...and I'm not talking about the leaves.
Deja vu? Yes-- that was (kind of) the title of my column in West Michigan NOISE! this month; and though I fear being redundant, I'm going to do a slight follow-up to that...
but only because I'm SO excited about the jam scene right now. Not just in town, but everywhere. It seems like the entire national scene, maybe even the world, is becoming obsessed with jam bands-- especially electro-jam (and straight up (loop/sample-based) electronica-- commonly known as "techno"-- as well), dubstep, and house music. And the bands dominating the movement-- EOTO, Umphrey's McGee, Bassnectar, Pretty Lights, Rebelution etc-- are gracing West Michigan stages this fall.
Umphrey's is rocking out Kzoo State Theatre TONIGHT (10/22) and I COULD NOT BE MORE EXCITED. The Pontiffs Maximus of jam, these guys bring the heat to any venue they play and bring mind-blowing, face-melting, (insert-really-good-rock-show-platitude-here) sets every time. I pride myself on knowing a thing or two about a good live show (no ego-- I just care), and these guys are it. *It. The next generation of movements spurred by The Grateful Dead, Allman Brothers, Gov't Mule, Widespread Panic, etc, we might just be witnessing history in the making with Umph's. Move over, WP, there are some new Boys in town.
State Theatre is not known for its rock-shows. It often favors more mellow acts (I've caught Ryan Adams and the incomparable Merle Haggard there before); perhaps because of the size, the layout, the classy decor, or any number of variables....... however, head to GR and you have a plethora of rowdier venues that were built to rock. Example: the Intersection. Housing bands of every persuasion, this venue is known for packing fans in to the seams and turning up the volume into one sweaty jam fest. And this fall, the Intersection is bringing us the bands to quench our thirst for electro-jam and dubstep: already home to acts like SuperDre, it's bringing in Rebelution tomorrow (10/23), dubstep legend Bassnectar the following week (10/29) and one of my top 5 favorite live acts of all time: EOTO!!!!!!!!! (on 11/07).
So check it out. And like I always say: don't forget your dancin' shoes.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Thursday, October 14, 2010
[50]
Yes, this is the 50th post. Not such a big deal (especially since I should have had 50 posts like...... six months ago... you still love me, right?)
Good, 'cause I love you. For reading this and any other shenanigans (WMN! October issue is on newsstands... er countertops, floors, wherever people will let us stash them...) that I force upon you. And so this is dedicated to you, for reading this 50th post (and maybe some of the other 49).
This is really hard and as I'm beginning to write this, the only thing I'm asking myself is how? How are you doing this? And why? but, alas, my Top 50 Artists Right Now (and, in some cases, their stories (as they pertain to me)). (Each will include a songpick and the album on which it appears).
Deep breath in. Here goes. In absolutely no order whatsoever:
50.) Jurassic-5. I had never heard of J5 before I checked out my very first Dave Matthews Band show at the Tweeter Center (now it's named after some cell phone carrier... sad). I was 17 and not into hip-hop at the time, but I was instantly magnetized to the energetic 6-piece (the "5" in their name is a mystery... at least to me) and fell in love with their dancey, old-school beats.
("In The House" from Feedback)
49.) DJ Mark Farina. Mark Farina created one of the most fluent, masterful and ambitious compilations I've ever heard: Mushroom Jazz. Mushroom Jazz is a 5-volume work of art, created by layering a smooth, hip-hop backbeat with jazz and ambient elements and samples. I can't really explain it. But basically if you want almost six hours straight of hip-hop/jazz/ occasional nature sounds and voices (for whatever reason you so choose) from danceable to straight-up chill, you've got it. Mushroom Jazz. The best thing ever.
("Chali 2na Comin' Thru"-Mushroom Jazz V (link not available)... yes, Chali 2na from J5.)
48.) Big Boi. He just put out a solo album this year: Sir Lucious Leftfoot: The Son of Chico Dusty... which is The Shit. I always like to ask people who they like better, Andre or Big... I say Big. Andre is wackier but I think Big's style is often smarter and he has so much to say. I love that a lot of his work is conceptual and character-based; I love the stories you get through his rhymes.
("Tangerine" -SLFL:tSoCD; "The Way You Move"--Speakerboxx (tie))
47.) Outkast. Can I do this? I'm going to. Because I LOVE OUTKAST and I couldn't forget about Andre. Speakerboxx/ The Love Below is my generation's Tommy. I said it. Hootie-hooo!
(title track from Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik... I didn't feel like typing it twice)
46.) The Roots. You might be noticing a pattern. Yes, I love hip hop. And yes, I'm considering another Hip-Hop Week. Thoughts? Anyway... my friend Phil said it best... LyricsBorn is one of the most underrated poets ever. And ?uestlove is the most master of some of the most freakishly intoxicating beats I have ever heard. ever. And I promise you I'm not being dramatic when I say that heir new album "How I Got Over" is nothing short of lifechanging.
