Discuss the Musics Thread

[Derek]

Derek, why must you hate beauty?

Prog metal drummer:

http://www.drumspeech.com/image/flo-1.jpg

Seriously? Why no bass drum on the ceiling or an extra snare drum on your head? I hope you have cymbals on your shoes too! Why such restraint prog metal drummer?

:)

[Derek]

Should I mention that I think Rush sucks too or is does only dig me a deeper hole? ;)

[Sven]

Should I mention that I think Rush sucks too or is does only dig me a deeper hole? ;)

In all honesty, I'm a bit shaky with Rush myself (you should seek out their first album, though). I think they and Dream Theater are two different classifications of progression, at least inasmuch as one can tell a Picasso from a Duchamp.

[Acapelli]

prog is one of my most hated musical genres. not to say that i find it worthless, but i just can't get into it at all

i mean i like king crimson and some kraut rock stuff, but can't stand yes, rush, the aformentioned dream theater, etc.

i also hate jam bands, but i do find them pretty worthless

[Sven]

i also hate jam bands, but i do find them pretty worthless

This is a decent call, although honesty forces me to confide in an admiration for lengthy improvisation. When it's hot, it's inspired. Still, it's comparatively rarely hot.

Not liking Yes = criminal.

[Derek]

In all honesty, I'm a bit shaky with Rush myself (you should seek out their first album, though). I think they and Dream Theater are two different classifications of progression, at least inasmuch as one can tell a Picasso from a Duchamp.

Yeah, Rush isn't really prog metal as a bastardized version of prog and hard rock.


prog is one of my most hated musical genres. not to say that i find it worthless, but i just can't get into it at all

i mean i like king crimson and some kraut rock stuff, but can't stand yes, rush, the aformentioned dream theater, etc.

I'm not sure why I like so much 70s prog rock, yet almost nothing prog from any decade after that. Unless you count more recent music that draws from Krautrock, but there's a huge difference between that and, say, The Mars Volta.

[dreamdead]

I'm currently loving Dream Theater more than I think I should be.

"Images and Words"/"Awake" era, or later recordings? I thought they had restraint and intelligent lyrics until Kevin Moore (original keyboardist) left, and then they descended into self-parody and meaningless instrumental wank sessions.

Space-Dye Vest remains awesome. As do most of the Moore-penned songs.

[D_Davis]

That's the guitar of a man with a tiny penis. He might us well lift the body of his Hummer. It's truly awful, seriously.

Not to mention his totally tasteless, flat, and completely uninteresting tone, style and licks.

Robert Fripp could kick this guy's ass.

[Sven]

I was listening to A Change of Seasons, which was 1995, right after Moore had left.

[Sven]

Not to mention his totally tasteless, flat, and completely uninteresting tone, style and licks.

I thought his style was thick in the first video, but the quarditar clip wasn't very thrilling.


Robert Fripp could kick this guy's ass.

Duh. Though as with Derek's likening of DT to Rush, I think we're talking about different classifications of style here.

[D_Davis]

There are so many sub-genres in the Prog genre that the term practically has no value any more.

Dismissing the prog genre outright is like dismissing the rock genre outright.

Just spend some time here:

http://www.progarchives.com/

And if you are a fan of good music you are bound to discover all kinds of awesome things.

[D_Davis]

Duh. Though as with Derek's likening of DT to Rush, I think we're talking about different classifications of style here.

You got that right. One totally kicks major ass, and the other totally sucks.

[Acapelli]

oh man, i forgot about the mars volta. now there's a band i consider utterly worthless and actually makes me unreasonaably angry

[keyinblack]

Holy fuck Merriweather Post Pavilion just leaked!

[Boner M]

Holy fuck Merriweather Post Pavilion just leaked!
It's sooo good.

Makes me feel silly for settling for Strawberry Jam.

[keyinblack]

Yep.

They outdid themselves and are really in a league of their own now.

[transmogrifier]

I don't get AC. Never, ever will.

[Boner M]

I don't get AC. Never, ever will.
Have you heard this new one

[transmogrifier]

Have you heard this new one

Is it any different to anything else they've done? If not, I don't really see the point. :)

[keyinblack]

Is it any different to anything else they've done? If not, I don't really see the point. :)
Yes.

I think every record they've done is different.

let's just say if i was an outsider i'd find songs on this one less obnoxious and more (hip-)pop-oriented.

here, take a listen: http://www.zshare.net/audio/532924898ea5bb27/

[keyinblack]

or really, even poppier: http://www.zshare.net/audio/53292643b72ad1d0/

[Milky Joe]

This band peaked with Sung Tongs.

[keyinblack]

This band peaked with Sung Tongs.
no way. I think Feels and Here Comes the Indian are better album that Sung Tongs (not Strawberry Jam though)

have you heard the newest?

[Melville]

This band peaked with Sung Tongs.
Prospect Hummer is my favorite release from them.

[Boner M]

Spirit... is my favorite, followed by their latest.

[keyinblack]

feels is probably my personal favorite, but before merriweather, i felt here comes the indian was their most accomplished.

i still love spirit though. It's crazy to think that the same band that wrote alvin row wrote brother sport.

[transmogrifier]

Unfortunately, I can now say I really dislike AC. They bore me to tears.

[Boner M]

Unfortunately, I can now say I really dislike AC. They bore me to tears.
Did you listen to their new one

[transmogrifier]

Did you listen to their new one

Listening right now and struggling to finish. Not my thing at all - the songs just sort of drift, with annoying vocal delivery that I can't describe because I'm not a music major in any way shape or form - kind of like The Beach Boys did, I guess, high intonation, gliding, orchestral, boring.

Eh. Someone will have to explain why they are the indie kids wet dream of a band, because I don't get it.

[Boner M]

Listening right now and struggling to finish. Not my thing at all - the songs just sort of drift, with annoying vocal delivery that I can't describe because I'm not a music major in any way shape or form - kind of like The Beach Boys did, I guess, high intonation, gliding, orchestral, boring.

Eh. Someone will have to explain why they are the indie kids wet dream of a band, because I don't get it.
AC are to you what David Fincher is to Armond White.

[transmogrifier]

AC are to you what David Fincher is to Armond White.


Touche. And just like him, I have no coherent way to explain why.

But unlike him, I don't dislike them because hipsters do (I use the word in the non-pejorative sense) - in fact, I've probably wasted far too much time trying to like them because they are so well-received. I can give up now, satisfied that they are Just Not For Me.

[Boner M]

Touche. And just like him, I have no coherent way to explain why.
I admire your honesty. Very un-AW.

[Milky Joe]

no way. I think Feels and Here Comes the Indian are better album that Sung Tongs (not Strawberry Jam though)

have you heard the newest?

Yes, and aside from a few heavenly moments of pop bliss (the middle parts of "In the Flowers" and "Bluish" and the entirety of "Summertime Clothes") it's tremendously underwhelming, especially given the absurd amount of hype it's gotten.

[Milky Joe]

that being said, listening to it now after a gin and tonic (heavy on the gin), it all sounds pretty delightful. however, that doesn't change the fact that I think it's been terribly overhyped, and that I think this band will never write a song as beautiful as "winter's love".

[keyinblack]

Listening right now and struggling to finish. Not my thing at all - the songs just sort of drift, with annoying vocal delivery that I can't describe because I'm not a music major in any way shape or form - kind of like The Beach Boys did, I guess, high intonation, gliding, orchestral, boring.

Eh. Someone will have to explain why they are the indie kids wet dream of a band, because I don't get it.
would explaining this mean explaining why the beach boys are great?

[Winston*]

Hey trans when you say you don't appreciate The Beach Boys, does that mean you don't appreciate God Only Knows?

[Winston*]

Does being into indie music somehow preclude one from beginning their sentences with capital letters?

[Boner M]

Does being into indie music somehow preclude one from beginning their sentences with capital letters?
Acapelli & keyin = bringing the spirit of hipinion.com to where we didn't need it.

[transmogrifier]

Hey trans when you say you don't appreciate The Beach Boys, does that mean you don't appreciate God Only Knows?


I don't mind The Beach Boys at all - they aren't anything I get excited about, but they had some lovely songs with melodies and stuff. God Only Knows is one of those songs.

AC are nowhere near as good as The Beach Boys.

[transmogrifier]

Acapelli & keyin = bringing the spirit of hipinion.com to where we didn't need it.

I welcome them - keyin seems to like scuzzy guitar bands on occasions as well, which suits me fine.

[keyinblack]

i guess ac just aren't your thing, but at least you gave it a try. It's not the crossover that most fans expected, that's for sure.

re: milky joe
Winter's Love may very well be AC's best ballad. It's perfect, but that doesn't stop me from finding Visiting Friends a major momentum killer and the tail end of Sung Tongs to be rather silly. To me, it just doesn't work as a cohesive album and a few songs seem like sketches and not final drafts. But different strokes I suppose.

this is strictly my fanboyism speaking, but I just can't fathom thinking that Merriweather is underwhelming. There is so so much happening, and altho, we don't have the highest quality of rips available, it's production is so dense and layered.

