John Fogerty - Revival, 2007
Not perfect but damn good nonetheless. There are a couple of clunkers, but who cares? The sound is perfect. Fogerty's voice sounds great. There are some really angry songs on here as well as some really pretty ones. "I Can't Take it No More" is 2007's version of "Fortunate Son." His performance on Letterman blew me away. I love when bands play two songs in a row.
Feist - The Reminder, 2007
I really liked the single from her last record. The video captivated me. But the whole CD kind of bored me based on one listen. This new album is better but it is still frustrating. Out of the 13 songs, I'd say that I really like about four of them. Four are okay and the rest are dull as hell. Although I do love that there is a song named "Brandy Alexander" - Stone Groove's favorite drink. If you haven't seen the Busby Berkeley like video for 1234 (other than the short clip on the iPod ad), check it out. Or this one from her last album.
The White Stripes - Icky Thump, 2007
I can't believe how many White Stripes haters there are these days. This is a damn good record. Dig it everybody. "Catch Hell Blues" is one of my favorite songs from the year. Watch part of it live.
Panda Bear - Person Pitch, 2007
If you like the sunny side of Animal Collective, then you'll like this CD from one of the collective. Leave it to Panda Bear to make the sunniest, catchiest, most melodic Beach Boys-type jamz buried within songs over twelve minutes long. Great songs but not the easiest to put on Listmaker 4.
Clap Your Hands Say Yeah - Some Loud Thunder, 2007
I liked their first record, right? Not so much on this one. Kind of boring and that Satan Said Dance song is really really bad. Once again, Chris Larry was proven right.
The New Pornographers - Challengers, 2007
I've been defending this album for a few months now. Obviously it isn't as good as their first three releases but I kept thinking that it was pretty good anyway. That is, until I was recently putting together a best of of the New Pornos for a friend and I realized that not one (NOT ONE!) of the songs from this new LP had a chance to make the cut. NOT ONE! I do like some of these songs but overall I'm disappointed in this album. It just doesn't grab me. Sigh.
Bob & Gene - If This World Were Mine, 1971
A long lost lo-fi soul record that Daptone just released this year. So damn good and perfect for Daptone (the label of Sharon Jones). This sounds like what Robert Pollard might have put out if he went back in time, changed his skin color, and decided to write songs over a minute and a half long. Recorded in the basement!
The Black Lips - Good Bad Not Evil, 2007
I don't like this one as much as the last one but it is all about their live show though, isn't it? I do love "How Do You Tell a Child that Someone has Died" which is just as good or as bad as you think it would be based on the title.
Super Furry Animals - Hey Venus!, 2007
They just keep putting out pretty good records, don't they? Nothing about this one blows me away but as a whole it doesn't make me want to turn it off. How's that for a ringing endorsement?
Spoon - Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga, 2007
Gimme Fiction, 2005
Telephono, 1996
Like the show Arrested Development, I'm a late bloomer to Spoon. For some reason, I resisted them. Not sure why I did. This album is the one that has finally made me see the light. So damn good. Maybe it was the horns that did it for me? I'm now going backwards in their catalog and have been digging Gimme Fiction as well. Based on two listens so far, Telephono reminds me why I didn't like this band in the first place. Back in '96, they sounded like any other mid 90's indie rock band and I just didn't like it then or it looks like now either.
Wilco - Sky Blue Sky, 2007
Better than their last one. Maybe even my favorite since Being There. No pretension, just good songs. Mellow and good. Sometimes it builds up to a nice stone groove. A nice solidly good record. No clunkers or awkwardness or overproduction.
Andrew Bird - Armchair Apocrypha, 2007
Even better than his last album which was even better than the one before it. The melodies get stuck in your head. The whistling, the violin, the awesomeness of it all. I put this album up there as one of the year's best. I'm excited to see him live tomorrow night at the Beacon. 6th row seats!
My mom saw Bird on late night TV and loved it. Bird pleases everyone.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
I Can't Get Enough of the Buddha!
Last weekend in Jersey
For the record, she's wearing a shirt with pictures of the Peanut on it. The Peanut for her part slept through the entire dinner. Oh well, the Buddha had a good time.