(I can't help but choose "Seed 2.0" from Phrenology.... If you don't have Phrenology, GET IT; THIS IS ESSENTIAL.)
45.) Fruit Bats: a band I discovered about this time last year. And what a year it's been (at least as far as my Fruit Bats journey goes)-- I've gone from "hey I kinda like the sound of this" to seeing them twice this past year, collecting their albums in any form-- ie, mp3 and vinyl, obvs-- I can get my hands on and discovering nothing but a perfect band and what is, to me, a pretty flawless body of work.
("The Earthquake of '73" from Spelled in Bones.)
44.) Mumford and Sons. This is a newer band from London and their album "Sigh No More" is incredible, kind of traditional western-European folk (think, like.... bluegrass + Irish drinking-and-dancing music. Kind of like the band at the steerage-class party in Titanic. Wow..?)
("Little Lion Man" --Sigh No More. Built around the amazing refrain "I really fucked it up this time, didn't I, my dear?" Watch out for your mind getting blown around 3:29)
43.) Pretty Lights. Probably one of the most exciting artists in modern electronic music right now. And daaamn, I've never seen a party like his live show.
("High School Art Class"--Spilling Over Every Side [EP]... which is available for free at prettylightsmusic.com. 2:44 might be the best moment in any song, ever.)
42.) Wilco. No explanation necessary.
("Either Way"-- Sky Blue Sky. I listen to this album pretty much every single morning. It goes really well with sleepy eyes, socks and hot coffee.)
41.) Umphrey's McGee. The. Best. Live. Show. In. America. Maybe in the world.
(this is some footage of them rocking "Jajunk (pt II)" at Rothbury '09. I was there (no big deal or anything. Only the #1 greatest night of my life) and, according to my calculations, very near to whomever shot this video.)
40.) Beatles. What can I say?
(Lately I can't stop listening to "You Never Give Me Your Money/ Sun King/ Mean Mr. Mustard/ Polythene Pam/ She Came In Through The Bathroom Window/ Golden Slumbers/ Carry That Weight" from Abbey Road... yes, I think of those as one song. And I have a feeling that if you asked any of the Beatles, they'd say the same thing.)
39.) Death Cab for Cutie.
("I Will Follow You Into the Dark"-- Plans. What?)
38.) Black Keys. A killer garage-blues duo from Ohio who I discovered at the downtown Water Street Coffee Joint. They were playing "Rubber Factory" and I had to ask the barista what they were listening to because it was soooo, so good. Rubber Factory is a classic, but they have only gotten better since then. And I got to see them for the first time at Wakarusa in June.... incredible.
("Psychotic Girl"-- Attack and Release)
37.) Damien Rice. His voice gives me chills.
("Delicate" from O. This is an an incredible live recording of it)
36.) The Weakerthans. In my heart of hearts, they are my Favorite Band. But I'm always kind of afraid to say that. The way I feel about designating the Weakerthans as my favorite-band-of-favorite-bands is kind of like when you know you love someone and you can't tell them: admitting it would be a huge and maybe even lifelong commitment that I wasn't ready for, so I just chose not to. Until now. John K Samson, you have my soul.
("The Last Last One" from Fallow. No link available but it's worth the download. Promise.)
35.) Gorillaz. Another band with a flawless body of work.
("Feel Good Inc." --Demon Days. Maybe a little cliche... but it's a perfect song.)
34.) Dave Matthews Band. I always feel really ignorant when I say this, but I love Dave Matthews Band. I love his studio work, I love his live recordings and I love going to his shows. And I was really sad when LeRoi died.
("Lie In Our Graves" --Crash. Check out this version with the majestic Tim Reynolds)
33.) STS9. Another completely lifechanging electro act.... you've probably heard me raving about their Wakarusa '10 set. I saw them at Rothbury '09 and while it was amazing, it in no way prepared me for their Waka set. I have never seen a crazier audience having a better time anywhere, at any time, and though it was such a surreal thing thinking about the thousands of kids dancing together on top of a mountain, it was probably one of the top 5 sets I've ever seen by any band.
(Please experience it.)
32.) EOTO. AKA (to me) "The Silver Fox Electo Band." One of the best live acts anywhere. PS, it stands for "End of Time Observatory." Built around String Cheese Incident's demise... when the music industry closes a door, it always opens a window.
(Not picking a song, because that would undermine their improv-only live show policy... Improv-only? How can you even have that much swagger?)
31.) Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young. When I was a kid, I had a dog (Sandy) who would sing along to "Suite: Judy Blue Eyes." And while that's as amazing as it as adorable, who can blame her? CSNY is some of the most singalong-worthy music ever. It just makes you feel good.
("Helplessly Hoping" --So Far. Some of the most beautiful vocal harmonies in pop music. I think.)
30.) John Mayer. HE SHREDS AND YOU KNOW IT.
("Who Did You Think I Was?" --John Mayer Trio's live album "Try!"
29.) Weezer. Hall of Fame? Where is the love for this band?
("My Name is Jonas" --Blue. The soundtrack to my adolescence.)