[keyinblack]

Acapelli & keyin = bringing the spirit of hipinion.com to where we didn't need it.
hey now

if i brought the boarding spirit of hpn those two links on the previous page would have been porn freaks and the where the wild things are thread would be broken.

[keyinblack]

Change of subject:

I've been listening to Ultramagnetic MC's "Critical Breakdown" a lot lately, and I think I like it more than Public Enemy's debut. The beats are fresh, but not as confrontationally shrill, and it's more fun instead of culturally political.

My friend has been doing a good job convincing me that The Beastie Boys' "Paul's Boutique" set a high watermark for hip-hop that in it's era has yet to surpassed. Due to their 90's success and commercialization (and my relative young age) I threw them off as a novelty, but honestly, there's a some riveting complexity in the music that I just had not noticed while watching the Kid's Choice Awards.

[krazed]

MPP sucks.

jk

[Boner M]

hey now

if i brought the boarding spirit of hpn those two links on the previous page would have been porn freaks and the where the wild things are thread would be broken.
Well, sub 'spirit' with 'prose style'.

You also haven't uploaded any Boris yet, so I guess my diagnosis was wildly off-mark.

[Boner M]

this is strictly my fanboyism speaking, but I just can't fathom thinking that Merriweather is underwhelming. There is so so much happening, and altho, we don't have the highest quality of rips available, it's production is so dense and layered.
Indeed, and I don't even know that I'd consider myself a fanboy (Feels and Sung Tongs are merely good to me, Water Curses was lame).

[Derek]

Spirit... is my favorite, followed by their latest.

This. Love the new album - so dense, lush and intoxicating. I hadn't heard much about this one beforehand, but I wasn't expecting them to go and make a dance record.

[Acapelli]

hey i just don't like hitting the shift key. i've realized that i can save SECONDS of my time by not capitalizing

and i have not listened to mpp yet

[Derek]

hey i just don't like hitting the shift key. i've realized that i can save SECONDS of my time by not capitalizing

and i have not listened to mpp yet

I assumed your shift key was broken, but I for one appreciate those rare occasions when you tack on punctuation. Don't think it goes unnoticed. ;)

[Acapelli]

i need to seperate my thoughts somehow

[Dead & Messed Up]

The Who was just honored by the Kennedy Center tonight, and listening to the medley performed reminded me of something I occasionally forget:

The Who made soul-shatteringly awesome music.

[Kurosawa Fan]

The Who was just honored by the Kennedy Center tonight, and listening to the medley performed reminded me of something I occasionally forget:

The Who made soul-shatteringly awesome music.

They were brilliant in concert, even at their age (this was about five years ago or so)

[Wryan]

Love The Who. Tommy is unexpected and great.

I also like The Guess Who. But that's neither here nor there.

[Milky Joe]

Nice piece on Andrew Bird in the New York Times the other day, located here (http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/04/magazine/04bird-t.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&ref=music). His new album Noble Beast is one of the most beautiful fucking things ever recorded, I'm certain.

[bac0n]

Ya know who needs more cowbell?


Nick Cave! (http://www.morecowbell.dj/listen?id=CAsojG)

Lou Reed! (http://www.morecowbell.dj/listen?id=CXeLX6)

The Carpenters! (http://www.morecowbell.dj/listen?id=BJ8dMU)

[Derek]

Ya know who needs more cowbell?


Nick Cave! (http://www.morecowbell.dj/listen?id=CAsojG)

Lou Reed! (http://www.morecowbell.dj/listen?id=CXeLX6)

The Carpenters! (http://www.morecowbell.dj/listen?id=BJ8dMU)


:lol: Awesome.


Joy Division! (http://www.morecowbell.dj/listen?id=DFjMdc)

[Benny Profane]

I know he's not well-liked around here (I think he's pretty good) but Ryan Adams is quitting the Cardinals and music for awhile, citing hearing problems as the main reason.

[Kurosawa Fan]

I know he's not well-liked around here (I think he's pretty good) but Ryan Adams is quitting the Cardinals and music for awhile, citing hearing problems as the main reason.

I thought his last album was pretty mediocre. Maybe this explains it.

[Benny Profane]

I thought his last album was pretty mediocre. Maybe this explains it.

I really like Cardinology. I must say I'm surprised that the consensus is that it's one of his worst albums.

[Duncan]

You know what I really wish Animal Collective hadn't moved away from? Random screaming/shouting. Strawberry Jam still had Avey Tare going a bit nuts on "For Reverend Green." Merriweather Post Pavillion's got nothing. On the other hand, it's pretty damn beautiful. So there's that. I mean, that drop in "In the Flowers" is exhilarating.

[Kurosawa Fan]

I really like Cardinology. I must say I'm surprised that the consensus is that it's one of his worst albums.

Well, I think Heartbreaker is his best disc, which I'm not sure is a very popular opinion. I didn't realize Cardinology was considered one of his worst. I figured I'd be in the minority there, but the whole thing just sounds blah to me. Uninspired, going through the motions stuff through the entire disc. I was really disappointed.

[Benny Profane]

Well, I think Heartbreaker is his best disc, which I'm not sure is a very popular opinion. I didn't realize Cardinology was considered one of his worst. I figured I'd be in the minority there, but the whole thing just sounds blah to me. Uninspired, going through the motions stuff through the entire disc. I was really disappointed.

I think Cold Roses is his best. Heartbreaker would be up there.

[Raiders]

You know what I really wish Animal Collective hadn't moved away from? Random screaming/shouting. Strawberry Jam still had Avey Tare going a bit nuts on "For Reverend Green." Merriweather Post Pavillion's got nothing. On the other hand, it's pretty damn beautiful. So there's that. I mean, that drop in "In the Flowers" is exhilarating.

I bought this yesterday, and I don't miss the screaming a bit. My God was that an amazing album.

It's also really cool that it is named after the open-air arena located about 15 minutes from my house. I never actually knew that AC was a local band.

[keyinblack]

You know what I really wish Animal Collective hadn't moved away from? Random screaming/shouting. Strawberry Jam still had Avey Tare going a bit nuts on "For Reverend Green." Merriweather Post Pavillion's got nothing. On the other hand, it's pretty damn beautiful. So there's that. I mean, that drop in "In the Flowers" is exhilarating.
inho they really slaughtered for reverend green in the studio. the vocals are way over-the-top and the screaming sounds downright petulant.

on the other hand, chores could have used some of that intensity, but they took it out. basically i think they made poor decisions re: that album.

i'll say that i was just a bit disappointed that they took out the screaming in the trance breakdown in the middle of brother sport, but it was probably for the best. and i absolutely 100% love that they kept the "whoo!" in the chorus of my girls. Just the perfect touch it needed to encapsulate the entire band's identity and fruition into one song.

I'm glad the reception for this album is nice. it really is a career-defining achievement , and being a long time fan i couldn't be more proud of these guys. they've earned it.

[D_Davis]

Discovered my first and second great albums of 2009.

John Frusciante's The Empyrean.

Quite simply, a modern psychedelic masterpiece. His cover of Song to the Siren is incredible, and each song is stunning in the way that it fits within the album as a whole. This is most definitely a concept record, but it never feels overly self-indulgent or obtuse, at least no more than any other great concept album.

Frusciante's song writing has never been better. Through the use of lush strings, haunting choral parts, drum machines, traditional acoustic instruments, and creative arranging, the album becomes a force of pure audio bliss that demands one's full attention.

Listen to it loud, all in one sitting. It is an amazing audio adventure.

and...

Dalek's Gutter Tactics

Imagine if My Bloody Valentine, Medicine, and Pink Noise Test were hip hop bands influenced by Public Enemy and industrial noise.

It's awesome. The album is bold and abrasive, loud and demanding. It's a pure sonic assault of feedback, heavy beats, great lyrics, and layers upon layers of textured sound.

[Wryan]

My radio listening has been tempered recently by an ever-increasing assault of that Taylor Swift Romeo/Juliet song. I dunno the title. It's a sunny-as-hell track with a producer's sheen that could split marble, but someone needed to tell her that she can't, ever, name her characters Romeo and Juliet, literally, ironically, humorously, metaphorically, or otherwise. Just, no. The facile, demographically maniacal, send-every-young-girl's-heart-a-flutter story does it no favors except to keep her album near the top of the charts over and over for reasons that may be obvious if this is the general quality of her output. Also "impressed" by the not-quite-country-but-just-still-a-little-twang sound, too.

I can't get away from this song.

/groan

[Ezee E]

The Prodigy is coming out with a new album in a couple weeks. Can't wait!

[bac0n]

That battle of the television shows thread got me to thinking. You see, one of the songs in the battle is the Peter Gunn theme, and man, that song has one of the most iconic basslines of all time. So, anyway, that thread started me to thinking about some other songs with terrific basslines. I thought I would share a few of my faves; maybe some of you would like to share yours.


