Rock Town Hall • Rock Music Discussion

Dugout Chatter

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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All-Star Jam

Posted by Gerry Todd

Apr 082007

Can you have a supergroup that consists of largely unknown musicians from largely unknown bands? It’s rhetorical.

Is There a Drummer in the House: Timbaland and His Beats

Posted by Mr. Moderator

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.”

Rockschach Test: Bowie

Posted by hrrundivbakshi

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:

Bowie & Balls: If He Can’t Have Them, No One Can

Posted by sammymaudlin

Apr 062007

OK. It’s a salacious headline and the fact is I like a lot of Bowie. Mrs. Maudlin is a huge fan, and over the years I’ve really come to appreciate his music. I share his influences, I dig his theater, I love his collaborators…

What bugs me about Bowie is his, perhaps unconscious, need for balls. [CLARIFICATION] His need for balls. Not his lack of balls. I’ve got no beef with his lack of balls.

Exhibit A. He got his nom de rock from another effeminate man who’s need for man-junk led him to carry around his own ten and one-half inches long and two inches wide knife.

Although I’ve never read anything about Jim Bowie using his blade to castrate anyone, I have my suspicions.

Lou Reed…As His Music Was Meant to Sound!

Posted by Mr. Moderator

Apr 062007

Lou Reed sounding the way his music’s always been meant to sound…at least until his next album and tour.

News for Nerds!

Posted by Oats

Apr 052007

Hey Rock Nerds,

Sometimes the internet tells us things and it’s fun to share!

ITEM! Tell me, at this point are there any bands left to reunite? Anyway, here’s a pretty compelling story about the latest cult band to reassemble, The Only Ones.

ITEM! Don’t quite how this passsed the Nerd Squad by, but a few weeks ago it was announced that Nick Lowe will be releasing his first album in 6 years this June!

ITEM! Something else, but I can’t remember now. It’ll come to me.

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