This week, I've assembled a collection of music related videos...
The first video (ever) on YouTube Friday is the "introduction" scene from Donnie Darko; in my opinion one of the best shots of the entire film and also one of my personal favourite scenes of all time. Yeah, it's kind of a big deal.
Next up is a pretty ridiculous interview with Black Flag (primarily Henry Rollins) from October 19th, 1985. Henry Rollins is pretty damn awesome and watching him mock this young, scene, smart-ass is priceless. Bonus: The kid mentions Dearborn, Michigan.
Continuing the Michigan trend, third is a Live KCRW Performance by Sufjan Stevens. He's performing "A Good Man Is Hard to Find" off of his Seven Swans record. I love this song and it's always cool to see videos of him playing live. Bonus: He's playing it a different key.
Last, I posted a musical classic from the legendary group Zach Attack. It's called "Friends Forever" and it is a nice idea.
Enjoy the weekend.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Album of the Week
The Body, The Blood, The Machine by The Thermals
Now, I too think it may be a little strange to name a record that’s a little more than a year old as my first album of the week. Maybe I should’ve started something more classic, a la Loveless, or maybe something recently really great. However, this album is just too damn good.
Released in August 2006, The Body, The Blood, The Machine is The Thermals' third record. According to the band's website, "the album tells the story of a young couple who must flee a United States governed by fascist faux-Christians" and there are certainly numerous religious themes and references throughout the record (most notably are the references to Noah in the second song I’ve posted, "Here’s Your Future"). However, none of the content is preachy, none of it is offensive; Remember, the young couple is fleeing fascist faux-Christians.
The sound of The Thermals is certainly interesting. Their previous releases have been more much centered on punk rhetoric and instrumentation, and although those elements are definitely present, the songs on this album are catchy as hell and the all-out punk ethic is toned down. If you’re like me, or some of the other people I know who also love the record, many of these songs are heavily repeat-worthy and listening to the record is more fun than anything else.
However, that’s not to say that the album doesn’t have its flaws. Some of the slower material drags at times (although some of the slow tunes are great, the band is obviously better equipped to "rock out"), and the band’s sound isn’t painstakingly different from song to song, which could give off an air of repetition. Also, lead singer Hutch Harris’ voice is something unique, and perhaps not for everyone. It’s a little nasally, but after listening to a song or two, it’s clear that his voice fits the music and the message perfectly.
Posted below are four of my favourite tracks from the album. "Pillar of Salt" is hands down, the album’s best track. Its up-tempo, catchy and Harris’ vocals are tremendous. You might say it has the capacity to give one chills. "Here’s Your Future" is the toe-tapping record opener whose religious allusions are pretty obvious. "Test Pattern" is a song where the band decides to slow things down a bit and a song in which they do so with great success. Lastly, I’ve posted "St. Rosa and the Swallows," which, although not a slow burning song, isn’t as fast as "Pillar of Salt" or "Here’s Your Future." It’s an all-around solid song, again with a great, sing-a-long, catchy vocal track.
My final word on this record is that it’s infectious. Check it out if you haven’t before.
Now, I too think it may be a little strange to name a record that’s a little more than a year old as my first album of the week. Maybe I should’ve started something more classic, a la Loveless, or maybe something recently really great. However, this album is just too damn good.
Released in August 2006, The Body, The Blood, The Machine is The Thermals' third record. According to the band's website, "the album tells the story of a young couple who must flee a United States governed by fascist faux-Christians" and there are certainly numerous religious themes and references throughout the record (most notably are the references to Noah in the second song I’ve posted, "Here’s Your Future"). However, none of the content is preachy, none of it is offensive; Remember, the young couple is fleeing fascist faux-Christians.
The sound of The Thermals is certainly interesting. Their previous releases have been more much centered on punk rhetoric and instrumentation, and although those elements are definitely present, the songs on this album are catchy as hell and the all-out punk ethic is toned down. If you’re like me, or some of the other people I know who also love the record, many of these songs are heavily repeat-worthy and listening to the record is more fun than anything else.
However, that’s not to say that the album doesn’t have its flaws. Some of the slower material drags at times (although some of the slow tunes are great, the band is obviously better equipped to "rock out"), and the band’s sound isn’t painstakingly different from song to song, which could give off an air of repetition. Also, lead singer Hutch Harris’ voice is something unique, and perhaps not for everyone. It’s a little nasally, but after listening to a song or two, it’s clear that his voice fits the music and the message perfectly.
