Got home from work and my housemate was spinning this track. If you don't know it, you should, because it's a cautionary tale every man should heed (and of course, women can apply the same principle...)
These tragic lyrics of heartbreak come from deep within a wounded soul; it is clear that Biz Markie is trying to heal these wounds by warning others of the trap that befell him to spare them the same fate.
The straightforward rhythm and piano, part of which was updated from Freddie Scott's 1968 tune "You Got What I Need", lay the foundation for the song. Markie's wig and breeches in the chorus show that his sense of style was not damaged due to the event:
One of my best friends is embarking on a cross-country journey to start a new job in Tacoma, Washington. Jake's last night in Pittsburgh was last night, and after countless "guys nites" and hangouts over the past several years, and having him share a house with me and some other great guys for the last year and a half, it's going to be pretty strange not having him around. We had a big farewell party on Saturday which was well-attended, but perhaps even more special was a more intimate gathering last night, with just a few close friends sharing one last conversation and one last drink.
This song is actually from the point of view of the one leaving friends behind, but it expresses the feelings well. The Celtic tune and lyric date back to the 1700s, and numerous artists in the modern era have sung it. I think I like this version best. The somber tone evokes the sorrow of leaving a loved hometown and cherished friends and family, and the a capella harmonies are exquisite:
Live version:
No matter how sorrowful the parting, however, we can take joy in knowing that our friend is moving to another great place, where he will have a rewarding job and surely make new friends, and that we'll see him again. Also, we now have an excuse to go to the Pacific Northwest, not that an excuse is needed to go to a place that awesome...
"but since it falls unto my lot that I should rise and you should not I'll gently rise and I'll softly call good night and joy be with you all..."
Just a gorgeous little tune for you tonight. Through eloquent lyrics, the singer elucidates the human condition and the struggles we each face in life. He resolves to persevere through whatever trials life throws at him, and looks to brighter times ahead with hopeful eyes. The melody and instrumentation are simple, which fits the theme. And despite the mellow nature of the song, the boys manage to build the intensity by adding harmonies and through sheer force of will, drawing you in and lifting you up along the way.
Live at Bonnaroo:
" 'Cause death is just so full, and man so small..."
Not going to say much about this, other than it's incredibly beautiful in every aspect. The voices intertwine through the heart-wrenching lyrics and exquisitely dance through intricate harmonic progressions... simply remarkable control and talent here.
"You only know what I want you to..." "I know everything you don't want me to..."
Found this one thanks to the good people at Tympanogram. The ethereal feel of the song is crafted from a dirty little piano hook slathered over a sparse drum loop, and the mournful vocals float above like the morning fog over the Allegheny River... or perhaps I should say the Charles, seeing as Leisure hail from Boston.
The lyrics paint a picture of entropic developments, perhaps the waning of a fiery relationship.
EDIT 1-3-12: Check out this awesome stripped-down (can't say "acoustic" because the guitar is still wired, but it's sans electronic effects) performance!
"And when the rain comes down and hits us
We'll be dying just to live..."
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Oh hey so check Leisure's Bandcamp page for 2 free songs! (not this one, but hey, still freebies and if you like this track you might like those ones too.) Also of note, apparently they played in London tonight and play in NYC tomorrow... not messing around with those travel plans...
Despite the un-googleable name, 1,2,3 are a pretty cool band. They hail from Pittsburgh, though you'd never guess it from the glamour shots of the city in this video. The opening shots of the bridges and PNC Park look like models - almost a Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood feel. Then the guitars kick in, and you're hooked. The video is a cross-section of the personalities of the various blue-collar neighborhoods of the city and the residents therein.
I haven't actually heard these guys live yet, but it's definitely on the agenda. If this track is any indication, seeing them play in person would be tons of fun. Oh yea, and you can totally see this building from my bedroom window AND at 2:43 of the music video:
You can even download a few tracks for just the price of an e-mail, if you're so inclined:
"God knows how I go and take it so hard..."
EDIT 1-9-12: Found some sweet performance videos. Check 'em.
(not sure whether to trust the free download from this Baeble site - some questionable comments below the video. don't blame me if you try it and get spammed.)
We're going soundtracking tonight, and it's all because The Best Movie Ever was on TV whilst I was eating dinner. That's right, Jurassic Park. Okay, maybe not the best movie ever, but pretty great, no? If you're somewhere around 25-35, you probably were blown away by the animatronics in the film like I was. Looking back 18 years later, the dinosaurs don't look nearly as awesome as we thought they did back then... must be how people who watched Star Wars as kids feel about the effects when they watch the movies again.
I loved dinosaurs as a kid; still pretty much do. The movie (and the book upon which it is based) is, at its heart, a cautionary tale about modern progress in science and technology. It's full of spectacular lines, mostly by Pittsburgh's own Jeff Goldblum as Dr. Ian Malcolm.
