OT: New Music?

Airdog · Post by **Airdog** » Fri Dec 01, 2006 9:47 pm

The Sufjan Stevens Xmas package arrived today: very very cool package and the music sounded a bit clearer than what's posted online. Quite a superfluous amount of extra stuff thrown in, in the Christmas spirit.

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Mon Dec 04, 2006 12:18 am

The more I've listened to Los Lobos' "The Town and the City" this week, the more it climbs toward the top of my list of best albums of the year. If I keep listening to it this much this week, and I dig it so much there's little reason for me to stop, it will be my album of the year.

What a powerful album. Dignified in its more upbeat tunes, powerful in its quiet stuff. A superb combination.

Take care,
PK

EZSnappin · Post by **EZSnappin** » Mon Dec 04, 2006 9:01 am

pk500 wrote:The more I've listened to Los Lobos' "The Town and the City" this week, the more it climbs toward the top of my list of best albums of the year. If I keep listening to it this much this week, and I dig it so much there's little reason for me to stop, it will be my album of the year.

What a powerful album. Dignified in its more upbeat tunes, powerful in its quiet stuff. A superb combination.

Take care,
PK

I was thinking about Los Lobos this weekend and came to this conclusion; they are so startlingly consistent over roughly thirty years that people don't give them the credit they deserve. They don't have "comeback" albums - they have nothing to comeback from. If Dylan hadn't pissed away twenty years with crap like "Knocked Out Loaded' or "Under The Red Sky" no one would be lauding his latest borefest of an album. If Bruce Springsteen hadn't been culturally MIA for the nineties, would anyone praise "The Rising"? All of these artists who have to make reclamation projects (Johnny Cash sure jumps to the top of this list) are fellated by critics and fans because they stank for so, so long. Los Lobos may have some small ebb tides, but they are as consistent as anyone EVER. To overcome the personal tragedies they've suffered in recent years and continue their long string of good to great albums is astounding.

All that said, they probably won't end up on my end of the year list.

Their consistency kicks them in the ass again - "The Town and The City" just can't supplant "Kiko" or "How Will The Wolf Survive?" as my go to Los Lobos records.

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Mon Dec 04, 2006 1:17 pm

EZSnappin wrote:Their consistency kicks them in the ass again - "The Town and The City" just can't supplant "Kiko" or "How Will The Wolf Survive?" as my go to Los Lobos records.

I'll agree on "Kiko," as this record is somewhat similar. But "How Will The Wolf Survive," while a great record, is a different record.

As you know, it's the kind of record that would be best played in a raucous roadhouse, for the most part, with more rocking tunes. Even the more conscience-driven songs, like "Will the Wolf Survive," are pretty rollicking. OK, "Serenta Nortena" might not cut it at a roadhouse, but then again, it rocks in a Mexican roots way.

I find "Town and the City" to be a more unified, thematic record than "Wolf." I also find it more personal in its quiet moments, of which there are many.

"Wolf" is a great record, one I turn to often when wanting Los Lobos. But "The Town and the City" has joined that elite club, too.

Great points on Los Lobos' consistency. They're so damn good that people take their brilliance for granted. I can't think of another American band, hell, maybe even a worldwide band, that has been this consistently good for the last 20 years.

Maybe U2, but Los Lobos doesn't have a "Zooropa" or "Pop" in its discography, so I have to give the edge to Los Lobos. I think one of the reasons "All You Can't Leave Behind" was so highly regarded was that it was a comeback of sorts for U2, on the heels of the two mediocre-at-best records mentioned above. Another good point, E.

Take care,
PK

Pete · Post by **Pete** » Mon Dec 04, 2006 2:21 pm

EZSnappin wrote:
pk500 wrote:The more I've listened to Los Lobos' "The Town and the City" this week, the more it climbs toward the top of my list of best albums of the year. If I keep listening to it this much this week, and I dig it so much there's little reason for me to stop, it will be my album of the year.

What a powerful album. Dignified in its more upbeat tunes, powerful in its quiet stuff. A superb combination.

