One of the softest songs in their repertoire but powerful in it's own right, it croons a message at us that we can all relate to and surely take to heart.
With my debut on drums in the recording world, here is, Under Control by The Strokes
Monday, June 30, 2014
Under Control - Lake Jackson
Me and Zack have been shackled with the burdens of social responsibility for too long! Finally, today, after a rousing bit of World Cup action we got to sit down with a mutual favorite track of ours and knock it down. We both got to see these legends of garage fury this month in New York City, an experience leaving us floored and brimming with enthusiasm for the lads to get back to the studio.
One of the softest songs in their repertoire but powerful in it's own right, it croons a message at us that we can all relate to and surely take to heart.
With my debut on drums in the recording world, here is, Under Control by The Strokes
One of the softest songs in their repertoire but powerful in it's own right, it croons a message at us that we can all relate to and surely take to heart.
With my debut on drums in the recording world, here is, Under Control by The Strokes
Thursday, June 12, 2014
We Looked Like Giants - Lake Jackson
It's been a long time. Summer is upon us and that means that all of the lovely youth of Virginia is free to pursue their dreams and aspirations, or just dick around. This is a track by the jewel of the indie crown, a band that I grew up loving thanks to an old friend. This may be the proudest I've been about anything we've recorded, and was ecstatic to finally come home to the lake to finish it.
This song reminds me of cool, dew soaked drives through the wooded area I grew up in, and of people I haven't seen in a long time. Huge thanks to everyone who helped on the track.
Here, proudly stands, We Looked Like Giants by Death Cab for Cutie
This song reminds me of cool, dew soaked drives through the wooded area I grew up in, and of people I haven't seen in a long time. Huge thanks to everyone who helped on the track.
Here, proudly stands, We Looked Like Giants by Death Cab for Cutie
Thursday, April 10, 2014
People As Songs: Part 1
There is a little bit of music in everyone I suppose, after all, songs are just stories for the most part. I am setting out to pick the pieces of music that best represent some dear friends of mine. Represent via individual lyrics, overarching themes, or just general feel. Now obviously this is completely subjective, and just my opinions. Some of these may seem out of left field, some you may disagree with. Feel free to throw words like, "pretentious drip", or, "over analyzing drangle" at me. I appreciate all feedback, and of course, still think highly of nearly all of you! Here's to new friends and great music.
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1: Sammi Lanzetta, your song is "Song 2" by Blur
Short, sweet, to the point. No Bullshit. You are the definition of a windows down, volume loud friend. One of my favorite all time driving songs, I have never failed to bounce around whenever it plays. I feel that much like the lyrics to the song, there are things people have trouble understanding about you. Beneath it's outward party appearance there is definitely a deeper current running through this track. It's your business though, to most of the world you keep it loud and fantastic. Two minutes of high fructose, kick ass attitude
"Pleased to meet you."
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2: Max Lindgren, your song is "The Only Living Boy In New York" by Simon & Garfunkel
One of the finest songs the duo ever put out in my humble opinion. A multi-faceted track that walks the line between buoyant and somber, the tune was written by Paul Simon as his partner left for Mexico for a movie shoot, leaving him behind in New York. Max, you never fail to offer the most cheery, uplifting comments to all of us lucky enough to call you friend. Your outlook on life seems to be one of self championed simplicity, and you wear it well. But I think there is a lonely side, a solemn part of you that shows it's head from time to time. A direct parallel to Simon losing his best friend and still managing to smile about it. Like the sun shining through clouds, it's sometimes hard to tell if it just started raining or finally stopped.
"I've got nothing to do today but smile"
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3: Taylor Edwards, your song is "Float On" by Modest Mouse
Almost painfully obvious. There are those that know you better, but to me, you are the embodiment of indomitability. This track marked a drastic change of sound for the Washingtonian trio. While they held on to a degree of their harshness, a clear reflection of maturity brought on by age came out. I don't think anything could keep you down, and if so, certainly not for long. A reminder to the rest of us to keep our chin up and wear a smile because it makes you prettier and helps you live longer. This is not to be mistaken for simplicity, just like Isaac acknowledges, life can and WILL get shitty, but keeping your head above water is easy if you have someone to float with. Here's to the current, and the raft.