"Now, eventually, ah, you do plan to have... dinosaurs... on your dinosaur tour...right?"
Of course, you have the action/adventure/drama of the dinosaurs escaping and chasing the humans around. But the real winner is the score composed by John Williams. The soundtrack complements each scene perfectly. The triumphant trumpet call as the helicopter approaches the island, the wondrous tone of the strings as the guests behold the brachiosaurus for the first time, the foreboding and unsettling horns as they approach the complex... the symphony enhances the film - precisely the intention. Bad movie soundtracks can be unoriginal and uninspiring, but good ones can really deepen the experience.
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As a footnote - while Google searching for Jeff Goldblum, I found some tragic news (which apparently escaped my attention for two years, for which I cannot forgive myself...)
Sometimes a song just grabs your ear and won't let go. I heard this on my commute home today, and fortunately caught the name so I could look it up when I got home. It's catchy musically and thought-provoking lyrically, which if you've been paying attention you'll know is one of my favorite combinations.
I'll leave to your interpretation the precise meaning of the lyrics, but I think they're certainly a rally cry against apathy...
"The frozen land I'm never going back there It was a lie, a lie believing itself..."
I was privileged to be invited to a house recital ("chamber music", if you will) this afternoon. A friend of my brother's from their time at the University of Pittsburgh invited us to attend. He is a pretty talented pianist, and was performing with a few other fine gentlemen. They began with some Prokofiev and some Brahms waltzes, but this piece by Beethoven was the focal point of the recital. It's quite enjoyable, a trio featuring piano, cello, and violin with lively first and third movements bookending the largo second movement. For portions, the piano lays the foundation for the cello and violin to trade soaring melodies in a friendly sparring match. At other times, the strings cede the spotlight to the intricate fingering of the keys. It's two parts excitement, one part gentle and elegant beauty, and I highly recommend you listen to the entire work, although it clocks around 25 minutes so you may want to just give the first movement a go for now if you're pressed for time. If you do that, be sure to come back for the rest - it makes perfect background music for some reading or relaxation!
If I had to describe The Ventures in one word, it might be 'slick'. Their virtuosity with their guitars is legendary in the music world, as they were pioneers in exploring new sounds which could be made on the instrument. Their efforts in the late '50s and early '60s paved the way for a plethora of other artists, thus earning them the moniker "The Band That Launched A Thousand Bands." The drummer is pretty smooth, too. They are possibly the most famous instrumental rock band of all time, and their catalog is well worth exploring.
My dad grew up learning to play guitar via songs by The Ventures and Simon & Garfunkel, which might partially explain my love for both groups. If you want to learn guitar or improve your existing skills, figuring out some of these songs is not a bad way to pick up some new things and work on dexterity...
This one, despite the threatening title, sounds joyful to my ears, with a soaring guitar lick and a chugging riff to bring it back down, all layered over a driving drum beat and hyperactive bass line. The segue into the muted bridge is spectacular, and then it builds right back up for the close...
It's actually based off the score of a ballet by the same name... but this version is a lot faster paced and more fun!
We're going super light and fun and catchy tonight, because hey, it's Friday, Friday, gotta get down on Friday!
Sorry. It's not Rebecca Black's fault, you know... she's just a kid who wanted to have fun making a music video...
Anyway, I can pretty much guarantee you'll have a smile on your face listening to this song. At least, if you ever got rejected when asking someone out, or can even imagine what that's like. But the moral of the story is, if you keep trying, you just might find success!
This is the leadoff track from an intriguing quasi-concept album described by the band as telling "the story of a young couple who must flee a United States governed by fascist faux-Christians." The album is chock full of Biblical references used to paint the picture of the tyrannical government. As a Christian myself, lyrics like these are challenging, because while I believe Christianity isn't intended to result in this sort of tale, it (and other religions) have often been twisted and corrupted to further political gains. I don't want to get into politics on this site, but it's obvious that "Christian" politicians have used that as leverage to further personal and party agendas that don't really jive with the faith they purport to hold.
Whether The Thermals were intending to directly call out Christianity or were merely using themes of the Flood and other Biblical stories as a backdrop for their commentary on present-day politics is not clear. However, even if you or I don't agree with what they're saying, what I love about songs (and albums) like this is that they challenge you to think. Don't just accept what's spoon-fed to you, whether it's religion, politics, music, or anything else. Engage your mind, do your research, and come to your own conclusions.
Plus, the music just rocks.
Album version:
Live version (lame crowd, but it actually makes for a good youtube vid as you can hear the band clearly):
"God told his son, 'it's time to come home
I promise you won't have to die all alone I need you to pay for the sins I create' His son said, 'I will, but Dad, I'm afraid!'"