For the record, she's wearing a shirt with pictures of the Peanut on it. The Peanut for her part slept through the entire dinner. Oh well, the Buddha had a good time.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Blog Etiquette
So a few weekends ago, I went to Skippy and Cortney's wedding. I took a short video of some of the musical entertainment. I linked to a local music blog's post on the wedding. In that Brooklyn Vegan post, the credit and links were flowing all over the place.
Not so in the BV subsequent entry about the video I posted in which this was written: "And now, a video has emerged...." Yeah, I think I know where it emerged from. Maybe BV didn't know where it had "emerged" from but I find that hard to believe since the video had been found from my link to its earlier post. Whatever. I don't care that much but I found it a bit suspect. I don't need credit and obviously I'm not looking for random traffic. I know the few people who read this blog and that is the way I like it.
Then today, SHR called me to check out Pitchfork. Yup, you guessed it - it took a few days but now they had stumbled onto my video and credited BV for the hot tip. Pretty funny, huh? I'm a blog superstar for a few minutes even if Brooklyn Vegan gets all the credit! Check it out.
SHR pointed out that if people did enough digging around on my other videos, maybe they'd stumble onto and enjoy the classic How Sweet Touch Joined If You Want My Bocce. Sweet!
Damn interweb!
Picture taken from this set and swiped from Brooklyn Vegan.
Not so in the BV subsequent entry about the video I posted in which this was written: "And now, a video has emerged...." Yeah, I think I know where it emerged from. Maybe BV didn't know where it had "emerged" from but I find that hard to believe since the video had been found from my link to its earlier post. Whatever. I don't care that much but I found it a bit suspect. I don't need credit and obviously I'm not looking for random traffic. I know the few people who read this blog and that is the way I like it.
Then today, SHR called me to check out Pitchfork. Yup, you guessed it - it took a few days but now they had stumbled onto my video and credited BV for the hot tip. Pretty funny, huh? I'm a blog superstar for a few minutes even if Brooklyn Vegan gets all the credit! Check it out.
SHR pointed out that if people did enough digging around on my other videos, maybe they'd stumble onto and enjoy the classic How Sweet Touch Joined If You Want My Bocce. Sweet!
Damn interweb!
Picture taken from this set and swiped from Brooklyn Vegan.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Fall TV
Heroes
I was ready to give up on this show but last week's episode was quite entertaining. I guess I'm in for longer. One good episode buys this show at least a few more bad ones. But please don't send Hiro back in time again and please limit the bleeding from the eyes from those new characters.
Pushing Daisies
Looks great but a little too twee for me I think. I had decided to stop watching it but then SHR told me that Mike White was going to be on this Wednesday's episode so we're giving it one more shot.
Friday Night Lights
Another show that I was about to give up on but the last few episodes have been better. I just don't understand some of the dumb plot lines from this season. NBC seems to be wanting to Homicide this show out of existence. The only plot lines that have felt natural and not a complete reach have been any that involve Buddy Garrity or Matt Saracen. I've had enough murders and trips to Mexico already. No more dumb shit please.
The Office
I miss the hour long shows that started the season. I can't believe how good this show continues to be. Even the not as good parts are still worth watching. If this show is finished for the year due to the writer's strike, it went out on quite a sad note.
30 Rock
Other than the hideous Jerry Seinfeld episode, this show continues to entertain the hell out of me. The second best show on TV right now after The Office.
Project Runway
I got sick of this show by the end of Season 3. The first episode of the current season barely registered on my interest level. But I liked the second episode and as long as there is a Hong still involved, sign me up.
Curb Your Enthusiasm
I really didn't like the first episode but by the end of the season, I loved Larry again. All season, it was obvious that Cheryl didn't find Larry as amusing as she once did but I didn't think that she would actually leave him on the show. I wonder how soon after his wife left him in real life before he began shooting this current season. I was surprised that this show had even come back but now it is rolling again. The last few minutes of this season rank up there as one of the best season finales I've seen in years. Larry David's real life heartbreak might be one of the best things of the past year for television viewers.
I was ready to give up on this show but last week's episode was quite entertaining. I guess I'm in for longer. One good episode buys this show at least a few more bad ones. But please don't send Hiro back in time again and please limit the bleeding from the eyes from those new characters.
Pushing Daisies
Looks great but a little too twee for me I think. I had decided to stop watching it but then SHR told me that Mike White was going to be on this Wednesday's episode so we're giving it one more shot.