28.) The Killers. What a fucking ridiculously good band.
("When You Were Young"--Sam's Town.)
27.) The Shins. Thanks, Natalie Portman; they really did change my life.
("Phantom Limb" --Wincing the Night Away. A fantastic song with a really unforgettable video..)
26.) Cee Lo. Gnarls Barkley? Awesome. Solo work? Even moreso. When Umphrey's covered this at North Coast Fest, it felt as though the Universe was saying, "hey Meg Alexander, your favorite band covering your favorite song? Done. You get one moment like this in your life and this is it. Life's a garden, dig it."
("Fuck You"-- EP/ single. Could it be any better?)
25.) Manchester Orchestra. A band with more originality, vulnerability and depth than pretty much any other. Sadly, I think we've seen their demise... although Manchester has teamed up with Kevin Devine (the Bob Dylan of the indie generation) for a new project dubbed Bad Books. So... lookout for that.
("Wolves at Night"-- I'm Like a Virgin Losing a Child)
24.) Phish. I fought it for a really long time. I don't know what happened but one day I just totally caved and fell in love with these guys. And bear with me because I know how it sounds. I really do. But if you listen to this band, it's impossible not to geek out to their superhuman musicianship and their trippy nonsensical whimsicality. (Trey Anastasio's solo album "Shine" is also amazing. Obvi)
("Cavern" -- A Picture of Nectar.)
23.) Motion City Soundtrack. This is another band I feel kind of weird about liking. But their jams are so goddamn infectious, I haven't really stopped listening to them since high school.... And though they're fun to listen to at home or out driving around or whatever, I have to say that they put on a terrible live show. I saw them in GR last winter and it was not "terrible" necessarily but just really forgettable. Still gotta love 'em though.
("Everything is Alright" --Commit This To Memory. Even if it's not your style, you have to admit this is an example of a perfect pop song.)
22.) Modest Mouse. The best music to escape with. When I put on "Good News for People Who Love Bad News" it's like a 45-minute vacation. And everything else they've ever done is pretty flawless, too.
("Dashboard" -We Were Dead Before The Ship Even Sank. "A wonderful rock and roll band" says David Letterman!)
21.) Lauryn Hill. I don't really listen to girl singers most of the time, but Lauryn is amazing. I don't know how I knew about her as a kid, but I remember "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill" was one of the first CDs I ever bought. I got it at Barnes and Noble, which means it was like $30. Where did I get $30 when I was a kid? I don't have $30 now...
And even though her voice is gorgeous and most people would still listen to her even if she just sang, Lauryn is probably one of the best chick rappers out there. That she integrates polysyllabic words makes her that much better than most of the rappers out there now....
("I Get Out"--MTV Unplugged)
20.) The Fugees. Once again, this might be cheating buuuuut.... couldn't forget about Wyclef. And that other guy.
("The Score"-- the Score)
19.) Presidents of the United States of America. I hate to use the word "underrated" but if there's anyone who is more underrated than Weezer, it's P.U.S.A. An aggressively original and downright weird band, everything I've ever heard by this band speaks to me in its own spazzy way.
("We Are Not Going To Make It" --self-titled. No link :( ) <--awkward
18.) The Decemberists. As you can see I really like bands who have singers with unusual voices. Colin Meloy's nasally, red-headed-stepchild of a voice is at the heart of the Decemberists' sound and, although it's what makes a lot of people dislike the Decemberists, I think he's awesome. Kinda the same way I feel about the Weakerthans' John K Samson...
("Red Right Ankle" --Her Majesty (this video is actually really cool))
17.) The Hold Steady. When you listen, you can't help but have fun. I saw them at Rothbury 09, and even though it was in the middle of a reeeally hot day, it was still a party and everybody there RTFO'd. Craig Finn, you fucking badass.
("Sequestered In Memphis" --Stay Positive)
16.) The Black Crowes. One of my most beloved bands of all time. Their most recent album, "Warpaint" is an instant classic, but unfortunately didn't get a lot of attention. If you read about it, it also has a lot of cool stories; the last track "Whoa Mule" was recorded live, outside, on top of a mountain in upstate New York. And it is the shit. You can hear birds singing in the beginning and everything...
I think the real reason I like them is because Chris Robinson reminds me so much of Jeff from Stillwater (Jason Lee's character in Almost Famous...)
(enjoy this cool version of "Goodbye Daughters of the Revolution" from Warpaint)
15.) Oasis.
"Don't Look Back In Anger" --What's the Story Morning Glory
14.) Fleetwood Mac. Reminds me of being a kid, when my dad would drive me to horseback riding lessons (was that a really pretentious memory?)
("Dreams" --Rumours..... kicks the shit out of every song ever written)
13.) Person L. The Starting Line's Kenneth Vasoli created his own label to work on a new project, the ever-changing Person L. Though they only released one album (2008's "Initial") it kicks ass.
("Storms"-- I was addicted to this song aaaall summer.)