Jane's Addiction - Been Caught Stealing. Eric Avery sure knows how to make the best out of two notes, doesn't he?
XTC - The Mayor of Simpleton. The bass bounces all over the place on this one like its being whipped around inside of a tornado. I love it.
Digital Underground - The Humpty Dance. Probably the most recognizable bassline in the entire history of hip-hop. Admit it - that bassline is in your head right now, isn't it.

[Acapelli]

i've always liked the bass line in joy division's disorder

[D_Davis]

As a bassist, I've always enjoyed:

Peter Hook - Age of Consent, Bizarre Love Triangle, Temptation
Victor Krummenacher - Border Ska, We Eat Your Children, All of Her Favorite Fruit
John Tailor - Rio, Girls on Film, Planet Earth
Tina Weymouth - With Our Love, Found a Job
Roger Waters - Echoes
Simon Jones - Gravity Grave
Dr. Dre - Fuck Wit Dre Day, Nuthin' But a G Thang
Bim Skala Bim (can't remember their bassist's name) - Wonder Soul
David Bowie (can't remember who played bass on these) - Golden Years, Fascination, TVC 15, Width of a Circle
Neu! - Hallogallo (the ultimate drone bass)
Robbie Shakespeare - too many songs to name

I've got too many favorite bass lines...I could go on for days...

[Russ]

Love the bass. Some more notables:

Jean Jacques Burnel (The Stranglers). Peaches (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMo9BVYzCI0)
Paul Simonon (The Clash). The Guns of Brixton (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hiQoq-wqZxg), which was in turn covered by Beats International (Fatboy Slim) Dub Be Good to Me (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_ig5qzsxDc)

Probably my favorite all-time bassline is the one for Willie Williams Armagideon Time, which the Clash covered. Here is Willie's original (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8OBafgG9SpQ&feature=related) and the Clash's version (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKJ5YPcNmLU&feature=related).

Good call on Robbie S, D.

[Arthur Seaton]

"Peaches" contains my favorite bassline. Can't think about that song without thinking about the opening scene from Sexy Beast.

Another one of my favorites is the opening bass riff from Simple Minds' "Waterfront."

[Benny Profane]

Bonnaroo 2009 lineup looking pretty sick.

[Acapelli]

Bonnaroo 2009 lineup looking pretty sick.
yeah it does

[Spaceman Spiff]

Rock the Casbah has a terrific bassline. Not many people know this, but it happens to be true (which gives it that extra oomph).

Actually, Simonon might be on the shortlist for favorite bassist ever, now that I think about it.

[bac0n]

The Prodigy is coming out with a new album in a couple weeks. Can't wait!

Speaking of: I listened to The Prodigy Experience the other night for the first time in at least a decade. What a great, fun, exciting album. It's amazing how well it holds up too, especially considering how short the shelf life is on most electronic dance music. Liam Howlett ought to go down as the James Brown of breakbeat techno.

[Amnesiac]

John Frusciante's The Empyrean.


I haven't listened to it all yet but so far, it's pretty good. You can't really go wrong with Frusciante's vocals... I'm rather fond of his cover of "Tiny Dancer".

[Dead & Messed Up]

I doubt anybody here cares, but Blink 182 just reformed, and they have a tour and new album planned.

They're one of those bands that were really formative to me growing up, and I think their music genuinely got better as they went, so I'm pretty psyched.

[D_Davis]

New Jon Hassell album out today - awesome. Another dose of slow, slinky, spacey jazz/ambiance.

[D_Davis]

Yes, this new Hassell album is awesome.

Northline, track 8, is groovy as hell. It's basically just a funky-ass bassline and a muted trumpet.

[MadMan]

I doubt anybody here cares, but Blink 182 just reformed, and they have a tour and new album planned.

They're one of those bands that were really formative to me growing up, and I think their music genuinely got better as they went, so I'm pretty psyched.Their last disc showed great promise. Hopefully they continue to build on that.

[D_Davis]

Jon Hassell's newest album, Last Night the Moon Cam Dropping Its Clothes in the Street, was released yesterday, and it is awesome.

Often compared to Miles Davis in terms of skill and influence, Hassell is a master trumpet player and electronic composer.

This is the third album I've heard by him, and it is definitely my favorite.

Hassell is a master of space, both positive and negative. His arrangements are deceptively simple, and his compositions are nuanced. He uses subtlety like a precision surgical knife; cutting into your inner ear and consciousness, the music permeates the body and soul in a wash of sonic beauty.

His band consists of a number of musicians: a bassist, a drummer, a guitarist - most of whom also double on the lap top or some other digital device. His music is highly spontaneous, and yet it still has form; the band improvises within a series of boundaries erected by their band leader.

Hassell's trumpet tone is haunting and otherworldly; this is jazz from outer space, grounded in an extraterrestrial terrain that is both alien and familiar. The music feels sticky and organic, even though much of it is electronic; it's a hybrid of light and dark, soft and hard, funky and majestic.

The album is, of course, highly recommended to anyone who enjoys experimental jazz, ambient music, and creative electronic music.

http://www.jonhassell.com/

[megladon8]

Anyone who enjoys electronica/DJ work in the vein of Blockhead or cLOUDDEAd should check out this album...

"Late Night Cinema" by Blue Sky Black Death

It's fatnastic. It's definitely my favorite new listen so far this year.

[D_Davis]

Anyone who enjoys electronica/DJ work in the vein of Blockhead or cLOUDDEAd should check out this album...

"Late Night Cinema" by Blue Sky Black Death

It's fatnastic. It's definitely my favorite new listen so far this year.

cLOUDDEAD you say? Checking it out...

[megladon8]

cLOUDDEAD you say? Checking it out...


Awesome, I hope you like it.

It's that same mixture of both hip-hop and electronic sensibilities.

If you can't find it, I can send you a .zip file!

[D_Davis]

Finally got done with my year end wrap up.

It's posted here if anyone cares to read it:

http://www.playtime-magazine.com/press/2009/02/2008-a-year-in-music/

[D_Davis]

2008 - without write ups. If you care about the write ups, you can read them here (http://www.playtime-magazine.com/press/2009/02/2008-a-year-in-music/).

>>Biggest Disappointments


Mercury Rev - Snowflake Midnight

Secret Machines - Secret Machines


>>Honorable mentions


The Verve –Fourth


Black Dog — Radio Scarecrow


Meat Beat Manifesto — Autoimmune


Alt-CTRL-Sleep –Alt-CTRL-Sleep


>>And Now For the Top 10


10. Kings of Leon — Only By the Night

9. Drive-By Truckers — Brighter Than Creation’s Dark

8. Sea and Cake - Car Alarm

7. Hammock — Maybe They Will Sing For Us Tomorrow

6. Far Flung — A Wound in Eternity

5. Daniel Lanois — Here Is What Is

4. Motorpsycho — Little Lucid Moments

3. Harold Budd and Clive Wright — A Song for Lost Blossoms

2. Sun Kil Moon — April

1. David Byrne and Brian Eno - Everything That Happens Will Happen Today

[Raiders]

Started listening to my newly purchased "Complete Columbia Recordings: Miles Davis and John Coltrane."

It's like heaven on a CD.

[Dead & Messed Up]

Depeche Mode has a new song (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L2GaCnAiuvo) off their upcoming album.

I thought their last album, Playing the Angel, was amazingly well done, especially considering how long they've been around.

[D_Davis]

I like that new DM song, a lot.

It's very interesting.

[Lasse]

Depeche Mode has a new song (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L2GaCnAiuvo) off their upcoming album.

Hey, that's a great song. :cool:

[transmogrifier]

I've come to the conclusion that The Smiths are the most boring band to have ever been embraced by the critical community. I just don't get it.

Secondly, if I see someone list M. Ward as one of their favorite artists, I tend to conclude they are not really into music all that much. I mean, M. Ward? What about him screams noteworthy in any way shape or form?

[/watching a music channel while doing an assignment]

[bac0n]

I've come to the conclusion that The Smiths are the most boring band to have ever been embraced by the critical community. I just don't get it.

The Smiths never did it for me. In fact, quite the opposite, I've always found anything Morrissey-related to be extremely irritating.

[D_Davis]

I like The Smiths.

I don't love them; I think they are the least of the other bands of their era like Echo and the Bunnymen, New Order, OMD, and The Cure, but they had some amazing songs. Most of which can be found on Louder Than Bombs.

[D_Davis]

So I love ambient and experiment music as much, or more, than a lot of people.

However, I totally don't understand this trend in the glitch sub-genre of including ear piercing frequencies that cut through my ear drums like flaming hot needles tipped with audio-acid.

Some artists are making entire albums comprised solely of these frequences.

Really, what is the point? The sounds actually hurt to listen to. I just don't get it.

[Wryan]

Really, what is the point? The sounds actually hurt to listen to. I just don't get it.

Cause it's daring, bitch!

