Wednesday, August 27, 2003
Julian looks more attractive then Nick*, which is big because that hasn't happened for awhile. Oh yeah. And the new Strokes album is coming out.
*Note:Nick looks like Kevin Richardson from the Backstreet Boys because of his strong jaw and lanky figure.
*Note:Nick looks like Kevin Richardson from the Backstreet Boys because of his strong jaw and lanky figure.
Saturday, August 23, 2003
My Top 5 Reasons in No Particular Order Why, Contrary to Sarah’s* Belief, Radiohead is Not Like Coldplay Except Without a Strong Piano, Because the Only Comparable Thing They Really Have is Pretty Music and Similar Vocal Styles:
1. Radiohead very rarely has a song that follows the typical rock structure, which includes a chorus.
2. Radiohead’s music also includes elements of “electronica.” At least that's what they said at Borders. (see below)
3. In addition to playing the piano/guitar and singing, Thom Yorke also plays the laptop. Chris Martin doesn’t play the laptop. Neither do any other members of Coldplay.
4. The name “Coldplay” has two syllables, while the name “Radiohead” has four.
5. Radiohead’s music doesn’t always make sense. My mom and I had a long conversation last night about how the hell Radiohead can write such spectacular and far out music. The creepiest thing in the world is listening to Radiohead when you’re really stressed out and have increased hearing. Their music goes places you’d never expect music to go. Not to say that Coldplay isn’t spectacular as well, because they are.
*Note: I still love you Sarah!
1. Radiohead very rarely has a song that follows the typical rock structure, which includes a chorus.
2. Radiohead’s music also includes elements of “electronica.” At least that's what they said at Borders. (see below)
3. In addition to playing the piano/guitar and singing, Thom Yorke also plays the laptop. Chris Martin doesn’t play the laptop. Neither do any other members of Coldplay.
4. The name “Coldplay” has two syllables, while the name “Radiohead” has four.
5. Radiohead’s music doesn’t always make sense. My mom and I had a long conversation last night about how the hell Radiohead can write such spectacular and far out music. The creepiest thing in the world is listening to Radiohead when you’re really stressed out and have increased hearing. Their music goes places you’d never expect music to go. Not to say that Coldplay isn’t spectacular as well, because they are.
*Note: I still love you Sarah!
Wednesday, August 06, 2003
What albums have I bought in the last few months?
1. The Moldy Peaches
It has been said that the Moldy Peaches are great because they're awful. At first glance, it appears that statement appears to be true. They seem like a group of people that can't actually play their instruments in a set key thrown together for laughs. But even though notes are not only sung and missed but attempted again and their lyrics seem nonsensical, upon further listening you start to notice how catchy the melodies are and that the lyrics are quite insightful, as well as being hilarious in their own sort of way.
2. Grand Mal: Bad Timing
Perhaps it's a coincidence that this album is called "Bad Timing." Well, not bad timing exactly. Just bad vocals. A lot of whining. The music is good thought. I just don't approve of the vocals. They drone. A lot. I wouldn't recommend buying this unless you have a high tolerence for little kids whining and moaning over a catchy melody. Because that's what it sounds like.
3. Coldplay: Rush of Blood to the Head
I absolutely love this album. Except for "Clocks." That song is kind of annoying.
Anyway, I bought this partly because I saw the music video for "The Scientist" on VH1 and loved it and partly because I wanted to spite Alex. And I'm really glad I did. I love the soothing-ness of the piano After listening to the entire album I'd have to say that Coldplay are among the best songwriters of my time.
4. Judah Johnson: Kisses and Interrogation
This is a local Detroit band. You should go to all of their shows because they rock in a calm sort of way. Remember to visit their website and buy their CD because they need money to pay their rent.
Ok. Well that's setteled then.
Anyway, their album is interesting. It really has fun piano parts, especially on "Great Humanitarian." They're calming and adventerous and you can listen to the album straight through except for track one. Just skip over track one. I don't understand it. It doesn't seem like a real song.
1. The Moldy Peaches
It has been said that the Moldy Peaches are great because they're awful. At first glance, it appears that statement appears to be true. They seem like a group of people that can't actually play their instruments in a set key thrown together for laughs. But even though notes are not only sung and missed but attempted again and their lyrics seem nonsensical, upon further listening you start to notice how catchy the melodies are and that the lyrics are quite insightful, as well as being hilarious in their own sort of way.
2. Grand Mal: Bad Timing
Perhaps it's a coincidence that this album is called "Bad Timing." Well, not bad timing exactly. Just bad vocals. A lot of whining. The music is good thought. I just don't approve of the vocals. They drone. A lot. I wouldn't recommend buying this unless you have a high tolerence for little kids whining and moaning over a catchy melody. Because that's what it sounds like.
3. Coldplay: Rush of Blood to the Head
I absolutely love this album. Except for "Clocks." That song is kind of annoying.
Anyway, I bought this partly because I saw the music video for "The Scientist" on VH1 and loved it and partly because I wanted to spite Alex. And I'm really glad I did. I love the soothing-ness of the piano After listening to the entire album I'd have to say that Coldplay are among the best songwriters of my time.