12.) Bob Dylan. The man, the myth, the legend. WHO, I might add, is coming to Kzoo (the 29th, I think?) to play at... Miller Auditorium? What thaaaa
11.) Toto. For some reason I got waaaay too into Toto this summer. But what's not to love? Some of the most ultra-smooth tunes ever and the delightful croon of Bobby Kimball? Yes please. Toto is the perfect band to listen to in ANY situation: chilling out at home, going for a walk or a drive, or enjoying some daytime porch beers with your crew... Timeless.
("Rosanna" --Toto IV... Pretty fabulous music video.)
10.) Mott the Hoople. Why, yes, I did know about this band before Juno.
("All The Young Dudes" thanks David Bowie!)
9.) Belle and Sebastian. Does this make me a hipster?
("I'm a Cuckoo" --Dear Catastrophe Waitress)
8.) Kings of Leon. Still not over "Only By The Night."
("Crawl." Hypnotizing.)
7.) Jimi Hendrix. For some reason I've been on a Jimi Hendrix kick lately. I discovered Jimi Hendrix the fall of my freshman year of high school and now I always want to listen to him in the fall.
("Voodoo Child (Slight Return)" --Electric Ladyland)
6.) Bob Seger. I'm a Detroit kid at heart; I can't help it. And "Live Bullet" is one of the best live albums ever.
("Jody Girl," the live version from Cobo Hall in '75)
5.) Elton John. One of the greatest songwriters ever. That's all there is to say.
("Burn Down The Mission" --Tumbleweed Connection. I love when he gets gospelly.)
4.) Amos Lee. I always feel kind of corny when I listen to Amos Lee but his smooth, southern panache and his heartfelt style get me every time. Oh yeah... and he has a pretty sick set of pipes. I haven't heard anyone sing with as much carefree skill and subtle passion in... ever. I can space out and listen to "Supply and Demand" several times in a row before I realize how much time has gone by. His self-titled debut is also incredible...
("Southern Girl" --Supply and Demand. I couldn't make it through a day this summer without listening to this song. When I was having a moment like "should I go get groceries right now? It's so late... but I need milk" all I had to think about to talk myself into it was that I could listen to Amos Lee with the windows down and the drive alone would be worth it.)
3.) Steely Dan. I'm an old lady at heart, and I love me some Steely Dan. SO SMOOTH!
What a lot of people don't think about when they think of Steely Dan is their songwriting. SD has a propensity to write songs that are deceivingly simple or happy when really there's a lot of artistic weight and emotional depth to a lot of their work. For example: "Deacon Blues" is one of the saddest songs ever written. To me, anyway. But it sounds so easygoing on the surface. To me, that's what a well-written song is: the slow-burners, the ones you can listen to recreationally and not just when you're doing something else, and really think about.
("Reelin' In The Years" --Can't Buy a Thrill (you need this album on vinyl))
2.) Blues Traveler. My top 5 reasons for liking Blues Traveler:
-That time they were in Blues Brothers 2000. (you're welcome...)
-I grew up in the 90s. I like Hootie and the Blowfish too
-I work at a Top 40 radio station and "Hook," is in the rotation occasionally, and is literally the only song I ever hear that I even halfway like over the course of a work-week.
-Bloody-Mary-flavored memories of a sunny afternoon set at Wakarusa '10
-John Popper is SUPERHUMAN.
("Stand"--Four)
1.) Broken Bells. The newly formed collaboration between the Shins' James Mercer and Danger Mouse (producer extraordinnaire) is my biggest musical obsession of 2010, and maybe ever. Their self-titled album is one of the best things I have ever heard; it shot straight to "classic" status with one listen and has not been out of my rotation since then. From the foggy trudge of the single, "The High Road," to toe-tapping dance beats mixed with ambient indie, to the climactic rush of the album's closer, the fantastic, spacey suite "The Mall and Misery," this album is flawless.
("The Ghost Inside" --Broken Bells)
And there you have it.
Rage on, and thanks so much for reading, dudes and dudettes.
Much love,
Meg [thevolumejunkie]
Good, 'cause I love you. For reading this and any other shenanigans (WMN! October issue is on newsstands... er countertops, floors, wherever people will let us stash them...) that I force upon you. And so this is dedicated to you, for reading this 50th post (and maybe some of the other 49).
This is really hard and as I'm beginning to write this, the only thing I'm asking myself is how? How are you doing this? And why? but, alas, my Top 50 Artists Right Now (and, in some cases, their stories (as they pertain to me)). (Each will include a songpick and the album on which it appears).
Deep breath in. Here goes. In absolutely no order whatsoever:
50.) Jurassic-5. I had never heard of J5 before I checked out my very first Dave Matthews Band show at the Tweeter Center (now it's named after some cell phone carrier... sad). I was 17 and not into hip-hop at the time, but I was instantly magnetized to the energetic 6-piece (the "5" in their name is a mystery... at least to me) and fell in love with their dancey, old-school beats.