"Don't worry, even if things end up a bit too heavy, we'll all float on"
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4: Ryad Chaoui, your song is "Hoppípolla" by Sigur Rós
There's not a chance on this earth that I will make it through this song without getting at least a little bit choked up, and I know nearly nothing about it besides what it makes me feel. You are beautiful man. You are unshackled by the burdens of corporeality, floating high above the rest of us. You have a smile that lights up the room and a laugh that makes me wonder why I'm not laughing with you. This song is one of the most uplifting pieces of music I have ever heard, and I put it on whenever I need a pick me up. The title translates to "Hopping into puddles", and echoes the simplistic wonder of enjoying life for what it is, a journey meant to be shared with those you care about. Sharing is easy when the person is as caring as you.
"Og g fae blo nasir, en g stend alltaf upp"
(And I get a nosebleed, but I always stand up)
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5. Paislee Jahed, your song is "She's Only 18" by Red Hot Chili Peppers
A song about the world as it is and the girl that will conquer it. This track has it all, attitude, warmth, sensuality, and a wicked sense of itself. You have potential in spades, Paislee. I see in you someone who could climb any mountain on the map, and the style to make it look easy. One of the most effortlessly cool people I know, you seem to shrug off everything you don't deem worthy of your time or energy with relative ease. Woe to anyone who may hold you down or drag you back, they won't be in the picture for long. Like the wailing guitar in the background, you approach life with a guided hand, but a cacophonous reverb. Folks can try to be cool, but they won't ever be Paislee cool.
"Knock the world off it's feet and straight onto it's head"
I hope you got a kick out of this, and hope nobody feels left out. I intend to come back and deliver more to all you lovely people. I am a lucky person to be burdened with the friendship of you folks, and I know you will continue to be great, and make me smile.
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1: Sammi Lanzetta, your song is "Song 2" by Blur
Short, sweet, to the point. No Bullshit. You are the definition of a windows down, volume loud friend. One of my favorite all time driving songs, I have never failed to bounce around whenever it plays. I feel that much like the lyrics to the song, there are things people have trouble understanding about you. Beneath it's outward party appearance there is definitely a deeper current running through this track. It's your business though, to most of the world you keep it loud and fantastic. Two minutes of high fructose, kick ass attitude
"Pleased to meet you."
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2: Max Lindgren, your song is "The Only Living Boy In New York" by Simon & Garfunkel
One of the finest songs the duo ever put out in my humble opinion. A multi-faceted track that walks the line between buoyant and somber, the tune was written by Paul Simon as his partner left for Mexico for a movie shoot, leaving him behind in New York. Max, you never fail to offer the most cheery, uplifting comments to all of us lucky enough to call you friend. Your outlook on life seems to be one of self championed simplicity, and you wear it well. But I think there is a lonely side, a solemn part of you that shows it's head from time to time. A direct parallel to Simon losing his best friend and still managing to smile about it. Like the sun shining through clouds, it's sometimes hard to tell if it just started raining or finally stopped.
"I've got nothing to do today but smile"
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3: Taylor Edwards, your song is "Float On" by Modest Mouse
Almost painfully obvious. There are those that know you better, but to me, you are the embodiment of indomitability. This track marked a drastic change of sound for the Washingtonian trio. While they held on to a degree of their harshness, a clear reflection of maturity brought on by age came out. I don't think anything could keep you down, and if so, certainly not for long. A reminder to the rest of us to keep our chin up and wear a smile because it makes you prettier and helps you live longer. This is not to be mistaken for simplicity, just like Isaac acknowledges, life can and WILL get shitty, but keeping your head above water is easy if you have someone to float with. Here's to the current, and the raft.
"Don't worry, even if things end up a bit too heavy, we'll all float on"
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4: Ryad Chaoui, your song is "Hoppípolla" by Sigur Rós
There's not a chance on this earth that I will make it through this song without getting at least a little bit choked up, and I know nearly nothing about it besides what it makes me feel. You are beautiful man. You are unshackled by the burdens of corporeality, floating high above the rest of us. You have a smile that lights up the room and a laugh that makes me wonder why I'm not laughing with you. This song is one of the most uplifting pieces of music I have ever heard, and I put it on whenever I need a pick me up. The title translates to "Hopping into puddles", and echoes the simplistic wonder of enjoying life for what it is, a journey meant to be shared with those you care about. Sharing is easy when the person is as caring as you.
"Og g fae blo nasir, en g stend alltaf upp"
(And I get a nosebleed, but I always stand up)
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5. Paislee Jahed, your song is "She's Only 18" by Red Hot Chili Peppers
A song about the world as it is and the girl that will conquer it. This track has it all, attitude, warmth, sensuality, and a wicked sense of itself. You have potential in spades, Paislee. I see in you someone who could climb any mountain on the map, and the style to make it look easy. One of the most effortlessly cool people I know, you seem to shrug off everything you don't deem worthy of your time or energy with relative ease. Woe to anyone who may hold you down or drag you back, they won't be in the picture for long. Like the wailing guitar in the background, you approach life with a guided hand, but a cacophonous reverb. Folks can try to be cool, but they won't ever be Paislee cool.
