would create more cell phones with data packages being available and killing these 160 GB iPods that are so "classic". Soon enough, you could see playlists being replaced with DJ lists and having Sirius XM being your own shuffle of popular and underground music.
Only time will tell.
Alright enough, I gotta get back to listening to Alt Nation.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
My Top 10 Songs of 2010
So another year has come and gone, and what do we have to show for it? Well besides an oil spill, Wikileaks, and Obama signing an appeal to a military law that was way over due for an appeal to begin with, we also have music!
Here's my top 10 songs below. In order to not get repetitive with the artists featured (I've got more than just one song by each artist that I love), each of the 10 songs below will only feature the artist ONCE. So for example: I didn't pick "Love the Way You Lie" by Eminem as one of my top tens because I thought another song off his stellar album "Recovery" deserved the recognition. Doesn't mean I hate "Love the Way You Lie", cause I don't. Just trying to be fair and get the most exposure for the artists.
Now on to the list:
10.
Ra Ra Riot "Too Dramatic"
This rich sounding band utilizes some great instrumentation to what could've been a carbon copy of Vampire Weekend or any other indie band on the scene right now. Instead, whenever I hear Ra Ra Riot, I distinctly know it's them and not some clone of a band. This song struck a chord with me in the lyrics and the pacing of the song.
9.
Sara Bareilles "King of Anything"
She had her first hit single be about love, or so you thought. Now with her 2nd huge chart topping single, "King of Anything", Sara Bareilles proves once more that she can survive on her own and doesn't need the cliche "perfect boyfriend" there to protect her. In fact, I love her sense of confidence in her song writing, it's very refreshing to hear in a female singer.
8.
Sleigh Bells "Rill Rill"
Where did this band come from? Honestly, I don't know. And yet when I went out on a limb and bought their album this past June, I was literally blown away. No really, my car speakers almost blew the hell up. This band is LOUD! However, with all the noise and banging of reverb, you get a sense of art and style like never before from Sleigh Bells. And this song, "Rill Rill", played on Alt Nation this past summer on Sirius XM radio. Ever since then, it's been stuck in my head.
7.
Travie McCoy "Need You"
Katy Perry was the queen of 2010. She had the song of the summer (though "Love the Way You Lie" had more depth IMO) and she has sustained herself through "Teenage Dream" and recently "Fireworks". Hell, she has a freaking Grammy nomination for Album of the Year. But what about her ex boyfriend? Poor Travis...errr....Travie McCoy. This song clearly seems to be about trying to get over their past relationship and start anew with another girl. Sadly, it also lets the new girl know, he needs plenty of time to fully be ready to love again. I love the theme and I love the lyrics to this song out of all of Travie's songs off "Lazarus". Yes, I like "Billionare" but it just didn't seem worthy of being in my top 10.
6.
Vampire Weekend
"Giving Up the Gun"
I heard this song on their newest album, "Contra", before the music video was out. Let me tell you, the music video only adds to the awesomeness of this song. The lyrics are perfect, just flat out beautiful. And the video. Well just watch the video now. Stop reading this.
5.
Motion City Soundtrack "So Long Farewell"
Their newest album, "My Dinosaur Life", is a step up from 2007's "Even If It Kills Me". However, the ironic thing about their newest album happens to be that I keep listening to the B-sides. "Sunny Day" is a B-side that should've NEVER been a B-side. Find that song ASAP if you want a good time. Yet, I had to choose "So Long Farewell" as my pick. It's got beauty and depth toward the lyrics and a bone chilling guitar and piano hook. It might be one of the best examples of how to do a slow, thought provoking song by MCS. As opposed to something like...ohhh...."The Conversation".
4.
My Chemical Romance "Destroya"
The band that made the phenomenal "The Black Parade" is finally back making amazing music again! Granted, their newest album "Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys", isn't the greatest thing since sliced bread, but it gets the job done. This song in particular strikes a major chord with me. I love the energy, the fast metal sound, and the chorus begging to be screamed at the top of your lungs just makes for one damn good MCR song.
3.
Natasha Bedingfield "Strip Me"
While I've been a fan of some of her work, she's not really been on my radar. And if it wasn't for the insane marketing of a little film called "Morning Glory", I doubt I would've known that she has a new album out this year. The album itself wasn't the greatest thing I've heard, but this song is sure to get stuck in your head with a fantastic message for any and everyone. I'm proud she's pushing boundaries and yet keeping her place in pop music at the moment.
2.
Taylor Swift "Mine"
Take away my man card, but please don't take Taylor off the air. Sure, she writes her own songs and yet those songs are almost always about love and heartache, two things that haven't been considered original since Shakespeare's day and age. Yet, Taylor Swift does something I'm always so impressed with: She writes pitch perfect pop-rock-country songs that will reach millions upon millions of people with her lyrics and formulaic hooks. And considering we had a song about owning a damn G6, liking it on the dance floor, and letting everyone know how much cooler a girl thinks she is than me, I say I'm ready for something with a little more creativity and heart. Taylor always delivers. "Mine" is probably her best single to date and certainly helped her sell over a million records of her "Speak Now" album.....in the first week. Hate all you want, this girl is on fire.