("In The House" from Feedback)
49.) DJ Mark Farina. Mark Farina created one of the most fluent, masterful and ambitious compilations I've ever heard: Mushroom Jazz. Mushroom Jazz is a 5-volume work of art, created by layering a smooth, hip-hop backbeat with jazz and ambient elements and samples. I can't really explain it. But basically if you want almost six hours straight of hip-hop/jazz/ occasional nature sounds and voices (for whatever reason you so choose) from danceable to straight-up chill, you've got it. Mushroom Jazz. The best thing ever.
("Chali 2na Comin' Thru"-Mushroom Jazz V (link not available)... yes, Chali 2na from J5.)
48.) Big Boi. He just put out a solo album this year: Sir Lucious Leftfoot: The Son of Chico Dusty... which is The Shit. I always like to ask people who they like better, Andre or Big... I say Big. Andre is wackier but I think Big's style is often smarter and he has so much to say. I love that a lot of his work is conceptual and character-based; I love the stories you get through his rhymes.
("Tangerine" -SLFL:tSoCD; "The Way You Move"--Speakerboxx (tie))
47.) Outkast. Can I do this? I'm going to. Because I LOVE OUTKAST and I couldn't forget about Andre. Speakerboxx/ The Love Below is my generation's Tommy. I said it. Hootie-hooo!
(title track from Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik... I didn't feel like typing it twice)
46.) The Roots. You might be noticing a pattern. Yes, I love hip hop. And yes, I'm considering another Hip-Hop Week. Thoughts? Anyway... my friend Phil said it best... LyricsBorn is one of the most underrated poets ever. And ?uestlove is the most master of some of the most freakishly intoxicating beats I have ever heard. ever. And I promise you I'm not being dramatic when I say that heir new album "How I Got Over" is nothing short of lifechanging.
(I can't help but choose "Seed 2.0" from Phrenology.... If you don't have Phrenology, GET IT; THIS IS ESSENTIAL.)
45.) Fruit Bats: a band I discovered about this time last year. And what a year it's been (at least as far as my Fruit Bats journey goes)-- I've gone from "hey I kinda like the sound of this" to seeing them twice this past year, collecting their albums in any form-- ie, mp3 and vinyl, obvs-- I can get my hands on and discovering nothing but a perfect band and what is, to me, a pretty flawless body of work.
("The Earthquake of '73" from Spelled in Bones.)
44.) Mumford and Sons. This is a newer band from London and their album "Sigh No More" is incredible, kind of traditional western-European folk (think, like.... bluegrass + Irish drinking-and-dancing music. Kind of like the band at the steerage-class party in Titanic. Wow..?)
("Little Lion Man" --Sigh No More. Built around the amazing refrain "I really fucked it up this time, didn't I, my dear?" Watch out for your mind getting blown around 3:29)
43.) Pretty Lights. Probably one of the most exciting artists in modern electronic music right now. And daaamn, I've never seen a party like his live show.
("High School Art Class"--Spilling Over Every Side [EP]... which is available for free at prettylightsmusic.com. 2:44 might be the best moment in any song, ever.)
42.) Wilco. No explanation necessary.
("Either Way"-- Sky Blue Sky. I listen to this album pretty much every single morning. It goes really well with sleepy eyes, socks and hot coffee.)
41.) Umphrey's McGee. The. Best. Live. Show. In. America. Maybe in the world.
(this is some footage of them rocking "Jajunk (pt II)" at Rothbury '09. I was there (no big deal or anything. Only the #1 greatest night of my life) and, according to my calculations, very near to whomever shot this video.)
40.) Beatles. What can I say?
(Lately I can't stop listening to "You Never Give Me Your Money/ Sun King/ Mean Mr. Mustard/ Polythene Pam/ She Came In Through The Bathroom Window/ Golden Slumbers/ Carry That Weight" from Abbey Road... yes, I think of those as one song. And I have a feeling that if you asked any of the Beatles, they'd say the same thing.)
39.) Death Cab for Cutie.
("I Will Follow You Into the Dark"-- Plans. What?)
38.) Black Keys. A killer garage-blues duo from Ohio who I discovered at the downtown Water Street Coffee Joint. They were playing "Rubber Factory" and I had to ask the barista what they were listening to because it was soooo, so good. Rubber Factory is a classic, but they have only gotten better since then. And I got to see them for the first time at Wakarusa in June.... incredible.
("Psychotic Girl"-- Attack and Release)
37.) Damien Rice. His voice gives me chills.
("Delicate" from O. This is an an incredible live recording of it)
36.) The Weakerthans. In my heart of hearts, they are my Favorite Band. But I'm always kind of afraid to say that. The way I feel about designating the Weakerthans as my favorite-band-of-favorite-bands is kind of like when you know you love someone and you can't tell them: admitting it would be a huge and maybe even lifelong commitment that I wasn't ready for, so I just chose not to. Until now. John K Samson, you have my soul.
("The Last Last One" from Fallow. No link available but it's worth the download. Promise.)
35.) Gorillaz. Another band with a flawless body of work.