The more I listen to Bright Eyes, the more Conor Oberst's songwriting blows my mind. The lyrical intricacies and depth are astounding. If you want to get what he's saying, you should probably read the lyrics while you listen - it's hard to keep up otherwise; and maybe also read up on the life of the song's namesake (a messianic figure in the Rastafarian religion.)
The song is catchy and comes across as hopeful, despite the cynical nature of some of the lyrics referring to atomic bombs and the next Caesar. It's part of an overall theme on The People's Key, an album I highly recommend you check out.
Give it a listen, if you have time to spend reflecting on the lyrics, do it, and let me know what you think:
"We are the chosen people Safe from the next evil One Love, magnetic memory Reel after reel spinning within me..."
Simple but elegant commentary on the futility of life. Kind of a downer, I suppose. You get over it though, because the beauty of the music overpowers the depressing nature of the lyrics, and hey, what are the blues without tragedy and despair? And if you want a deeper appreciation for tragedy and despair, read a little of Frank's life story... wow. Makes me think twice about complaining because I was stuck at work for an extra hour today...
"Well we're living a life of sin..." ______________________________
A plethora of covers are out there, from Simon & Garfunkel to Laura Marling to Colin Meloy (of The Decemberists) to Robin Pecknold (of Fleet Foxes) to John Mayer. I'm sure some of them are swell, but I'm sticking with the original for tonight...
I've been waiting with bated breath for a day like today. A day when Pittsburgh-based rockers New Shouts put out some new songs so I could blog about them. And all of a sudden, it's here - a brand new 7-song EP! These boys caught my ear the moment I found out about them back in January, and seeing them at the Warhol in March and again at the Three Rivers Arts Festival only served to enhance their awesomeness in my eyes...er, ears.
You know a band who describes themselves by saying "we wanted to be a 60's r&b girl group, but couldn't get to the 60's and couldn't find the girls so we decided to be a rock n' roll band of dudes" likes to have fun, and it's evident in their songwriting and live set. Every track will make you want to dance, so use caution if you listen at work... unless you're in an industry that looks kindly upon dancing on the job!
This one is a celebration of the girl next door; the one you want to get to know and hide from the world, because once the rest of the guys find out, she might get snatched up...
EDIT 1-29-12 The boys just released a sweet music video for the song; catch it over on Draw Us Lines, or watch here:
"I'm hung on you and I love how you don't have a clue
from your curls down to your dancing shoes..."
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You can listen to the whole EP plus 4 earlier New Shouts tracks for free on their bandcamp, and can download the older songs for free and the EP for cheap. I highly recommend having all 11 songs on your ipod post haste; summer days are growing short!
Here's an early 90s radio staple with which you're likely familiar but just as likely haven't heard in a while. We saw these guys live outside of Heinz Field in Pittsburgh a couple summers ago. I forget what event it was, exactly, but it wasn't half bad. We didn't really know much of their catalogue other than this one, but for a free show where you just chill and chat with friends and half listen, it worked pretty well.
The meaning of the song could be interpreted many ways, but the general concept is that life has begun moving faster than the singer can handle in a direction he's not sure he wants to go. Working in the railroad industry, I love a good train metaphor, so there you go.
"bought a ticket for a runaway train like a madman laughing at the rain little out of touch, little insane it's just easier than dealing with the pain..."
This is one of my favorite S&G songs. Then again, therearemany... but we're talking about this one. The guitar, the vocals, the lyrics... it's all just perfect. Poetic, too, though you'd never guess it by the song title. I'll let you formulate your own opinion; give it a listen or three and let me know what you think:
"And the train is gone suddenly
On wheels clicking silently
Like a gently tapping litany,
And he holds his crayon rosary
Tighter in his hand..."
This is one of those songs that caught my ear with the first measures, and never let go. It's insanely catchy, with a vicious guitar lick and a beat that is perfect for a drive or an athletic warm up mix tape. The lyrics are actually quite depressing, about a breakup from an abusive relationship, but on the surface it's a real toe-tapper. Kind of like "Pumped Up Kicks" in that regard...
For those so inclined, the actual music video is here (I still haven't figured out why Blogger sometimes won't embed certain youtube videos...)
Live on Letterman:
"And on this day these deepened wounds
don't heal so fast, can't hear me croon
of a million lies that speak no truth
of a time gone by that now is through..."
Quickie tonight, because I just got home from a very awesome show featuring NYC bands These Animals and Field Mouse along with local favorite Big Hurry. I went for Big Hurry, but came away a fan of all three bands. Due to the laid back atmosphere and light midweek crowd, I got to chat with members of each band, and they were just swell. If you're on the East Coast, Field Mouse and These Animals are playing DC tomorrow, and These Animals have a couple more dates this week - worth catching if you're nearby.