"Knock the world off it's feet and straight onto it's head"
I hope you got a kick out of this, and hope nobody feels left out. I intend to come back and deliver more to all you lovely people. I am a lucky person to be burdened with the friendship of you folks, and I know you will continue to be great, and make me smile.
Sunday, March 2, 2014
My Top 5, all time: Favorite Queens of the Stone Age Lyrics
When I was but a wee lad of 14, cast adrift in the sea of monotonous pop-punk, post-grunge nonsense that the radio had to offer, my thoughts always turned to the heroes I had been raised on. "Where are the bands that sound like Led Zeppelin?", I would think to myself quietly. Surely someone out there can take up the mantle of sexy, groovin', bad ass blues/hard rock that the mighty Zep left on the floor. Now I know, of course, that there were always bands making a go at it, but they had no way of finding my young ears.
Then, like a magical thunderbolt, hurled out of the depths of the California desert, came the album "Lullabies to Paralyze". Upon hearing that album, I held it aloft as the heir to the bad ass rock gods that I so revered. The first time the cowbell rang in on "Little Sister" I was immediately hooked, and had long discussions with my friends about how Queens and The White Stripes were going to save Rock and Roll. After discovering their back catalogs, I was swept along the sexy roller coaster of desert stoner bliss, past the grimy Lullabies, the sarcastic "Rated R", and the punishing, brooding "Songs for the Deaf".
Led by the towering viking inferno himself, Josh Homme, Queens has soldiered on past lineup changes, the ever changing landscape of popular music, one that was systematically rejecting guitar music, and even death. No rock band has made sexier music in the last 20 years, and at the center of it all was Hommes' defiant middle finger to anyone who dared question him or his majestic desert titans' siren song.
These are the cream of the crop, my personal, top 5 favorite Queens of the Stone Age lyrics, and convincing arguments as to why the group is one of the most important rock acts of our generation.
1: "They say those who can't, just instruct others / And act like victims or jilted lovers / You can't lose it if you never had it / Disappear man, do some magic
You want a reason, how's about "because"? / You ain't a has been if you never was"
"Turnin on the Screw" - Era Vulgaris
A frantic, scrambled stomper that opens up the bands 5th album, "Turnin" is a playful song that puts a bullet in the head of all the bitter misfits out there who live and die by self defeating prophecies. Josh pleads with the disenchanted masses to get out there and get some shit done, to go realize their full potential, or christ, at least have a better attitude about it. After a chaotic, off tempo guitar halestorm, Homme relents, saying "fuck it, bitter is in fashion" and jumps right in with them for a tight outro with a gorgeous vocal accompaniment from current Queen, Troy Van Leeuwen. The album runs the gamut from sexy, to brooding, to downright scary, but the opening track will have you dancing your ass off as Josh flirts with the cretins, crooning a weary "I'm a mess I guess, I'm turnin' on the screw"
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2: "Ain't gonna' worry. Just live 'till you die, I wanna' drown / With nowhere to fall into the arms of someone. / There's nothing to save I know, you live 'till you die"
"In the Fade" - Rated R
The darkness before the dawn on the album that defines the struggle of addiction and depression. Amidst the excess and torment the album pummels you with, Homme allows a brief reprieve in the form of this comforting, borderline optimistic tune, reminding the listener that you are always able to pull yourself up and out of whatever you're stuck in, and move forward with your life. After weary admissions of depression and heartbreak, Josh defiantly states that he won't worry, that he'll soldier on past the crippling bleakness of the characters life as depicted by Rated R. In an almost fiendish plot twist, when all seems well, the song crashes to conclusion with a reprisal of the albums cacophonous opening track, with throat shredding shrieks of submission to all that life has to offer him "Nicotine, Valium, Vicodin, Marijuana, Ecstasy and Alcohol".
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3: "Most of what you see my dear, is purely for show / Because not everything that goes around, comes back around you know / Holding on too long is just a fear of letting go / Because not everything that goes around, comes back around you know / One thing that is clear, It's all downhill from here."