("Feel Good Inc." --Demon Days. Maybe a little cliche... but it's a perfect song.)
34.) Dave Matthews Band. I always feel really ignorant when I say this, but I love Dave Matthews Band. I love his studio work, I love his live recordings and I love going to his shows. And I was really sad when LeRoi died.
("Lie In Our Graves" --Crash. Check out this version with the majestic Tim Reynolds)
33.) STS9. Another completely lifechanging electro act.... you've probably heard me raving about their Wakarusa '10 set. I saw them at Rothbury '09 and while it was amazing, it in no way prepared me for their Waka set. I have never seen a crazier audience having a better time anywhere, at any time, and though it was such a surreal thing thinking about the thousands of kids dancing together on top of a mountain, it was probably one of the top 5 sets I've ever seen by any band.
(Please experience it.)
32.) EOTO. AKA (to me) "The Silver Fox Electo Band." One of the best live acts anywhere. PS, it stands for "End of Time Observatory." Built around String Cheese Incident's demise... when the music industry closes a door, it always opens a window.
(Not picking a song, because that would undermine their improv-only live show policy... Improv-only? How can you even have that much swagger?)
31.) Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young. When I was a kid, I had a dog (Sandy) who would sing along to "Suite: Judy Blue Eyes." And while that's as amazing as it as adorable, who can blame her? CSNY is some of the most singalong-worthy music ever. It just makes you feel good.
("Helplessly Hoping" --So Far. Some of the most beautiful vocal harmonies in pop music. I think.)
30.) John Mayer. HE SHREDS AND YOU KNOW IT.
("Who Did You Think I Was?" --John Mayer Trio's live album "Try!"
29.) Weezer. Hall of Fame? Where is the love for this band?
("My Name is Jonas" --Blue. The soundtrack to my adolescence.)
28.) The Killers. What a fucking ridiculously good band.
("When You Were Young"--Sam's Town.)
27.) The Shins. Thanks, Natalie Portman; they really did change my life.
("Phantom Limb" --Wincing the Night Away. A fantastic song with a really unforgettable video..)
26.) Cee Lo. Gnarls Barkley? Awesome. Solo work? Even moreso. When Umphrey's covered this at North Coast Fest, it felt as though the Universe was saying, "hey Meg Alexander, your favorite band covering your favorite song? Done. You get one moment like this in your life and this is it. Life's a garden, dig it."
("Fuck You"-- EP/ single. Could it be any better?)
25.) Manchester Orchestra. A band with more originality, vulnerability and depth than pretty much any other. Sadly, I think we've seen their demise... although Manchester has teamed up with Kevin Devine (the Bob Dylan of the indie generation) for a new project dubbed Bad Books. So... lookout for that.
("Wolves at Night"-- I'm Like a Virgin Losing a Child)
24.) Phish. I fought it for a really long time. I don't know what happened but one day I just totally caved and fell in love with these guys. And bear with me because I know how it sounds. I really do. But if you listen to this band, it's impossible not to geek out to their superhuman musicianship and their trippy nonsensical whimsicality. (Trey Anastasio's solo album "Shine" is also amazing. Obvi)
("Cavern" -- A Picture of Nectar.)
23.) Motion City Soundtrack. This is another band I feel kind of weird about liking. But their jams are so goddamn infectious, I haven't really stopped listening to them since high school.... And though they're fun to listen to at home or out driving around or whatever, I have to say that they put on a terrible live show. I saw them in GR last winter and it was not "terrible" necessarily but just really forgettable. Still gotta love 'em though.
("Everything is Alright" --Commit This To Memory. Even if it's not your style, you have to admit this is an example of a perfect pop song.)
22.) Modest Mouse. The best music to escape with. When I put on "Good News for People Who Love Bad News" it's like a 45-minute vacation. And everything else they've ever done is pretty flawless, too.
("Dashboard" -We Were Dead Before The Ship Even Sank. "A wonderful rock and roll band" says David Letterman!)
21.) Lauryn Hill. I don't really listen to girl singers most of the time, but Lauryn is amazing. I don't know how I knew about her as a kid, but I remember "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill" was one of the first CDs I ever bought. I got it at Barnes and Noble, which means it was like $30. Where did I get $30 when I was a kid? I don't have $30 now...
And even though her voice is gorgeous and most people would still listen to her even if she just sang, Lauryn is probably one of the best chick rappers out there. That she integrates polysyllabic words makes her that much better than most of the rappers out there now....
("I Get Out"--MTV Unplugged)
20.) The Fugees. Once again, this might be cheating buuuuut.... couldn't forget about Wyclef. And that other guy.
("The Score"-- the Score)
19.) Presidents of the United States of America. I hate to use the word "underrated" but if there's anyone who is more underrated than Weezer, it's P.U.S.A. An aggressively original and downright weird band, everything I've ever heard by this band speaks to me in its own spazzy way.