In honor of the spectacular cover BH played, here's the original version of "I Would Die 4 U" by Prince:
"I'm not your lover I'm not your friend I am something that you'll never comprehend..."
OK, so Hartwood Acres free* summer concerts are pretty flippin' sweet. Josh Ritter and David Wax Museum were great back in June, and Grace Potter & The Nocturnals brought it this past Sunday. Here's a video I shot of one of the most rockin' songs I've ever heard played solely on acoustic guitars (x3!)!
(yea, they segued into another song and I just kept filming... a cover of Bill Withers' "Grandma's Hands"... it's all good stuff so roll with it!)
And here are a few photos that hopefully capture some of the energy Grace and the band brought to the show (oh yea, she plays a Flying V AND a Hammond B3 ~ my kind of woman!)
Wow, could I have used any more parenthetical exclamations in this post? (I think not!)
"I'm at the end of a tunnel but there ain't no light..." _________________________________________________
* - except, of course, for the hassles of driving there, sitting in traffic, and parking... if you go, go EARLY and take a picnic and just enjoy the evening.
PS - sorry for the late post; Youtube took forever to upload my video so I had to go to bed. But hey, it's still August 9th in Hawaii... or at least somewhere in the Pacific Ocean near the International Date Line... I think... anyway, sorry.
The Pixies were largely before my time, so to speak. But they have some quality stuff which I've discovered several years after it came out. I can't flash my indie cred on this one and say "I was into that song before it was all mainstream in the Fight Club soundtrack," but hey, I honestly believe it doesn't matter where or how a person finds out about good music, just that they do. So when your favorite underground band sells out and is featured on some insurance commercial or something, just chill, and be glad that more people will start listening to and hopefully supporting a great band to help them continue to write awesome tunes.
So yeah, the song is probably a stoner song, but it also resonates with the themes of Fight Club, which is a somewhat disturbing movie but hits pretty hard for the corporate whores many of us are these days. I'm not saying you should take the extreme measures of Edward Norton and Brad Pitt's characters in the film, but I will say that you should pursue what you love, not just punch a clock and while away your hours in monotony to afford worthless trinkets, a bigger and better TV package (to waste more of your life away), $8 a day of Starbucks, and a $70/month smartphone contract. Life is too short to spend working for the man, and too precious to waste on the opiates shoved on us by our culture, government, and the sheer information overload of the 21st century. I'm ashamed to say it's been months since I just sat down with a good book and read it, and probably weeks since I spent any length of time playing music myself - although I have caught some sweet live shows which revitalize my spirit during these times. I have a good job I (usually) enjoy, and it provides me with opportunity to pursue my interests and spend time with people I care about, but it also can be mind-numbing at times... I need those live shows, evenings with family or close friends, or amazing albums to keep me sane when the drudgery starts to get to me.
Find your mind, then use it.
"Your head will collapse When there's nothing in it..."
The other half of last night's Death Cab For Cutie show was Frightened Rabbit, and they were swell. Being the opening act, they played a fairly short set and left out a few of my favorites, but they did a bunch of my other favorites, and also caught my ear with this one from their latest album, which I have to confess hadn't previously hit me hard like it did when they closed with it last night at the show...
This one is all about those times when we are unsure of ourselves, when we feel alone despite being surrounded by people, when we need a catalyst to remind us that there is more to life than the dreary routines...
I was hoping to find a live recording from last night (I wasn't shooting video), but nobody has posted one yet so here's one from a few days ago in Detroit:
"We fall down, find God, just to lose it again..." ______________________________________
Just got back from a pretty sweet show on the North Shore of Pittsburgh, featuring Frightened Rabbit and Death Cab. I'll be honest, I was there primarily for FR, but DC was also pretty good. They're just one of those bands whose catalogue I just haven't had a chance to fully take in, so I only knew like half the songs. It's tough when you're getting into a band that's been around for a decade or so - you have to put in a lot more work to make up for lost time.
They opened with this song, complete with the long intro... it's pretty driving and has some chilling piano riffs which set the tone for the lyrics to come. It boils down to unrequited love, but Gibbard just knows if he can only convince his love interest to "spend some time" with him, he can win her over. It seems he's obsessed to the point of stalking her, desperate to make it happen.
Here's the "radio edit", if you don't think you can handle the long intro:
"I won't let you let me down so easily..." ______________________________________________
EDIT 8-7-11: forgot to mention that DCFC kicked off their encore by playing the Batman theme song (from the old TV show), in homage to the fact that The Dark Knight Rises is filming in Pittsburgh and was in fact filming at Heinz Field right next door to the venue earlier in the day. Here's a vid from their soundcheck (warning - audio is not great):