[D_Davis]

Cause it's daring, bitch!

I guess, as in "I dare you to listen to this!"

OOOUUUUCH!

[D_Davis]

My band's (The Golden Greys) album is up on iTunes:

http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=306177644&s=143441

RIYL: Elvis Costello, Sebadoh, and jangly indie-pop.

Check it out.

[Ezee E]

My band's (The Golden Greys) album is up on iTunes:

http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=306177644&s=143441

RIYL: Elvis Costello, Sebadoh, and jangly indie-pop.

Check it out.
Congrats on that dude. I'm listening to the previews now.

[D_Davis]

New U2 album just finished dl'ing from iTunes.

First track is awesome. Much better than the lame single.

[Spaceman Spiff]

U-fucking-2?

C'mooooooooon DD.

[D_Davis]

Listened to half of the U2 album. I absolutely love the first 3 tracks. Probably the best first three tracks on a U2 album since The Joshua Tree. Track four is OK, and track 5 is pretty good as well. Musically, I think the album is creative and energetic - sounds like the band is having a blast. Lyrically, it's not so great; Bono isn't really saying anything. However, his voice sounds amazing - the best it's sounded in years.

You can hear Lanois' and Eno's influence throughout, that's for sure. Especially in the backing vocal harmonies.

[Benny Profane]

The AV Club reviews Neko Case's new release "Middle Cyclone, gives it an A- (http://www.avclub.com/articles/neko-case,24463/)

[D_Davis]

The AV Club reviews Neko Case's new release "Middle Cyclone, gives it an A- (http://www.avclub.com/articles/neko-case,24463/)

Awesome. Can't wait to hear this.

[D_Davis]

The second half of No Line on the Horizon kicks off with the uber-lame single, Get On Your Boots. This is a terrible song. Sounds like a C-side from the last album, and it's as vapid as they come; there's more substance in a Justin Timberlake track. Stand Up Comedy isn't much better during the verses and choruses, but it has an incredible bride that elevates the song quite a bit, and sets up the rest of the album quite well. Fez is an incredible song, a perfect marriage between Eno's more world-influenced sounds and U2's big anthem rock. White As Snow is a mediocre ballard, but the Breath, and Cedars of Lebanon, the album's closer, are both pretty good; CoL especially so, and it is also has the best lyrics on the album.

After a first listen, I think this is my favorite U2 album since Achtung Baby. However, it aslo has two of my least favorite U2 songs - I think the album would actually be much stronger without Get on Your Boots and Stand Up Comedy.

We'll see how this one grows on me.

[D_Davis]

U-fucking-2?

C'mooooooooon DD.

Trust me, I know how uncool liking U2 makes me. And I really like Bono (as a vocalist and humanitarian), so that makes me doubly unhip.

Any band that has recorded albums as amazing as Unforgettable Fire, The Joshua Tree, and Achtung Baby deserves my time and respect, and this new album is pretty dang good.



The new Neko Case album is, of course, awesome as well. Need to listen to it more, that's for sure. It's freaking epic.

[transmogrifier]

Trust me, I know how uncool liking U2 makes me. And I really like Bono (as a vocalist and humanitarian), so that makes me doubly unhip..

I feel the same about still liking REM.

That said, REM > U2

:)

[D_Davis]

I feel the same about still liking REM.

That said, REM > U2

:)

I hear ya.

But you got it mixed up, it's U2 > REM - at least the last time I checked it was.

[Winston*]

Have you seen Bill Bailey's take on U2, Davis? (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4u6Eeb0YrKY)

[D_Davis]

The new Neko Case album adds some much needed variety to her ever growing discography. Except for a few tracks on each album, Ms. Case could be accused of writing the same album over and over again. That is, she has found her niche, the place where she feels the most comfortable, and works well there. Like Patsy Cline and Johnny Cash before her, one might say that Case has two songs: the slow one and the fast one.

I don't say this as a knock against her music. I've grown to really love what she does, but I would have a hard time of convincing a casual fan that he or she needs all of Case's albums, when one or two could do the job.

However, Middle Cyclone feels and sounds different. The compositions are more varried, and explore sonic territory marked with nuance and subtle shifts in the dynamics. The album as a whole is markedly more creative, more epic, and more interesting than any of her previous albums.

Maybe I think this because it has been awhile since I last listened to her previous albums, but I don't think so. Even if I am downplaying and misremembering the creativity of her previous records, this new album's creative nature is far more apparent and outstanding.

[D_Davis]

Have you seen Bill Bailey's take on U2, Davis? (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4u6Eeb0YrKY)

Heh, that's pretty funny.

[Spaceman Spiff]

Neko Case kind of bores me actually. I really liked one of her albums, though (can't be bothered to look it up). I'll probably end up hearing the new one at somebody's place, in the near future I imagine.

[D_Davis]

Unknown Caller, track 4 on U2's new album, is really growing on me. It sounds like something they might have done pre-Unforgettable Fire (except for the solo at the end). It's incredibly stripped down.

[D_Davis]

So Eno and Lanois are specifically given song writing credits on the new U2 album - they seem to be more involved than ever before. But what is most interesting is that the last song, Cedars of Lebanon, opens with a sample of Eno's and Budd's Against The Sky, from their album The Pearl.

That's awesome.

[transmogrifier]

Neko Case kind of bores me actually. I really liked one of her albums, though (can't be bothered to look it up). I'll probably end up hearing the new one at somebody's place, in the near future I imagine.

Yes.

[D_Davis]

After about 10 listens today, I've decided that the first two tracks on the new U2 album are as good as anything they've ever done.

[D_Davis]

Another thing that I appreciate about this new U2 album is that they did not succumb to the brickwall-mastering trend popular with so many bands right now. The album is not obnoxiously loud, but instead it contains great dynamics.

I shouldn't expect anything less from Eno and Lanois, but still.

[Justin]

I heard the new U2 cd at work, one of the songs had a section of it that sounded exactly like Journey's "Faithfully".

[D_Davis]

I heard the new U2 cd at work, one of the songs had a section of it that sounded exactly like Journey's "Faithfully".

Yeah - I heard that they aped the piano part for their song; an homage or something.

After 10 listens to the new U2 album, I am prepared to declare it my 3rd favorite, right after The Unforgettable Fire and The Joshua Tree.

I still don't like the middle two songs on the record (Dirty Boots and Stand Up Comedy (although this one has an amazing bridge)), but the first four songs are among the very best songs U2 has ever made. I cannot believe how good they are.

[Benny Profane]

Radiohead Disses Miley Cyrus at the Grammys (http://www.twentyfourbit.com/post/83612299/radiohead-dissed-miley-cyrus-too)


"Radiohead refused to stop by (Cyrus's dressing room at the Grammys). “If someone, like, said that, like, ‘I would cry if I met them. I really want to meet them,’ I would freaking, like, run and, like, give them the biggest hug in the world because that’s cool, you know?” Cyrus said. “But they were like, ‘(whatev) We don’t really do that.’”


Poor Miley, she was like, so "let down and hanging around." Like omg can you IMAGINE??!!

[D_Davis]

She actually has a really good point:


The snub was inconceivable to Cyrus, who added, “They don’t meet one little kid who would cry and make their life? That’s the reason you do this! The reason that I’m in the business is because I like making people happy and it’s, like, I don’t get people like [Radiohead].”

Never, ever take a fan for granted. Ever. Even if that fan is Miley Cyrus. Shoot, I'd be stoked if she were a fan of Carl Sagan's Ghost!

[D_Davis]

I just got my collection of the Omni Series in the mail - a 3 CD box-set of instrumental music by Daniel Lanois, which also comes with a set of limited edition postcards he made. It's really nice. The first CD is called Steel, and it's an album of all pedal steel music.

This is going to rule. All kinds of new Lanois music to listen to; it just doesn't get any better than this.

[D_Davis]

Man, the video for Depeche Mode's new song, Wrong, is awesome. It's really creepy.

[bac0n]

I just bought my first ever pair of high-end studio headphones, which I'm listening to right now. It's amazing what a difference a good set of headphones make. It's like my music is new all over again.

[D_Davis]

I just bought my first ever pair of high-end studio headphones, which I'm listening to right now. It's amazing what a difference a good set of headphones make. It's like my music is new all over again.

What did you get?

[Dead & Messed Up]

Man, the video for Depeche Mode's new song, Wrong, is awesome. It's really creepy.

I love how it starts out feeling surreal, with the mask and the backward movement...and then everything becomes more logical and frightening.

[D_Davis]

I love how it starts out feeling surreal, with the mask and the backward movement...and then everything becomes more logical and frightening.

Yeah, totally.

[transmogrifier]

I like music.

[Kurious Jorge v3.1]

New Yeah Yeah Yeahs album = boring

[Benny Profane]

Jack White starts ANOTHER new band, this time with Alison Mosshart from The Kills (http://http://www.twentyfourbit.com/post/85740985/jack-white-starts-new-band-with-kills-alison-mosshart)

[bac0n]

What did you get?

