Cool Song

Sorry for the shortness as of late. A few long days followed by tired nights. You know how it is.

My friend sent me this today, and it's awesome, and NOT entirely cause it reminds me of Bjork. Thanks, Morgan.

Also if you don't listen to Bjork, what kind of person are you?

Best Music Video Ever. I speak primarily in hyperbole.

The Many Faces of Rob Thomas

I feel like this video and the title speak for themselves.

My favorite Rob Thomas face is the German Porn Star (when he's holding the accordion!) What's yours?

Another Kanye Post

Today my friend sent me this awesome article from Pitchfork that details Bon Iver's work on the new Kanye West album. Let that sink in. Bon Iver is on the new Kanye West album. Also, he hung out with Rick Ross!

Here's the link to the interview. I'm tired but will put more up tomorrow.

Ladies and Gentlemen We Are Floating in Space

... by the band Spiritualized is one of the best albums ever released.

It was written around the time that the band's singer/songwriter J. Spaceman broke up with the band's keyboardist Kate Radley, after she secretly married Richard Ashcroft of the Verve. J. Spaceman more or less drowned himself in cocaine and heroin, and the songs reflect it. Although I doubt it was entirely intentional, it serves as a concept album about their breakup and his drive into addiction. The songs are fairly straightforward but incredibly well written.

Key tracks: "Come Together" "I Think I'm In Love"

New Kanye Track

Tonight Kanye West posted a new song off his still-untitled album due out in November, and if you want to listen to it/download it, click here. As those of you who have heard this/already clicked the link know, Beyonce guests on this track. It's not bad, but I don't love it like I do Jesus Walks or Flashing Lights. When it first started playing I thought it was a mistake, in fact. After a few listens I think this is something I'll probably keep listening to this summer, and probably long afterwards, but I don't know... it's just not as good as I expected from this partnership. It's no Umbrella, I guess.

I did really like the part at the end where he says "Imma let you finish but I got Beyonce on the track." 

Review Day

I know these albums came out a week or two ago, but I didn't have this blog then. Also, I apologize if these are somewhat incomprehensible. I'm tired and sometimes things that make sense to me don't really work for anyone else. Also I haven't written a ton of reviews and am still finding my own voice here. Either way, click on the links and listen to the music or I will fight you.

The Suburbs - Arcade Fire

It's pretty safe to say I was gonna love this album no matter what. I have a hard time believing Arcade Fire can do any wrong. There's something about Win Butler's voice that makes me feel whatever it is he feels like I am experiencing it myself, and Regine Chassagne sounds like an angel, even when she screams.One thing that did surprise me is, though I expected it to sound different, there was a surprising amount of synth on Ready to Start. That threw me for a loop and almost gave that song a bizarre '80's vibe that was the last thing I expected from them. My only complaint is one or two tracks run a little longer than I'd like them to.

Since I grabbed this album a week or so ago, I haven't been able to listen to much else. I imagine this will get as much play as their previous work in the near future, which is a lot.
9.5/10

Recommended Listening: "Suburban War" "Rococo"

King of the Beach - WaVVes

I went into this one unfamiliar with the artists' previous work and had heard minor comparisons to Green Day and the Descendants, so I think I was expecting something a bit different. That being said, once I got used to what was happening I really started to dig it. Took me till track five (Baseball Cards) but I can dig it. You can definitely tell it's Jay Reatard's (RIP) old backing band, and that's definitely not a bad thing. Post Acid came across as surprisingly poppy to me, and I gotta say I enjoyed it. It finally started to remind me of Green Day around track eight (Idiot) and in the good way.

Overall, I'll be checking out his back catalog most likely, but I don't know for sure if I'll be listening to this a lot a few months from now.

8/10

Recommended Tracks: "Green Eyes" "Baseball Cards"

 
 

Summer Songs

Seems like every summer, there tends to be a song that really fits the feel of the entire thing. At least I've kind of found that to be true for the last eleven years. Usually it's not a song released that summer, though sometimes it is. Here's my eleven year archive:

2000: Mayonaise - Smashing Pumpkins

In junior high I was obsessed with Smashing Pumpkins. This particular summer I only really listened to Siamese Dream and Core by Stone Temple Pilots. This is the song that best represents that summer in my mind for sure.

2001: El Scorcho - Weezer

This was the summer I finally bought Pinkerton and my life was never the same. High school wasn't so bad, suddenly. I'm able to overlook Weezer's present sins simply because of this album.


2002: Die, All Right - The Hives

I love The Hives, and this song is fun no matter how often I listen to it. Howlin' Pelle is an amazing frontman and not to be trifled with. They better release a new album soon.

2003: Ball and Biscuit- The White Stripes

2003 was the year of Elephant, and I stand by this song as its best track. I'll even say it's the best thing Jack White's even written. This song makes me want to be a better guitarist.

2004: Into the White - Pixies

I was on a huge Pixies kick this summer after having watched Fight Club five times within a month. I do not regret that decision.

2005: The Last Polka - Ben Folds Five

I was in a toxic relationship at the time, and I felt like my world was crumbling around me. I could relate to this song. Also it's fun to sing at the top of your lungs.

2006: Jack the Lion - Harvey Danger


This song is incredibly fun. I finally listened to this entire album this summer and fell in love with it. Still can't understand how these guys weren't huge.

2007: Universally Speaking - Red Hot Chili Peppers

This was the soundtrack for me finally being on my own. Finally being in a different state from my family, finally paying my own way. Great song.

2008: New York I Love You But You're Bringing Me Down - LCD Soundsystem

This song sold me on LCD Soundsystem and put me on a path that led to much better music. Amazing song and video. I swear my friends and I had this same concept for a music video for this song completely independently of this video.

2009: Happiness - Elliott Smith

I don't want to remember a ton about last summer, but I do remember listening to this almost nonstop for days. Still love the chorus at the end.

2010: Through the Roof 'N' Underground - Gogol Bordello

Guess that brings us up to now. Not much to say about this song except sometimes the only way to go is through the roof, and sometimes you gotta go underground.