"Like Clockwork" - Like Clockwork
The crushingly beautiful ending to one of the finest albums of 2013, Josh takes to the piano to remind us that even desert vikings had a soft side. After dying on an operating table after a botched knee operation, Homme regained consciousness, and with it, a murky melancholy that can be heard all over "Like Clockwork". A sweeping slide guitar breaks up the ballad, accompanied by thunderous drums and a killer reverb that brings the album plummeting to it's knees for a sonic representation of a man at the end of his rope. "All the promises of stone, crumble in the light", Josh croons as a man wracked with grief and heartbreak, a soulful resignation to the truth of the matter, that people are going to always do what they want, and there's nothing you can do about it. The more you try and hold on to things, the more they will slip out of your fingers.
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4: "It's late enough to go drivin', and see what's mine / Life's the study of dying, how to do it right / You're a holy roller, if you're betting to lose / If you're hangin' around, I'm holding the noose"
"A Song for the Dead" - Songs for the Deaf
One the of dozens of examples I could point to of Josh Hommes' uncontrollable swagger. The attitude on this track practically slaps you in the face. A back to basics, hard rock behemoth, Song for the Dead is one of the most bad ass tracks the band has ever written, blasting out of the gate with long time collaborator Dave Grohls' hands of god, Bonham incarnate drumming. A stabbing lyric, filled with that sarcasm that is painted all over the walls of the Queens' albums, Josh invokes a twisted version of the Budhist philosophy of dying by degrees. If you are wilting away second by second, why not make the most of it? Think mere mortality can restrain The Queens of the Stone Age? No way man.
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5: "Don't cry, with my toes on the edge it's such a lovely view / Inside, I never loved anything until I loved you / Confide, I'm over the edge, what can I do? / Sunshine, I've fallen through"
"I Appear Missing" - Like Clockwork
While Like Clockwork is the closing track on the album, this song is where the journey reaches it's end. A man on the edge of what he can handle, about to leap to cathartic freedom. A story of a broken person, obsessing over what he can't have, lamenting his unrequited love while he tumbles further down the rabbit hole. Battling depression for months after his near death experience, Homme leveled the playing field and brought his demons into the blinding spotlight of the mid-day sun. "It's only falling in love because you hit the ground", he spits as the song spirals into it's climactic end, with Josh on the edge, dangling his feet over the abyss of his own mortality.
Queens of the Stone Age has for nearly 20 years been affording us the opportunity to scream along, strut around, and shake our ass' to their unique brand of musical insanity. Josh's magnetic attraction has roped in the likes of Elton John, Trent Reznor, Alex Turner and Dave Grohl, bringing these titans of rock in to supplement but never to replace. To accent but never to dominate. Every Queens album is different than the next, with Josh striving to never get stuck in a rut, or do what's expected of him by anyone. Following firmly his business plan of not giving a shit, The Queens have launched salvos of sandy, musical missiles at us for years, each one more potent and biting than the next. Never losing his sexy strut, even in the midst of personal turmoil, the world owes a debt to Josh Homme, just as he owes a debt to whatever heathen rock gods he tricked into teaching him their talents. Thanks for saving 14 year old me from the barren landscape of rock radio, Josh. Here's to you
Then, like a magical thunderbolt, hurled out of the depths of the California desert, came the album "Lullabies to Paralyze". Upon hearing that album, I held it aloft as the heir to the bad ass rock gods that I so revered. The first time the cowbell rang in on "Little Sister" I was immediately hooked, and had long discussions with my friends about how Queens and The White Stripes were going to save Rock and Roll. After discovering their back catalogs, I was swept along the sexy roller coaster of desert stoner bliss, past the grimy Lullabies, the sarcastic "Rated R", and the punishing, brooding "Songs for the Deaf".
Led by the towering viking inferno himself, Josh Homme, Queens has soldiered on past lineup changes, the ever changing landscape of popular music, one that was systematically rejecting guitar music, and even death. No rock band has made sexier music in the last 20 years, and at the center of it all was Hommes' defiant middle finger to anyone who dared question him or his majestic desert titans' siren song.
These are the cream of the crop, my personal, top 5 favorite Queens of the Stone Age lyrics, and convincing arguments as to why the group is one of the most important rock acts of our generation.