Sony MDR-7506. I demo'd a few in the store, and they were the pair in my price range that appealed to me the most. And they were on sale for 10 bucks off, too. Score!

[D_Davis]

In the mood for something beautiful, haunting, elegant, and emotionally complex?

Check out Last Days' new album, The Safety of the North.

It's incredible.

[D_Davis]

So this new Last Days album is brilliant. It's like they made songs of the intros from a bunch of Sigur Ros albums, and a little bit like Mew, but not nearly as precious and cute. Very haunting - not totally unlike mid-period His Name is Alive.

Totally recommended if you like any of the above-mentioned acts and Loscil, Swod et al.

[number8]

I got The Lonely Island's Incredibad. This is a seriously pretty impressive satire of hip hop.

[Acapelli]

I got The Lonely Island's Incredibad. This is a seriously pretty impressive satire of hip hop.
yeah, especially "i'm on a boat"

[number8]

yeah, especially "i'm on a boat"

Indeed. That and Boombox.

[transmogrifier]

So this new Last Days album is brilliant. It's like they made songs of the intros from a bunch of Sigur Ros albums......

Okay, I'm listening....


and a little bit like Mew......


Okay, no, forget it.

[Lasse]

Okay, no, forget it.

As a huge Mew lover - just see my avatar - I have to ask why you dislike them?

EDIT: And I find Sigur Ros to be terribly boring most of the time. :lol:

[D_Davis]

Nevermind...my medicine head got the best of me.

It's not Mew that Last Days kind of reminds me of, it's Mum - only not nearly as cute and precious.

Sorry.

But I like Mew as well.

[Acapelli]

the new phoenix is the best thing i've heard this year and probably of the last few years

[transmogrifier]

As a huge Mew lover - just see my avatar - I have to ask why you dislike them?

EDIT: And I find Sigur Ros to be terribly boring most of the time. :lol:

Can't really say as it's been about two years since I last heard them, was underwhelmed and deleted them forever off my hard drive.

[MadMan]

I've only heard two songs from Sigur Ros, and I liked both of them.

Recent Album rentals:

*Infidels-Bob Dylan
*On and On-Jack Johnson
*Accelerate-R.E.M.
*Physical Graffiti-Led Zeppelin

[D_Davis]

I've only heard two songs from Sigur Ros, and I liked both of them.


Then there is a very good chance that you'd like the rest of 'em.

[origami_mustache]

haven't ventured here in ages...

New MF Doom is great.
Dan Deacon's Bromst might be my favorite record of the year so far.
New Thermals is disappointing
New Decemberists is not bad but redudant
Love the New Junior boys
New Grizzly Bear is meh
New Camera Obscura is decent
New Peter Bjorn and John is garbage
New Bonnie 'Prince' Billy...solid as usual

[MadMan]

Then there is a very good chance that you'd like the rest of 'em.I sure hope so. They strike me as a very interesting band with a unique sound. Plus they're from Iceland, which is cool. I first read about them in Time magazine back in 2002.

[number8]

Why was everybody up in arms over Britney having a song called "If You Seek Amy"? What the hell's so offensive about that tiOOOHHH I GET IT WAT.

[Acapelli]

haven't ventured here in ages...

New MF Doom is great.
Dan Deacon's Bromst might be my favorite record of the year so far.
New Thermals is disappointing
New Decemberists is not bad but redudant
Love the New Junior boys
New Grizzly Bear is meh
New Camera Obscura is decent
New Peter Bjorn and John is garbage
New Bonnie 'Prince' Billy...solid as usual
listen to the new phoenix

i don't get the love for bromst. it's pretty embarrassing. but plenty of people whose opinion i respect love it, so i guess it's just not for me

[MadMan]

Why was everybody up in arms over Britney having a song called "If You Seek Amy"? What the hell's so offensive about that tiOOOHHH I GET IT WAT.I didn't even know that song existed until just now. Which speaks volumes about the fact that I really don't listen to popular music anymore.

And I think Infidels gets either a *** or a *** 1/2. Not sure what to give it exactly, but I went in with very little expectations since I didn't even know about it until I went digging through my local library earlier this week. I have a feeling that Dylan and the 80s really didn't jive well together.

[D_Davis]

Why was everybody up in arms over Britney having a song called "If You Seek Amy"? What the hell's so offensive about that tiOOOHHH I GET IT WAT.

The Poster Children had a song in the early 90s called If You See Kay.

[Kurious Jorge v3.1]

The Poster Children had a song in the early 90s called If You See Kay.

"If you see Kay" comes from James Joyce's Ulysses. He also gets you to say "see you in tea" while reading aloud.

If Britney Spear's song was called "If you seek Emmy" then it would actually sound like what parents are complaining about. It would also sound like an Italian man saying "Fuck me", which would be funnier.

[D_Davis]

The new Susumu Yokota album, Mother, is very interesting. It's very abstract, and has more vocals than usual. Often called the Brian Eno of Japan, the newest album solidifies this comparison. It is full of odd tones, unique phrasing, and compelling arrangements.

[Wryan]

Somebody help me out. What's the Ocean's Eleven (or Twelve), Vegasy, Tom Jonesy song that starts out with a giant scream as a montage begins, sweeping over the city at dusk?

[MadMan]

On and On is merely solid, which is what I really expected from a Jack Johnson album. Very likable, completely easy listening type material. Mostly breezy though, and thus a bit harmless which makes it less interesting.

And Infidels has really grown on me. The last song is the only bad one in the whole bunch. I wonder why Dylan only recorded 8 tracks for that one instead of his usual 10.

[D_Davis]

Do you ever really listen to life?

We are, day in and day out, surrounded by interesting sounds, especially in cities where there is a juxtaposition between nature and industry. I once recorded an album called The Sounds that Surround You, but it wasn't until quite recently that I really and honestly started to pay attention to the symphony of life.

I just celebrated my fifth year anniversary at my job, and to reward me my company gave me a two hundred dollar gift certificate to Amazon.com. With it I purchased a field recorder, a little Tascam DR-07. And now I've become totally obsessed with recording and then listening to the things I do.

The most interesting so far have been my walks home from the bus station. It usually takes me about twelve minutes to make the journey, and during this time I am surrounded by the sounds of cars, people talking or yelling, birds, the wind, rain, and my own foot steps splatting atop the wet concrete. In some weird kind of simulacrum-experience, I've removed myself from the sounds of the walk home by listening to music on my iPod while I am recording my surroundings, and then, once home, I sit and listen to what was going on during that time. It is oddly compelling, and even a little haunting. By creating a very wide stereo field and capturing the most minute sounds, the recordings of these walks reveal things to my ears that I may not have even paid attention to had I actually been listening during the walk.

This morning I recorded my self making breakfast, and then while eating it I listened to it. The recording began with the sounds of sausage frying in a pan and ended with the dinging of the toaster. I am going to do this again tomorrow and compare the two recordings. I've had the same breakfast habits for years, and I wonder how similar the sounds will be? Will the dinning plate being set on the granite counter-top come at around the same time? Do I wash my hands for a similar length of time each morning after forming the sausage patty? Do the dogs and cats leave and return through their pet-door the same amount of times?

This is a very odd sensation. In listening closely to the sounds of things I do, I have become more intensely interested in the sounds I make, and my removing myself from the originating source by recording them, thus capturing the moment in time, I am able to relive these small trivial matters that make up a normal day in my life.

[bac0n]

Good on ya, D_Davis! May your hard drive soon be full of wonderful found sounds with which to combine into some truly awesome sound collages.

I really need to get back into the habit of taking my field recorder along with me wherever I go. Especially now that it's warming up outside and I'm getting outside a little more.

[D_Davis]

Good on ya, D_Davis! May your hard drive soon be full of wonderful found sounds with which to combine into some truly awesome sound collages.

I really need to get back into the habit of taking my field recorder along with me wherever I go. Especially now that it's warming up outside and I'm getting outside a little more.

Yeah - I;m going to be taking it with me a lot. It's awesome. I can't wait to start incorporating these found sounds into my ambient music.

On a different note, two albums by bands beginning with the letter 'M' came out today:

Mastodon - Crack the Skye
Mono (Japan) - Hymn to the Immortal World

Looking forward to listening to these today at work.

[dreamdead]

Thanks for the notice about Mono's release. Just purchased it from Amazon, so I'm hoping the listening experience is worth it next week...

[D_Davis]

Thanks for the notice about Mono's release. Just purchased it from Amazon, so I'm hoping the listening experience is worth it next week...

It's very Mono-ish.

:)

Like most post-rock, if you like one song/band, you'll probably like them all.

This new album seems like a nice mix between their louder more rocking stuff and their more symphonic stuff. Because I am listening to it at work, I can't really crank it (and Mono demands to be listened to at LOUD volumes), and so I am surely missing many of the nuances, but I like what I've heard thus far.

So far, though, I like the Mastodon better - it's more interesting. But both of these albums need to be listened to at home, loud, or in the car, loud.