("We Are Not Going To Make It" --self-titled. No link :( ) <--awkward
18.) The Decemberists. As you can see I really like bands who have singers with unusual voices. Colin Meloy's nasally, red-headed-stepchild of a voice is at the heart of the Decemberists' sound and, although it's what makes a lot of people dislike the Decemberists, I think he's awesome. Kinda the same way I feel about the Weakerthans' John K Samson...
("Red Right Ankle" --Her Majesty (this video is actually really cool))
17.) The Hold Steady. When you listen, you can't help but have fun. I saw them at Rothbury 09, and even though it was in the middle of a reeeally hot day, it was still a party and everybody there RTFO'd. Craig Finn, you fucking badass.
("Sequestered In Memphis" --Stay Positive)
16.) The Black Crowes. One of my most beloved bands of all time. Their most recent album, "Warpaint" is an instant classic, but unfortunately didn't get a lot of attention. If you read about it, it also has a lot of cool stories; the last track "Whoa Mule" was recorded live, outside, on top of a mountain in upstate New York. And it is the shit. You can hear birds singing in the beginning and everything...
I think the real reason I like them is because Chris Robinson reminds me so much of Jeff from Stillwater (Jason Lee's character in Almost Famous...)
(enjoy this cool version of "Goodbye Daughters of the Revolution" from Warpaint)
15.) Oasis.
"Don't Look Back In Anger" --What's the Story Morning Glory
14.) Fleetwood Mac. Reminds me of being a kid, when my dad would drive me to horseback riding lessons (was that a really pretentious memory?)
("Dreams" --Rumours..... kicks the shit out of every song ever written)
13.) Person L. The Starting Line's Kenneth Vasoli created his own label to work on a new project, the ever-changing Person L. Though they only released one album (2008's "Initial") it kicks ass.
("Storms"-- I was addicted to this song aaaall summer.)
12.) Bob Dylan. The man, the myth, the legend. WHO, I might add, is coming to Kzoo (the 29th, I think?) to play at... Miller Auditorium? What thaaaa
11.) Toto. For some reason I got waaaay too into Toto this summer. But what's not to love? Some of the most ultra-smooth tunes ever and the delightful croon of Bobby Kimball? Yes please. Toto is the perfect band to listen to in ANY situation: chilling out at home, going for a walk or a drive, or enjoying some daytime porch beers with your crew... Timeless.
("Rosanna" --Toto IV... Pretty fabulous music video.)
10.) Mott the Hoople. Why, yes, I did know about this band before Juno.
("All The Young Dudes" thanks David Bowie!)
9.) Belle and Sebastian. Does this make me a hipster?
("I'm a Cuckoo" --Dear Catastrophe Waitress)
8.) Kings of Leon. Still not over "Only By The Night."
("Crawl." Hypnotizing.)
7.) Jimi Hendrix. For some reason I've been on a Jimi Hendrix kick lately. I discovered Jimi Hendrix the fall of my freshman year of high school and now I always want to listen to him in the fall.
("Voodoo Child (Slight Return)" --Electric Ladyland)
6.) Bob Seger. I'm a Detroit kid at heart; I can't help it. And "Live Bullet" is one of the best live albums ever.
("Jody Girl," the live version from Cobo Hall in '75)
5.) Elton John. One of the greatest songwriters ever. That's all there is to say.
("Burn Down The Mission" --Tumbleweed Connection. I love when he gets gospelly.)
4.) Amos Lee. I always feel kind of corny when I listen to Amos Lee but his smooth, southern panache and his heartfelt style get me every time. Oh yeah... and he has a pretty sick set of pipes. I haven't heard anyone sing with as much carefree skill and subtle passion in... ever. I can space out and listen to "Supply and Demand" several times in a row before I realize how much time has gone by. His self-titled debut is also incredible...
("Southern Girl" --Supply and Demand. I couldn't make it through a day this summer without listening to this song. When I was having a moment like "should I go get groceries right now? It's so late... but I need milk" all I had to think about to talk myself into it was that I could listen to Amos Lee with the windows down and the drive alone would be worth it.)
3.) Steely Dan. I'm an old lady at heart, and I love me some Steely Dan. SO SMOOTH!
What a lot of people don't think about when they think of Steely Dan is their songwriting. SD has a propensity to write songs that are deceivingly simple or happy when really there's a lot of artistic weight and emotional depth to a lot of their work. For example: "Deacon Blues" is one of the saddest songs ever written. To me, anyway. But it sounds so easygoing on the surface. To me, that's what a well-written song is: the slow-burners, the ones you can listen to recreationally and not just when you're doing something else, and really think about.
("Reelin' In The Years" --Can't Buy a Thrill (you need this album on vinyl))
2.) Blues Traveler. My top 5 reasons for liking Blues Traveler:
-That time they were in Blues Brothers 2000. (you're welcome...)
-I grew up in the 90s. I like Hootie and the Blowfish too
-I work at a Top 40 radio station and "Hook," is in the rotation occasionally, and is literally the only song I ever hear that I even halfway like over the course of a work-week.
-Bloody-Mary-flavored memories of a sunny afternoon set at Wakarusa '10
-John Popper is SUPERHUMAN.