Posted below are four of my favourite tracks from the album. "Pillar of Salt" is hands down, the album’s best track. Its up-tempo, catchy and Harris’ vocals are tremendous. You might say it has the capacity to give one chills. "Here’s Your Future" is the toe-tapping record opener whose religious allusions are pretty obvious. "Test Pattern" is a song where the band decides to slow things down a bit and a song in which they do so with great success. Lastly, I’ve posted "St. Rosa and the Swallows," which, although not a slow burning song, isn’t as fast as "Pillar of Salt" or "Here’s Your Future." It’s an all-around solid song, again with a great, sing-a-long, catchy vocal track.
My final word on this record is that it’s infectious. Check it out if you haven’t before.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
The Top 5 Albums of 2007
Note: This article was first published as a Feature in the January 18th, 2007 issue of Kalamazoo College's student newspaper, The Index.
5. The National – Boxer
Digging deeper into the stark musical landscape pioneered by the band’s 2005 sleeper hit, Alligator, The National’s most recent body of work continues to transcend into minimalist, muted darkness. Lead singer Matt Berninger’s soulful croak tells of mournful American life and his band makes nearly every song an intense slow burn. The album begins with the absolutely crushing “Fake Empire,” but closes with the rainy optimism of “Gospel.” The band’s sorrowful sound strikes for the heart. “You get mistaken for strangers by your own friends/when you pass them at night under the silvery, silvery Citibank lights/arm in arm in arm and eyes and eyes glazing under/oh you wouldn’t want an angel watching over/surprise, surprise they wouldn’t wanna watch,” Berninger sings. It’s that biting honesty that makes this album resonate just after one listen.
4. LCD Soundsystem – Sound of Silver
There’s no doubt that James Murphy’s debut album was an amazing dance record. Given that fact, most everyone expected LCD Soundsystem’s sophomore effort to up the ante in terms of beats, rhythm, and pop, but the emotional weight of Murphy’s songwriting was something no one accounted for. It’s clear that maturity has made LCD Soundsystem’s dance music deeper, but it’s still a dance record, and age has made the musician’s electronic sound bolder as well. Songs such as “Get Innocuous!” and “Watch the Tapes,” prove that Murphy can still put out the toe-tappers, but it’s tracks like “All of My Friends” and the devastating “Someone Great” that truly showcase Murphy’s growth as a musician; some things do get better with age.
3. Okkervil River – The Stage Names
“It's just a life story/so there's no climax/No more new territory/so pull away the IMAX,” lead singer Will Sheff sings on album opener “Our Life Is Not a Movie or Maybe.” A concept record of sorts that strives to break down the fourth wall of artist and listener, The Stages Names is filled with irony and self-reference. In attempt to partake in the theatrical antics of the stage, Okkervil River often shift between exuberance (“Unless It Kicks”) and melancholy honestly (“Title Track”). What benefits Sheff’s sharp lyrics most is the way they intertwine themselves with the band’s often catchy songs. Sheff’s vocals both highlight and are reinforced by the music of every song. Not only that, but the transition of “John Allyn Smith Sails” into an emotional cover of “Sloop John B,” is simply an amazing way to close a record.
2. Battles – Mirrored
By track two of Mirrored, it’s clear that Battles is bringing something new to the table. That song, “Atlas,” is a perfect example of the half-human, half-computer hybrid sound of Battles. The mostly instrumental band is able to inject excitement, drama, and humor into barrages of detailed loops, samples, beats, and riffs. What makes Battles so interesting to listen to is trying to discern just how they’re accomplishing the sounds they’re making while being overtaken by the sheer awesomeness of those very sounds. John Stainer’s acute drumming is at the center point; his near machine-like rhythm holds together the myriad arpeggios, note syncopation, and catchy riffs of the three other members of the band. Each songs seems to operate on the same pattern: establish a complex musical sequence, repeat, add an intricate arrangement, repeat, then tear the whole song down, transforming it into an entirely new musical sequence. Not only is the record musically impressive, but it only gets better with more listens. It’s easy to find oneself getting even more excited the second or third time around when you know what pervasive drum beat or guitar pattern is going to uproot the carefully packaged repetition that’s had you hooked for the past two minutes.