Friday Night Lights
Another show that I was about to give up on but the last few episodes have been better. I just don't understand some of the dumb plot lines from this season. NBC seems to be wanting to Homicide this show out of existence. The only plot lines that have felt natural and not a complete reach have been any that involve Buddy Garrity or Matt Saracen. I've had enough murders and trips to Mexico already. No more dumb shit please.
The Office
I miss the hour long shows that started the season. I can't believe how good this show continues to be. Even the not as good parts are still worth watching. If this show is finished for the year due to the writer's strike, it went out on quite a sad note.
30 Rock
Other than the hideous Jerry Seinfeld episode, this show continues to entertain the hell out of me. The second best show on TV right now after The Office.
Project Runway
I got sick of this show by the end of Season 3. The first episode of the current season barely registered on my interest level. But I liked the second episode and as long as there is a Hong still involved, sign me up.
Curb Your Enthusiasm
I really didn't like the first episode but by the end of the season, I loved Larry again. All season, it was obvious that Cheryl didn't find Larry as amusing as she once did but I didn't think that she would actually leave him on the show. I wonder how soon after his wife left him in real life before he began shooting this current season. I was surprised that this show had even come back but now it is rolling again. The last few minutes of this season rank up there as one of the best season finales I've seen in years. Larry David's real life heartbreak might be one of the best things of the past year for television viewers.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Skippy and Cortney Get Hitched
From now on, I implore everyone to have a stand-up comic marry you. That shit was funny. Great vows as well. Job well done.
I don't necessarily implore soon to be married couples to stop their ceremony in the middle to have a Journey song played. It worked here though because it was Skippy and Cortney.
I like this picture but the washed out faces of the happy couple kind of freak me out.
After some drinking and eating, the train headed downstairs.
The loosened tie and a drink in hand - is there any other way one would expect to find Skippy at this point of the evening?
Carl and Peter play a couple of jams.
Check out the movie I took of their cover of Never My Love.
The blurry happy couple.
Dean and Britta
Balgavy looking good.
SHR and I left right as the real craziness began. More photos here and here.
I don't necessarily implore soon to be married couples to stop their ceremony in the middle to have a Journey song played. It worked here though because it was Skippy and Cortney.
I like this picture but the washed out faces of the happy couple kind of freak me out.
After some drinking and eating, the train headed downstairs.
The loosened tie and a drink in hand - is there any other way one would expect to find Skippy at this point of the evening?
Carl and Peter play a couple of jams.
Check out the movie I took of their cover of Never My Love.The blurry happy couple.
Dean and Britta
Balgavy looking good.
SHR and I left right as the real craziness began. More photos here and here.
Friday, November 16, 2007
What a Great Baseball Day
1. Bonds is indicted and faces up to thirty years in prison.
2. Alex Rodriguez gets closer to re-signing with the Yankees - a marriage made in phony heaven. I love it.
3. And now this.
I love today.
2. Alex Rodriguez gets closer to re-signing with the Yankees - a marriage made in phony heaven. I love it.
3. And now this.
I love today.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Has an Untethered Blaster and Knows How to Use It
Recently, this was brought to my attention:
Alice in Wonderland Teacher told me that a boy in her class came up to her and asked, "Ms. Wonderland, who would win in a hot-off? Me or Boy With a Cast on His Leg?"
Ms. Wonderland replied, "What? A hot-off? What is that?"
Hot-Off boy said, "Well, Ms. Wonderland, it is a competition of who is hotter. Whoever wins the hot-off is the hottest."
Ms. Wonderland declined to answer the question.
At recess that day, she told me about the hot-off. I called Hot-Off Boy to explain what a hot-off was to me. He came over with a friend and they explained it.
When they finished their explanation, I said, "Okay let me get this straight. Give me an example. Who would win a hot-off between Luke Skywalker and Han Solo?"
Without hesitation, Hot-Off Boy's friend jumped in with his answer of Luke Skywalker. The three teachers nearby plus Hot-Off Boy all gave him a look like "Are you crazy?"
Science Teacher said, "I think many women would disagree with you about that."
Hot Off Boy's friend thought about it, rubbed his chin, and changed his tune, "You know I think you are right. Han Solo would win .... I mean, he is a smuggler."