1.
Eminem "Talking To Myself"
I've purposely posted the lyrics version of this song above. Please read them. This maybe my favorite Eminem song EVER. It just kills "Love the Way You Lie", "Not Afraid", and even "No Love"....though "No Love" is by far the climax to "Recovery". I can't get over how after having one of the worst albums of 2009, "Relapse", Eminem would come back and dominate rap in his own way. This song should be a single and I'm praying he releases it as such. The lyrics are haunting and 110% honest. "I've turned into a hater, I've put up a false bravado" and
"So I pick up myself off the ground and fuckin swam before I drowned
Hit my bottom so hard I bounce twice suffice this time around
It's different them last two albums didn't count
Encore I was on drugs, Relapse I was flushing em out
I've come up to make it up to you no more fucking around
I've got something to prove to fans I feel like I let em down"
Here's my top 10 songs below. In order to not get repetitive with the artists featured (I've got more than just one song by each artist that I love), each of the 10 songs below will only feature the artist ONCE. So for example: I didn't pick "Love the Way You Lie" by Eminem as one of my top tens because I thought another song off his stellar album "Recovery" deserved the recognition. Doesn't mean I hate "Love the Way You Lie", cause I don't. Just trying to be fair and get the most exposure for the artists.
Now on to the list:
10.
Ra Ra Riot "Too Dramatic"
This rich sounding band utilizes some great instrumentation to what could've been a carbon copy of Vampire Weekend or any other indie band on the scene right now. Instead, whenever I hear Ra Ra Riot, I distinctly know it's them and not some clone of a band. This song struck a chord with me in the lyrics and the pacing of the song.
9.
Sara Bareilles "King of Anything"
She had her first hit single be about love, or so you thought. Now with her 2nd huge chart topping single, "King of Anything", Sara Bareilles proves once more that she can survive on her own and doesn't need the cliche "perfect boyfriend" there to protect her. In fact, I love her sense of confidence in her song writing, it's very refreshing to hear in a female singer.
8.
Sleigh Bells "Rill Rill"
Where did this band come from? Honestly, I don't know. And yet when I went out on a limb and bought their album this past June, I was literally blown away. No really, my car speakers almost blew the hell up. This band is LOUD! However, with all the noise and banging of reverb, you get a sense of art and style like never before from Sleigh Bells. And this song, "Rill Rill", played on Alt Nation this past summer on Sirius XM radio. Ever since then, it's been stuck in my head.
7.
Travie McCoy "Need You"
Katy Perry was the queen of 2010. She had the song of the summer (though "Love the Way You Lie" had more depth IMO) and she has sustained herself through "Teenage Dream" and recently "Fireworks". Hell, she has a freaking Grammy nomination for Album of the Year. But what about her ex boyfriend? Poor Travis...errr....Travie McCoy. This song clearly seems to be about trying to get over their past relationship and start anew with another girl. Sadly, it also lets the new girl know, he needs plenty of time to fully be ready to love again. I love the theme and I love the lyrics to this song out of all of Travie's songs off "Lazarus". Yes, I like "Billionare" but it just didn't seem worthy of being in my top 10.
6.
Vampire Weekend
"Giving Up the Gun"
I heard this song on their newest album, "Contra", before the music video was out. Let me tell you, the music video only adds to the awesomeness of this song. The lyrics are perfect, just flat out beautiful. And the video. Well just watch the video now. Stop reading this.
5.
Motion City Soundtrack "So Long Farewell"
Their newest album, "My Dinosaur Life", is a step up from 2007's "Even If It Kills Me". However, the ironic thing about their newest album happens to be that I keep listening to the B-sides. "Sunny Day" is a B-side that should've NEVER been a B-side. Find that song ASAP if you want a good time. Yet, I had to choose "So Long Farewell" as my pick. It's got beauty and depth toward the lyrics and a bone chilling guitar and piano hook. It might be one of the best examples of how to do a slow, thought provoking song by MCS. As opposed to something like...ohhh...."The Conversation".
4.
My Chemical Romance "Destroya"
The band that made the phenomenal "The Black Parade" is finally back making amazing music again! Granted, their newest album "Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys", isn't the greatest thing since sliced bread, but it gets the job done. This song in particular strikes a major chord with me. I love the energy, the fast metal sound, and the chorus begging to be screamed at the top of your lungs just makes for one damn good MCR song.
3.
Natasha Bedingfield "Strip Me"
While I've been a fan of some of her work, she's not really been on my radar. And if it wasn't for the insane marketing of a little film called "Morning Glory", I doubt I would've known that she has a new album out this year. The album itself wasn't the greatest thing I've heard, but this song is sure to get stuck in your head with a fantastic message for any and everyone. I'm proud she's pushing boundaries and yet keeping her place in pop music at the moment.
2.
