This week's unintentional theme seems to be good songs off bad albums. Being an album person rather than a song person, I tend to use bands I like in general and then feature one of their songs here. However a few of the songs in today's episode I really don't like the album they're off. Also this week I've delved back into the unknown a bit. Whereas the last couple of weeks I've been name dropping from my back-catalogue, this week features songs that haven't yet passed the test of time. So don’t complain if you don't like them. My whole purpose is to present music you MAY like, and you MAY like these:
1) So much for the Afterglow - Everclear
By the way none of the above applies to this song. I have known Everclear for a long time and this song has been a favourite for a while. However they are in no way a well known band. This song is really nice ranging from its Beach Boys intro to a more rocky body
2) Baby - The Drones
I ALMOST forgot to put in a local track and oh what a tragedy that would have been. While their album may have one or two other good songs, for the most of it, it just seems to be going nowhere. I really don't like that kind of music, which is probably why I'm not the biggest Mars Volta fan. I'm more into the standard song structures, making THIS song perfect
3) America's Boy - Broadcast
This song and the rest of this album passed me by as rather ordinary. I gave it a shot, but didn't really like and so it was destined for the archives. However listening to a mix I got from somewhere this song appeared and it made me realise that it was actually a pretty good song. So if it doesn't hit you right way, give it time. Best listened to whilst in a trance
4) Circle Square Triangle - Test Icicles
For me, screaming in songs is a touchy subject. There is a fine line where it goes from perfectly acceptable to downright painful. Unfortunately for this band they cross the line way too often. On top of this their name is just a worse version of an already-done pun. I won't even begin to mention the playstation references in songs names.... But with so much going against them, I could not let this song pass by because when examined on its own merits, it's actually quite good.
5) It's Not the Only Way to Feel Happy - Field Music
While this band may be a hybrid of Futureheads and Kaiser Chiefs, they sound nothing like them. They're fast paced style has put aside in favour of a more harmonious one. Though this song is probably at the extreme of their softness, it's not far from the norm. Either way this is the most soothing song I’ve heard in ages, whether that’s good or bad is up to you. The only problem was it went unnecessarily long, but thanks to my editing you ALMOST can't tell the difference
1-1, 2-2, 3-4, 4-5, 5-6 - Tell me the meaning of this code and you win a prize
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
Tuesday, November 22, 2005
Reprezent
This week features bands all from different countries. Nothing particularly special about this, I just noticed it as I was picking. Positive aspects of globalisation such as this far outweigh the slave labourers. It really only features us, United Kingdom and North America but come to think of it there isn't too many more predominately English speaking, quality music producing countries out there.....
1) Are you the one? - The Presets
These guys are Aussie electro-dance-rockers who are apparently really good live. Listening to their album I found myself disappointed for most of it. But that isn't to say there isn't good song here....Like this one for example. It's great vibe means I shall definitely be checking these guys out
2) With You - The Subways
Look! Yet another band attending BDO 2006. In fact before the last announcement I hadn't heard of this band. However I promptly checked them and they're not bad. I dunno whether this is good or bad but all the songs sound like other bands. It may be unoriginal but it also means variety. Being Brit-Pop, there's unsurprisingly some Oasis tinge on some and ,rather oddly, one very Mess Hall sounding song. The rest I'm yet to pinpoint. Either way I like this song as well as a few others on their album
3) Whatever Happened to Corey Haim? - The Thrills
More happy music - Irish style. If you've never listened to them you should definitely give them a listen. Er this description seems short. What should I write to lengthen it? Yeah that'll do
4) Combat Baby - Metric
Canadians are taking over the world. I featured two last week (arcade fire, new pornographers)and now another today, plus theres many many more (broken social scene, hot hot heat, unicorns). Perhaps they've finally worked things out and are putting their surface area to use. Maybe we'll be next. Anyway this band isn't quite as big as some of the aforementioned and haven't really listened to them much but they sound not bad. This song was the stand-out.
