Remember that old VH1 show? Its aim was to catch us up on the activities of music stars of yore. I felt like I was in an episode last night.
Wisconsin has an incredibly large number of opportunities for live music, not least of which are the county and state fairs. At the county fair last night I got to see both Soul Asylum (remember Runaway Train?) and Everclear. Despite the mosquitos and hint of goat in the air it was a great time. Mostly it was fun because Jodi is an Everclear fan and she danced oh-so-cutely while they were on.
Neither band's performance really wowed me. Soul Asylum's music has always been a little tame for my taste, and Everclear's songs all sound alike (literally, when they started playing their encore I asked "Haven't they already played this one?"). However, what really struck me was the enthusiasm and sincerity that both bands displayed. Neither of them seemed to be overly depressed at having to play the Waukesha County Fair, despite not being able to pronounce "Waukesha" and making, by my estimation, barely enough to cover the busses and booze for the show. It was fun seeing a couple of once-big-time bands still enjoying what they do and making ends meet the best way they can.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Summerfest Report
One of the nice things about being in Wisconsin is Summerfest. I finally had a chance to get down there and it was a blast. Many thanks to Chris and Dan for organizing things and getting tickets for us.
Ironically, Matisyahu (the artist we went to see) doesn't really fit well with the usual musicofsound fare. There was very little electronic influence, no processing, nothing really innovative sonically at all. In fact, his music is very much a message of peace and understanding, perhaps more pertinent to a musicofmeaning blog. That being said, it was nonetheless the best time I've had in the city since moving here. Matisyahu was energetic, entertaining, and very talented. He sang, rapped, beat-boxed, and danced...all while wearing his orthodox jewish attire (complete with hat and shawl). I was keenly aware of the positive message of his songs (even though in many songs I could only understand half the words or fewer), and Chris mentioned to me how he feels uplifted when listening to his music. I'll definitely be purchasing some for my own listening. In fact, at my son's birthday party yesterday we used some of his free music online to play musical chairs with the kids.
Ironically, Matisyahu (the artist we went to see) doesn't really fit well with the usual musicofsound fare. There was very little electronic influence, no processing, nothing really innovative sonically at all. In fact, his music is very much a message of peace and understanding, perhaps more pertinent to a musicofmeaning blog. That being said, it was nonetheless the best time I've had in the city since moving here. Matisyahu was energetic, entertaining, and very talented. He sang, rapped, beat-boxed, and danced...all while wearing his orthodox jewish attire (complete with hat and shawl). I was keenly aware of the positive message of his songs (even though in many songs I could only understand half the words or fewer), and Chris mentioned to me how he feels uplifted when listening to his music. I'll definitely be purchasing some for my own listening. In fact, at my son's birthday party yesterday we used some of his free music online to play musical chairs with the kids.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Pass me some more trip-hop...I'll pass on the pop....
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.
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.
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.
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Music Musings
OK, so I have realized a couple of things these last few weeks.
1) Radiohead is possibly the greatest band of my generation.
2) There is still good music being made, and still boundaries being pushed. I found out that I really like *some* of the music coming out of Iceland these days. I thoroughly enjoyed that track by mum a couple of weeks ago. I'm going to try to get some more of that. Just don't try to shove any Bjork down my throat.
3) I forgot how cool Pandora is. They have become a bit more commercialized since last I was there. But, hey, everyone's gotta eat. Can't begrudge them some revenue.
Speaking of Bjork - I am enthralled by the reactable. I want to build one. Anyone else interested? I figure I can get some undergrad research money to do it if I can get some music or computer science people involved.
1) Radiohead is possibly the greatest band of my generation.
2) There is still good music being made, and still boundaries being pushed. I found out that I really like *some* of the music coming out of Iceland these days. I thoroughly enjoyed that track by mum a couple of weeks ago. I'm going to try to get some more of that. Just don't try to shove any Bjork down my throat.
3) I forgot how cool Pandora is. They have become a bit more commercialized since last I was there. But, hey, everyone's gotta eat. Can't begrudge them some revenue.
Speaking of Bjork - I am enthralled by the reactable. I want to build one. Anyone else interested? I figure I can get some undergrad research money to do it if I can get some music or computer science people involved.
Friday, October 19, 2007
Playlist 10/19
Firestarter - The Prodigy
Distractions - Zero 7
Sunbeams - UKO
Hunting Bears - Radiohead
Moisture Seekers - Tipsy
sadness of adness - Alexandra Kirkilis
Some Men - Darkel
Cramp Yo Style.... - Thievery Corporation
Beautiful Woman - Darkel
Ooh La La - The Wiseguys
Just Slide - Supertweeker
Let Forever Be (Radio Edit) - The Chemical Brothers
Obscure - Voodoo Child
Voodoo Doll - Danny Tenaglia
Tokyo/Better Day (Ming + FS Remix) - STS9
P45 - Space Monkeyz
Boop - Ursula 1000
Eye for an Eye Backwards - UNKLE
Sunrise - Joshua Kennedy
Rebel Music - Wyclef Jean
Distractions - Zero 7
Sunbeams - UKO
Hunting Bears - Radiohead
Moisture Seekers - Tipsy
sadness of adness - Alexandra Kirkilis
Some Men - Darkel
Cramp Yo Style.... - Thievery Corporation
Beautiful Woman - Darkel
Ooh La La - The Wiseguys
Just Slide - Supertweeker
Let Forever Be (Radio Edit) - The Chemical Brothers
Obscure - Voodoo Child
Voodoo Doll - Danny Tenaglia
Tokyo/Better Day (Ming + FS Remix) - STS9
P45 - Space Monkeyz
Boop - Ursula 1000
Eye for an Eye Backwards - UNKLE
Sunrise - Joshua Kennedy
Rebel Music - Wyclef Jean
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