1. Radiohead – In Rainbows
Radiohead’s In Rainbows was perhaps the most hyped album of the year, but with the first few seconds of “15 Step,” it clearly delivers. Free from the contract of record labels, Radiohead chose to record and produce their latest album entirely on their own. Better yet, when the album was released in its initial form (via digital download from the band’s website), not only could listeners could name their own price, but for the first time in what seems like a very long time, everyone around the world was given access to the music at the same time. There were no advanced leaks or promotional copies. That is, when downloading of the record began and you listened to it for the first time, so was everyone else; critics, musicians, fans, everyone. Without doubt, a big part of In Rainbow’s greatness was its experience. However, that experience would be nothing without the music. In fact, the music deserved it. The sound of the record hearkens back to OK Computer-era Radiohead, as the band forgoes the more electronic elements seen on Kid A in favor of more analog experimentation. Simply put, Radiohead embrace more accessible rock. Forgoing their oft-mentioned complexity, Radiohead, for the first time in awhile, sound musically user-friendly, though front-man Thom Yorke retains his wicked cynicism. On In Rainbows, Radiohead redefine themselves (again) and embrace guitar-driven melody.
5. The National – Boxer
Digging deeper into the stark musical landscape pioneered by the band’s 2005 sleeper hit, Alligator, The National’s most recent body of work continues to transcend into minimalist, muted darkness. Lead singer Matt Berninger’s soulful croak tells of mournful American life and his band makes nearly every song an intense slow burn. The album begins with the absolutely crushing “Fake Empire,” but closes with the rainy optimism of “Gospel.” The band’s sorrowful sound strikes for the heart. “You get mistaken for strangers by your own friends/when you pass them at night under the silvery, silvery Citibank lights/arm in arm in arm and eyes and eyes glazing under/oh you wouldn’t want an angel watching over/surprise, surprise they wouldn’t wanna watch,” Berninger sings. It’s that biting honesty that makes this album resonate just after one listen.
4. LCD Soundsystem – Sound of Silver
There’s no doubt that James Murphy’s debut album was an amazing dance record. Given that fact, most everyone expected LCD Soundsystem’s sophomore effort to up the ante in terms of beats, rhythm, and pop, but the emotional weight of Murphy’s songwriting was something no one accounted for. It’s clear that maturity has made LCD Soundsystem’s dance music deeper, but it’s still a dance record, and age has made the musician’s electronic sound bolder as well. Songs such as “Get Innocuous!” and “Watch the Tapes,” prove that Murphy can still put out the toe-tappers, but it’s tracks like “All of My Friends” and the devastating “Someone Great” that truly showcase Murphy’s growth as a musician; some things do get better with age.
3. Okkervil River – The Stage Names
“It's just a life story/so there's no climax/No more new territory/so pull away the IMAX,” lead singer Will Sheff sings on album opener “Our Life Is Not a Movie or Maybe.” A concept record of sorts that strives to break down the fourth wall of artist and listener, The Stages Names is filled with irony and self-reference. In attempt to partake in the theatrical antics of the stage, Okkervil River often shift between exuberance (“Unless It Kicks”) and melancholy honestly (“Title Track”). What benefits Sheff’s sharp lyrics most is the way they intertwine themselves with the band’s often catchy songs. Sheff’s vocals both highlight and are reinforced by the music of every song. Not only that, but the transition of “John Allyn Smith Sails” into an emotional cover of “Sloop John B,” is simply an amazing way to close a record.
2. Battles – Mirrored
By track two of Mirrored, it’s clear that Battles is bringing something new to the table. That song, “Atlas,” is a perfect example of the half-human, half-computer hybrid sound of Battles. The mostly instrumental band is able to inject excitement, drama, and humor into barrages of detailed loops, samples, beats, and riffs. What makes Battles so interesting to listen to is trying to discern just how they’re accomplishing the sounds they’re making while being overtaken by the sheer awesomeness of those very sounds. John Stainer’s acute drumming is at the center point; his near machine-like rhythm holds together the myriad arpeggios, note syncopation, and catchy riffs of the three other members of the band. Each songs seems to operate on the same pattern: establish a complex musical sequence, repeat, add an intricate arrangement, repeat, then tear the whole song down, transforming it into an entirely new musical sequence. Not only is the record musically impressive, but it only gets better with more listens. It’s easy to find oneself getting even more excited the second or third time around when you know what pervasive drum beat or guitar pattern is going to uproot the carefully packaged repetition that’s had you hooked for the past two minutes.