Alice in Wonderland Teacher told me that a boy in her class came up to her and asked, "Ms. Wonderland, who would win in a hot-off? Me or Boy With a Cast on His Leg?"
Ms. Wonderland replied, "What? A hot-off? What is that?"
Hot-Off boy said, "Well, Ms. Wonderland, it is a competition of who is hotter. Whoever wins the hot-off is the hottest."
Ms. Wonderland declined to answer the question.
At recess that day, she told me about the hot-off. I called Hot-Off Boy to explain what a hot-off was to me. He came over with a friend and they explained it.When they finished their explanation, I said, "Okay let me get this straight. Give me an example. Who would win a hot-off between Luke Skywalker and Han Solo?"
Without hesitation, Hot-Off Boy's friend jumped in with his answer of Luke Skywalker. The three teachers nearby plus Hot-Off Boy all gave him a look like "Are you crazy?"
Science Teacher said, "I think many women would disagree with you about that."
Hot Off Boy's friend thought about it, rubbed his chin, and changed his tune, "You know I think you are right. Han Solo would win .... I mean, he is a smuggler."
Sunday, November 11, 2007
I Still Enjoy the Day Off Though
Last month in school, I read a picture book, Encounter in class. I had the students answer some written questions about the text for homework. The book is about Columbus and his first day in North America. It it told from the point of view of the Taino - the people pretty much wiped off the face of the earth within fifty years of Columbus setting foot on their land.
One of the questions was:
What new thoughts or ideas do you have about Columbus and Columbus Day after reading Encounter that you didn't have before?
Girl Who Loves Sparkly Clothes gave this remarkable answer.
Before I read this book, to me, Christopher Columbus was a brave man who discovered the new world. I still do but after I read the book I think that he invaded America attracted to the riches of this land and taking over the Native Americans, the real people of America. I think we still have to celebrate Columbus Day because his discovery changed the history of the world.
This girl continues to amaze me. I love her answer. She's also the same kid who immediately knew Condoleezza Rice was after seeing her picture and knew that she was Secretary of State. When I asked her if she knew what the Secretary of State's job was, she responded, "Since George Bush is so busy doing other things that the president has to do, the Secretary of State goes all over the world and negotiates with other countries." I'm wondering how many adults know what the Secretary of State does.
This is also the same girl who last week was trying to do 30 divided by 3 as 3 divided by 30. I guess she doesn't necessarily see the big picture about everything.
One of the questions was:
What new thoughts or ideas do you have about Columbus and Columbus Day after reading Encounter that you didn't have before?
Girl Who Loves Sparkly Clothes gave this remarkable answer.
Before I read this book, to me, Christopher Columbus was a brave man who discovered the new world. I still do but after I read the book I think that he invaded America attracted to the riches of this land and taking over the Native Americans, the real people of America. I think we still have to celebrate Columbus Day because his discovery changed the history of the world.
This girl continues to amaze me. I love her answer. She's also the same kid who immediately knew Condoleezza Rice was after seeing her picture and knew that she was Secretary of State. When I asked her if she knew what the Secretary of State's job was, she responded, "Since George Bush is so busy doing other things that the president has to do, the Secretary of State goes all over the world and negotiates with other countries." I'm wondering how many adults know what the Secretary of State does.
This is also the same girl who last week was trying to do 30 divided by 3 as 3 divided by 30. I guess she doesn't necessarily see the big picture about everything.
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
I've Been Writing A Bunch of Music Reviews Since the Summer: Might As Well Post Them
Mary Weiss - Dangerous Game, 2007
Former Shangri-La Weiss returned to the music business to record for the first time in over 30 years. I wanted this album to be better than it is. Backed by the Reigning Sound, this album had a lot of potential. It is fine but nothing amazing. It amazes me how much she sounds like a cross between Joey Ramone and Johnny Thunders in their more tender moments.
Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings - 100 Days, 100 Nights, 2007
There aren't any blow me away type songs on this record as their first two. This is more of an overall slow burn but damn it is good. Overall, it is probably their best record yet. There aren't any clunkers in this set. All around solid from beginning to end. I need to see her perform live again.
It is amazing to have a sound that is so derivative of a past sound while still sounding completely fresh and exciting. This is the kind of record to put on at 3 am after a night of partying at Franks' Lounge and you are ready to unwind. Not that I know much about nights of partying at Frank's or even, these days, staying up to 3 am but you get what I'm saying.