Take care,
PK
I was thinking about Los Lobos this weekend and came to this conclusion; they are so startlingly consistent over roughly thirty years that people don't give them the credit they deserve. They don't have "comeback" albums - they have nothing to comeback from. If Dylan hadn't pissed away twenty years with crap like "Knocked Out Loaded' or "Under The Red Sky" no one would be lauding his latest borefest of an album. If Bruce Springsteen hadn't been culturally MIA for the nineties, would anyone praise "The Rising"? All of these artists who have to make reclamation projects (Johnny Cash sure jumps to the top of this list) are fellated by critics and fans because they stank for so, so long. Los Lobos may have some small ebb tides, but they are as consistent as anyone EVER. To overcome the personal tragedies they've suffered in recent years and continue their long string of good to great albums is astounding.

All that said, they probably won't end up on my end of the year list.

Their consistency kicks them in the ass again - "The Town and The City" just can't supplant "Kiko" or "How Will The Wolf Survive?" as my go to Los Lobos records.

EZ, when will you be putting that list together? I would be very interested in seeing that.

EZSnappin · Post by **EZSnappin** » Mon Dec 04, 2006 3:47 pm

Pete wrote:
EZ, when will you be putting that list together? I would be very interested in seeing that.

Over the next few weeks. I posted my "favorite things I discovered this year that weren't released in '06" today on the blog and am winnowing my list. I usually do a top six just to be annoying. I'll likely do a list of "runners-up" as well.

I was considering just doing my picks as a podcast or two, but would write something up if people preferred.

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Thu Dec 07, 2006 1:03 pm

The worm has turned for me regarding TV on the Radio's "Return to Cookie Mountain."

At first, I found it intriguing because it was different. But now I'm finding I don't want to listen to it at all.

"Return to Cookie Mountain" is one of those albums that gets blown larger than life by critics because one critic lauds it for being so different, and other critics pile on because they don't want to miss the wave of something avant-garde in pop-rock music.

And make no mistake -- "Return to Cookie Mountain" is truly different. It definitely stretches the boundaries of pop and rock.

But every time I listen to it, I ask: "Where's the melody? Where's the structure?" Most of the songs just seem like such mish-mashes, stopping and starting in fits and pulses. It's almost as if the band said, "Hey, let's just do something totally f*cked up for the f*ck of it, without any regard for musical conventions."

That does make "Cookie" a daring record. But it also makes it a pretty tough listen. I don't need every song to be an easy Everly Brothers pop tune -- hell, I'm a Sigur Ros and Beck fan -- but even some of the most odd stuff from those two bands still follows some sort of rhythmic progression and has at least hints of melody.

I guess I'm just not on the cutting edge with TV on the Radio. Interesting music, but not particularly pleasing to my ear.

Take care,
PK

AJColossal · Post by **AJColossal** » Thu Dec 07, 2006 5:03 pm

That's funny that you say that because I think it's the most overall "melodic" thing they've pretty much done. Granted "melodic" in this sense is a relative term.

I guess you shouldn't go exploring the back-catalogue then.

Brando70 · Post by **Brando70** » Thu Dec 07, 2006 5:56 pm

It's funny, PK, because I'm having the opposite reaction. The more I listen, the more I pick up on little things that click for me. But I can also see where you're coming from. I am surprised I like it as much as I do.

I think it is getting deserved critical praise. I think because professional critics hear/see/read so many things, they tend to be more lavish on praising something that stands out, even if its not very accessible or pleasing.

Off to see The Hold Steady tonight!

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Thu Dec 07, 2006 6:09 pm

AJColossal wrote:That's funny that you say that because I think it's the most overall "melodic" thing they've pretty much done. Granted "melodic" in this sense is a relative term.

I guess you shouldn't go exploring the back-catalogue then.

Thanks for the tip, AJ! I really respect what TV on the Radio is trying to do by pushing the boundaries. The result just isn't that pleasing to my ears, with emphasis on my.

Take care,
PK

Spooky · Post by **Spooky** » Thu Dec 07, 2006 6:13 pm

AJColossal wrote:That's funny that you say that because I think it's the most overall "melodic" thing they've pretty much done. Granted "melodic" in this sense is a relative term.