5) Buddy Holly - Weezer
Weezer have deteriorated like no other band. From their awesome first album, to their good second,................And finally to their 5th and most recent album which got reviews of 0.1 out of 10. But rather than looking to the future we should dwell on the past. If you like this song, you'll love their first album. It's a mix of great tunes and stupid lyrics. Thumbs up!
1) Are you the one? - The Presets
These guys are Aussie electro-dance-rockers who are apparently really good live. Listening to their album I found myself disappointed for most of it. But that isn't to say there isn't good song here....Like this one for example. It's great vibe means I shall definitely be checking these guys out
2) With You - The Subways
Look! Yet another band attending BDO 2006. In fact before the last announcement I hadn't heard of this band. However I promptly checked them and they're not bad. I dunno whether this is good or bad but all the songs sound like other bands. It may be unoriginal but it also means variety. Being Brit-Pop, there's unsurprisingly some Oasis tinge on some and ,rather oddly, one very Mess Hall sounding song. The rest I'm yet to pinpoint. Either way I like this song as well as a few others on their album
3) Whatever Happened to Corey Haim? - The Thrills
More happy music - Irish style. If you've never listened to them you should definitely give them a listen. Er this description seems short. What should I write to lengthen it? Yeah that'll do
4) Combat Baby - Metric
Canadians are taking over the world. I featured two last week (arcade fire, new pornographers)and now another today, plus theres many many more (broken social scene, hot hot heat, unicorns). Perhaps they've finally worked things out and are putting their surface area to use. Maybe we'll be next. Anyway this band isn't quite as big as some of the aforementioned and haven't really listened to them much but they sound not bad. This song was the stand-out.
5) Buddy Holly - Weezer
Weezer have deteriorated like no other band. From their awesome first album, to their good second,................And finally to their 5th and most recent album which got reviews of 0.1 out of 10. But rather than looking to the future we should dwell on the past. If you like this song, you'll love their first album. It's a mix of great tunes and stupid lyrics. Thumbs up!
Wednesday, November 16, 2005
Indie Kids United
I'm beginning to run out of REALLY unknown bands so I'm now delving into the semi-known bands. You may or may not have heard of them but either way you should like them. This week especially, features a few big (in my opinion) "Indie" (whatever it is this genre includes these days) names. Now if you think that sentence had poor structure you are correct. But enough said, on to the songs:
1) Lapse in Conversation - Neon
This song fills my weekly local content quota. It is a good song however I wouldn't be surprised if no one particularly likes it. Neon really don't have any AAA songs but to make up for this, their album contains 12 AA songs. So while they may not be suited for this particular format, they make some quality music which definitely deserves a listen to.
2) The Jessica Numbers - The New Pornographers
I assume their name is some sort of reference to the fact they are selling themselves in some way when they make they're music but I really have no idea. This band, despite not liking it, is often referred to as a 'supergroup' seeing as all 7 members have come from other known (to Canadians) bands and joined together. I personally listened to them cause I knew the main guy, A.C. Newman. Again this song is featured more because I like the band then because I like the song. But that doesn't mean its not good.
3) I Love You Cause I Have To - Dogs Die In Hot Cars
Speaking of names.......Can you get any worse? I realize that by now every 'The *' must have been taken, but some bands don't know what's good for them. However this song makes up for it. It's energetic, up beat and great to yell to..(not that I'd do such a thing) so listen!
4) Neighbourhood #4 (Laika) - The Arcade Fire
This band received a lot of hype in the 'learned' music community however they never made big in the real world. While this may be good seeing as for most bands going mainstream means going gay, I still would have thought more people would know them. Perhaps their music is such that only a few people like it. Anyway who cares? This song has always been my favourite of theirs - before I even knew who 'they' were.
5) Wrapped up in Books - Belle & Sebastian
Every so often, a band comes along which I become completely obsessed with. I have an urge to become acquainted with every one of their songs. Maybe not that extreme but I listen to them a lot. Millencolin was one, so too Oasis and most recently (as in last year) it was Belle & Sebastian. I would have to describe their music as heavenly- a pleasure to listen to - well for about half of it - the rest is awful. I could have used "Step into my Office, Baby" but that's rather known plus I couldn't find it. I contemplated using "I'm a Cuckoo" but it was too long and it skips. And so, by destiny it seems, I have used "Wrapped up in Books" one of my many favourite songs.