Taylor Swift "Mine"
Take away my man card, but please don't take Taylor off the air. Sure, she writes her own songs and yet those songs are almost always about love and heartache, two things that haven't been considered original since Shakespeare's day and age. Yet, Taylor Swift does something I'm always so impressed with: She writes pitch perfect pop-rock-country songs that will reach millions upon millions of people with her lyrics and formulaic hooks. And considering we had a song about owning a damn G6, liking it on the dance floor, and letting everyone know how much cooler a girl thinks she is than me, I say I'm ready for something with a little more creativity and heart. Taylor always delivers. "Mine" is probably her best single to date and certainly helped her sell over a million records of her "Speak Now" album.....in the first week. Hate all you want, this girl is on fire.
1.
Eminem "Talking To Myself"
I've purposely posted the lyrics version of this song above. Please read them. This maybe my favorite Eminem song EVER. It just kills "Love the Way You Lie", "Not Afraid", and even "No Love"....though "No Love" is by far the climax to "Recovery". I can't get over how after having one of the worst albums of 2009, "Relapse", Eminem would come back and dominate rap in his own way. This song should be a single and I'm praying he releases it as such. The lyrics are haunting and 110% honest. "I've turned into a hater, I've put up a false bravado" and
"So I pick up myself off the ground and fuckin swam before I drowned
Hit my bottom so hard I bounce twice suffice this time around
It's different them last two albums didn't count
Encore I was on drugs, Relapse I was flushing em out
I've come up to make it up to you no more fucking around
I've got something to prove to fans I feel like I let em down"
All fans needed to hear was this. Once he did that and announced he's cutting the stupid accents, we got behind him again. "Recovery" happens to also be my 2010 album of the year and with good reason. Eminem put a lot of thought and heart into this album, and there's no shortage of it in any song presented.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
The Best of the Year
2010 has become one of the best years for music. Now I know most people are stuck in their ways, stating that the 60's, 70's, 80's, and 90's were the best of the musical time eras. I'm not going to say that's false, because the music produced during the time was amazing. However, I can't stand people who think that the music produced today isn't of any quality. For every "Like a G6" there can be a brilliant song such as "Runaway" by Kanye West. I'd like to highlight some of my favorite albums and favorite songs of the 2010, because it's getting to be the end of the year soon, and let's face it, these lists always tend to pop up.
Favorite Albums:
This album is the definition of greatness if it's coming from a band whose first album was rather corny and over reaching in most areas. Sure, I loved their debut, "The World As We Know It", because some of the songs were great by themselves. But this new album demands that you listen to it straight through without interruptions. Some clear standouts include the first single, "The Ones That Fall Apart", "Tell Me I'm Wrong", "The Time It Takes to Grow", and "Like Yesterday". The whole album feels like the band rejuvenated themselves and created a tighter knit sound that has maturity but at the same time freedom.
2. Eminem "Recovery"
Last year, in 2009, I had to put his "comeback" CD, "Relapse", on my list of worst CD's. My how things change in just a year. Honestly it was hard to be an Eminem fan when all he ever keeps doing is stupid horror core shock value songs that make fun of his mother, Kim, and other people that don't really need to be made fun of (Christopher Reeve jokes are SO last decade). Imagine my surprise when I popped in the "Recovery" CD in my car this summer and I couldn't stop listening to it. Hell, it's still in my car. Yes this CD is rap. Yes, Eminem is vulgar. But remind yourself this: Eminem is one of the honest lyricists in the business and he will tell you like it is. Which is never more present in "Talking To Myself", where he openly admits to being pathetic and depressed the last few years. He needs to drop the accents ("Not Afraid"), admit his true feelings to Kim ("Going Through Changes"), and just have a good time ("Cinderella Man"). This album showcases how clever Eminem can be through his lyrics and the punchlines just never stop coming (this time they're worth listening to). It's not a perfect album, but damn it it's better than anything we've heard from him in the last decade or so. And that really does amaze me.
3. Jimmy Eat World "Invented"
Jimmy Eat World, for the most part, is able to craft amazing little albums. I'm constantly saddened to hear people refer to them as the band that wrote "The Middle". This band is SO much better than that, and it clearly shows on this album. While "My Best Theory" is an alright single, it's songs such as "Movielike", "Higher Devotion", "Action Needs An Audience" that could easily be singles. The lyrics seem to always hit a certain personal chord with me and the band can get inside your head with lyrics like "If you wanna hurt me baby, stop cause you have." It's quick, honest, and direct, something that I love in bands.
4. B.O.B. "B.o.B. Presents: The Adventures of Bobby Ray"
A rapper who can both rap well AND sing well?! Forget about it. Unless it's B.O.B. aka Bobby Ray. This dude can carry a tune very well and then spit some deep and quick lyrics that sometimes feel like they come out of nowhere. Sure, most of this album his based on his amazement that he's made it in the business (Eminem's on here, so congrats!) or it's about girls, but the dude can certainly can spit something fierce. My personal favorites include: "Fame", "Lovelier Than You", "Magic", and of course "Airplanes Part 2". Simply because Eminem makes that song amazing! And let me not forget to mention that Weezer's frontman Rivers Cuomo takes the chorus in "Magic". Who doesn't love when a rapper crosses genres like that?
