Two noteworthy albums to discuss (neither is terribly new). First, Portishead is amazing. One of history's quintessential trip-hop bands has done it again with their album Third, and it's truly amazing. Listening to Third reminds me of the first time I heard Massive Attack's Mezzanine.....first, this sounds horrible....then, hmmm there's something interesting going on here....and finally, this speaks to my soul! They have reinvented trip-hop for this decade and I'm betting that soon other bands will be stealing once again from this staple of good electronic music.
Second, Madonna's Hard Candy makes me about as sick to listen to as looking at her 50-year-old self in the dominatrix outfit on the cover. There's nothing new here. In fact, it takes the worst of Madonna's admittedly impressive career and smears it together with a hodgepodge of half-hearted efforts from some of the world's best producers. Forgive me if you disagree, but I simply can't afford to give this album a second listen (I didn't even bother to give you a link). The most recognizable track, 4 Minutes, is fairly catchy (I think it's also the first single from the album), but it's JT who makes it shine, not the matriarch of fake british accents. Maybe her nursing home neighbors will appreciate it more than me.
On the plus side, Ace finally sent me some JUSTICE to listen to and I'm digging it. It's from the Essential Mix series on UK radio. Not only did they find time to mix in the Chemical Brothers, some classic funk, and some of their own modern european techno, but they did it with such style I am forced to overlook the fact that they are french... If you want your ears tickled, check them out. The most amazing thing to me about JUSTICE is how their music speaks to me. I can actually hear a message/emotion/signal/whatever you want to call it that seems very intentional and purposeful in each of their songs. It reminds me of how some classical music is supposed to be heard. Why I have an ear for JUSTICE and not for Mozart with regards to the "meaning" of the song I cannot say.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Running and Music
I found something on iTunes a couple of weeks ago that I'm ashamed to admit I bought. When I hear someone mention using "techno" in some sort of workout routine (think cheesy, thumping, aerobics instructor music) it makes me cringe. It lumps things like Paul-Oakenfold-ten-thousand-person-rave-music with truly amazing electronic music like the Chemical Brothers in the same way that "Indie Rock" is the new catch-all genre for anything that doesn't play on pop radio (remember "Alternative Rock"?).
So, when I saw Drive, a release by the Crystal Method that iTunes calls a Nike+ Original Run, I was skeptical. It's 40ish minutes of Crystal Method music, mostly previously released, mixed with the idea of creating a tempo and mood suitable for a good run. Since I'm a fan of the CM, though, I decided to give it a try, and I have to say I was not disappointed. The music seems to build and kick exactly when I need it to, so for me it accomplished exactly what it claims. For the most part it's not mind-blowing electronic music, but it is a cool idea and one that I think iTunes will continue.
Of course, my power song is still Knights of Cydonia by MUSE. Nothing beats it for pumping me up when I hit the wall....yet.
So, when I saw Drive, a release by the Crystal Method that iTunes calls a Nike+ Original Run, I was skeptical. It's 40ish minutes of Crystal Method music, mostly previously released, mixed with the idea of creating a tempo and mood suitable for a good run. Since I'm a fan of the CM, though, I decided to give it a try, and I have to say I was not disappointed. The music seems to build and kick exactly when I need it to, so for me it accomplished exactly what it claims. For the most part it's not mind-blowing electronic music, but it is a cool idea and one that I think iTunes will continue.
Of course, my power song is still Knights of Cydonia by MUSE. Nothing beats it for pumping me up when I hit the wall....yet.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Change of Pace
OK, I know its been ages since I posted anything, and several of you have been on my case to change that. So, here goes...
I'll no longer be doing my weekly radio show. Had a little falling out with the station management at WCCX. I wish them the best, but they are going a bit more commercial and poppy than I care for.
That being said, I still have a lot of music to share. Since my last post I've discovered MUSE and MGMT. I can highly recommend both. Today, however, I'm particularly excited about a rapper out of DC named Wale. The main elitaste website is pretty ugly and clunky to my eyes (maybe the myspace generation likes them like that), but you can get the direct download of Wale's Seinfeld-based mixed tape here.
Anyway, I think I'll pick up with this blog and use it to keep track of cool stuff I come across. Feel free to send me cool stuff via email or comments.
I'll no longer be doing my weekly radio show. Had a little falling out with the station management at WCCX. I wish them the best, but they are going a bit more commercial and poppy than I care for.
That being said, I still have a lot of music to share. Since my last post I've discovered MUSE and MGMT. I can highly recommend both. Today, however, I'm particularly excited about a rapper out of DC named Wale. The main elitaste website is pretty ugly and clunky to my eyes (maybe the myspace generation likes them like that), but you can get the direct download of Wale's Seinfeld-based mixed tape here.
Anyway, I think I'll pick up with this blog and use it to keep track of cool stuff I come across. Feel free to send me cool stuff via email or comments.
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