Neil Young - Prairie Wind, 2005
I wish I had this album before seeing the film documenting the tour. It is such a good record. Jonathan Demme really nailed the tone and feel of the songs in his film. I'm not even close to being a Neil Young completest but maybe I should become more of one. Thank you Mitch for burning this for me.
Laura Cantrell - The Hello Recordings, 2004
This collects a four song EP from '96 and one song recorded live at a Brooklyn barbeque in '93. Four originals, one cover. All good. It really stands in stark contrast to the boring, disappointing, overproduced last full length of hers.
The National - Boxer, 2007
I've liked this band a bit over the past couple of years. I love the song "Mr. November" which I put on the first Listmaker comp. But I never quite got why some people were obsessed with them. I'm also shocked at how big they've gotten seemingly out of nowhere.
I wasn't that impressed with this record at first. I thought it was okay. But then I kept listening to it more and more and it is now one of my favorites of the year. What? How did that happen?
Because I'm not a music writer and Joe Keyes is, I'll steal his review from the spring. He wrote:
"Obviously one of the best records of the year, and a record for people as old as me, feeling everything I’m feeling right now. Moreover, it’s subtle; I’ve been burned out with big bands who make Big! Points! Loud! And! Often! With Big! Choruses! And obvious concepts. The National are the right kind of fuck-you, small and quiet and unassuming. I’ve loved them since their first record, and I didn’t quite get this record until the fifth time through — which is the exact kind of experience I want to have with records. The phrase “half awake in our fake empire” is the best description of New York I’ve heard in years, and I love that Berninger can take a nonsensical phrase — like “showered and blue blazered/ fill yourself with quarters” — and sing it so I know exactly what he’s getting at. Boxer just keeps on giving."
Lee Hazlewood - Trouble is a Lonesome Town, 1963
Requiem For an Almost Lady, 1971
The Noiseboy mailed me these many months ago. I am not all that familiar with Hazelwood's career and the Noiseboy is trying to school me. These are both very good. It is interesting to hear the differences between the two albums spread out over eight years. The first one cracks me up as Hazlewood begins each song with a spoken monologue. I'm not quite sure what to make of many of the songs. Are they sincere? A joke? A tribute? Hazlewood's own strange style that encompasses sincerity, humor, and appreciation? Whatever these albums are, they are a lot of fun to listen to.
The Lilys - Everything Wrong Is Imaginary, 2006
I like the Lilys as much as the next 1992 indie rocker. I respect the fact that Kurt keeps putting out new records. But this album just don't got no hooks to hook me. My boss likes it though.
The Go Team - Proof of Youth, 2007
Like a high school football game, you know. The cheers are good at first but by the third game of the season, you've had enough.
Bloc Party - A Weekend in the City, 2007
I liked their first record okay but this one is kind of boring to me. And all of the songs are the same damn tempo.
Bill Callahan - Woke on a Whaleheart, 2007
If Callahan decided to stop recording under the name Smog solely so he could start recording mediocre records, then he definitely succeeded.
Interpol - Our Love to Admire, 2007
At first, I was lukewarm to this band. Then I decided I kind of liked them. But this album is so incredibly dull that I can't get over how boring it is. I mean, really really really dull.
Arcade Fire - Neon Bible, 2007
I used to really get angry about this band and their popularity. But then their songs started popping up everywhere and I realized that maybe I kind of liked them. Then this album came out and I really liked it at first and then I really didn't like it and now I really like about 2/3 of it and am bored to tears by a 1/3 of it. So I guess I like this band? Maybe?
Blonde Redhead - 23, 2007
This used to be one of my favorite bands to see live. And from what I can tell from the one or two times I've seen them on late night TV, they've still got it. But this album doesn't do all that much for me. Light and wispy, it goes down easy but I can't hold onto it at all upon further reflection.
Modest Mouse - We Were Dead Before The Ship Even Sank, 2007
Do you get the impression that Isaac Brock could put an album like this once every two years in his sleep? I mean, it's good and all but how much does it add to the whole Modest Mouse arc? Good songs and all but it feels like it is 34 hours long, don't it? Brock's albums have always been long but this one really feels long.