I guess you shouldn't go exploring the back-catalogue then.

Completely agree there. Love their new album but an just okay with the previous ones becasue of a lack of strong melodies.

It's interesting... I am not typically a big fan of avant-garde type music or things that have little strong melodies, however I absolutely love the new TV album. I think the melodies, while a bit different than standard fare, are extremely strong. I think there are tons of catchy moments throughout the entire thing. It definitely has the "can't get this song out of my head" ability. Their earlier stuff, not so much.

Songs like "Hours", "Province", "Wolf Like Me", "Tonight" and "Dirtywhirl" are extremely melodic to my ears and I am usually very picky when it comes to the catchy'ness or melodic'ness of a song.

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Thu Dec 07, 2006 6:43 pm

Maybe I'm missing something. I'll listen to it a little more.

Take care,
PK

Spooky · Post by **Spooky** » Thu Dec 07, 2006 6:47 pm

pk500 wrote:Maybe I'm missing something. I'll listen to it a little more.

Take care,
PK

Maybe. Not sure what got me hooked. I was intrigued by their first full length album because of the one members ties with "90 Day Men" but never listened to it (heard snippets and thought is was okay). Then when this new one came out I previewed it as well but thought it sounded more interesting and promising so I went for it.

I liked it upon first listen and then found myself gravitated to it and began loving it upon my subsequent listens. I don't like everything on the album (a few tracks are a bit too avant-garde for me) but the ones I do enjoy, I love!

Do any of you guys listen to and like "90 Day Men"?

Brando70 · Post by **Brando70** » Fri Dec 08, 2006 12:41 pm

pk500 wrote:Maybe I'm missing something. I'll listen to it a little more.

Take care,
PK

You know, like anything else, it's different strokes for different folks. I certainly have my share of critical darlings that I don't like. Some acts just don't resonate with me. I was surprised I liked Return to Cookie Mountain, but I loved the hard-driving "Wolf Like Me" in the middle of the disc, and my enjoyment sort of spread from there.

BTW, if any of you guys have a chance to see The Hold Steady live, do it. They are really energetic and play their hearts out. Really glad they stopped by this corner of the Big 10.

Badger_Fan · Post by **Badger_Fan** » Fri Dec 08, 2006 3:12 pm

I'm glad you liked the Hold Steady show. I think that you get a whole new level of appreciation for them after seeing them play their asses off the way they do. Best live band going right now IMO.

Brando70 · Post by **Brando70** » Fri Dec 08, 2006 3:27 pm

Badger_Fan wrote:I'm glad you liked the Hold Steady show. I think that you get a whole new level of appreciation for them after seeing them play their asses off the way they do. Best live band going right now IMO.

Yeah, and the place they played (The Picador) is pretty cozy -- about 200-300 people -- so I was pretty close. THS really bring it live. I had a blast.

EZSnappin · Post by **EZSnappin** » Mon Dec 11, 2006 12:25 pm

Pete wrote: EZ, when will you be putting that list together? I would be very interested in seeing that.

My "Top 6 of 06" blog post is up (click the www link at the bottom of my posts). Feel free and hack away at my choices - they're an easy target!

If you scroll down a bit you'll see some of my "in the running" picks as well.

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Mon Dec 11, 2006 12:32 pm

Hey, at least we agree on M. Ward!

Take care,
PK

EZSnappin · Post by **EZSnappin** » Fri Dec 15, 2006 6:35 pm

Since everyone but me seems to love the Hold Steady in these parts, I wanted to stoke the fires and try to get under people's skin.

On another board a poster was complaining about getting a call from his mom after hearing about "those Hold Steady boys" on NPR, and how All Things Considered was ruining his favorite music by making it "Dadrock". Matt, a man after my own heart (but not that way, not that there's anything wrong with it) wrote the following as a reply:

well there you go...if you want to shock your parents you should probably stop listening to band that sound like john cafferty & the beaver brown band fronted by elvis costello, with a dude that looks like george costanzas lil bro as the singer.

