That’s just, like your opinion man.
Apr 092007
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.
Continue reading »
Apr 082007
Can you have a supergroup that consists of largely unknown musicians from largely unknown bands? It’s rhetorical.
Apr 082007
So the ubiquitous producer Timbaland has a new solo album, featuring a single with guest stars Justin Timberlake and Nelly Furtado. In the 2 reviews I was hit with this morning, one word sticks out regarding the purported genius of Timbaland, a word that seems to get associated with the key role that any hip-hop producer plays: beats.
Judging by the press I’ve read regarding Timbaland, I take it this guy had developed some fantastic beats for his clients. Of course hip-hop being a dance-oriented music, there’s no reason not to assume that the popularity of his productions must be tied to the effectiveness of the rhythmic bed he sets for artists to do whatever it is they do over, but man, all this talk of beats connotes true innovation! I thought I’d check it out.
YouTube has a whole page dedicated to Timbaland. Pretty cool, huh? Check out what Timba (can I call him that?) has to say:
“My mission is to blow up the boundaries and tear down the limits,” says Timbaland. “I’m taking my music outside of the box. I’m not getting away from what I’m known for; I’m just going to a place where it’s all about the music, not about the labels on the music. That’s why I call it Shock Value–from the artists to the production, it will shock the system.”
Apr 082007
Remember, we’re interested in your feelings here. Coming to terms with how these two videos make you feel is the only way we’ll ever get to the bottom of the RTH Bowie Problem.
Video #1:
Video #2:
