Tuesday, July 7, 2009

NoiseTrade Widget

Friday, February 27, 2009

12. Paul Simon


There are many differences in types of musicians. I'm not speaking of only genres and personalities, but a more basic precept of what a musician is. At a basic level there is the difference of performer vs. songwriter. It is something I've always been conscious of because of my attempt to do both. Interestingly enough, I've always found myself feeling like a songwriter even performing in a band in a live format. There is a shyness about expressing this song, that I put a lot of heart and work into, in a format so easily criticized by the common listener and often driven by low-brow musical and lyrical statements and perverted sexuality. (rather than an emotional/spiritual sexuality) I don't mean to imply that I'm not guilty of, at least, the former, but I do my best to exclude these descriptions. Pop music seems to be the only medium I feel competent in.

It is times like these that I remember it is okay to feel that way. Paul Simon has been doing it for years.

There are a few people out there that transcend the job of creating music and are such SONG WRITERS (with an intended space between the words) that the term seems trite to use for anyone else. Paul Simon is one of them. He crafts songs like the pyramids, meticulously put together, full of wonder, and timeless. You know when you listen to a song and feel it in your gut that the way the song speaks goes well beyond your generation, as if it's absolute truth? That's how I feel whenever I listen to almost any song written by Paul Simon. (Who knows? Maybe Simon is the only proof of absolute troof.)

He's had a career any wanna-be songwriter, like myself, would kill their parents for. (love you, ma!) At age 15 he had already had a Top 50 hit. Simon was a staff writer for many labels before he was twenty and had songs that were extremely successful performed by the Seekers. He then formed one of the most colossal musical duos in the history of the art form ... you might've heard of them: Simon & Garfunkel. After having five platinum albums under the moniker (four of them going platinum at least twice and one of them eight times) he went solo and created what could be considered the greatest solo effort ever with Graceland. (which won a Grammy for Album of the Year)

I've always felt that he has mastered the art of music and the art of lyrics. Which is something you don't find a whole lot. I feel like it is very easy to suffer in one or the other. I can assure you that, unless you are instilled with a lyric subconsciously, or you are fated a harmonic progression or melodic sequence, that it is very difficult to cultivate either one on your own. When listening to Paul Simon I hardly ever find a time where he struggled with either one. Even on his album Wednesday Morning, 3 AM which is the first S&G record, you can find classically developed melodic archs and lyrics that paint a picture as colorful as the dawn.

For instance, lets take, from Wednesday Morning, 3 AM, the classic "Sound of Silence" in consideration. The melody: dark, mysterious, memorable, sequenced (in a fashion Mozart would be proud of), and has a tension that is pushed with momentum all the way through the verse when it finally resolves to what? The words "silence." A calming end to a brooding melody.

Then think about the lyrics: To go along with the dark visuals brought about by the melody already, Simon introduces the listener to his ol' buddy: darkness. The symbols speak like Biblical or mythical text and are maybe just as prophetic:

"And in the naked light I saw ten thousand people, maybe more. People talking without speaking. People hearing without listening. People writing songs that voices never share. No one dared to disturb the sound of silence."

I personally feel like Paul Simon was just as good during his solo career. I can't think of a single person who has done more when it comes to incorporating folk music from around the globe more than Simon. Dr. Stanek, in my World Music class, once made a bold statement claiming that Graceland put African Folk Music on the Musicology map. Which is insane. Isn't Paul Simon just a pop artist?

There are a billion other examples I could give on why he is a ridiculous person. I feel a little guilty putting him this high in the list when maybe his legendary status should afford him a Top 5 position. But, I have just begun to defile this list, friends.

