Wow, I guess lip-synching has gotten better over the years.
Apr 102007
Apr 092007
Do we try over spilt milk?
The last thing I want to do is make this into a pile-on session on the pride of the American ’80s underground, REM. If you’ll recall, some Townspeople already had the opportunity to do this when the band we inducted into the Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame some weeks ago.
We are not here to indict the recording career of REM, Mike Mills’ shocking switch to the Nudie suit and unkempt hair Look, or even Michael Stipe’s overall Look portfolio. Today, there’s but one Rock Crime for which REM must answer: the video for “Losing My Religion”. Love the song itself or hate it – and surely there are many on each side of that fence – it is solely the 1991 MTV Music Awards‘ Best Video of the Year, directed by Tarsem Singh, that is accused of high crimes against rock.
If you were anywhere near a tv in the early ’90s, surely you’re all-too-familiar with this video. There’s the religious imagery and obvious hints at the framing of famous photographers’ works as well as the works of Caravaggio. There’s tho whole Soviet poster art/salt of the earth imagery: large-nosed, honest folk with stubble and somber faces, looking off into the distance or, briefly, directly at you, the viewer of these important messages from a singer who’d already made a career of mumbling nonsensical lyrics to cover for his near-crippling introversion. Jeez, does anyone look like they’re having a good time in this video?
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Apr 092007
That’s just, like your opinion man.
Apr 092007
If you could dictate what in the music of artists you love would influence the music of future generations, what elements of their sound would you pass along and what elements would you hope future musicians would bypass? Try these examples on for size and then assign the next Townsperson ready to participate a band you love and the characteristic parts of their sound for them to determine future use.
Pass it On or Walk on By?
The Beach Boys
- Surf- and Chuck Berry-inspired, rockin’ teen anthems
- Teenage symphonies to God
- Cut-and-paste experiments in American harmony and Van Dyke Parks imagery
The Rolling Stones
- Concise, driving, twin-guitar rants
- Sprawling blues-rock explorations of sex and tax evasion
- Ron-Wood era motivation for Jagger-Richards healing and world tour
The Clash
- Rabble-rousing punk anthems, ripped from the headlines
- Ecclectic, sprawling, politically charged mix that sounds ripped from the headlines
- Would-be rabble-rousing punk anthems, ripped from the headlines, with hints of ecclectic sprawl
Clear enough? To review, 1) you answer at least one of the following choices, then you leave a choice for the next Townsperson to answer. Enjoy!
Apr 092007
Townsman Matt and two buddies on Today’s Music.
Phawker recently ran an interview with Devo’s Mark Mothersbaugh. Check it out.
CSN demos for those of you with Wonder Years-era big sisters. (Related: For Townsman Dr. John.)
REO Speedwagon launches “sales plan for the new millenium.”
A concert review, read better late than never.
Apr 082007
Ah, one of those days…one of those days when you’re being asked a series of questions. Take a crack at one, or answer them all. Then pass it on!
This weekend I listened to Imperial Bedroom for the first time in about a year. I was reminded of the day it was released and a friend and I bought the album, broke into the house of one of his friend’s parents (who weren’t home, of course), got high, and listened to the album from start to finish, flabbergasted at how good it sounded. I can’t say I feel quite the same way about it today, although I still dig the lyrics more than any other Costello record and love as the songs build through side 2. But here’s the question (it’s a 2-parter): 1) What’s your most memorable experience listening to a newly released album for the first time, and 2) Do you think you will ever have an experience listening to a newly released album for the first time that’s even half as memorable?
Explain to me why the following performance, although “great” on a few levels, makes me nauseous.
For those of you with kids who watch Nick: the music of Drake Bell or The Naked Brothers Band?
How did I miss the transition of Jewel from dance-pop diva to country artist? Has she abandoned the poetry career?
Name a great instrumental part in a song you otherwise can’t stand.
Name a great song with instrumental or production touches you otherwise can’t stand.
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Apr 082007
Can you have a supergroup that consists of largely unknown musicians from largely unknown bands? It’s rhetorical.