Loud, loud, loud!

[D_Davis]

The new Mastodon is incredible.

Some of the best modern metal I've heard - each song is awesome.

I really love the vocals as well.

[D_Davis]

Forget everything you thought you knew about the tuba:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0YwbWbjHLqE

Unbelievably beautiful. Some of the most mentally stimulating and spiritually elevating music I've ever heard.

[bac0n]

Forget everything you thought you knew about the tuba:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0YwbWbjHLqE

Unbelievably beautiful. Some of the most mentally stimulating and spiritually elevating music I've ever heard.

I totally love "uncool" instruments. Tuba and Accordion being among my favorites. Frickin' love accordions - would love to take lessons if I could free up some time.

[D_Davis]

Tom Heasley turns the tuba into an instrument capable of creating unparalleled sonic textures. Of course the original source tones are treated, again like Eno did with Budd's piano, but the original tones are still there, and they are warm and compelling.

I'd love to see this guy live.

My mom played the accordion when she was young, and she still has hers; it's really nice, too. I've tried to play it, and it really, really hard.

[bac0n]

My mom played the accordion when she was young, and she still has hers; it's really nice, too. I've tried to play it, and it really, really hard.

I have an old piano accordion in the basement, which I too have tried to play. But all it takes is about 30 seconds of me banging on the thing before my wife comes down and threatens me with bodily harm unless I stop. :cry:

[D_Davis]

So the new Mastodon is incredible. I finally got to listen to the whole album - really LOUD - and it totally blew my mind. Each song contains at least one jaw-dropping change. These dudes are the modern masters of finely crafted, heavy, progressive metal, and what's more, they never, ever forget the importance of melody. As much as I like bands like Opeth, I find myself quickly growing tired of the growling/screaming, and so it is refreshing to hear such strong and melodic vocals on this new Mastodon album. If you like heavy rock at all, definitely buy Crack the Skye, shoot, if you love great music in general just get this album.

[dreamdead]

As much as I like bands like Opeth, I find myself quickly growing tired of the growling/screaming

Oldie. :|

I've tried Leviathan and for every "Hearts Alive" with its wonderfully spastic drumwork, there's a letdown track that feels too obvious. Moments of Remission, like "March of the Fire Ants," similarly had a manic energy, but I've yet to hear the band pull it together for a full album. Maybe this is the one, though...

[D_Davis]

This album blows Leviathan out of the water...

Ouch - bad pun - but still.

Best album Mastodon has done, by a long shot.

[keyinblack]

New Grizzly Bear is meh
album is really great.

i love that they cut the precious flourishes of yellowhouse and focused on clear and strong songwriting (while you wait for others is the prime example.) although i like yellow house i feel that the songs were too wandering and sometimes too reliant on the atmospherics of the production which made the music a little shallow.

but veckatimest is just so delicate and beautiful at times while balancing traditional structure and songwriting I'm amazed how these guys haven't crossed the line into getting too affected.

[keyinblack]

i like the dan deacon mostly, but to be honest i don't listen to like 5 of the tracks ever.

[number8]

So... In anticipation for his new album, I've been listening to Eminem a lot.

I had all of his albums on MP3s, and I started making a habit of not being a completist, deleting the songs I don't like. I found that his best songs, the ones that stay on my iTunes, are never his hit singles. And I don't think it's a matter of popularity affecting my judgment, either. I noticed that all five Eminem albums are pretty schizophrenic. Half of them are really, really good songs with amazing rhymes. The other half are... Well, some of the worst rap songs ever.

The Eminem Show, specifically, had great songs like Soldier (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSo4ImI6Ib4) and 'Till I Collapse (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RPkAHvp1Vgw), but worthless annoying shit like Without Me (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=keU5TQ7nkuM) and Superman (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IIUkEWec-9g).

I'm curious if Relapse will follow the same pattern. FYI, I didn't like the first single Crack a Bottle (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ymNwsg2T2w) at all.

[Acapelli]

crack a bottle is not a single (thankfully, since i'm also not a fan). it's just a song that leaked (the first version had eminem rapping dr. dre's verse) and em decided to master it and finish recording the verses after the positive response

[lovejuice]

can anyone tell me which song is this?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BsidYG0pj6w

[lovejuice]

"time to say goodbye." i just answer myself.

[Wryan]

FYI, I didn't like the first single Crack a Bottle (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ymNwsg2T2w) at all.

Maybe cause it's irritating as fuck.

[Wryan]

And now...sigh...for no particularly fathomable reason, here's me singing a rejiggered favorite of mine. Audio quality is quiet and horrible for three reasons:

1) the mic isn't very close cause I was lazy
2) bit of static....hchchchchhcchchchchc h
3) I'm singing sorta under my breath; I don't know what this is called, if it's a known technique or defined at all

And yet, here it is. I'm not drunk, so I'm not sure why. You'll have to provide your own finger snaps...funny, actually, there are computer noises in the background, and at one point they sorta form a rudimentary beat for a moment. Unintentional.

Bye Bye Blackbird.mp3 - 2.22MB (http://www.zshare.net/audio/58161027ca3211c2/)

[Idioteque Stalker]

Any Max Richter fans around here?

I'm a pretty big fan, and recently I've been digging a bit on his 24 Postcards In Full Color, which he intended to be a collection of cellphone ringtones. I know that he planned on having audiences play them through their phones during his concerts and such, so I assume that he actually meant for them to be used.

Still, I can't for the life of me find a website or anything from which to download any of these tracks! I've never done anything like this, so maybe I'm missing them somewhere. Maybe they don't even exist.

Anyone know?

[Winston*]

How come no one told me Silver Jews had broken up? Eh?

[EvilShoe]

New Dirty Projects has leaked!
Sounds good so far, in line with Rise Above.

[Sven]

I've been familiarizing myself with Zappa (& Mothers, obv) over the past few. Going chronologically through his catalogue. Any fans? So far I'm pretty hooked.

[Spaceman Spiff]

I've heard very little of Zappa, but what I have heard suggests that the man did a lot of coke.

[Philosophe_rouge]

I didn't know whether to post this in the lit forum or here, but I think the interview is primarily about his musical career...so yea. CBC's Q has a special hour long interview with Leonard Cohen available to watch on youtube, you can also download the podcast for the CBC website;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ugh8Xe6hX7U

Even HD... ooo.

[Sven]

I've heard very little of Zappa, but what I have heard suggests that the man did a lot of coke.

He was adamantly and vocally anti-drug throughout his entire life. Admits to smoking the tiniest bit of marijuana early in his career, but hated it and stuck to tobacco. Caught me by surprise too.

[D_Davis]

I just picked up a book called The Ambient Century: From Mahler to Trance - the Evolution of Sound in the Electronic Age.

It sounds fascinating.

[bac0n]

Happy Record Store Day, everyone! (http://www.recordstoreday.com/Home)

Now get out there and support your local indie record store! There ain't a whole hell of a lot of them left!

[bac0n]

After a first listen, I think this is my favorite U2 album since Achtung Baby. However, it aslo has two of my least favorite U2 songs - I think the album would actually be much stronger without Get on Your Boots and Stand Up Comedy.

Picked this up yesterday on the strength of the second track, the very appropriately named Magnificent - what a great freaking song! And while I would tend to agree that Get On Your Boots is vapid top 40 fodder, I am a sucker for uber-fuzzy guitar licks, and that song definitely scratches that itch.

[number8]

I'm trying to pick a fight with Miley Cyrus on Twitter. It's sad, I know, but I can't help it. She keeps harping on and on about Jesus on her twitter and yet her profile background is John Lennon and she's releasing a cover of "Imagine". Yeah, I already know that her version is not going to have the "no religion" verse.

I'm gonna keep sending her angry messages until she responds.

[Spaceman Spiff]

I'm trying to pick a fight with Miley Cyrus on Twitter. It's sad, I know, but I can't help it. She keeps harping on and on about Jesus on her twitter and yet her profile background is John Lennon and she's releasing a cover of "Imagine". Yeah, I already know that her version is not going to have the "no religion" verse.

I'm gonna keep sending her angry messages until she responds.

I wish I had this much nothing to do. Oh wait, I sort of do for the next few days. Score.

[Ezee E]

I'm trying to pick a fight with Miley Cyrus on Twitter. It's sad, I know, but I can't help it. She keeps harping on and on about Jesus on her twitter and yet her profile background is John Lennon and she's releasing a cover of "Imagine". Yeah, I already know that her version is not going to have the "no religion" verse.

I'm gonna keep sending her angry messages until she responds.
How many people attempt this per day along with you?

[D_Davis]

Depeche Mode's Sounds of the Universe is like an auditory dream for synth lovers. Apparently, Martin Gore had become obsessed with e-bay over the last few years and has purchased dozens and dozens of strange, bizarre, and rare synths and digital and analog noise makers. A ton of these contraptions are used on the album, and you can totally hear them. Little sizzles here and there, unearthly blips and bleeps echoe throughout, and there is just a ton of texture in the songs.

