I'm not sure if I know many people who enjoy waiting through a set by a band they have never heard of before the act I paid to see takes the stage. I certainly don't. Even in the case of bands that are halfway decent, my impatience tend to get the best of me. I have even been bored through sets of bands that I really enjoy when I anticipate the headliner more. This concert was no exception. It certainly seemed like whoever was about to warm up for Mates of State, couldn't possible impress or entertain me. And with a name like Asobi Seksu, I was pretty sure nothing good could come of the situation. However, it turns out that every so often the planets align themselves in such a way that even I turn out to be wrong. Don't get me wrong, this does not happen often and when it does I am just as surprised as everyone else. Ego aside, it didn't take me long to realize that the New York based Asobi Sesku are a pretty solid act.
Let me get this out of my system before I actually provide a semi-coherent analysis of their show: Asobi Seksu is like My Bloody Valentine meets Sigur Ros, while wishing they were Sonic Youth, and, maybe just because I've been listening to them quite a bit lately, a touch of TV on the Radio. Now that I got all of my pretension out of my system (or at least as much as I can in one sitting at least), we can proceed.
My initial reaction to Asobi Seksu was that we were in too small of a venue to fully capture the breadth of their sound. With synths and distorted, reverberating guitars, the band created a unique and cohesive sound that seemed too large, chaotic and beautiful to be confined to a room slightly larger than a walk in closet. Each instrument weaved into the others and yet, the different elements retained their own value in a way that separated them from the others. During the set I was entranced. It was one of those rare occasions where something you are hearing makes it so you can't look away. What I am trying to say is: this band is good. All of this and the headliners hadn't even taken the stage yet.
The last time I saw Mates of State was at Lollapalooza on a side stage and the brutally hot weather made it difficult to enjoy their music. Due to the conditions and size of the audience, their performance did not pull me in as much as I had hoped. I figured that if I had a chance to see them in a smaller venue, then I would be able to see Mates of State at their best. I was right.
Excuse my inability to be original, but a married couple playing pop music together is high on my list of Cutest Things Ever. I'm sorry, but it's true. They seemed just as excited to be playing music together as we were to hear it and despite an audience of fewer than a hundred people, Mates of State pumped out pop melodies like they were the biggest act in the industry. Their energy was equalled only by their humility, interacting with the crowd like they were playing a show for old friends even altering their set list on the spot to accommodate. After having fun with a number of dancier tracks, drummer Jason Hammel announced they were just going to keep playing dance songs for a while.
The couple's chemistry plays a big part in both their live show and their studio recordings. They alternate vocals and sing them more to each other than to the audience. On the recordings it adds another dimension to their particular brand of pop, and on stage it simply helps everyone else feel the love. Additonally, both will sneak glances at the other and let a little smirk slide. It is this subtle display affection that makes their music so genuine and lovable. Even though you can't see it on their albums, you can definitely hear it, and once you see the chemistry on stage you fall a little bit more in love with everything that Mates of State is.
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Thursday, November 23, 2006
Jay-Z: Kingdom Come
Just three months ago I recall sitting at my desk, on my computer and reading the first rumours of the impossible occurring. It was alleged to have three different titles and three different release dates by three different sources. Soon after, the shroud of mystery began to slide back and the truth poked its head out. The impossible was about to occur: Jay-Z was coming out of retirement with a new album. Clearly, my excitement was difficult to contain. The Michael Jordan case(s) aside, how often does the best ever there ever was decide to quit and come back?
I suppose I should have expected a cheesy opening monologue. But as the opening notes unfolded from my stereo, something rather unexpected occurred: I was bored. Like a kid unwrapping socks at Christmas, I was shocked and disappointed. Me and Hov were off to a rocky start so far, but then like finding a wad of Benjamins inside those socks, the second track alleviated any fears. Sampling the classic Allman Brothers Band song Whipping Post, the song Oh My God's beat pops like a one-two punch. His energy is as powerful as it ever has been. But despite the fire of songs like Oh My God, Show Me What You Got, and Trouble, gone is some of the edge that made Jay-Z famous.
This may be for the best. The man has had ten years on the scene and has re-invented himself with each album to some degree. This album sees a large departure from the feel of previous albums like The Black Album and The Blueprint. The lyrics reflect the sad fact that Jay-Z is in his late 30s, incredibly reach and is running out of enemies. There is much less aggression and even though it would be overkill to have every song pull an audible knife on the listener, the album lacks anything comparable to songs like Takeover or Threats. The only thing that comes close is Dig A Hole, in which says "I give em enough rope/they put themselves in the air/ I just kick the chair" and a chorus with the order to "Dig a hole/ bury yourself". Threatening? Maybe. Lazy? Just a touch. Rather than staring the enemy in the face, he almost seems to think that he has become so big that enemies just die on their own. Maybe I just miss the Jay-Z who had to fight to get to the top.