5. Kanye West "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy"
Notice which version of the album cover I used. ;) This is Kanye's answer to Pink Floyd's artistic endeavors. This album is Kanye's best album, but it's not perfect. It's damn NEAR perfect. In fact, to make this short and simple, the only wrong with this album is "Runaway"'s 9 minute running time. It could've been shorted to around 6 minutes if Kanye didn't feel the need to repeat the whole song using a vocoder, which simply makes his voice sound like a guitar. An inaudible guitar sound. Luckily, the rest of the album is full of Kanye rapping about man's power struggles, living the life of a dochebag, and wanting the very best in what was promised to us long ago: The American Dream. It would've been perfect if only 3 minutes were shaved off of it. Oh, and "Monster" is just bloody fantastic!
Favorite Songs:
1. "F**k" You" by Cee-Lo Green
I love the mo-town throwback to this song. And Cee-Lo Green is just a vocal master in each and every song he's featured in. His album I've heard, is just as amazing.
2. "Stand Too Close" by Motion City Soundtrack
I didn't put their album "My Dinosaur Life" up on my favorite albums above (it is one of them regardless), but this is easily one of my favorite songs by them ever. It's got some of my favorite lyrics by the band and it blends a great acoustic song with a hard rocking song toward the end.
3. "Needing/Getting" by OK GO
Who knew OK GO would keep their musical structure intact after all those clever music videos? I love the lyric "I've been hoping for months, hoping for years, hoping I might forget, Aw, but it don't get much dumber, it don't get much dumber, than trying to forget, a girl when you love her". Perfect phrase right there!
4. "I Should Have Known It" by Tom Petty
It's a new Tom Petty song with a new Tom Petty album. And the album is called "Mojo". What a pleasant surprise. I have a challenge for you. Find a bad Tom Petty song. Good luck. Cause even when he changes the style up to a more blues-type of rock song, he still nails it consistently. It's getting hard out there for others to even compete with him. Maybe that's because they can't.
5. "Back to December" by Taylor Swift
I have a very soft spot for Taylor. She's perfect in many people's eyes (however that's not true, just listen to "Mean" off her new album). But this song speaks volumes to me personally and you can tell that Taylor feels sorry for what she's done to this poor boy. And it's a first time that Taylor has actually said she's sorry in one of her songs, instead of blasting the poor boys to death.
Favorite Albums:
- The Morning Of "The Way I Fell In"
2. Eminem "Recovery"
Last year, in 2009, I had to put his "comeback" CD, "Relapse", on my list of worst CD's. My how things change in just a year. Honestly it was hard to be an Eminem fan when all he ever keeps doing is stupid horror core shock value songs that make fun of his mother, Kim, and other people that don't really need to be made fun of (Christopher Reeve jokes are SO last decade). Imagine my surprise when I popped in the "Recovery" CD in my car this summer and I couldn't stop listening to it. Hell, it's still in my car. Yes this CD is rap. Yes, Eminem is vulgar. But remind yourself this: Eminem is one of the honest lyricists in the business and he will tell you like it is. Which is never more present in "Talking To Myself", where he openly admits to being pathetic and depressed the last few years. He needs to drop the accents ("Not Afraid"), admit his true feelings to Kim ("Going Through Changes"), and just have a good time ("Cinderella Man"). This album showcases how clever Eminem can be through his lyrics and the punchlines just never stop coming (this time they're worth listening to). It's not a perfect album, but damn it it's better than anything we've heard from him in the last decade or so. And that really does amaze me.
3. Jimmy Eat World "Invented"
Jimmy Eat World, for the most part, is able to craft amazing little albums. I'm constantly saddened to hear people refer to them as the band that wrote "The Middle". This band is SO much better than that, and it clearly shows on this album. While "My Best Theory" is an alright single, it's songs such as "Movielike", "Higher Devotion", "Action Needs An Audience" that could easily be singles. The lyrics seem to always hit a certain personal chord with me and the band can get inside your head with lyrics like "If you wanna hurt me baby, stop cause you have." It's quick, honest, and direct, something that I love in bands.
4. B.O.B. "B.o.B. Presents: The Adventures of Bobby Ray"
A rapper who can both rap well AND sing well?! Forget about it. Unless it's B.O.B. aka Bobby Ray. This dude can carry a tune very well and then spit some deep and quick lyrics that sometimes feel like they come out of nowhere. Sure, most of this album his based on his amazement that he's made it in the business (Eminem's on here, so congrats!) or it's about girls, but the dude can certainly can spit something fierce. My personal favorites include: "Fame", "Lovelier Than You", "Magic", and of course "Airplanes Part 2". Simply because Eminem makes that song amazing! And let me not forget to mention that Weezer's frontman Rivers Cuomo takes the chorus in "Magic". Who doesn't love when a rapper crosses genres like that?
