Today I have discovered Calvinball. And I will never forgive myself for not doing it sooner.
Don't make the same mistake I did.
Calvinball
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Monday, September 26, 2011
The Unretirement Plan
I need to write. So. That's what I'm going to do. Here's the return of my not-so-famous Self Favors.
Album Of The Week - Frank Turner "England Keep My Bones"
The album is a few months old but finally seeing Mr. Turner live has caused me to return to early Summer and put the record on repeat. It's not perfect but it's exactly what we've come to expect from Frank and it's still a solid album.
Song Of The Week - Into It. Over It. "22 Syllables"
Seeing him live gave me a new respect for his music and he officially made a true fan out of me.
Band Of The Week - Polar Bear Club
Their new album is fantastic. While I've always liked them, this is the first time something they have done has blown me away.
Album Of The Week - Frank Turner "England Keep My Bones"
The album is a few months old but finally seeing Mr. Turner live has caused me to return to early Summer and put the record on repeat. It's not perfect but it's exactly what we've come to expect from Frank and it's still a solid album.
Song Of The Week - Into It. Over It. "22 Syllables"
Seeing him live gave me a new respect for his music and he officially made a true fan out of me.
Band Of The Week - Polar Bear Club
Their new album is fantastic. While I've always liked them, this is the first time something they have done has blown me away.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Okay. Let's try to clear this up.
Okay so my friend and I have been having a discussion that has led to her not "understanding" my views on hardcore music.
I, in most cases (not all of them) prefer the instrumentation and musicianship over the vocals. So I'm going explain this by covering three bands that I like for three different reasons. All around, lyrics and instrumentation.
ALL AROUND: The Gaslight Anthem
While TGA may have some of today's best lyrics (in my humble opinion) there is no doubt about one thing: Gaslight can write a jam to accompany their words. More often than not I'll have a section of the music stuck in my head and not just lyrics. Example: Spirit Of Jazz, Even Cowgirls Get The Blues, We're Getting A Divorce You Keep The Diner, Red At Night
LYRICALLY: Frank Turner
As much as I love Frank Turner, it's his lyrics that put him at the front of my favorite modern writers. Quite simply, his lyrics connect with me on a personal level that few can rival. While his musicianship is by no means lacking, it's not his biggest appeal. See: Fastest Way Back Home, Love Ire & Song
MUSICIANSHIP: Metallica
Yes. You read that right. I grew up around enough heavy metal to know some shit. But there's no way I would ever listen to a Metallica record for the lyrics. I don't relate to them and I'm sure as hell not going to learn anything about life from them. So why? Because, and I am referring to them in their prime, these guys could fucking play. Still can I am sure but I haven't listened to a new Metallica album since I was a pre-teen who didn't know what punk music was. Example: Everything before 1998.
Side note: Fuck Brokencyde and their shitty excuse for a band. Your actions are as offensive as your "music"
I, in most cases (not all of them) prefer the instrumentation and musicianship over the vocals. So I'm going explain this by covering three bands that I like for three different reasons. All around, lyrics and instrumentation.
ALL AROUND: The Gaslight Anthem
While TGA may have some of today's best lyrics (in my humble opinion) there is no doubt about one thing: Gaslight can write a jam to accompany their words. More often than not I'll have a section of the music stuck in my head and not just lyrics. Example: Spirit Of Jazz, Even Cowgirls Get The Blues, We're Getting A Divorce You Keep The Diner, Red At Night
LYRICALLY: Frank Turner
As much as I love Frank Turner, it's his lyrics that put him at the front of my favorite modern writers. Quite simply, his lyrics connect with me on a personal level that few can rival. While his musicianship is by no means lacking, it's not his biggest appeal. See: Fastest Way Back Home, Love Ire & Song
MUSICIANSHIP: Metallica
Yes. You read that right. I grew up around enough heavy metal to know some shit. But there's no way I would ever listen to a Metallica record for the lyrics. I don't relate to them and I'm sure as hell not going to learn anything about life from them. So why? Because, and I am referring to them in their prime, these guys could fucking play. Still can I am sure but I haven't listened to a new Metallica album since I was a pre-teen who didn't know what punk music was. Example: Everything before 1998.
Side note: Fuck Brokencyde and their shitty excuse for a band. Your actions are as offensive as your "music"
Monday, March 14, 2011
Self Favors (March 14, 2011)
Self Favors. Do your ears a favor.
Album Of The Week: Yellowcard - When You're Through Thinking, Say Yes
Summer is almost here and it won't be complete until you've got this record blaring from your car speakers.