Ted Leo - Living With the Living, 2007
This suffers a little from the Modest Mouse problem. This album is way too long. With the Modest Mouse CD though, I like all of the songs (even if some are just rewrites of Float On). There are some clunkers on this record. There are also some really good songs on here. And some of the songs I didn't like at first like the reggae one have grown on me immensely. And there's one song that reminds me of that mid 80's Kinks song Do It Again which is a good thing. The Bomb. Repeat. Bomb. song is angry as hell but just isn't that effective enough as a song for me. The video is good though. All in all, Leo is in this for life and I'll keep wanting to hear whatever he puts out. Some of the 6 plus minute songs in the 2nd half are a bit much but I do like the last one that rips into the C.I.A. Good stuff Teddy boy.
The Gothic Archies - The Tragic Treasury, 2006
A brilliant concept marrying Stephin Merritt's sensibility to the gloom and doom of A Series of Unfortunate Events. This CD collects all 13 songs from the audio books of the series. With titles like Dreary, Dreary, The World is a Very Scary Place, and Smile! No One Cares How You Feel, what's not to like? There must be many kids out there who dig the Lemony Snicket books who were absolutely horrified by these songs because Merritt can be one scary dude.
Sonic Youth - Rather Ripped, 2006
All of their recent albums tend to blur to me. But I definitely like them. This one is no exception. Is it me or does Kim sing more on this one than previous albums? Meaning - number of songs she lends vocals to as well as lack of screaming on said vocals. Anyway, a really good record. Not to mention, not many albums make me think "Damn, this Cd's songs are really sequenced well." Well, this one made me think that very thought.
Deerhoof - Friend Opportunity, 2007
Why do so many people I know not care for this band? Everyone should love them. Is it because they think that they are too silly? Come on, listen up - they are so damn good! There's some interesting stuff going on here damnit!
The Best of the Fleetwoods
Thank you Stone Groove. Wasn't life easier when songs like this were big hits?
Bee Gees - Best of Bee Gees
Thank you again to Stone Groove. I still can't believe how much I like their late 60's stuff. None of that disco stuff on here. Just all I Started a Joke and Massachusetts and To Love Somebody and the like.
Gene Pitney - Anthology 1961 - 1968
Yet another Stone Groove CD. I always enjoyed Pitney when I listened to him here and there but I had no idea how many great songs he had. This CD is one great song after another and makes me want to go see Liberty Valence right now. I love listening to compilations like this where you can easily trace how the former hitmaker desperately tries to keep up with the times as the times change. But hell, I even like his 1968 jam She's a Heartbreaker.
Former Shangri-La Weiss returned to the music business to record for the first time in over 30 years. I wanted this album to be better than it is. Backed by the Reigning Sound, this album had a lot of potential. It is fine but nothing amazing. It amazes me how much she sounds like a cross between Joey Ramone and Johnny Thunders in their more tender moments.
Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings - 100 Days, 100 Nights, 2007
There aren't any blow me away type songs on this record as their first two. This is more of an overall slow burn but damn it is good. Overall, it is probably their best record yet. There aren't any clunkers in this set. All around solid from beginning to end. I need to see her perform live again.
It is amazing to have a sound that is so derivative of a past sound while still sounding completely fresh and exciting. This is the kind of record to put on at 3 am after a night of partying at Franks' Lounge and you are ready to unwind. Not that I know much about nights of partying at Frank's or even, these days, staying up to 3 am but you get what I'm saying.
Neil Young - Prairie Wind, 2005
I wish I had this album before seeing the film documenting the tour. It is such a good record. Jonathan Demme really nailed the tone and feel of the songs in his film. I'm not even close to being a Neil Young completest but maybe I should become more of one. Thank you Mitch for burning this for me.
Laura Cantrell - The Hello Recordings, 2004
This collects a four song EP from '96 and one song recorded live at a Brooklyn barbeque in '93. Four originals, one cover. All good. It really stands in stark contrast to the boring, disappointing, overproduced last full length of hers.
The National - Boxer, 2007
I've liked this band a bit over the past couple of years. I love the song "Mr. November" which I put on the first Listmaker comp. But I never quite got why some people were obsessed with them. I'm also shocked at how big they've gotten seemingly out of nowhere.
I wasn't that impressed with this record at first. I thought it was okay. But then I kept listening to it more and more and it is now one of my favorites of the year. What? How did that happen?