20. Rufus Wainwright
Album Suggestion: Want One
19. Aqualung
Album Suggestion: Memory Man
18. Jon Foreman
Album Suggestion: Fall EP
17. Incubus
Album Suggestion: Morning View
16. Keane
Album Suggestion: Under the Iron Sea
15. The Divine Comedy
Album Suggestion: Victory for the Comic Muse
14. Copeland
Album Suggestion: Eat, Sleep, Repeat
13. Wilco
Album Suggestion: Yankee Hotel Foxtrot
12. Paul Simon
Album Suggestion: Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme

Friday, February 20, 2009

My Charming Little Boyfriend

When all was said and done
I didn’t know if I was looking for
a ride to get me home
or a foot to hold the door.
A man has become a painted dress,
a clown is now a pro.

I’m with my charming little boyfriend.
I’m loving every minute.
I’m falling even faster than before
and I don’t know what to do anymore.

You might as well be me.
You live my life continually.
and though it might be harsh
I’m almost glad I set you free.
You follow like a child,
you have no thought thats all your own.

I’ve got my charming little boyfriend.
I’m loving every minute.
I’m falling even faster than before
and I don’t know what to do anymore.

You never liked when I would lie about my life.
And I would lie in bed every night.
I’ll start but I won’t stop it.
I’ll walk but I won’t run ...

from your charming little boyfriend.
You’re loving every minute.
You’re falling even faster than before
and I don’t know what to do anymore.

Monday, December 29, 2008

Top 10 Records of 2008

I think we can all agree that this year hurt all of us. Music was just awful. AWFUL. I can usually count on at least ONE album to come around each year and shake up my Top 20-30 albums of all time. (Not that any of that list is set in stone other than #1) But, this year I can't honestly say that a single album came out that even comes close. It was a very frustrating year.

This brings us to the arbitrary Top 10 Records of the Year list. I was able to find 10 records to put on this list. But, it definitely was a struggle. I had to include one live album (which is still a good record) when it really feels like cheating to use anything other than a studio recording. I almost even included Radiohead's In Rainbows (My 2007 record of the year) again because although it was digitally released in 2007, it was physically released on January 1, 2008. That is how hard it was to come up with good records this year. However, In Rainbows escaped repetitious damnation and I was able to fill in the gaps.

So, may I present to you My Top 10 of the year. There are definitely some high points even in such a bad year. Let me know what you think.


Top 10 Records of 2008

10. John Mayer Where the Light Is: Live in Los Angeles You don't have to be a John Mayer fan to enjoy his guitar playing. I have seen him live 4 or 5 times and I can honestly say his best playing is at his live show. He is extremely expressive and its ridiculous. This is one of the first live albums in a long time that has actually transferred the same energy that you get at the concert itself. I am tired of live albums. This one brought me back to appreciating them.

9. Paper Route Are We All Forgotten I was blown away by this short album. I really enjoyed their self-titled debut album that danced along the lines of a Postal Service Christmas album; however, this album showed an energy that I was unprepared for. The synth is harsher than on the last effort, the drums are thicker, and the voices sound excellent. They did on this album what Keane unsuccessfully tried to do with Perfect Symmetry.

8. Ben Folds Way to Normal Ben Folds has made some interesting moves since leaving the Five and creating one of the greatest first solo attempts ever in Rockin' the Suburbs. Immediately after, he created the stoic "grow a beard" record with Songs for Silverman and now it seems like he has done the impossible: a return to energetic piano punk. It kills me that people said bad things about this record and then immediately sight The Unauthorized Biography of Reinhold Messner as his best record. They are very similar pieces of work in music and lyrics. Folds also might have created his most emotional piece of music since "The Luckiest" with the final ballad "Kylie from Connecticut." It is worth a listen, believe me.

7. Punch Brothers Punch Chris Thile was involved in creating another album. Do I need more evidence for its spot on this list?? Just in case you aren't convinced, I think its safe to say that a 40-minute multi movement classical bluegrass piece deserves some attention. Check out "The Blind Leaving the Blind."

6. Jon Foreman Summer EP I have been pretty impressed with Foreman's solo efforts. But, this is the only one that comes close to Fall. "Deep in Your Eyes (There is a River)" and "Instead of a Show" are 2/5 of his best songs written ever.