1: "They say those who can't, just instruct others / And act like victims or jilted lovers / You can't lose it if you never had it / Disappear man, do some magic
You want a reason, how's about "because"? / You ain't a has been if you never was"
"Turnin on the Screw" - Era Vulgaris
A frantic, scrambled stomper that opens up the bands 5th album, "Turnin" is a playful song that puts a bullet in the head of all the bitter misfits out there who live and die by self defeating prophecies. Josh pleads with the disenchanted masses to get out there and get some shit done, to go realize their full potential, or christ, at least have a better attitude about it. After a chaotic, off tempo guitar halestorm, Homme relents, saying "fuck it, bitter is in fashion" and jumps right in with them for a tight outro with a gorgeous vocal accompaniment from current Queen, Troy Van Leeuwen. The album runs the gamut from sexy, to brooding, to downright scary, but the opening track will have you dancing your ass off as Josh flirts with the cretins, crooning a weary "I'm a mess I guess, I'm turnin' on the screw"
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2: "Ain't gonna' worry. Just live 'till you die, I wanna' drown / With nowhere to fall into the arms of someone. / There's nothing to save I know, you live 'till you die"
"In the Fade" - Rated R
The darkness before the dawn on the album that defines the struggle of addiction and depression. Amidst the excess and torment the album pummels you with, Homme allows a brief reprieve in the form of this comforting, borderline optimistic tune, reminding the listener that you are always able to pull yourself up and out of whatever you're stuck in, and move forward with your life. After weary admissions of depression and heartbreak, Josh defiantly states that he won't worry, that he'll soldier on past the crippling bleakness of the characters life as depicted by Rated R. In an almost fiendish plot twist, when all seems well, the song crashes to conclusion with a reprisal of the albums cacophonous opening track, with throat shredding shrieks of submission to all that life has to offer him "Nicotine, Valium, Vicodin, Marijuana, Ecstasy and Alcohol".
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3: "Most of what you see my dear, is purely for show / Because not everything that goes around, comes back around you know / Holding on too long is just a fear of letting go / Because not everything that goes around, comes back around you know / One thing that is clear, It's all downhill from here."
"Like Clockwork" - Like Clockwork
The crushingly beautiful ending to one of the finest albums of 2013, Josh takes to the piano to remind us that even desert vikings had a soft side. After dying on an operating table after a botched knee operation, Homme regained consciousness, and with it, a murky melancholy that can be heard all over "Like Clockwork". A sweeping slide guitar breaks up the ballad, accompanied by thunderous drums and a killer reverb that brings the album plummeting to it's knees for a sonic representation of a man at the end of his rope. "All the promises of stone, crumble in the light", Josh croons as a man wracked with grief and heartbreak, a soulful resignation to the truth of the matter, that people are going to always do what they want, and there's nothing you can do about it. The more you try and hold on to things, the more they will slip out of your fingers.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4: "It's late enough to go drivin', and see what's mine / Life's the study of dying, how to do it right / You're a holy roller, if you're betting to lose / If you're hangin' around, I'm holding the noose"
"A Song for the Dead" - Songs for the Deaf
One the of dozens of examples I could point to of Josh Hommes' uncontrollable swagger. The attitude on this track practically slaps you in the face. A back to basics, hard rock behemoth, Song for the Dead is one of the most bad ass tracks the band has ever written, blasting out of the gate with long time collaborator Dave Grohls' hands of god, Bonham incarnate drumming. A stabbing lyric, filled with that sarcasm that is painted all over the walls of the Queens' albums, Josh invokes a twisted version of the Budhist philosophy of dying by degrees. If you are wilting away second by second, why not make the most of it? Think mere mortality can restrain The Queens of the Stone Age? No way man.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5: "Don't cry, with my toes on the edge it's such a lovely view / Inside, I never loved anything until I loved you / Confide, I'm over the edge, what can I do? / Sunshine, I've fallen through"
"I Appear Missing" - Like Clockwork
While Like Clockwork is the closing track on the album, this song is where the journey reaches it's end. A man on the edge of what he can handle, about to leap to cathartic freedom. A story of a broken person, obsessing over what he can't have, lamenting his unrequited love while he tumbles further down the rabbit hole. Battling depression for months after his near death experience, Homme leveled the playing field and brought his demons into the blinding spotlight of the mid-day sun. "It's only falling in love because you hit the ground", he spits as the song spirals into it's climactic end, with Josh on the edge, dangling his feet over the abyss of his own mortality.