Because I'm not a music writer and Joe Keyes is, I'll steal his review from the spring. He wrote:
"Obviously one of the best records of the year, and a record for people as old as me, feeling everything I’m feeling right now. Moreover, it’s subtle; I’ve been burned out with big bands who make Big! Points! Loud! And! Often! With Big! Choruses! And obvious concepts. The National are the right kind of fuck-you, small and quiet and unassuming. I’ve loved them since their first record, and I didn’t quite get this record until the fifth time through — which is the exact kind of experience I want to have with records. The phrase “half awake in our fake empire” is the best description of New York I’ve heard in years, and I love that Berninger can take a nonsensical phrase — like “showered and blue blazered/ fill yourself with quarters” — and sing it so I know exactly what he’s getting at. Boxer just keeps on giving."
Lee Hazlewood - Trouble is a Lonesome Town, 1963
Requiem For an Almost Lady, 1971
The Noiseboy mailed me these many months ago. I am not all that familiar with Hazelwood's career and the Noiseboy is trying to school me. These are both very good. It is interesting to hear the differences between the two albums spread out over eight years. The first one cracks me up as Hazlewood begins each song with a spoken monologue. I'm not quite sure what to make of many of the songs. Are they sincere? A joke? A tribute? Hazlewood's own strange style that encompasses sincerity, humor, and appreciation? Whatever these albums are, they are a lot of fun to listen to.
The Lilys - Everything Wrong Is Imaginary, 2006
I like the Lilys as much as the next 1992 indie rocker. I respect the fact that Kurt keeps putting out new records. But this album just don't got no hooks to hook me. My boss likes it though.
The Go Team - Proof of Youth, 2007
Like a high school football game, you know. The cheers are good at first but by the third game of the season, you've had enough.
Bloc Party - A Weekend in the City, 2007
I liked their first record okay but this one is kind of boring to me. And all of the songs are the same damn tempo.
Bill Callahan - Woke on a Whaleheart, 2007
If Callahan decided to stop recording under the name Smog solely so he could start recording mediocre records, then he definitely succeeded.
Interpol - Our Love to Admire, 2007
At first, I was lukewarm to this band. Then I decided I kind of liked them. But this album is so incredibly dull that I can't get over how boring it is. I mean, really really really dull.
Arcade Fire - Neon Bible, 2007
I used to really get angry about this band and their popularity. But then their songs started popping up everywhere and I realized that maybe I kind of liked them. Then this album came out and I really liked it at first and then I really didn't like it and now I really like about 2/3 of it and am bored to tears by a 1/3 of it. So I guess I like this band? Maybe?
Blonde Redhead - 23, 2007
This used to be one of my favorite bands to see live. And from what I can tell from the one or two times I've seen them on late night TV, they've still got it. But this album doesn't do all that much for me. Light and wispy, it goes down easy but I can't hold onto it at all upon further reflection.
Modest Mouse - We Were Dead Before The Ship Even Sank, 2007
Do you get the impression that Isaac Brock could put an album like this once every two years in his sleep? I mean, it's good and all but how much does it add to the whole Modest Mouse arc? Good songs and all but it feels like it is 34 hours long, don't it? Brock's albums have always been long but this one really feels long.
Ted Leo - Living With the Living, 2007
This suffers a little from the Modest Mouse problem. This album is way too long. With the Modest Mouse CD though, I like all of the songs (even if some are just rewrites of Float On). There are some clunkers on this record. There are also some really good songs on here. And some of the songs I didn't like at first like the reggae one have grown on me immensely. And there's one song that reminds me of that mid 80's Kinks song Do It Again which is a good thing. The Bomb. Repeat. Bomb. song is angry as hell but just isn't that effective enough as a song for me. The video is good though. All in all, Leo is in this for life and I'll keep wanting to hear whatever he puts out. Some of the 6 plus minute songs in the 2nd half are a bit much but I do like the last one that rips into the C.I.A. Good stuff Teddy boy.
The Gothic Archies - The Tragic Treasury, 2006
A brilliant concept marrying Stephin Merritt's sensibility to the gloom and doom of A Series of Unfortunate Events. This CD collects all 13 songs from the audio books of the series. With titles like Dreary, Dreary, The World is a Very Scary Place, and Smile! No One Cares How You Feel, what's not to like? There must be many kids out there who dig the Lemony Snicket books who were absolutely horrified by these songs because Merritt can be one scary dude.