And of course the songs are pretty good as well. DM are masters of melody, and the stand out tracks here (In Chains, Perfect, Wrong, Come Back, and Fragile Tension) are all incredibly strong.

However, I can't help but feel a little disappointed by the whole thing, but this is more than likely due to me wanting another album by DM as good as Violator. And that's simply unfair of me. That's like asking Brian Wilson for anothe Smile, or Neil Young for another Harvest Moon, or Pink Floyd for another Dark Side of the Moon. Violator is a classic masterpiece of pop, and album that can stand sholder to sholder with any before it or after it.

So, Sounds of the Universe is not as good as Violator, but that is okay because it is a strong and very well made album.

[D_Davis]

So today is like a gift from the synth-Gods....

The new Pet Shop Boys also came out!

[bac0n]

So today is like a gift from the synth-Gods....

The new Pet Shop Boys also came out!

*runs out the door*

[D_Davis]

I haven't yet purchased the new PSB's album, but sampling it reveals just how different their approach is the DM's. Yes, both bands rely heavily on synths, drum machines, and theatrical emotion, and yet they both of vastly different sounds. DM is far more rhythmic and percussive, while the PSB are smoother and more lush.

It's very interesting that both of these albums would come out on the same day. They are, arguably, the only two remaining synth bands from the first wave of post-punk electronic music.

[bac0n]

It's very interesting that both of these albums would come out on the same day. They are, arguably, the only two remaining synth bands from the first wave of post-punk electronic music.

I would add Erasure to that list.

[D_Davis]

I would add Erasure to that list.

I always forget they're still around because I don't listen to them anymore.

:)

Although, they were always my least favorite of the synth bands. They lacked DM's pathos and darker edge, and the PSB's pop-genius and irony. That's not to say they don't have a few great songs (Blue Savanna will always be a favorite of mine), but I don't love them.

Camouflage continues to release albums as well, which is crazy.

[bac0n]

I always forget they're still around because I don't listen to them anymore.

:)

Although, they were always my least favorite of the synth bands. They lacked DM's pathos and darker edge, and the PSB's pop-genius and irony. That's not to say they don't have a few great songs (Blue Savanna will always be a favorite of mine), but I don't love them.

Camouflage continues to release albums as well, which is crazy.

I loved me up some Erasure back in the day - Respect continues to be one of my favorite songs, ever. While I agree that they are not quite on the same level as DM and PSB, they are still pretty tight. They can evoke some pathos if they try to (You Surround Me comes immediately to mind) and Vince Neil can craft a nice, straight forward pop-song better than just about anybody except maybe Chris Lowe.

And wow, Camoflage is still around? You mean they continued to release songs after The Great Commandment? ;)

[D_Davis]

Vince Neil can write a song, that's for sure. The songwriting talent found in Neil, Lowe, and Gore is pretty amazing.


The Great Commandment - what a damn fine song!

And yeah, Camouflage put out an album in 2007 I think. Never listened to the whole thing though.

[D_Davis]

So far, Come Back is the strongest track on DM's new one; man is it ever good. It's carried by a fuzzed-out guitar part and a super groovy laid back beat. Really nice.

[D_Davis]

I've read more than a few reviews calling the DM album a "grower," and I think I agree. I've listened to it about 4 times today (twice on headphones) and I like it more each time.

The production is insanely intricate - there are so many little noises popping in and out of the stereofield. It is an exciting and fresh sounding album, one that experiments with sounds. And while the song writing is not on par with Gore's best, it's still pretty good, but I think the focus on this album was its sonic nature, which totally coincides with the title of the album.

Sounds of the Universe is an album about sound, and DM nail it. Wrong, Fragile Tension, In Sympathy, Come Back, and Perfect are all exceptional.

In contrast, I am finding very little to love about the new PSB, but that's not to say I don't like it. It's just another good PSB album. I greatly prefer Fundamental. Yes does contain some good moments: More Than a Dream, Did You See Me Coming?, The Way it Used to Be are good, if a little tired. I guess it feels more like an extension of Fundamental, perhaps a collection of B-sides than a proper album.

[D_Davis]

We played with a fun little band list night called Jiffy.

Check them out: myspace.com/thisisjiffy

Two chicks - one on guitar, the other on keyboards (and a keytar!), and a drummer.

They were pretty good.

And we also found out that one of our songs is going to be used in a commercial for Moveon.org.

Pretty good night.

[bac0n]

Say, is anybody interested in doing another Match-Cut Mixed Tape? I have an idea I've been bouncing around in my head, but it's sort of ambitious, so I wanna gauge interest before I explore the idea any further.

[D_Davis]

I yam.

[bac0n]

Maybe I should say my idea for a mix tape -

The theme would be Shake Your Booty - songs that make you wanna get up and dance. People send in their ideas, and I would make two mixes - the first would be a normal mix of the songs, in sequential order, one after the other.

The second one would be a continuous DJ mix of all the songs (this is the ambitious part), with maybe a few surprises thrown in to help the flow along.

[D_Davis]

The second one would be a continuous DJ mix of all the songs (this is the ambitious part), with maybe a few surprises thrown in to help the flow along.

Sweet. I'm going to pick a King Crimson song in 7/13 so it throws off your mix!

[bac0n]

Sweet. I'm going to pick a King Crimson song in 7/13 so it throws off your mix!

I'll just splice it all to hell so you don't even recognize it. MOOOHAHAHAHA! :twisted:

[D_Davis]

Electronic music fans, if you haven't yet, do yourself a favor and check out Triola im Funftonraum, by Triola; it is amazing. Smooth minimalist electronica with gorgeous ambient textures and simple yet effective grooves.

[Russ]

I wanna gauge interest
I'm down.

Hey bac0n, have you ever heard this cover song (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7w5ct2thMEg)? I almost forgot how much I luv Telex.

[Russ]

Anybody here who loves this album as much as me?


http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/5868/grupposportivo10mistake.jpg

[bac0n]

I'm down.

Hey bac0n, have you ever heard this cover song (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7w5ct2thMEg)? I almost forgot how much I luv Telex.

No, but I like it! Reminds me of the band dibidim.

[D_Davis]

I stumbled upon the new Dylan last night.

It's really, really good. It's got a great kind of Cajun thing going on. Lot's of accordion, very jammy.

It's also incredibly moody, and densely textured. So far it's my favorite thing he's done post-Time Out of Mind. It totally has a Lanois thing going on, which is funny because I remember reading that Dylan wasn't happy with the production on that album, and yet he produced this one himself.

[Lasse]

bac0n, that's a great idea for a mixtape. I'm in.

[megladon8]

I've been listening to the "GTA: Vice City" albums a lot.

Also Daft Punk's "Discovery" and "Homework" albums.

[SirNewt]

Anybody here who loves this album as much as me?


http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/5868/grupposportivo10mistake.jpg

Never heard of it but that cover art is hilarious.

[transmogrifier]

So, I wasn't going to download or buy any music this year except for two albums - SY's The Eternal and PJ Harvey's and John Parish's A Woman a Man Walked By.

Well, make that three, because the frankly awesome Fiery Furnaces have a new one coming out in July. Now if only Radiohead and LCD Soundsystem got one out, that would be my Top 5 still working band/singers covered.

*fingers crossed*

[SirNewt]

So are we starting the mix tape dealy?

[bac0n]

So are we starting the mix tape dealy?

I'll post a new thread later today.

[Spaceman Spiff]

So, I wasn't going to download or buy any music this year except for two albums - SY's The Eternal and PJ Harvey's and John Parish's A Woman a Man Walked By.

Well, make that three, because the frankly awesome Fiery Furnaces have a new one coming out in July. Now if only Radiohead and LCD Soundsystem got one out, that would be my Top 5 still working band/singers covered.

*fingers crossed*

How was the Harvey, btw? I've heard mixed things, but I loved White Chalk, and that too had a pretty lukewarm consensus.

[transmogrifier]

How was the Harvey, btw? I've heard mixed things, but I loved White Chalk, and that too had a pretty lukewarm consensus.

Eclectic, all over the place. Delicate then screaming. I dig it a lot, and I think it is better than their first collaboration, but Parish is no Harvey when it comes to song-writing.

[Sven]

Are the Scissor Sisters too cool for me to like?

[transmogrifier]

It goes without saying that the new SY album rocks the house, yo. Better than Rather Ripped, a more ragged (in a fantastic, grin-inducing way) Sonic Nurse or Murray Street, I don't know, this band is consistently brilliant.

Of course, you can't trust my opinion for a second, but there you go.

[Idioteque Stalker]

So I listened to the Monks' reissued album Monk Time today and I'm already kind of obsessed with it. It's funny how such a wonderfully progressive (and possibly influential?) band has flew under my radar (and so many others', it seems). Really exciting music. Maybe I've heard stuff similar to this, but nothing like it. Take the expressive yelping and call-and-response of the Violent Femmes' climactic songs then filter it through 5 musicians that all play like Mo Tuck but have a sense of melody frequently on par with the Zombies (or something?).