5. Kanye West "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy"
Notice which version of the album cover I used. ;) This is Kanye's answer to Pink Floyd's artistic endeavors. This album is Kanye's best album, but it's not perfect. It's damn NEAR perfect. In fact, to make this short and simple, the only wrong with this album is "Runaway"'s 9 minute running time. It could've been shorted to around 6 minutes if Kanye didn't feel the need to repeat the whole song using a vocoder, which simply makes his voice sound like a guitar. An inaudible guitar sound. Luckily, the rest of the album is full of Kanye rapping about man's power struggles, living the life of a dochebag, and wanting the very best in what was promised to us long ago: The American Dream. It would've been perfect if only 3 minutes were shaved off of it. Oh, and "Monster" is just bloody fantastic!
Favorite Songs:
1. "F**k" You" by Cee-Lo Green
I love the mo-town throwback to this song. And Cee-Lo Green is just a vocal master in each and every song he's featured in. His album I've heard, is just as amazing.
2. "Stand Too Close" by Motion City Soundtrack
I didn't put their album "My Dinosaur Life" up on my favorite albums above (it is one of them regardless), but this is easily one of my favorite songs by them ever. It's got some of my favorite lyrics by the band and it blends a great acoustic song with a hard rocking song toward the end.
3. "Needing/Getting" by OK GO
Who knew OK GO would keep their musical structure intact after all those clever music videos? I love the lyric "I've been hoping for months, hoping for years, hoping I might forget, Aw, but it don't get much dumber, it don't get much dumber, than trying to forget, a girl when you love her". Perfect phrase right there!
4. "I Should Have Known It" by Tom Petty
It's a new Tom Petty song with a new Tom Petty album. And the album is called "Mojo". What a pleasant surprise. I have a challenge for you. Find a bad Tom Petty song. Good luck. Cause even when he changes the style up to a more blues-type of rock song, he still nails it consistently. It's getting hard out there for others to even compete with him. Maybe that's because they can't.
5. "Back to December" by Taylor Swift
I have a very soft spot for Taylor. She's perfect in many people's eyes (however that's not true, just listen to "Mean" off her new album). But this song speaks volumes to me personally and you can tell that Taylor feels sorry for what she's done to this poor boy. And it's a first time that Taylor has actually said she's sorry in one of her songs, instead of blasting the poor boys to death.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Album Review: Weezer's Pinkerton Deluxe Edition
What makes Weezer so loved? Well before you answer that, why don't you answer me why Weezer is so often hated now a days? It could be because their last two albums were entitled "Hurley" and "Raditude". It could be because a newer song of theirs, "Can't Stop Partying", featured the likes of Lil Wayne rapping in between a verse and the chorus. Or maybe the fact that for every CD the band tends to put out (what is it, 2 CDs every 6 months?) they still keep experimenting between sounds. No matter how many songs they release they will always have a "Weezer-ish" sound going for them, but there had to be a reason why everyone loved them to begin with.
Weezer started their career in 1994 with their self-titled debut album, also known as "The Blue Album". With their crazy style and grudge alt-rock sound, they shot up to the charts with songs like "Buddy Holly", "Undone the Sweater Song", and "Say It Ain't So". After that the band quickly got back in the studio to begin work on what would surly be more of the same material, to continue a blue album-type formula for their entire career.
Or not.
There's plenty of back story to Pinkerton but I simply don't want to bore you with the details. Of course if you're interested in purchasing the Deluxe Edition of this superior album, then I suppose you know a little bit of what you're getting yourself into. Long story made short, Weezer's Rivers Cuomo went to Harvard after the success of "The Blue Album" and had a procedure done to his knee. Turns out one knee was shorter than the other and hindered his ability to run and play his first love, soccer. You can imagine Cuomo holed up in Harvard during the cold winter months of 1995, having crunches help him to classes when he needed them.
The worst part of going to Harvard, besides the fact that it's a rough school, was the fact that poor Rivers didn't get any recognition from any of the girls there. I guess they never saw the amazing "Buddy Holly" music video or heard "Say It Ain't So" a thousand times on the radio that past summer. Nobody cared about Rivers and he was to say the least, really freaken bummed. What does depression and loneliness do to you? It makes you write amazing deep, honest songs!
So in the spring of 1996, Rivers presented the songs he'd written to his band, to which they then prescribed him some Prozac and they all wrote "Island in the Sun" and became famous once again! Ok kidding, they wrote Pinkerton. And this deluxe edition does not disappoint. It's all here, the original album, re-mastered, from the first track "Tired of Sex" to the beautiful acoustic ending of "Butterfly". Rivers and gang pours their hearts out on this album and it certainly shows.