At least he can not be accused of not progressing as an artist. Like it or not, this is a step in a new direction. That direction just happens to be an aging rapper trying to reinvent himself. But its not all bad. The album, though different overall is well done. It has a fair share of surprises like Anything which features Usher and Pharrell. When I hear of that collaboration, I thought that there was no way they could fail. I was wrong. It is actually one of the least original and developed songs on the album. But when I heard that Jay-Z would have a song featuring Chris Martin, I quietly snickered to myself. I love Coldplay and Jay-Z but at the time I thought that there could not have been a more misguided and hopeless collaboration. Much to my surprise, their song, Beach Chair (which even sounds lame), is one of the best and most progressive songs on the album.
As relaxed and passive as the album is at times, it is still the best ever doing his thing. In most cases, the relaxed feel translates to a slow grove, and only rarely results in boredom. Its certainly no Black Album or Blueprint, but overall I really enjoy this album. Some fans will undoubtedly reject this for the reasons I've discussed, but the album represents a new Hov. And a new, if not perfectly realized, direction by Jay-Z is still better than most others can ever hope to achieve. Take him or leave him, he is still the best.
I suppose I should have expected a cheesy opening monologue. But as the opening notes unfolded from my stereo, something rather unexpected occurred: I was bored. Like a kid unwrapping socks at Christmas, I was shocked and disappointed. Me and Hov were off to a rocky start so far, but then like finding a wad of Benjamins inside those socks, the second track alleviated any fears. Sampling the classic Allman Brothers Band song Whipping Post, the song Oh My God's beat pops like a one-two punch. His energy is as powerful as it ever has been. But despite the fire of songs like Oh My God, Show Me What You Got, and Trouble, gone is some of the edge that made Jay-Z famous.
This may be for the best. The man has had ten years on the scene and has re-invented himself with each album to some degree. This album sees a large departure from the feel of previous albums like The Black Album and The Blueprint. The lyrics reflect the sad fact that Jay-Z is in his late 30s, incredibly reach and is running out of enemies. There is much less aggression and even though it would be overkill to have every song pull an audible knife on the listener, the album lacks anything comparable to songs like Takeover or Threats. The only thing that comes close is Dig A Hole, in which says "I give em enough rope/they put themselves in the air/ I just kick the chair" and a chorus with the order to "Dig a hole/ bury yourself". Threatening? Maybe. Lazy? Just a touch. Rather than staring the enemy in the face, he almost seems to think that he has become so big that enemies just die on their own. Maybe I just miss the Jay-Z who had to fight to get to the top.
At least he can not be accused of not progressing as an artist. Like it or not, this is a step in a new direction. That direction just happens to be an aging rapper trying to reinvent himself. But its not all bad. The album, though different overall is well done. It has a fair share of surprises like Anything which features Usher and Pharrell. When I hear of that collaboration, I thought that there was no way they could fail. I was wrong. It is actually one of the least original and developed songs on the album. But when I heard that Jay-Z would have a song featuring Chris Martin, I quietly snickered to myself. I love Coldplay and Jay-Z but at the time I thought that there could not have been a more misguided and hopeless collaboration. Much to my surprise, their song, Beach Chair (which even sounds lame), is one of the best and most progressive songs on the album.
As relaxed and passive as the album is at times, it is still the best ever doing his thing. In most cases, the relaxed feel translates to a slow grove, and only rarely results in boredom. Its certainly no Black Album or Blueprint, but overall I really enjoy this album. Some fans will undoubtedly reject this for the reasons I've discussed, but the album represents a new Hov. And a new, if not perfectly realized, direction by Jay-Z is still better than most others can ever hope to achieve. Take him or leave him, he is still the best.
Friday, November 17, 2006
Pavement
Last Tuesday, 90's indie rock heroes, Pavement, re-released their third full length album in a two-disc format with a large number of b-sides and session outtakes. This (re)release prompted me to go on a somewhat of a Pavement binge, and now they shall be the subject of this post.
My own Pavement story begins in the backseat of a one of my friends cars. I couldn't tell you where we were driving to, but I certainly remember hearing the song Shady Lane for the first time. My friend who was driving made the hilarious "this song sure is short" joke a minute and fifteen seconds in, (listen to the song, you'll know what I mean) just before the second verse came in. I had a reputation with these friends of being a music elitist who new every indie band ever, and I could tell that I had missed something and was too shy to ask who the song was by. When I got home, I Googled the lyrics I could remember and that led me to Pavement. Our relationship has been great ever since.