I no longer see a need to conclude....
1) Lapse in Conversation - Neon
This song fills my weekly local content quota. It is a good song however I wouldn't be surprised if no one particularly likes it. Neon really don't have any AAA songs but to make up for this, their album contains 12 AA songs. So while they may not be suited for this particular format, they make some quality music which definitely deserves a listen to.
2) The Jessica Numbers - The New Pornographers
I assume their name is some sort of reference to the fact they are selling themselves in some way when they make they're music but I really have no idea. This band, despite not liking it, is often referred to as a 'supergroup' seeing as all 7 members have come from other known (to Canadians) bands and joined together. I personally listened to them cause I knew the main guy, A.C. Newman. Again this song is featured more because I like the band then because I like the song. But that doesn't mean its not good.
3) I Love You Cause I Have To - Dogs Die In Hot Cars
Speaking of names.......Can you get any worse? I realize that by now every 'The *' must have been taken, but some bands don't know what's good for them. However this song makes up for it. It's energetic, up beat and great to yell to..(not that I'd do such a thing) so listen!
4) Neighbourhood #4 (Laika) - The Arcade Fire
This band received a lot of hype in the 'learned' music community however they never made big in the real world. While this may be good seeing as for most bands going mainstream means going gay, I still would have thought more people would know them. Perhaps their music is such that only a few people like it. Anyway who cares? This song has always been my favourite of theirs - before I even knew who 'they' were.
5) Wrapped up in Books - Belle & Sebastian
Every so often, a band comes along which I become completely obsessed with. I have an urge to become acquainted with every one of their songs. Maybe not that extreme but I listen to them a lot. Millencolin was one, so too Oasis and most recently (as in last year) it was Belle & Sebastian. I would have to describe their music as heavenly- a pleasure to listen to - well for about half of it - the rest is awful. I could have used "Step into my Office, Baby" but that's rather known plus I couldn't find it. I contemplated using "I'm a Cuckoo" but it was too long and it skips. And so, by destiny it seems, I have used "Wrapped up in Books" one of my many favourite songs.
I no longer see a need to conclude....
Tuesday, November 08, 2005
Freakin' Wolf References....
This episode is a bit bigger than previous ones but due to it's length I had to choose between size and quality. I'm currently trying to throw together a playlist for Triple J's Aus-Music Month so I didn't have TOO much time to go looking for songs. So a couple of these sings are ones I picked for that. Also this week there's a couple of songs which are in no way new but I thought perhaps some people might never have heard of them - what a shame that would be. And here they are:
1) Colossal - Wolfmother
A band who seems destined for bigness. They've been receiving all the appropriate hype for such a title and have the music to match it. They've been paralleled closely with bands such Black Sabbath but that doesn't necessarily mean you need to like the latter to like the former. They recently released their self-titled album which is very solid indeed. This is one of the many great tracks from it
2) Raised by Wolves - Voxtrot
I picked this up from one of my many music websites. It's not the best song ever written but catchy and listen-worthy none-the-less. I imagine this band will be coming out with good songs in the future
3) Fuck Forever - BabyShambles
I believe Pete Doherty's sound has an acquired taste. At first you find it raw and out of time but once you get used to it you love it - well that's my experience anyway. For those of you who don't know, Babyshambles is headed by Pete Doherty, previously one half of The Libertines. If you like them, you'll like this. If you didn't, well then you obviously didn't give them enough time.