"Getchoo" is probably my least favorite track on Pinkerton but that's just because the lyrics are slightly weak compared to the rest of the lyrical content here. That might be because right after "Getchoo" is "No Other One" and "Why Bother?". They're two quick and honest songs describing how Cuomo can't get over one particular person and yet he knows that at the end of all of this, he'll only get his heart broken by them. "Maybe we can even get together, maybe you could break my heart next summer" is a fantastic line sung in "Why Bother?" that speaks volumes on how Cuomo feels towards relationships and the girls he picks.
The true highlight of the album and Weezer's career comes next, with "Across the Sea". A Japanese fan letter reached Rivers in the late summer of 1995, requesting a song written for her. Rivers was so touched by the nature of the letter and the fact that somebody actually knows him, that he writes a fantastic and kind of too-honest-to-be-shared song about her. Lyrics like, "I wonder how you touch yourself at night" could of course freak people out, but the fact remains he's simply expressing his true feelings of frustration toward the opposite sex and how he can never seem to get love. Whether it's because the girl lives in Japan or turns out to be a lesbian (as is the case in "Pink Triangle"), poor Rivers can't seem to catch a break in this album.
First single, "El Scorcho", is a standout track if only to let the listener realize how Rivers gets his feelings out on music. "How stupid is it? I can't talk about it. I gotta sing about it, and make a record oh..." is some of my faovrite lyrics from Pinkerton. He always seems to be self-aware of his situation and utitlizes that awareness to a great, honest, and poignant level. Just look at the last song on the record, "Butterfly" to see those qualities shine. The second single, "The Good Life" (video below), was the only real catchy song that tried to show Rivers pain and frustration with some humor thrown in.
But enough about the original album, lets talk about the Deluxe Edition. Granted a lot of the orginal tracks have live versions from either reading festivals or radio performances, but they can be interesting some situations. Personally, while I can't believe all of the editing used to create a "radio mix" of "The Good Life" or "El Scorcho", it's nice to have those versions in there for purists. Still, if you do happen to listen to the 2 discs in order, you're going to hear some songs 5 times in different variations. Which can certainly make you go a little crazy.
We get "You Won't Get With Me Tonight" to start off with. This, like many of the B-sides, are from Cuomo's failed attempt at writing and releasing what would have been Weezer's 2nd album, Songs From the Black Hole. It's a great little song that has the Jonas and Maria characters fully intact. "Long Time Sunshine" was supposed to have closed the original album out but they opted for "Butterfly", which I think was a great choice, however "Sunshine" has enough steam and power to really sustain itself. "Getting Up and Leaving" is really a lyrical powerhouse of talking about memories and getting back to what feels good. It's just like Weezer's newest songs, "Memories"! Yeah.......huge stretch eh?
But amoung all the extras we do get here, including a funny 90 second interview in which Rivers explains the differences between their 1st and 2nd albums, nothing compares to "Tragic Girl". Without a doubt I am very pissed this track was recorded and then cast aside for 14 years. What the hell was Weezer thinking?! I honestly believe this is the kind of song that could've easily fit and made Pinkerton an 11 track masterpiece (it already is, but hey, if you can add another track in there and not screw up the formula, more power to you). I won't ruin the song for you, but lyrical content and the way Rivers sings is just the icing on the cake. I simply adore this song and can't reccommend it any more.
Overall, this Deluxe version is for the fans. The die hard fans that need a new Weezer song that doesn't just disappoint over and over will be thrilled for this release. If you've never heard Pinkerton, this is a fantastic chance to get even more than you bargained for in a CD. However I highly reccommend listening to the original album a few times before delving into the bonus tracks and alternative takes. There's no reason not to get excited about one of the best albums of the 90's than to listen to it in all of it's glory, B-sides, interviews, and live tracks combined.
Weezer started their career in 1994 with their self-titled debut album, also known as "The Blue Album". With their crazy style and grudge alt-rock sound, they shot up to the charts with songs like "Buddy Holly", "Undone the Sweater Song", and "Say It Ain't So". After that the band quickly got back in the studio to begin work on what would surly be more of the same material, to continue a blue album-type formula for their entire career.
Or not.
There's plenty of back story to Pinkerton but I simply don't want to bore you with the details. Of course if you're interested in purchasing the Deluxe Edition of this superior album, then I suppose you know a little bit of what you're getting yourself into. Long story made short, Weezer's Rivers Cuomo went to Harvard after the success of "The Blue Album" and had a procedure done to his knee. Turns out one knee was shorter than the other and hindered his ability to run and play his first love, soccer. You can imagine Cuomo holed up in Harvard during the cold winter months of 1995, having crunches help him to classes when he needed them.
The worst part of going to Harvard, besides the fact that it's a rough school, was the fact that poor Rivers didn't get any recognition from any of the girls there. I guess they never saw the amazing "Buddy Holly" music video or heard "Say It Ain't So" a thousand times on the radio that past summer. Nobody cared about Rivers and he was to say the least, really freaken bummed. What does depression and loneliness do to you? It makes you write amazing deep, honest songs!