Song Of The Week: The Vaccines - Wetsuit
A modern shoegaze song from a band that is sure to be everywhere by the end of the year. It's the kind of stuff the critics will devour a hundred times over. And for once, it's actually pretty good.
Band Of The Week: The Smoking Popes
They're releasing a new album. It may not be perfect but it's vintage Popes and is still better than most of the drivel coming out today.
Album Of The Week: Yellowcard - When You're Through Thinking, Say Yes
Summer is almost here and it won't be complete until you've got this record blaring from your car speakers.
Song Of The Week: The Vaccines - Wetsuit
A modern shoegaze song from a band that is sure to be everywhere by the end of the year. It's the kind of stuff the critics will devour a hundred times over. And for once, it's actually pretty good.
Band Of The Week: The Smoking Popes
They're releasing a new album. It may not be perfect but it's vintage Popes and is still better than most of the drivel coming out today.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
REVIEW: Yellowcard "When You're Through Thinking, Say Yes"
What is their to say about a band like Yellowcard that hasn't been said already? For many, the band is the definition of Summer music. Anthems and choruses so big that they swirl around your head like a halo for days on end. The perfect driving in the sunshine record 'Ocean Avenue' which ended up being the soundtrack for so many teenagers upon it's release.
It's hard to mention the band without bringing up the fact that after Paper Walls, most of us accepted the band was done and over. They had told us they weren't but it just seemed impossible. After the misstep with Lights and Sounds, the band ended on a high note with the spectacular Paper Walls. And then they were gone.
Now, just a few short years later a new record is upon us and fittingly so, right before the Summer season kicks in. For me, personally, "When You're Through Thinking, Say Yes" is Ocean Avenue at 22 years old. Sure, I'll never feel the way I did when I heard Ocean Avenue as a young teenager. But this is the closest I will get and it's damn close.
The moment the violin kicks in towards the end of the album's opener "The Sound Of You And Me" your ears instantly know one thing. Yellowcard is back. Following that is one of the earlier released songs, "You and Your Denial" which is a surefire classic for the band and their live sets.
However, if the first two songs don't kick start your obsession with Summer, "With You Around" will bring even the most jaded fans back to their younger years. It's the ideal song for piling in the car, driving down the highway with the windows down and singing every word with your friends. Try shaking the chorus from your brain and laugh at your own feeble attempts when you fail.
Tracks 5 through 8 (Life Of Leaving Home, Hide, and Soundtrack) will no doubt be played to the point of exhaustion as it is a powerful power pop combo that only a seasoned band like Yellowcard can pull off.
While the ballad "Sing For Me" is no doubt a great song, it does stand out on the album as being a bit too slow compared to the rest of the album and may take some younger listens out of the album for a minute. But it is followed by another vintage song in "See Me Smiling" which continues to build and build on the albums strengths.
The ending track "Be The Young" is a perfect closer and for older fans, will feel oddly appropriate given the time and albums passed between Ocean Avenue and this record.
All in all, Yellowcard is a band that took their naysayers and doubtful fans and proved them both wrong. Not only are they back, but they may just be better than ever.
It's hard to mention the band without bringing up the fact that after Paper Walls, most of us accepted the band was done and over. They had told us they weren't but it just seemed impossible. After the misstep with Lights and Sounds, the band ended on a high note with the spectacular Paper Walls. And then they were gone.
Now, just a few short years later a new record is upon us and fittingly so, right before the Summer season kicks in. For me, personally, "When You're Through Thinking, Say Yes" is Ocean Avenue at 22 years old. Sure, I'll never feel the way I did when I heard Ocean Avenue as a young teenager. But this is the closest I will get and it's damn close.
The moment the violin kicks in towards the end of the album's opener "The Sound Of You And Me" your ears instantly know one thing. Yellowcard is back. Following that is one of the earlier released songs, "You and Your Denial" which is a surefire classic for the band and their live sets.
However, if the first two songs don't kick start your obsession with Summer, "With You Around" will bring even the most jaded fans back to their younger years. It's the ideal song for piling in the car, driving down the highway with the windows down and singing every word with your friends. Try shaking the chorus from your brain and laugh at your own feeble attempts when you fail.
Tracks 5 through 8 (Life Of Leaving Home, Hide, and Soundtrack) will no doubt be played to the point of exhaustion as it is a powerful power pop combo that only a seasoned band like Yellowcard can pull off.
While the ballad "Sing For Me" is no doubt a great song, it does stand out on the album as being a bit too slow compared to the rest of the album and may take some younger listens out of the album for a minute. But it is followed by another vintage song in "See Me Smiling" which continues to build and build on the albums strengths.
The ending track "Be The Young" is a perfect closer and for older fans, will feel oddly appropriate given the time and albums passed between Ocean Avenue and this record.