1. Radiohead – In Rainbows
Radiohead’s In Rainbows was perhaps the most hyped album of the year, but with the first few seconds of “15 Step,” it clearly delivers. Free from the contract of record labels, Radiohead chose to record and produce their latest album entirely on their own. Better yet, when the album was released in its initial form (via digital download from the band’s website), not only could listeners could name their own price, but for the first time in what seems like a very long time, everyone around the world was given access to the music at the same time. There were no advanced leaks or promotional copies. That is, when downloading of the record began and you listened to it for the first time, so was everyone else; critics, musicians, fans, everyone. Without doubt, a big part of In Rainbow’s greatness was its experience. However, that experience would be nothing without the music. In fact, the music deserved it. The sound of the record hearkens back to OK Computer-era Radiohead, as the band forgoes the more electronic elements seen on Kid A in favor of more analog experimentation. Simply put, Radiohead embrace more accessible rock. Forgoing their oft-mentioned complexity, Radiohead, for the first time in awhile, sound musically user-friendly, though front-man Thom Yorke retains his wicked cynicism. On In Rainbows, Radiohead redefine themselves (again) and embrace guitar-driven melody.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Monday Mixtape
Welcome to the first edition of the Monday Mixtape, a weekly update of songs, both old and new, that have been on my own personal heavy rotation.
This week, I’ve chosen to include 11 tunes that I’ve been enjoying as of late, although the material isn’t quite up to date.
Bros – Panda Bear
The highlight track off of last year’s amazing album, Person Pitch. I got into this Panda Bear tune a little late last year, however, it’s Beach Boys’ relaxed, harmonious vibe got me easily hooked.
The Bronze – Queens of the Stone Age
This is one of my favourite QOTSA songs, and I’ve recently rediscovered it, playing it near constantly. It’s off of their B-Side/Rarities record, Stone Age Complications. “The more you’ve found, the less you’ve been around,” croons lead singer Josh Homme, and he couldn’t be more right. Dig it.
Give to Love What’s Love’s – Adrian Orange & Her Band
This song is the child of singer/songwriter Adrian Orange, who also goes by the stage-moniker, Thanksgiving. The avant-jazz is certainly something to check out. The trumpet solo at the 3:51 mark is awesome as well.
Faces on Fire – Times New Viking
Here’s a cut from this year’s tremendously good, lo-fi record, Rip It Off. Times New Viking are great at combining the dirge of lo-fi with simplistic pop and this is just one of the many songs off their new record that I’ve been getting into a lot lately.
Happy Hippo – Cloud Cult
I love every piece of this track: that keyboard noise in the beginning, the electronic sampling after the second verse, and the song’s sobering ending. This is off their 2005 record, Advice from the Happy Hippopotamus. These guys have a new album dropping April 8th and I’m looking forward to it.
Neck Escaper – No Age
This is a band that I couldn’t quite into when their album came out last year, but after repeated listens, I started to like it more and more and the more I listen, the more I enjoy their tunes. Their album, Weirdo Rippers, is a collection of the numerous singles and EPs they put out in 2007, and the majority of the record’s tracks are quite good. Highly recommended.
What I See – The Dirty Projectors
This song comes of last year’s concept record, Rise Above, which was the Dirty Projectors’ take on Blag Flag’s historic record of the same name. Each song on the album is a re-imagining of the Black Flag songs all from memory, however, you don’t need to be a Black Flag fan whatsoever to enjoy their stuff.
Jody – The Dodos
Despite the fact that there’s absolutely no way for me to prove it at this point, I stumbled onto these guys, and this track, before Pitchfork added it to their Forklist a week or so back. I really dig this song. The band is a guitar/drum duo out of California and this track is off their upcoming second record, due out on March 18th. Very cool tune indeed.
Re: Stacks – Bon Iver
An acoustic ballad of sorts, this is the closing track off of Bon Iver’s debut, For Emma, Forever Ago. It’s romantic and crushingly beautiful, much like the rest of the record. I’ve got to pick his album up on vinyl immediately.
Ativan – Atlas Sound
This Jesus and Mary Chain-tinged song is one of the many dream-like tunes off of Bradford Cox’s (Atlas Sound is his solo-moniker - the man is also Deerhunter’s lead singer) debut album, released a week ago. Many of the songs have a lush ambience to them combined with pop sensibility. Perhaps not as good as Deerhunter’s material, the music is still solid and this is a highlight track.