I just don't get it. If they made a third Roadhouse movie they'd fit right in behind the chicken wire.

sfz_T-car · Post by **sfz_T-car** » Fri Dec 15, 2006 6:45 pm

EZSnappin wrote:Since everyone but me seems to love the Hold Steady in these parts, I wanted to stoke the fires and try to get under people's skin.

On another board a poster was complaining about getting a call from his mom after hearing about "those Hold Steady boys" on NPR, and how All Things Considered was ruining his favorite music by making it "Dadrock". Matt, a man after my own heart (but not that way, not that there's anything wrong with it) wrote the following as a reply:

well there you go...if you want to shock your parents you should probably stop listening to band that sound like john cafferty & the beaver brown band fronted by elvis costello, with a dude that looks like george costanzas lil bro as the singer.
I just don't get it. If they made a third Roadhouse movie they'd fit right in behind the chicken wire.

Eddie Lives!

EZSnappin · Post by **EZSnappin** » Fri Dec 15, 2006 6:50 pm

sfz_T-car wrote: Eddie Lives!

Ain't nothing gonna save you from a love that's blind
You slip to the dark side across that line

On the dark side oh yeah
On the dark side oh yeah

I'm sad that I remembered the lyrics...

Brando70 · Post by **Brando70** » Sat Dec 16, 2006 2:15 am

My chances to shock my parents ended when my dad borrowed my GnR tape to work out to. And choosing bands based on shock value to adults is way too emo to be cool

The difference between The Hold Steady and John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band is that JCATBBB sucks. The parts of The Hold Steady may not be terribly original, but added up they are a fantastic f***in band, and I would deliver a Swayzee-esque throat ripping to critics comparing them to anyone associated with Eddie and the Cruisers.

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Sat Dec 16, 2006 11:27 am

Comparing The Hold Steady to John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band borders between silliness and ignorance. Finn has forgotten more good lyrics than Cafferty ever wrote, and THS has more musical talent left over in its guitar cases than the Beav ever had.

Is The Hold Steady derivative? Yes. But name me a current rock band that's not other than rare exceptions like TV on the Radio or Sigur Ros.

"Boys and Girls in America" isn't my top record of the year, but it's in my Top 10.

Critical darlings always are an easy target for the music iconoclasts.

Take care,
PK

EZSnappin · Post by **EZSnappin** » Sat Dec 16, 2006 2:50 pm

pk500 wrote:Comparing The Hold Steady to John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band borders between silliness and brilliance. Finn has forgotten more good Springsteen lyrics than Cafferty ever heard.

Fixed that for you.

pk500 wrote:Is The Hold Steady derivative? Yes. But name me a current rock band that's not other than rare exceptions like TV on the Radio or Sigur Ros.

You seriously need to expand your horizons. There are hundreds of bands as/more original than TVOTR, just as there are hundreds as derivative as The Hold Steady.

Like I've said before (and I'll be dropping it after this - I just wanted to tweak people which is my own holiday tradition), there is nothing inherently wrong with Finn & co, or with Yo La Tengo's plundering of their own past; I just don't see any use or need for it when it has been done better before. There is such a vast ocean of music to explore that seeing the same sheltered coves and crowded beaches seems sadly unnecessary.

I'll try to cut down on thumbing my nose at the latest Goo Goo Dolls/Soul Asylum retreads, if it makes people happy.

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Sat Dec 16, 2006 3:04 pm

If it's a crime to enjoy popular, radio-friendly rock and pop music, then I guess I'm a felon.

Music is just like any art form -- there's always cognoscenti who insist an obscure band/painter who does it better and more original than someone who has gained prominence and income from their work.

My record collection clearly is smaller than yours. I feel no shame. I know what I like, and I enjoy the hell out of it.

I actually like a lot of bands who have earned popular acclaim, bands that have made a living in music outside of the coffee-house circuit and bands that have received airplay on outlets besides college and public radio. I even like some bands who have played worldwide stadium tours!

So lock me up and throw away the key. I think I'm going to listen to The Corrs this afternoon.

Take care,
PK