All in all, Yellowcard is a band that took their naysayers and doubtful fans and proved them both wrong. Not only are they back, but they may just be better than ever.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Suck It, Podcast
So, in my anxious dive into the podcast I completely disregarded that I wanted to play Tina Sparkle. Next week, eh? Anyways. I managed to crank out 7 songs and some ramblings. Don't let me get in front of a mic half tired again. Thanks guys!
March 8, 2011
01. Yesterday's Ring "Punx Not Dead. . .It's Just Sleeping"
02. The Trader's "My Drink Taste Like Shame"
03. Jeff Rowe "Dead Authors"
04. Joyce Manor "Beach Community"
05. Kristia Moya "Hey"
06. Tim Barry "Church Of Level Track"
07. Avail "August"
Thanks to those who listen. I'm still getting the hang of editing and in case it's not clear, nerves and sleep can get the best of me. Stay tuned while I get used to this as I hope to improve the podcast from week to week until I find my niche.
March 8, 2011
01. Yesterday's Ring "Punx Not Dead. . .It's Just Sleeping"
02. The Trader's "My Drink Taste Like Shame"
03. Jeff Rowe "Dead Authors"
04. Joyce Manor "Beach Community"
05. Kristia Moya "Hey"
06. Tim Barry "Church Of Level Track"
07. Avail "August"
Thanks to those who listen. I'm still getting the hang of editing and in case it's not clear, nerves and sleep can get the best of me. Stay tuned while I get used to this as I hope to improve the podcast from week to week until I find my niche.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Live! At The Old Cat's Bar Episode #2
Hello blog-verse. Nice to see you again so soon.
I recently wrapped up the second overall episode of the podcast and the first official rambling edition. Please enjoy the tunes and check out the links I post here. The scene needs support and I hope that all of you will like and buy at least one of these records at my urging because I believe they're all worth it or they wouldn't be here.
WARNING: This is my first time recording an actual podcast. So the volume may need a little adjusting between the songs and my stupid voice. Listen accordingly! :)
Live! At The Old Cat's Bar (February 20, 2011) Runtime: 28:09
1. "Summer In The House Of Confessions" by Tiger Please
2. "Torn It Down" by Caves
3. "The WB" by The Reaganomics
4. "Sleeping Weather" by Cheap Girls
5. "Work It Out" by The Haverchucks
6. "Devil's Spoke" by Laura Marling
7. "Know What I Mean (Jellybean) by Iron Chic
8. "Guts N Teeth" by Old Man Markley
Tiger Please Links
http://www.myspace.com/tigerplease
http://walnuttreerecords.bigcartel.com/
Caves
www.myspace.com/wearecaves
http://ilivesweat.tumblr.com/ (An awesome podcast!)
The Reaganomics
www.redscare.net
Cheap Girls
http://www.myspace.com/cheapgirls
The Haverchucks
www.deathtofalsehoperecords.com
http://www.ifyoumakeit.com/
Laura Marling
www.lauramarling.com
Iron Chic
http://ironchic.bandcamp.com/
Old Man Markley
http://www.oldmanmarkley.com/Home.html
I recently wrapped up the second overall episode of the podcast and the first official rambling edition. Please enjoy the tunes and check out the links I post here. The scene needs support and I hope that all of you will like and buy at least one of these records at my urging because I believe they're all worth it or they wouldn't be here.
WARNING: This is my first time recording an actual podcast. So the volume may need a little adjusting between the songs and my stupid voice. Listen accordingly! :)
Live! At The Old Cat's Bar (February 20, 2011) Runtime: 28:09
1. "Summer In The House Of Confessions" by Tiger Please
2. "Torn It Down" by Caves
3. "The WB" by The Reaganomics
4. "Sleeping Weather" by Cheap Girls
5. "Work It Out" by The Haverchucks
6. "Devil's Spoke" by Laura Marling
7. "Know What I Mean (Jellybean) by Iron Chic
8. "Guts N Teeth" by Old Man Markley
Tiger Please Links
http://www.myspace.com/tigerplease
http://walnuttreerecords.bigcartel.com/
Caves
www.myspace.com/wearecaves
http://ilivesweat.tumblr.com/ (An awesome podcast!)
The Reaganomics
www.redscare.net
Cheap Girls
http://www.myspace.com/cheapgirls
The Haverchucks
www.deathtofalsehoperecords.com
http://www.ifyoumakeit.com/
Laura Marling
www.lauramarling.com
Iron Chic
http://ironchic.bandcamp.com/
Old Man Markley
http://www.oldmanmarkley.com/Home.html
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)