Sonic Youth - Rather Ripped, 2006
All of their recent albums tend to blur to me. But I definitely like them. This one is no exception. Is it me or does Kim sing more on this one than previous albums? Meaning - number of songs she lends vocals to as well as lack of screaming on said vocals. Anyway, a really good record. Not to mention, not many albums make me think "Damn, this Cd's songs are really sequenced well." Well, this one made me think that very thought.
Deerhoof - Friend Opportunity, 2007
Why do so many people I know not care for this band? Everyone should love them. Is it because they think that they are too silly? Come on, listen up - they are so damn good! There's some interesting stuff going on here damnit!
The Best of the Fleetwoods
Thank you Stone Groove. Wasn't life easier when songs like this were big hits?
Bee Gees - Best of Bee Gees
Thank you again to Stone Groove. I still can't believe how much I like their late 60's stuff. None of that disco stuff on here. Just all I Started a Joke and Massachusetts and To Love Somebody and the like.
Gene Pitney - Anthology 1961 - 1968
Yet another Stone Groove CD. I always enjoyed Pitney when I listened to him here and there but I had no idea how many great songs he had. This CD is one great song after another and makes me want to go see Liberty Valence right now. I love listening to compilations like this where you can easily trace how the former hitmaker desperately tries to keep up with the times as the times change. But hell, I even like his 1968 jam She's a Heartbreaker.
I'm Saying This Right Now
Dear Omar,If Alex Rodriguez becomes a Met, I might have to find a new team to root for.The guy is a clubhouse cancer.I can't stand him. I know that you feel like you have to make a big splash this offseason after the embarrassing collapse. But Alex Rodriguez is not the answer.
Just say no Omar. Just say no.
Yours truly,
Listmaker
Sunday, November 04, 2007
Goodbye, Zipper, Goodbye
When I was a kid, I was too afraid to ride roller coasters. I was also too afraid to ride a lot of other rides.
Every summer, my family and I would go to Ocean City and I would marvel at the craziness that was the Zipper. I was convinced by friends to give it a shot. And I loved it. After riding that crazy shit, I knew I could handle any roller coaster. The Zipper was my gateway ride into bigger rides. In the following years I've ridden the Zipper in many locales all across this great country of ours. From parking lots in White Oak, MD to rodeos in Southern California, if there is a Zipper to be ridden within my vicinity, I have to get on it.
There has been a lonely Zipper at Coney Island for a number of years now. It is never crowded. Whenever I'm in Coney Island, I try to persuade whomever I'm with to take the plunge. Most people I know have no desire to do it.
Last month after a Cyclones game, I implored my crew to ride with me. Erik was the only one I could persuade.
We got in. At first, it was a little disappointing. And then it got good. 8 flips in a row good. 8 flips in a row twice good. 19 overall flips according to Balgavy. What a ride!
The next day, it was dismantled and sent to Honduras! I was one of the last to ride it in Coney Island!
SHR took these pics. That's me in Car Number 3.
I love you Zipper! I'll miss you.
Every summer, my family and I would go to Ocean City and I would marvel at the craziness that was the Zipper. I was convinced by friends to give it a shot. And I loved it. After riding that crazy shit, I knew I could handle any roller coaster. The Zipper was my gateway ride into bigger rides. In the following years I've ridden the Zipper in many locales all across this great country of ours. From parking lots in White Oak, MD to rodeos in Southern California, if there is a Zipper to be ridden within my vicinity, I have to get on it.
There has been a lonely Zipper at Coney Island for a number of years now. It is never crowded. Whenever I'm in Coney Island, I try to persuade whomever I'm with to take the plunge. Most people I know have no desire to do it.
Last month after a Cyclones game, I implored my crew to ride with me. Erik was the only one I could persuade.
We got in. At first, it was a little disappointing. And then it got good. 8 flips in a row good. 8 flips in a row twice good. 19 overall flips according to Balgavy. What a ride!
The next day, it was dismantled and sent to Honduras! I was one of the last to ride it in Coney Island!
SHR took these pics. That's me in Car Number 3.
I love you Zipper! I'll miss you.
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