Queens of the Stone Age has for nearly 20 years been affording us the opportunity to scream along, strut around, and shake our ass' to their unique brand of musical insanity. Josh's magnetic attraction has roped in the likes of Elton John, Trent Reznor, Alex Turner and Dave Grohl, bringing these titans of rock in to supplement but never to replace. To accent but never to dominate. Every Queens album is different than the next, with Josh striving to never get stuck in a rut, or do what's expected of him by anyone. Following firmly his business plan of not giving a shit, The Queens have launched salvos of sandy, musical missiles at us for years, each one more potent and biting than the next. Never losing his sexy strut, even in the midst of personal turmoil, the world owes a debt to Josh Homme, just as he owes a debt to whatever heathen rock gods he tricked into teaching him their talents. Thanks for saving 14 year old me from the barren landscape of rock radio, Josh. Here's to you
Sunday, January 5, 2014
About Sophie - Lake Jackson
So I was feeling real down in the dumps for a bit. So naturally I decided to record something sad!
This is a cover of a real great track that I really don't think I did justice. I really wasn't planning on even putting it out there but it is what it is I suppose. That's all I have to say about that I guess.
Here, with lots of uncertainty, is About Sophie by Keaton Henson
This is a cover of a real great track that I really don't think I did justice. I really wasn't planning on even putting it out there but it is what it is I suppose. That's all I have to say about that I guess.
Here, with lots of uncertainty, is About Sophie by Keaton Henson
The Double Album: A Love Story
So I was driving around a lot today, and I got to thinking about that majestic beast of the musical world, the Double LP. That clunky collection of songs that so many bands have released before and, hopefully, will to come.
A lot of people's opinion of the Double is lukewarm at best. Many bands have put out bloated, indulgent messes that serve to alienate all but their most loyal fans. I have a different opinion. I love the medium, I think it affords the artist to release the songs that they're not so sure of, songs that would forever be doomed to sit on a hard drive in some warehouse somewhere, never seeing the light of day. At best they might be released in some B-Side collection at the end of the groups career.
I have set forth to track down some of the best examples of this phenomenon. Songs that are off the beaten path, little gems that those of us who scour the back catalogs of our favorite groups know by heart, and cherish as much as any single.
So here are 5 examples of just the types of songs I'm referring to, and hopefully they might be new to you fine folks as well.
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This is probably my go to example of a double album achieving true greatness.
Red Hot Chili Peppers' "Stadium Arcadium", released in the summer of 2006, is not only my favorite Chili P's album, (which has earned me much scorn and harsh words from other fans) but one of the most important records young teenage me has ever heard. The song, recorded in the tumultuous state the band was in after it's phoenix from the ashes return of Californication, is about a family dog that belonged to Flea. The 200lb pooch, named Martian, acted "as a kind of spirit animal" to the band while they pulled themselves up by their bootstraps. Full of love and the ever present "chill" (likely inherited from it's owner, Flea), when she fell ill and eventually died, Anthony described it as a tremendous sense of loss, and felt like he had to write a song about her. The track itself is superb. The ever present John Frusciante floats about the song in the verses', his ethereal guitar weaving in and out like a needle through hair. John's harmonies are as spot on as ever and sync up with Fleas' fuzz bass flawlessly. The song ends with Kiedis spitting out a spoken word poem he had stowed away in a notebook, and with a final, somber closing verse, speaks of "sweeping the echoes of yesternights fallen freckles away". This gorgeous track may have gone largely unheard had SA not been the glorious double album it is. Thanks for that, Peppers.
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2: Houses of the Holy by Led Zepplin
When the mighty Led Zepplin wrapped up initial recording for their double album, "Physical Graffiti", in 1974, they found themselves with one of those good kinds of problem. They had recorded too much. The decision to extend the album was unanimous, as it afforded the band the chance to get tracks like "Bron-yr-aur", the above, and the fantastic "Boogie With Stew" to the masses. The album was a smash, eventually going 16 x Platinum and becoming the bands second best selling record. Houses of the Holy was always a personal favorite of mine, a compact, funky tune that has what Zep historians agree to be, the only cowbell ever put to tape by the Gods of Rock. Despite it's jazzy chords and sexy shuffle, Zep never played the song live, depriving thousands of the fantastic track. The song was initially recorded for the bands' album of the same name, two years prior, but was cut because it "didn't fit". It found it's home nicely on Physical Graffiti, and continues to inject peoples' steps with just a little bit of that Robert Plant swagger.
