The thing about a greatest hits collection is that it’s structurally similar to a live show. Granted, the Gorillaz one is called a “Singles Collection,” but you might say that with this band we’re not exactly talking about Califone, let alone the Mahavishnu Orchestra or Bela Fleck and the Flecktones. Gorillaz’ m.o. is to be … Read more“A Nod for Gorillaz and Greatest Hits Collections”
This was going to be a post about Billie Joe Armstrong, but lo and behold, it’s about {Less Than Jake} lead singer. Contrary to popular belief, this guy exists. That is, according to THE INTERNETS. This is what I had to use to look up his name, since no one ever knows his name, though … Read more“Punk is Expression”
In the early ’90’s, punk was big — Fugazi, Lagwagon, Strung Out. By the early ’00’s, it had become “punk” to put out a song that was actually inspired and substantial. Coldplay had embarked upon this genuine mission with their debut. “Trouble” seemed like the sort of immediate catharsis so intense that it only comes … Read more“Dolby’s Rupees: ‘The Scientist’ by Coldplay”
I’m still waiting on my Stitches CD that I ordered from our own local record store, which is crumbling, decaying and “stitched together,” much like the shining attributes of Califone’s music itself. I believe the track is “Stitches” that you get on the website. Upon hearing it, the first thing I thought was, the guitar … Read more“Bass Drum Dream: First Impressions of the Califone Track (Four Stars out of Five)”
*”I’m mad vexed it’s what the projects made me / Rebel to the grave there’s no way to barricade me.” – Inspectah Deck, Wu-Tang Clan . Yesterday I got through the better part of Beats, Rhymes & Life: What We Love and Hate About Hip-Hop, and found discussion of sampling glaringly missing from the text. … Read more“Sampling: The Redheaded Stepchild of Hip-Hop”
* “He do it for the smelly hubbies / Seeds know what time it is like it’s time for Teletubbies” -MF Doom . MF Doom’s a funny guy, and for some reason, he’s not all that hated. I knew a guy, though, one time, who hated The Roots. It’s highly possible that this is because … Read more“Let the Hated Feel Blessed: Tracking Hip-Hop’s Functional Arc in Society”
Too mighty to be cloistered on an album, this deliberately paced paean to life’s volcanic beauty otherwise not to be captured came in the prime of The Beatles’ power and maturity, 1969. Sounding like he could care less about flowers for hair, a man walking on the moon or even assassinations, Lennon belts out the … Read more“Dolby’s Rupees: ‘Don’t Let Me Down’ by The Beatles”
I just think it’s funny that Kurt Cobain and his biographer were so vehemently opposed to Pearl Jam’s existence, and then who is it but them closing out the movie Hype! Take a look at Mike McCready’s face during this performance and you’ll find that damn building block of happiness — pride, leaving the impression … Read more“Counting the Chips on ‘Pride’”
“They’ve fallen for the Bukowski myth, I’m actually a coward” – “Night Streets of Madness,” Tales of Ordinary Madness, Charles Bukowski . Ok, I’m reading this publication called No Longer Human written by Osamu Dazai in post-WWII Japan, and it’s totally superb. I have a feeling this will be the first in a series of … Read more“No Longer Human as Surrogate for the Bukowski Myth”
Purebred rock and roll differs from alternative rock, and I am trying to redefine one thing and coin another here, by its “pure” reliance on major chords. Led Zeppelin would be one example of alternative rock, since they use minor chords, specifically, the blues scale. Nirvana, as well, is alternative, although, as it’s minor chords … Read more“Tracking Purebred Rock and Roll by Decade”