2/28/09

Today was a good day, because I fell for At The Drive In. This song, Invalid Litter Dept., in particular.



I really like the guitar parts, and the harmony on "dancing on the corpse's ashes" which is a creepy/beautiful line. I used to be really annoyed by the vocalist in this band, but then I started listening to the instrumental parts and really liked it. I suppose, part of learning love songs, it's not always in the lyrics. Emotion and feel is just as essential to every little chosen note behind it, not just every word.

I think back to a lot of the bands from just a few short years ago that no one cares about now--no one wants to read or write about them, no one wants to buy their records. Not saying that these guys are like that--I have no idea where they stand in the structure of rock-band importance--but I think these guys are legit talented and write melodic and moving riffs, and still all bands are just lumped together even if they suck.

Part of this train of thought comes from seeing/hearing about lots of new and upcoming acts. People create buzz about if it sounds "cool", "sellable" and indie rock enough. The whole thing is ridiculous, because so many bands who don't deserve to have tours and reviews in Spin can get them.

Whatever. I'm just bitter, not because I'm a failed musician (I'm not) but just because most music I read about or listen to is fucking cheap and not moving or artistic at all.

Also---Monday I saw Jimmy Eat World play Clarity for their 10th anniversary tour. They played so fucking unbelievably well, and those songs are all amazing. Best concert I've ever been to, not for a second was it lacking. They're fucking professionals. A surprising number of bands aren't--well, it's surprising to me at least.

Anyway, listen to that At The Drive In song, it's a good one.

2/19/09

Now THIS is a "super"group I never would have pieced together. I say "super" because I do not at all like the idea of James Iha working with Taylor Hanson in any serious capacity. I still haven't forgiven the 90s for Hanson. In fact, I've been getting to know the 90s in a whole new way lately from listening to Year of the Rabbit.

New group, called Tinted Windows, will be debuting at SXSW in just a few weeks. Members include Iha, Hanson, Cheap Trick drummer Bun E. Carlos and Fountains of Wayne bassist Adam Schlesinger.

Fuck them though, to debut at SXSW.See here for more.

Anyway, I used to think the Smashing Pumpkins were gods of rock and roll, but in the past few years that image has just been slaughtered--mostly due to Zeitgeist and Billy Corgan being a weirdo and living with Courtney Love. But turns out, like many famous, talented musicians, they're all just a bunch of big-headed, dick-headed fucks. Jimmy Chamberlain is the only one who still jives.

Working at a publicity company is slowly taking the mystery and sweetness and magic out of the music industry. Now it just feels like a spiderweb of opinions and money and power pulls in every direction. Still fun, just a different kind of fun.

2/11/09

We're all going to be slaves to electro-pop. Seriously, everyone's after it right now. I like bands... this song got stuck in my head yesterday though. The video is message-filled and awesome and creepy and cool, and I love the power in the lyrics. Just speaking to how people literally pour the guts out, for what, exactly?



I can say I hope it will be worth what I give up
If I could stand up mean for the things that I believe
--Santogold, L.E.S. Artistes
Santogold

2/9/09...

This song came on at the right time today...and that is my favorite. Random song, right time to hear it.

I have no audio on my computer at work, so hopefully this sounds alright.

2/8/09

This song, as well as many others by The Dear Hunter, is a great example of a song that goes somewhere. So many moments, movements and themes. Massive strength in songwriting.