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3: Just Like You Imagined by Nine Inch Nails
One of my all time favorite songs by my all time favorite bands, Nine Inch Nails "The Fragile" is a masterful trip through the void. Recorded while Trent Reznor was battling addiction, the sprawling monster of an album chronicles the twisted journey from one end of depression to the other. Opening with the pulsing death march of "Somewhat Damaged", the record ascends and descends, from slow, melodic, seething synth lines to crashing, furious burns through the grimy underbelly of existence. "Just Like You Imagined" is an instrumental, led by the dulcet tones of Trents' piano expertise. Not long after the subdued opening, the marching drums take the track into space, leading the song into a roller coaster of a soundscape, the piercing synth acting as hand-rails to keep the listener grounded in some concept of reality. The track builds into an absolutely CACOPHONOUS climax, the music crashes like waves over Trents' earnest yell, and races to a close just as you are able to regain your footing. This is a song I always urge non-NiN fans to listen to, the sheer musicianship of the track exhibits Reznors' raw talent as a producer in a fantastic way, almost extenuated by the lack of vocals, letting the piano and synth take it's rightful place in the forefront.
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4: Never as Tired as When I'm Waking Up by LCD Soundsystem
James Murphy has never played by anyones' rules except his own. Period. When Nike put out a call for someone to record an album that was "ideal for a 40 minute workout", James jumped at the opportunity, creating the spawling "45:33". An entirely instrumental record that he later admitted, "didn't have anything to do with running at all". He just wanted to make the thing. LCD Soundsytem was one of the most critically hailed bands of the 2000's, and, even early in their career, Murphys' production genius did not go unnoticed. The groups debut album was anything but traditional. A double LP that clocked in at just over 100 minutes, the album has two damn versions of the SAME SONG. The genius singles are still on repeat by cool kids to this day. The brilliant, spaz-dance rock of "Daft Punk is Playing at My House" and the sardonic dissection of "Art school Brooklynites in little jackets" in "Losing My Edge". The sound on "Never as Tired.." is that of the narrator drunk on the sex of the night before, but not the girl. He dryly states that he's in love with what you do, but not with you, and you can't help but feel for the guy. The tainted afterglow of the lyrics is echoed by the music a Beatles-esque stumble through a melody that's as sexual as it is sarcastic. The bass hops along with the jarring guitar chords, and Murphy throws himself out onto the street for another late Sunday afternoon. A soothing break between the furious disco-punk of the first disc.
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5: Fourth Time Around by Bob Dylan
Although it was a really tough pick for number 5, it all came down to the one that started it all. Bob's "Blonde on Blonde" is actually the first ever recorded rock double album. Recorded primarily in Nashville with his crack backing band "The Hawks", (who would later become the legendary "The Band"), the sessions would lead to one of the most well crafted albums in history. 4th Time Around may sound familiar to some, it was recorded as a sort of evil twin to The Beatles' song "Norwegian Wood" by Dylan in response to the obvious influence he was having on the group at the time. One critic even went so far as to say that 4th Time sounded like "Bob Dylan impersonating John Lennon Impersonating Bob Dylan". The song itself is a darker version of the whimsical Beatles original, with Bob crooning about his relationship with a woman who just doesn't seem to care about him all that much. Levon Helms' skipping drum beat and a simple, folkish strum is set apart from the rest of the albums bluesier sound, and Bob's lyrics ring of a playful bitterness. He keeps returning to the woman like a puppy shamed, with his tail between his legs, and once he's finally had enough he leaves on a vague warning. "I never asked for your crutch / So don't ask for mine". Narrative? Possibly. It could also very well be a call from the man himself to all the up and comers looking to him to help them achieve pop greatness, in particular, Mr. Lennon, whos' young band was drifting ever closer to Bob's side of the spectrum and further from the "I wanna hold your hand" days of their past.
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2: Houses of the Holy by Led Zepplin
When the mighty Led Zepplin wrapped up initial recording for their double album, "Physical Graffiti", in 1974, they found themselves with one of those good kinds of problem. They had recorded too much. The decision to extend the album was unanimous, as it afforded the band the chance to get tracks like "Bron-yr-aur", the above, and the fantastic "Boogie With Stew" to the masses. The album was a smash, eventually going 16 x Platinum and becoming the bands second best selling record. Houses of the Holy was always a personal favorite of mine, a compact, funky tune that has what Zep historians agree to be, the only cowbell ever put to tape by the Gods of Rock. Despite it's jazzy chords and sexy shuffle, Zep never played the song live, depriving thousands of the fantastic track. The song was initially recorded for the bands' album of the same name, two years prior, but was cut because it "didn't fit". It found it's home nicely on Physical Graffiti, and continues to inject peoples' steps with just a little bit of that Robert Plant swagger.