Pavement's music is defined by their notoriously laid back sound and quirky songwriting. Mix that in with a bit of uniquely catchy noise pop and you've got yourself Pavement. They have a generally accessible sound, however their first album Slanted & Enchanted is decidedly rough around the edges. I would recommend either Brighten the Corners or Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain for those who are just now discovering them. Additionally, the newest re-release, Wowee Zowee, is also worth the time and money. At times, their sound can be abrasive and chaotic, but if you give them a chance, you will quickly find that they are worthwhile. Tragically, Pavement has long since disbanded so don't expect new material anytime soon.
And now my gift to you is this, the Pavement Starter Kit. Fifteen Pavement songs that start with their easiest to love and then dig deeper into what makes and defines Pavement.
1. Cut Your Hair - Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain
2. Shady Lane - Brighten the Corners
3. Rattled by the Rush - Wowee Zowee
4. Summer Babe - Slanted & Enchanted
5. Range Life - Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain
6. Father To A Sister of Thought - Wowee Zowee
7. We Are Underused - Brighten the Corners
8. Elevate Me Later - Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain
9. Date With Ikea - Brighten The Corners
10. Gold Soundz - Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain
11. AT&T - Wowee Zowee
12. Stereo - Brighten the Corners
13. Stop Breathin' - Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain
14. Camera - Cut Your Hair b-side
15. In the Mouth of a Desert - Slanted & Enchanted
My own Pavement story begins in the backseat of a one of my friends cars. I couldn't tell you where we were driving to, but I certainly remember hearing the song Shady Lane for the first time. My friend who was driving made the hilarious "this song sure is short" joke a minute and fifteen seconds in, (listen to the song, you'll know what I mean) just before the second verse came in. I had a reputation with these friends of being a music elitist who new every indie band ever, and I could tell that I had missed something and was too shy to ask who the song was by. When I got home, I Googled the lyrics I could remember and that led me to Pavement. Our relationship has been great ever since.
Pavement's music is defined by their notoriously laid back sound and quirky songwriting. Mix that in with a bit of uniquely catchy noise pop and you've got yourself Pavement. They have a generally accessible sound, however their first album Slanted & Enchanted is decidedly rough around the edges. I would recommend either Brighten the Corners or Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain for those who are just now discovering them. Additionally, the newest re-release, Wowee Zowee, is also worth the time and money. At times, their sound can be abrasive and chaotic, but if you give them a chance, you will quickly find that they are worthwhile. Tragically, Pavement has long since disbanded so don't expect new material anytime soon.
And now my gift to you is this, the Pavement Starter Kit. Fifteen Pavement songs that start with their easiest to love and then dig deeper into what makes and defines Pavement.
1. Cut Your Hair - Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain
2. Shady Lane - Brighten the Corners
3. Rattled by the Rush - Wowee Zowee
4. Summer Babe - Slanted & Enchanted
5. Range Life - Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain
6. Father To A Sister of Thought - Wowee Zowee
7. We Are Underused - Brighten the Corners
8. Elevate Me Later - Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain
9. Date With Ikea - Brighten The Corners
10. Gold Soundz - Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain
11. AT&T - Wowee Zowee
12. Stereo - Brighten the Corners
13. Stop Breathin' - Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain
14. Camera - Cut Your Hair b-side
15. In the Mouth of a Desert - Slanted & Enchanted
Introduction
I am starting this blog to be a place for me to share my thoughts, primarily on the topic of music. I hope that it will be a resource for people who wish to expand their musical horizons. The motivation behind this is simply that I have noticed a stratification amongst music listeners, and I have (foolishly) taken it upon myself to bridge some of the gaps. Far too often I encounter people who either don't know much beyond what is played on Top 40 radio stations or listen exclusively to what Pitchfork Media recommends to them. But at the heart of both of these, and any other music listener for that matter, resides the same thing: an unconditional love for music. I have been a member of each of those parties at some point in my life, but I have since rounded out my taste and landed somewhere in the middle. My goal is to share the music that I fell in love with and hopefully others will enjoy as well. Music is not about sales figures, but rather about the music itself. Whether you like what I write about or not, all I ask is that you keep an open mind. The biggest mistake I ever made, as a music listener, was to put a limit on the types of music I would listen to. I offer these suggestion to be not the supreme law of the land, but simply to be suggestions. Its only my opinion, so feel free to agree or disagree. I will probably be doing reviews of new albums, lists, band features, and whatever else I feel like. Enjoy.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