It's great in its own right, but when you consider that it came out in '66... Yeesh.

[SirNewt]

Are the Scissor Sisters too cool for me to like?

They're pretty hit or miss for me, so annoying I can't stomach them half the time and then so ridiculous I love them again.

[MadMan]

I've only heard two songs from Sigur Ros, and I liked both of them.

Recent Album rentals:

*Infidels-Bob Dylan
*On and On-Jack Johnson
*Accelerate-R.E.M.
*Physical Graffiti-Led ZeppelinDylan, R.E.M.'s latest were both really damn good, almost great. Zeppelin's disc was a must since I'm a big fan of them, but the first disc was stronger than the second. I'd place it below Zeppelin II, but its not even as disappointing as I remember In Through the Out Door being. Too much excess in the second disc, even though Zeppelin is often known for creating great songs that seem too damn long.

PS: "Accerlerate" was vintage R.E.M., which is a good thing. I've now heard one CD from each of the decades they've existed in: Murmur from the 80s (great), Out of Time, 90s (damn good), and Accelerate, 2000s (really good).

[dreamdead]

Isis' entire new album is streaming off of their myspace page. After being unimpressed with their last effort, I think I'm back on the gravy train. It sounds so good and textured. "Ghost Key" is so odd but quality-filled.

[D_Davis]

Isis' entire new album is streaming off of their myspace page. After being unimpressed with their last effort, I think I'm back on the gravy train. It sounds so good and textured. "Ghost Key" is so odd but quality-filled.

Nice...

:)

[D_Davis]

The Field's new track is amazing.

http://downloads.pitchforkmedia.com/The%20Field%20-%20%20The%20More%20That%20I%20 Do.mp3

He's stepping up his game. While it's still hypnotic as hell, it is more complex and involved than anything off of From Here We Go Sublime.

Gotta love that sidechain compression - it's like the new filter-sweep that made Daft Punk so awesome.

His last album was the best reviewed album of 2007 according to Metacritic. I wonder if he can pull that off again?

[Thirdmango]

Are the Scissor Sisters too cool for me to like?

No, they're not as hip as they want to be and so not as many coolios like them.

[[ETM]]

John Powell's score for "Happy Feet" is brilliant and terribly underrated. Some of the best music I've heard in a while, and this in a film thoroughly soaked in popular covers. Simply beautiful.

[D_Davis]

The Psychedelic Monkeys - Funky Dub Spaceship

http://www.myspace.com/psychedelicmonkeys

Awesome.

And freely distributed through BT:

http://www.mininova.org/tor/2555233

What a great discovery...check them out. These dudes are incredible.

They've got all kinds of stuff for free from their website:

http://www.tikov.com/freemusic.htm

Sweet.

[D_Davis]

So this Psychedelic Monkeys stuff is amazing. They're a Russian group fronted by a dude called Dr. Tikov. This guy is insanely prolific. I thought I had a lot of albums recorded with 15...this dude has over 40, in about the same amount of time! And they're all available from his website, for free.

From what I've heard, he's got quite an original take on techno, dub, ambient, and the like. I'm sure this his style is informed by him being Russian, and the different cultural influences that brings to the table.


It's going to take a long time to parse through his projects, but I am looking forward to checking more of his stuff out.

He's also making a SF/Cyberpunk film called Time Reactor:

http://www.tikov.com/films.htm

This dude is like my Russian brother-from-another-mother.

[Russ]

So this Psychedelic Monkeys stuff is amazing. They're a Russian group fronted by a dude called Dr. Tikov. This guy is insanely prolific. I thought I had a lot of albums recorded with 15...this dude has over 40, in about the same amount of time! And they're all available from his website, for free.

From what I've heard, he's got quite an original take on techno, dub, ambient, and the like. I'm sure this his style is informed by him being Russian, and the different cultural influences that brings to the table.


It's going to take a long time to parse through his projects, but I am looking forward to checking more of his stuff out.

He's also making a SF/Cyberpunk film called Time Reactor:

http://www.tikov.com/films.htm

This dude is like my Russian brother-from-another-mother.
Maybe you should start referring to yourself as Prof. Davis.



Sorry, I just got back from the dentist and I'm all hopped up on painkillers. :)

[D_Davis]

I think you're right.

During my 15 minutes of being a deejay I was DJ Professor Sumo-san.

[Sven]

Alright, people. I'm sure this has been done in the past, but I'm doing it again:

Top 3 favorite female musical performers, not counting Bjork or PJ Harvey. Go.

1. Kate Bush
2. Laura Nyro
3. Dusty Springfield

[Acapelli]

this isn't in any particular order

Robyn
Debbie Harry
Marnie Stern

runners up

Laura Marling
Joanna Newsom
Karen O
Elisabeth Fraser
Liz Phair

[bac0n]

Jeez Louise, I only get three?

Two I've been digging recently:

1) Elisabeth Fraser
2) Anneli Drecker (of Bel Canto)

And the all-time grand champion of the universe:

3) Ella Fitzgerald

[D_Davis]

3. Dead Can Dance
2. Emmylou Harris
1. Julee Cruise

[Spaceman Spiff]

Off the top of my head:

1. Beth Gibbons
2. Exene Cervenka
3. Dusty Springfield

[BuffaloWilder]

;158711']John Powell's score for "Happy Feet" is brilliant and terribly underrated. Some of the best music I've heard in a while, and this in a film thoroughly soaked in popular covers. Simply beautiful.

Fancy meeting you, here.

Yes, it's a masterful score - all the more shocking that it's coming from someone like John Powell. I'm kind of hoping that Happy Feet was something of a turning point for him, as a composer.

Elsewhere on my mind, Ezee somehow got me to download Crystal Method's "Trip Like I Do," and I have to say - it really is enjoyable.

[Benny Profane]

Top 3 favorite female musical performers,

1. Billie Holiday
2. Neko Case
3. Lucinda Williams

[Benny Profane]

Now CAT STEVENS is claiming he wrote the melody for Coldplay's Viva La Vida.

http://www.twentyfourbit.com/post/103349374/cat-stevens-claims-he-wrote-viva-la-vida


I can't believe how many sources this shitty song has.

[D_Davis]

I downloaded Dr. Tikov's newest - Headcleaner. It's very good, very minimal.

This guy is going to get his own thread after I finish my Top 50. He deserves my full attention.

[EvilShoe]

New Eels single (+ video):
http://stereogum.com/archives/video/new-eels-video-fresh-blood-stereogum-premiere_066932.html

Sounds good. I don't think he'll ever top Electro-shock Blues however.

[D_Davis]

Looking forward to the album. That last one as lame.

My favorite is Beautiful Freak - man, that album is awesome.

[EvilShoe]

Looking forward to the album. That last one as lame.

My favorite is Beautiful Freak - man, that album is awesome.Blinking Lights and Other Revelations?
I rather liked that one, although it was overlong.

I don't care much for Souljacker and Shootenanny! however.

[D_Davis]

My rankings:

1. Beautiful Freak
2. Daisies of Galaxy
3. Electro-Shock Blues
4. Souljacker
5. Shootenany
6. Blinking Lights

Although I have a collection of B-sides and remixes from the BF era that I love as well, and would probably rate 2.5.

E is one of my favorites lyricists. He can be very thoughtful.

[EvilShoe]

I'd rank like this:

Electro-Shock Blues
Beautiful Freak
Daisies of Galaxy
Blinking Lights
Souljacker
Shootenanny!The lyrics are one of the reasons I rank Blinking Lights higher. I don't think there's anything on Souljacker & Shootenanny as good as Railroad Man, I'm Going to Stop Pretending I Didn't Break Your Heart and Things the Grandchildren Should Know.

[EvilShoe]

Cover of the new Wilco album:
http://cdn.pitchfork.com/media/wilcothealbum.gif
:lol:

[Derek]

Not to get all Davis and gush about this album all over the place, but the new Field album is just fantastic. I'll try to resist hyperbole after just one listen, but this very well might be better than From Here We Go Sublime. I'm going to the beach tomorrow and this will be the soundtrack of the day. Can't friggin' wait!

[D_Davis]

Not to get all Davis and gush about this album all over the place, but the new Field album is just fantastic. I'll try to resist hyperbole after just one listen, but this very well might be better than From Here We Go Sublime. I'm going to the beach tomorrow and this will be the soundtrack of the day. Can't friggin' wait!

Did this get released?

Awesome.

[Derek]

Did this get released?

Awesome.

May 18th. It's every bit as good as the track you posted hints at.

[D_Davis]

May 18th. It's every bit as good as the track you posted hints at.

Sweet - can't wait to get it.

[Derek]

Sweet - can't wait to get it.

Yeah, I couldn't either. ;) I'll pick it up on vinyl eventually to support the cause. And cuz I'm white.