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3: Just Like You Imagined by Nine Inch Nails
One of my all time favorite songs by my all time favorite bands, Nine Inch Nails "The Fragile" is a masterful trip through the void. Recorded while Trent Reznor was battling addiction, the sprawling monster of an album chronicles the twisted journey from one end of depression to the other. Opening with the pulsing death march of "Somewhat Damaged", the record ascends and descends, from slow, melodic, seething synth lines to crashing, furious burns through the grimy underbelly of existence. "Just Like You Imagined" is an instrumental, led by the dulcet tones of Trents' piano expertise. Not long after the subdued opening, the marching drums take the track into space, leading the song into a roller coaster of a soundscape, the piercing synth acting as hand-rails to keep the listener grounded in some concept of reality. The track builds into an absolutely CACOPHONOUS climax, the music crashes like waves over Trents' earnest yell, and races to a close just as you are able to regain your footing. This is a song I always urge non-NiN fans to listen to, the sheer musicianship of the track exhibits Reznors' raw talent as a producer in a fantastic way, almost extenuated by the lack of vocals, letting the piano and synth take it's rightful place in the forefront.
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4: Never as Tired as When I'm Waking Up by LCD Soundsystem
James Murphy has never played by anyones' rules except his own. Period. When Nike put out a call for someone to record an album that was "ideal for a 40 minute workout", James jumped at the opportunity, creating the spawling "45:33". An entirely instrumental record that he later admitted, "didn't have anything to do with running at all". He just wanted to make the thing. LCD Soundsytem was one of the most critically hailed bands of the 2000's, and, even early in their career, Murphys' production genius did not go unnoticed. The groups debut album was anything but traditional. A double LP that clocked in at just over 100 minutes, the album has two damn versions of the SAME SONG. The genius singles are still on repeat by cool kids to this day. The brilliant, spaz-dance rock of "Daft Punk is Playing at My House" and the sardonic dissection of "Art school Brooklynites in little jackets" in "Losing My Edge". The sound on "Never as Tired.." is that of the narrator drunk on the sex of the night before, but not the girl. He dryly states that he's in love with what you do, but not with you, and you can't help but feel for the guy. The tainted afterglow of the lyrics is echoed by the music a Beatles-esque stumble through a melody that's as sexual as it is sarcastic. The bass hops along with the jarring guitar chords, and Murphy throws himself out onto the street for another late Sunday afternoon. A soothing break between the furious disco-punk of the first disc.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5: Fourth Time Around by Bob Dylan
Although it was a really tough pick for number 5, it all came down to the one that started it all. Bob's "Blonde on Blonde" is actually the first ever recorded rock double album. Recorded primarily in Nashville with his crack backing band "The Hawks", (who would later become the legendary "The Band"), the sessions would lead to one of the most well crafted albums in history. 4th Time Around may sound familiar to some, it was recorded as a sort of evil twin to The Beatles' song "Norwegian Wood" by Dylan in response to the obvious influence he was having on the group at the time. One critic even went so far as to say that 4th Time sounded like "Bob Dylan impersonating John Lennon Impersonating Bob Dylan". The song itself is a darker version of the whimsical Beatles original, with Bob crooning about his relationship with a woman who just doesn't seem to care about him all that much. Levon Helms' skipping drum beat and a simple, folkish strum is set apart from the rest of the albums bluesier sound, and Bob's lyrics ring of a playful bitterness. He keeps returning to the woman like a puppy shamed, with his tail between his legs, and once he's finally had enough he leaves on a vague warning. "I never asked for your crutch / So don't ask for mine". Narrative? Possibly. It could also very well be a call from the man himself to all the up and comers looking to him to help them achieve pop greatness, in particular, Mr. Lennon, whos' young band was drifting ever closer to Bob's side of the spectrum and further from the "I wanna hold your hand" days of their past.
Monday, December 30, 2013
Hot Air Balloon - The Hijinx
After a triumphant blast back on to the scene here in Northern Virginia, the manic talent of Mckinley Corbley has already brought things into full swing here at our woodland studios. Without any hesitation I proudly present the debut single by her group, The Hinjinx. A full length album is expected to be released in the next few months, and we already have several half finished tracks laying around the studio floor.
One part indie cred, one part pop sensibility and a few parts lap drums, hopefully the finished product will get stuck in your heads as much as it did in mine, and we sincerely hope you wonderful folks will stay tuned for more from us.
From us to you, we present Hot Air Balloon by The Hijinx
One part indie cred, one part pop sensibility and a few parts lap drums, hopefully the finished product will get stuck in your heads as much as it did in mine, and we sincerely hope you wonderful folks will stay tuned for more from us.
From us to you, we present Hot Air Balloon by The Hijinx
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