Home – The Last Dinosaur
I’ll end this first edition of mixtape with a somber track from the unsigned UK act, The Last Dinosaur. The song has meek beginnings (simple percussion, piano, and finger-picked guitar), but it builds into a gorgeous, crashing climax; a wonderful song.
This week, I’ve chosen to include 11 tunes that I’ve been enjoying as of late, although the material isn’t quite up to date.
Bros – Panda Bear
The highlight track off of last year’s amazing album, Person Pitch. I got into this Panda Bear tune a little late last year, however, it’s Beach Boys’ relaxed, harmonious vibe got me easily hooked.
The Bronze – Queens of the Stone Age
This is one of my favourite QOTSA songs, and I’ve recently rediscovered it, playing it near constantly. It’s off of their B-Side/Rarities record, Stone Age Complications. “The more you’ve found, the less you’ve been around,” croons lead singer Josh Homme, and he couldn’t be more right. Dig it.
Give to Love What’s Love’s – Adrian Orange & Her Band
This song is the child of singer/songwriter Adrian Orange, who also goes by the stage-moniker, Thanksgiving. The avant-jazz is certainly something to check out. The trumpet solo at the 3:51 mark is awesome as well.
Faces on Fire – Times New Viking
Here’s a cut from this year’s tremendously good, lo-fi record, Rip It Off. Times New Viking are great at combining the dirge of lo-fi with simplistic pop and this is just one of the many songs off their new record that I’ve been getting into a lot lately.
Happy Hippo – Cloud Cult
I love every piece of this track: that keyboard noise in the beginning, the electronic sampling after the second verse, and the song’s sobering ending. This is off their 2005 record, Advice from the Happy Hippopotamus. These guys have a new album dropping April 8th and I’m looking forward to it.
Neck Escaper – No Age
This is a band that I couldn’t quite into when their album came out last year, but after repeated listens, I started to like it more and more and the more I listen, the more I enjoy their tunes. Their album, Weirdo Rippers, is a collection of the numerous singles and EPs they put out in 2007, and the majority of the record’s tracks are quite good. Highly recommended.
What I See – The Dirty Projectors
This song comes of last year’s concept record, Rise Above, which was the Dirty Projectors’ take on Blag Flag’s historic record of the same name. Each song on the album is a re-imagining of the Black Flag songs all from memory, however, you don’t need to be a Black Flag fan whatsoever to enjoy their stuff.
Jody – The Dodos
Despite the fact that there’s absolutely no way for me to prove it at this point, I stumbled onto these guys, and this track, before Pitchfork added it to their Forklist a week or so back. I really dig this song. The band is a guitar/drum duo out of California and this track is off their upcoming second record, due out on March 18th. Very cool tune indeed.
Re: Stacks – Bon Iver
An acoustic ballad of sorts, this is the closing track off of Bon Iver’s debut, For Emma, Forever Ago. It’s romantic and crushingly beautiful, much like the rest of the record. I’ve got to pick his album up on vinyl immediately.
Ativan – Atlas Sound
This Jesus and Mary Chain-tinged song is one of the many dream-like tunes off of Bradford Cox’s (Atlas Sound is his solo-moniker - the man is also Deerhunter’s lead singer) debut album, released a week ago. Many of the songs have a lush ambience to them combined with pop sensibility. Perhaps not as good as Deerhunter’s material, the music is still solid and this is a highlight track.
Home – The Last Dinosaur
I’ll end this first edition of mixtape with a somber track from the unsigned UK act, The Last Dinosaur. The song has meek beginnings (simple percussion, piano, and finger-picked guitar), but it builds into a gorgeous, crashing climax; a wonderful song.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Introductions
The Citizen Insane Media Blog is weekly updated by yours truly and comes with these fresh weekly features…
- The Monday Mixtape: a weekly grouping of songs, both new and old, that I think people might want to check out. I’ll be adding around 5 songs, with explainations, to the playlist every week.
- Art of the Week: Released mid-week, I’ll highlight a particular album or film, again old or new, that I want to expound about.
- YouTube Fridays: A simple posting of video(s) I find funny, interesting, etc.
- The Sunday Loom: A theoretical tabula rasa, on Sundays I’ll post undemanding musings on pop culture, movies, television, music, comics, photography, or whatever.
And the blog will also include…
- Photos of any recently attended concert or live event.
- Any music or film reviews I’ve done as the astute journalist that I am (with specific attention to anything I have published).
- News Feed: Any noteworthy information I feel is imperative to share.
Question/comments are always welcome/appreciated.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
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