So in the spring of 1996, Rivers presented the songs he'd written to his band, to which they then prescribed him some Prozac and they all wrote "Island in the Sun" and became famous once again! Ok kidding, they wrote Pinkerton. And this deluxe edition does not disappoint. It's all here, the original album, re-mastered, from the first track "Tired of Sex" to the beautiful acoustic ending of "Butterfly". Rivers and gang pours their hearts out on this album and it certainly shows.
"Getchoo" is probably my least favorite track on Pinkerton but that's just because the lyrics are slightly weak compared to the rest of the lyrical content here. That might be because right after "Getchoo" is "No Other One" and "Why Bother?". They're two quick and honest songs describing how Cuomo can't get over one particular person and yet he knows that at the end of all of this, he'll only get his heart broken by them. "Maybe we can even get together, maybe you could break my heart next summer" is a fantastic line sung in "Why Bother?" that speaks volumes on how Cuomo feels towards relationships and the girls he picks.
The true highlight of the album and Weezer's career comes next, with "Across the Sea". A Japanese fan letter reached Rivers in the late summer of 1995, requesting a song written for her. Rivers was so touched by the nature of the letter and the fact that somebody actually knows him, that he writes a fantastic and kind of too-honest-to-be-shared song about her. Lyrics like, "I wonder how you touch yourself at night" could of course freak people out, but the fact remains he's simply expressing his true feelings of frustration toward the opposite sex and how he can never seem to get love. Whether it's because the girl lives in Japan or turns out to be a lesbian (as is the case in "Pink Triangle"), poor Rivers can't seem to catch a break in this album.
First single, "El Scorcho", is a standout track if only to let the listener realize how Rivers gets his feelings out on music. "How stupid is it? I can't talk about it. I gotta sing about it, and make a record oh..." is some of my faovrite lyrics from Pinkerton. He always seems to be self-aware of his situation and utitlizes that awareness to a great, honest, and poignant level. Just look at the last song on the record, "Butterfly" to see those qualities shine. The second single, "The Good Life" (video below), was the only real catchy song that tried to show Rivers pain and frustration with some humor thrown in.
But enough about the original album, lets talk about the Deluxe Edition. Granted a lot of the orginal tracks have live versions from either reading festivals or radio performances, but they can be interesting some situations. Personally, while I can't believe all of the editing used to create a "radio mix" of "The Good Life" or "El Scorcho", it's nice to have those versions in there for purists. Still, if you do happen to listen to the 2 discs in order, you're going to hear some songs 5 times in different variations. Which can certainly make you go a little crazy.
We get "You Won't Get With Me Tonight" to start off with. This, like many of the B-sides, are from Cuomo's failed attempt at writing and releasing what would have been Weezer's 2nd album, Songs From the Black Hole. It's a great little song that has the Jonas and Maria characters fully intact. "Long Time Sunshine" was supposed to have closed the original album out but they opted for "Butterfly", which I think was a great choice, however "Sunshine" has enough steam and power to really sustain itself. "Getting Up and Leaving" is really a lyrical powerhouse of talking about memories and getting back to what feels good. It's just like Weezer's newest songs, "Memories"! Yeah.......huge stretch eh?
But amoung all the extras we do get here, including a funny 90 second interview in which Rivers explains the differences between their 1st and 2nd albums, nothing compares to "Tragic Girl". Without a doubt I am very pissed this track was recorded and then cast aside for 14 years. What the hell was Weezer thinking?! I honestly believe this is the kind of song that could've easily fit and made Pinkerton an 11 track masterpiece (it already is, but hey, if you can add another track in there and not screw up the formula, more power to you). I won't ruin the song for you, but lyrical content and the way Rivers sings is just the icing on the cake. I simply adore this song and can't reccommend it any more.
Overall, this Deluxe version is for the fans. The die hard fans that need a new Weezer song that doesn't just disappoint over and over will be thrilled for this release. If you've never heard Pinkerton, this is a fantastic chance to get even more than you bargained for in a CD. However I highly reccommend listening to the original album a few times before delving into the bonus tracks and alternative takes. There's no reason not to get excited about one of the best albums of the 90's than to listen to it in all of it's glory, B-sides, interviews, and live tracks combined.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Our Kind of Music
I can hardly believe 2010 is coming closer and closer toward the end. We have been in a new decade for a year now and what do we have to show for it? Well apparently we have auto-tune club jams and crazy genre bending rock music that sounds just as spacey as a soundtrack to 2001: A Space Oddesy.
Every decade for the last 7 or 8 decades have had a rather significant sound in the musical landscape. Starting from the 1920's with tapping and swinging beats to the 1990's with its grunge rock and teeny bopper pop sounds. Most satelite radio channels have stations dedicated to each and every decade of musical styles. My personal favorite is the 90's but I know how people are with the "classic" stages of music, aka the 60's, 70's and 80's. Lord forbid anyone listen to anything past 1989. ;)
Despite all of these distinctions in the different musical styles, it appears that since the early 2000's, our culture is slowly fading away from these distinctions. What can we truly call the 2000's? What does a song from 2006 really sound like? Uh, good question! I can say that club jams and rap music certainly have advanced in the last decade, almost filtering into any genre imaginable. While I love crossing genres (it's impressive), it can also grow tiring when every song you listen to sounds the same.