5. Kathleen Edwards Asking for Flowers I think this is the highest any country album has ever made it on any of my lists. Edwards strikes again with a great follow up to her sophomore release Back to Me. She gives us even more attitude, even more sadness, and reminds us why we love her lyrical wit. Although, this record falls short of her last effort, the title track of the album is the best song she has ever written. Kudos.

4. Fleet Foxes Fleet Foxes This album is probably the only uber-indie-chic album to make my list because it transcends the God-awful crap that comes from independent music currently. The reason why Fleet Foxes is so good is because, contrary to My Morning Jacket or even the lovely Band of Horses, Fleet Foxes completely sells itself out to Appalachian folk music. The harmonically planed walls of sound, the almost exclusively pentatonic melodies, and the perfect instrumentation all ring true to classic folk elements. Very enjoyable listen.

3. John Legend Evolver My 46-year-old woman emotions might have clouded my judgement, but I can't get enough of John Legend's brand of soul. Last time we met John he created the most Motown record since the 70's with his Once Again. All that's happened since is an updated accompaniment. On Evolver we find the same classic melody maker writing in R&B styles that span from the mid-80's to nowadays. I didn't think I'd ever enjoy an updated soul album this much. "Everybody Knows" hurts, it's so good. Glad to see that Legend wants to try something new and keep it classy at the same time.

2. Coldplay Viva la Vida Coldplay is somewhat predictable. I love almost everything they've been a part of. They have very few songs that I haven't enjoyed thoroughly. But, a change was needed. Who better to create that change than legendary producer Brian Eno? Coldplay ditched the four-sensitive-guys in a pop/rock band stereotype and created an album of sonic landscapes and juxtaposed song structures, and even more vague lyrics. Thank you for refreshing us and showing us that you aren't the band we think you are at the same time. We appreciate it.

1. Copeland You Are My Sunshine I have really been obsessed with this album. I think I've listened to pieces, if not all, of this record every single day since I bought it. Marsh & Company is returning to an old philosophy in music that has been slowly escaping us since Modernism showed its ugly (and sometimes awesome) head. This philosophy is one that is guided by creating beautiful music rather than rock music. I think that its easy to say that they were successful in creating a dark and beautiful album. It isn't dark like Beethoven is dark. But, a more subtle dark found within the aesthetic quality of music. If this isn't enough for you, I can understand why this being number one would be a disappointment to you. However, I couldn't get enough of it.

Saturday, December 27, 2008

Long

Its starting to rain now,
on buildings and trees.
I used to love you so.
It's time to escape me;
don't follow me down.
I'm not worth what you love me for.

So, find another one whose family feels like home.
You won't be hurt for long.
Give yourself a break; you've got armor at your core.
You won't be lonely long.
I'm sure.

Friday, December 26, 2008

Come Find Me

Darling, oh won't you come over?
I always know when you are lying,
but I'll try and let it slide just this once.

You have incredible reasons,
but I won't ever pretend to buy them.
I've made it hard enough on my own.

I can't make you forget
all your faults and regrets,
though I want to.
I won't lead you along
just because you don't know
if I'm ready.
'Cause I'm ready to follow.
I'm here. I'm yours. Come find me.

You laugh at all that I'm doing,
so, why am I constantly proving
that I'm the kind of man that you could want,
that I'm a light that never shines from above?

I can't make you forget
all your faults and regrets,
though I want to.
Don't sit this one out,
and don't push me back down
'cause I'm ready.
I'm ready to follow.
I'm here. I'm yours. Come find me.

Sunday, November 30, 2008

Christmas Classics Gone Contemporary (Top 20 on Hiatus)

Sorry to report to you folks. But, I have to put the Top 20 Favorite Bands/Artists list on a month or so hiatus. Don't worry! Numbers 1-12 will be posted after New Years! I have more important things to write about.