4. Judah Johnson: Kisses and Interrogation
This is a local Detroit band. You should go to all of their shows because they rock in a calm sort of way. Remember to visit their website and buy their CD because they need money to pay their rent.
Ok. Well that's setteled then.
Anyway, their album is interesting. It really has fun piano parts, especially on "Great Humanitarian." They're calming and adventerous and you can listen to the album straight through except for track one. Just skip over track one. I don't understand it. It doesn't seem like a real song.
Tuesday, August 05, 2003
Adam Green: Friends Of Mine
It could be said that I would feel obligated to like this album. I mean, Matt Romano* does play the drums on it. And, of course, I am head over heels for every member of the Strokes and their management.
But all petty crushes aside, I really do love "Friends of Mine." It's a really great record and I'm glad I bought it.
Actually, yesterday when I got home from Borders (yes, I bought it at Borders, I had a 15% off coupon) I wasn't sure I was happy about my purchase. The first thing that came to mind when I was listening to it for the first mind was "Woah. That doesn't sound like "Garfield" ("Garfield being his previous record)." It's more polished and sort of lacks the minimalism that we saw in that album. It even has string arrangements in evvery single track. Strings as in chellos and violins and violas. By the way, I play the violin. haha. But that's not important.
What is important is that while stylistically the music is beautiful, it's the same old Adam Green playing stand-up comic. He made me laugh and think with his insane lyrics that cleverly fuck with your mind.
What is important is that his voice sounds really really good. I really enjoy the vocals, especially in "Jessica" and "Friends of Mine." At some times he sounds kind of like Jim Morrison, which is, like, the biggest compliment I could give him. He's not straining it and it sounds really sexy. I could listen to him sing for, like, ever. Wow, I didn't think I'd ever say that about Adam Green. But I guess I just did. Ha.
What is most important is that I didn't expect this from Adam Green. But now that it's happened I sure do appreciate it.
*For those of you who do not know, Matt Romano manages the Strokes.
It could be said that I would feel obligated to like this album. I mean, Matt Romano* does play the drums on it. And, of course, I am head over heels for every member of the Strokes and their management.
But all petty crushes aside, I really do love "Friends of Mine." It's a really great record and I'm glad I bought it.
Actually, yesterday when I got home from Borders (yes, I bought it at Borders, I had a 15% off coupon) I wasn't sure I was happy about my purchase. The first thing that came to mind when I was listening to it for the first mind was "Woah. That doesn't sound like "Garfield" ("Garfield being his previous record)." It's more polished and sort of lacks the minimalism that we saw in that album. It even has string arrangements in evvery single track. Strings as in chellos and violins and violas. By the way, I play the violin. haha. But that's not important.
What is important is that while stylistically the music is beautiful, it's the same old Adam Green playing stand-up comic. He made me laugh and think with his insane lyrics that cleverly fuck with your mind.
What is important is that his voice sounds really really good. I really enjoy the vocals, especially in "Jessica" and "Friends of Mine." At some times he sounds kind of like Jim Morrison, which is, like, the biggest compliment I could give him. He's not straining it and it sounds really sexy. I could listen to him sing for, like, ever. Wow, I didn't think I'd ever say that about Adam Green. But I guess I just did. Ha.
What is most important is that I didn't expect this from Adam Green. But now that it's happened I sure do appreciate it.
*For those of you who do not know, Matt Romano manages the Strokes.
Friday, August 01, 2003
Electric 6: Fire
I try to take Electric 6 seriously, I really do. But with songs like "Electric Demons in Love" it can be hard. However, it's that element of fun that makes "Fire" so great. Combining the best of Detroit's soul, dance and rock, it presents the music in a way that allows you to not get swept into the brilliance of the album.
The Blues Brothers: Original Soundtrack Recording
Say hello to the duo that introduced me to the blues in the mid-nineties world of boy bands and bubblegum divas. If Jake and Elwood never went on their "mission from God," I still might be a Britney Spears fan. And yes, Dan Aykroyd (er, Elwood) really does play the harmonica.
Pre-Whore Jewel: This Way
I like to think of this as Jewel's last album before she surrendered to the demands of pop culture. We can only hope she'll come to her senses soon, picking up her lost guitar on the way. And listening to this witty, poetic album will make the wait a little more pleasant.
I try to take Electric 6 seriously, I really do. But with songs like "Electric Demons in Love" it can be hard. However, it's that element of fun that makes "Fire" so great. Combining the best of Detroit's soul, dance and rock, it presents the music in a way that allows you to not get swept into the brilliance of the album.
The Blues Brothers: Original Soundtrack Recording
Say hello to the duo that introduced me to the blues in the mid-nineties world of boy bands and bubblegum divas. If Jake and Elwood never went on their "mission from God," I still might be a Britney Spears fan. And yes, Dan Aykroyd (er, Elwood) really does play the harmonica.
Pre-Whore Jewel: This Way
I like to think of this as Jewel's last album before she surrendered to the demands of pop culture. We can only hope she'll come to her senses soon, picking up her lost guitar on the way. And listening to this witty, poetic album will make the wait a little more pleasant.
Thursday, July 31, 2003
On Friday, August 1, I will be attending the Sights concert at the Magic Stick in downtown Detroit. Expect an informative review soon after that date.