("Stand"--Four)
1.) Broken Bells. The newly formed collaboration between the Shins' James Mercer and Danger Mouse (producer extraordinnaire) is my biggest musical obsession of 2010, and maybe ever. Their self-titled album is one of the best things I have ever heard; it shot straight to "classic" status with one listen and has not been out of my rotation since then. From the foggy trudge of the single, "The High Road," to toe-tapping dance beats mixed with ambient indie, to the climactic rush of the album's closer, the fantastic, spacey suite "The Mall and Misery," this album is flawless.
("The Ghost Inside" --Broken Bells)
And there you have it.
Rage on, and thanks so much for reading, dudes and dudettes.
Much love,
Meg [thevolumejunkie]
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Ghosts of the Great Lakes "Erasing You" Review
Within minutes of playing Ghosts of the Great Lakes’ latest release, “Erasing You,” for the first time, there’s a moment that might startle you, might haunt you, and will almost certainly give you chills: when the ferocious guitar riff on the title track stomps on the ambient whispers of its instrumental predecessor “Coral,” it says just one thing: Ghosts of the Great Lakes is back.
Over a year after their debut, “The Death of the Party,” the Kalamazoo four-piece-- known for their vintage-glam aesthetic almost as much as their sullen hard-rock-- returned with an album showcasing the influence of the band’s two new members (drummer Jesse Blankenship and bassist Ben Bojanich) while maintaining its signature blend of pensive, melodic verses and rampant choruses ignited by vocalist Benny West’s primal howl.
The title track best exemplifies the band’s evolution: the mix of classic Ghosts sound, with the sensibility of mainstream rock of Jimmy Eat World, AFI and Incubus, “Erasing You” does not disappoint. From there, Ghosts forge ahead into esoteric, albeit familiar territory, with imagery of substance abuse, death, abandonment, memories of a tormented youth, and-- of course-- fashion (“Cause I feel more/ wrapped in Dior,” West croons at one point). The subject matter provokes the nagging feeling that not only would some songs fit in just fine on their debut (Hiding in Plain Sight) but some are downright disturbing with familiarity (for example, Speed of Night soundalike The Chelsea).
While these might incite suspicions that Ghosts have rested on the laurels of the success of their debut, not only does some material dive to depths previously unexplored by Ghosts-- for example, the wrist-slittingly dark track “Monster,” built around West half-whispering, half-growling “cause I’m a bad kid, a bad kid”-- but some conquers new musical territory, almost to the point of an entire new persona for the band, most effectively on the addictive dance-rock gem “In Case You’re Wondering.” This conquest comes full-circle at the climactic end of the album, “Armed to the Teeth,” which features a galloping guitar melody that detonates into a tremendously powerful chorus.
With sullen introspection, anthemic hard-rock, and unexpected exploration of their “upbeat” side, “Erasing You” is the journey that “Death of the Party” wanted to be, giving listeners the indulgent melodrama that we have learned to crave from Ghosts of the Great Lakes, but this time, with heart-stopping energy, raw power, and even a reason to dance.
Over a year after their debut, “The Death of the Party,” the Kalamazoo four-piece-- known for their vintage-glam aesthetic almost as much as their sullen hard-rock-- returned with an album showcasing the influence of the band’s two new members (drummer Jesse Blankenship and bassist Ben Bojanich) while maintaining its signature blend of pensive, melodic verses and rampant choruses ignited by vocalist Benny West’s primal howl.
The title track best exemplifies the band’s evolution: the mix of classic Ghosts sound, with the sensibility of mainstream rock of Jimmy Eat World, AFI and Incubus, “Erasing You” does not disappoint. From there, Ghosts forge ahead into esoteric, albeit familiar territory, with imagery of substance abuse, death, abandonment, memories of a tormented youth, and-- of course-- fashion (“Cause I feel more/ wrapped in Dior,” West croons at one point). The subject matter provokes the nagging feeling that not only would some songs fit in just fine on their debut (Hiding in Plain Sight) but some are downright disturbing with familiarity (for example, Speed of Night soundalike The Chelsea).
While these might incite suspicions that Ghosts have rested on the laurels of the success of their debut, not only does some material dive to depths previously unexplored by Ghosts-- for example, the wrist-slittingly dark track “Monster,” built around West half-whispering, half-growling “cause I’m a bad kid, a bad kid”-- but some conquers new musical territory, almost to the point of an entire new persona for the band, most effectively on the addictive dance-rock gem “In Case You’re Wondering.” This conquest comes full-circle at the climactic end of the album, “Armed to the Teeth,” which features a galloping guitar melody that detonates into a tremendously powerful chorus.
With sullen introspection, anthemic hard-rock, and unexpected exploration of their “upbeat” side, “Erasing You” is the journey that “Death of the Party” wanted to be, giving listeners the indulgent melodrama that we have learned to crave from Ghosts of the Great Lakes, but this time, with heart-stopping energy, raw power, and even a reason to dance.
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