THE CHRISTMAS SEASON IS HERE!! It's that time of year where even I am legitimately happy!! It's also time for a Top 10 Christmas-Related post every time until New Years! This year I hope to do some classic-type Top 10's and maybe some more random ones. But, today we will be discussing my favorite holiday topic: Christmas Music!!

As you know by now, I try to cherish what music has come before us but I try to focus most of my energy on music being created within our contemporary scheme of art. I listen to a lot of old music (a lot of Classical and "classic rock") but most of my favorites are artists from the past 15 years or so.

So, along those lines, I wanted to make a Top 10 Classic Songs Performed by Contemporary Artists! I know the term classic has a very relative spin to it. So, please try your best and refrain from telling me that some song I said "isn't classic." They'll all be songs almost everyone knows! It also has to have been released in the past 15 years. I am going to try my best to avoid using live Christmas songs. All of these songs can be found on either Christmas albums or compilations. You can't just have a bootleg of a song and use it.

I know some of you will think this is mere sacrilege, but I think it'll be fun. Make sure and comment and tell me where I'm right or wrong!


Top 10 Classic Christmas Songs Performed by Contemporary Artists!

10. "O Holy Night" - Josh Groban I've never claimed to be a fan of Groban. He is a talented guy, I just don't need as much vibrato as he sends out to people. But, I think its hard to avoid this version of the sacred classic. Such an epic song needs an epic voice. Josh Groban brings it!

9. "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" - Barenaked Ladies & Sarah McLachlan. Again, I really despise BNL. But, this is a fun little rockabilly version of a song you'd never expect to be done that way. Their voices actually sound good with the style also. Sarah McLachlan always sounds good; more about her later.

8. "Christmas (Baby, Please Come Home)" - Death Cab for Cutie I listened to Death Cab's version of this song with my parents once and they said that it sucked all of the energy out of the song! I have to say I completely agree! This song isn't about happy-go-lucky Motown feelings! It's about really wanting that special person for Christmas. So kudos to Death Cab for accurately portraying the lyrics with the music.

7. "Peace" - Norah Jones Oh dear. Norah Jones' voice is the greatest thing that has ever happened to women. She makes me actually enjoy them. This tender little Christmas ballad will melt your heart. This song is best accompanied by a nice cup of egg nog.

6. Step Into Christmas" - Rufus Wainwright Rufus's music already sounds like Christmas music. Add a classic Christmas song into the mix and you've got magic.

5. "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day" - Pedro the Lion David Bazan does such a good interpretation of this very old school song. The dreary piano and his thick voice bellow like bells over buildings. You will hang on every lyric waiting for him to resolve the tension with the last verse. So beautiful!

4. "Joy to the World" - Sufjan Stevens This is definitely the highlight track from all of the Sufjan Christmas EP's. I think its the only song he recorded that really fits his brand of unusually arranged wind instruments and soft voice.

3. "Silent Night" - Sarah McLachlan If you don't have her Christmas album Wintersong then you are missing out. It is soooo good. Any good version of Silent Night deserves to be on everyone's lists!

2. "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" - Chris Martin This was actually recorded live for some radio broadcast, but it is on my Maybe This Christmas compilation so it still counts! Chris Martin does a very simple but beautiful piano rendition of a classic usually glossed up with extravagant string arrangements and choirs. But, the simplicity shines and sticks out among the gooier versions provided by our elder artists.

1. "Nutcracker Suite" - Brian Setzer Orchestra This suite is so awesome I don't even want to describe it, but will anyway. A big band rendition of all the songs from the Nutcracker! It is effing amazing. You might recognize parts of it from different sections of the movie Elf where it is used. But, seriously, get it right now!


Hope you all enjoyed the first Christmas post of the year! There should be more to come. Hope you all enjoy your day! Merry Christmas . . . and a Happy New Year, you filthy animal!