Case in point: Every new Usher song sounds just like every Lady Ga Ga song mixed with the new form of Enrique Iglesias's songs. When I hear a song like "Like a G6" by the Far East Movement on radio today, I have no idea who that artist truly is. I half expect Pitbull, the pathetic 30 second spot rapper, to bust in and annoy me with pointless lyrics. I realize that we're only a year into the new decade but so far I see no one new coming in to really push the envelope and create a distinction between what we've heard and what we're going to hear from now on.
One of my favorite genres, alternative rock, had a huge climax in the middle of the last decade thanks in large part to Fall Out Boy, Panic! At the Disco, and even Yellowcard for a while. The sound for each of those bands was distinct yet familiar and bridged a dynamic that people either loved or hated. But a dynamic that is slowly fading into nothing today. Two of those bands (P!ATD and Yellowcard) are set to return in 2011 with new albums and I'm interested to see if they'll keep their older sound or try to break ground on something new and unique. It's always a changing landscape in music but recently it seems to be changing into one central sound. And that sound is dull club beats or electronica rock.
Another grand example of a band trying to sound like themselves but switching to a more stylized, slick club-sound is Good Charlotte. They used to be a bit more punk and a whole lot less pop. Their transition started on their last album but if you've heard their newest single "Like It's Her Birthday" you can easily tell this band loves catchy choruses and high production values. Is that wrong? Of course not. It's them being apart of the culture of today, but it saddens me that few people today try and push toward something different.
It's not like all bands "conform" to what's popular today. Look at Radiohead. It would appear they don't conform but actually set the bar where it needs to be in regards to what is musical art these days. Their last album "In Rainbows" was something to behold and it was rather unique in 2007 compared to dumb techno beats that still surround the radio. I'm not saying this band is the key to saving music, hell no. But I am stating that Radiohead isn't afraid of trying something new on every album and sometimes I get the feeling in this next decade, the only thing new we'll be hearing is an increase in even more auto-tuned songs.
Every decade for the last 7 or 8 decades have had a rather significant sound in the musical landscape. Starting from the 1920's with tapping and swinging beats to the 1990's with its grunge rock and teeny bopper pop sounds. Most satelite radio channels have stations dedicated to each and every decade of musical styles. My personal favorite is the 90's but I know how people are with the "classic" stages of music, aka the 60's, 70's and 80's. Lord forbid anyone listen to anything past 1989. ;)
Despite all of these distinctions in the different musical styles, it appears that since the early 2000's, our culture is slowly fading away from these distinctions. What can we truly call the 2000's? What does a song from 2006 really sound like? Uh, good question! I can say that club jams and rap music certainly have advanced in the last decade, almost filtering into any genre imaginable. While I love crossing genres (it's impressive), it can also grow tiring when every song you listen to sounds the same.
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Case in point: Every new Usher song sounds just like every Lady Ga Ga song mixed with the new form of Enrique Iglesias's songs. When I hear a song like "Like a G6" by the Far East Movement on radio today, I have no idea who that artist truly is. I half expect Pitbull, the pathetic 30 second spot rapper, to bust in and annoy me with pointless lyrics. I realize that we're only a year into the new decade but so far I see no one new coming in to really push the envelope and create a distinction between what we've heard and what we're going to hear from now on.
One of my favorite genres, alternative rock, had a huge climax in the middle of the last decade thanks in large part to Fall Out Boy, Panic! At the Disco, and even Yellowcard for a while. The sound for each of those bands was distinct yet familiar and bridged a dynamic that people either loved or hated. But a dynamic that is slowly fading into nothing today. Two of those bands (P!ATD and Yellowcard) are set to return in 2011 with new albums and I'm interested to see if they'll keep their older sound or try to break ground on something new and unique. It's always a changing landscape in music but recently it seems to be changing into one central sound. And that sound is dull club beats or electronica rock.
Another grand example of a band trying to sound like themselves but switching to a more stylized, slick club-sound is Good Charlotte. They used to be a bit more punk and a whole lot less pop. Their transition started on their last album but if you've heard their newest single "Like It's Her Birthday" you can easily tell this band loves catchy choruses and high production values. Is that wrong? Of course not. It's them being apart of the culture of today, but it saddens me that few people today try and push toward something different.
It's not like all bands "conform" to what's popular today. Look at Radiohead. It would appear they don't conform but actually set the bar where it needs to be in regards to what is musical art these days. Their last album "In Rainbows" was something to behold and it was rather unique in 2007 compared to dumb techno beats that still surround the radio. I'm not saying this band is the key to saving music, hell no. But I am stating that Radiohead isn't afraid of trying something new on every album and sometimes I get the feeling in this next decade, the only thing new we'll be hearing is an increase in even more auto-tuned songs.
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