4) Caring Is Creepy - The Shins
This is one of my all-time favourite songs. I have no idea why but I just love it. The same goes for pretty much everything else by this band. They're just awesome. I'm pretty sure they're coming to Australia soon which is an opportunity that should not be missed
5) Frontier Pyschiatrist - The Avalanches
This just about the only sampling/record-scratching song I like. This is because it's so damn clever. The lyrics are hilarious and the music perfect. You will never get sick of this song - it's a classic that EVERYONE should know
The End
1) Colossal - Wolfmother
A band who seems destined for bigness. They've been receiving all the appropriate hype for such a title and have the music to match it. They've been paralleled closely with bands such Black Sabbath but that doesn't necessarily mean you need to like the latter to like the former. They recently released their self-titled album which is very solid indeed. This is one of the many great tracks from it
2) Raised by Wolves - Voxtrot
I picked this up from one of my many music websites. It's not the best song ever written but catchy and listen-worthy none-the-less. I imagine this band will be coming out with good songs in the future
3) Fuck Forever - BabyShambles
I believe Pete Doherty's sound has an acquired taste. At first you find it raw and out of time but once you get used to it you love it - well that's my experience anyway. For those of you who don't know, Babyshambles is headed by Pete Doherty, previously one half of The Libertines. If you like them, you'll like this. If you didn't, well then you obviously didn't give them enough time.
4) Caring Is Creepy - The Shins
This is one of my all-time favourite songs. I have no idea why but I just love it. The same goes for pretty much everything else by this band. They're just awesome. I'm pretty sure they're coming to Australia soon which is an opportunity that should not be missed
5) Frontier Pyschiatrist - The Avalanches
This just about the only sampling/record-scratching song I like. This is because it's so damn clever. The lyrics are hilarious and the music perfect. You will never get sick of this song - it's a classic that EVERYONE should know
The End
Tuesday, November 01, 2005
Big Cop Out
This Episode is to celebrate the stupidly fast sell-out of Big Day Out and is designed to make those who got tickets feel good about themselves and those who didn't cry. It's also the first time I've delved into area of 'specials' - in other words 'easy way outs' for me. It contains songs by the bands I recommend from the first announcement. I decided not to use The White Stripes or Franz Ferdinand because they're pretty well known already and I think everyone has they're minds made up whether they'll see them or not. And so here they are:
1) Red Morning Light - Kings of Leon
Tragically I missed this band along with countless others at the 04 BDO. I paid for my ignorance. This year I will not make the same mistake. They are yet another band with a singer who sings in an indecipherable voice but I'd have to say this a positive point. Their style is probably best defined as 'southern rock' and with many great songs should not be missed
2) Long Legs - The Magic Numbers
This band has some catchy music which is why I’ll probably go see them. I included them here in order to provide a variety of styles and accommodate for varying tastes. Their music is very poppy and I’d probably classify them as 'happy music'. The problem with this kind of music is that while it might sound good on record, it could translate to a rather mediocre live show. But then if Polyphonic Spree is anything to go by, I could be proved wrong......in other words check them out and decide for yourself
3) I Wanna Be Your Dog - Iggy Pop
I'm definitely looking forward to old man Iggy. Most likely I'll sit in the stands and appreciate his good music rather than go into the mosh. This song is one of his earlier songs and my favourite however overall I think his mid-to-late period was his best (if that makes sense). The bigness of his name warrants you watch him, even if you're not his biggest fan (provided there’s nothing better of course)
4) Blood On The Microphone Pt. 1 - Gerling
For a long time I knew of Gerling but never really listened to their stuff. However I saw them live recently and it was electric. I'm still not their biggest fan but will probably go see them just because their live shows are so good. This isn't to say they have no good music; this song shows that that's not the case. They have a rather odd sound, in one of their songs they hint at being a cross between punk-rock and house-dance, which I think is a pretty good description
5) Monday - The Living End
Yes this is The Living End and yes I’m admitting to liking them. I think it's a shame that they're liked by so many little kids (I was one of them) 'cause it turns so many people (I was one of them) off a rather good band. But the truth is they have heaps of good songs, one of the best guitarists and do a great show (partly because they have a double bass player who stands on it and plays solos). So do yourself a favour and see them. Alright?
I hope I haven't made those without tickets jealous - actually that’s a blatant lie. For those who have no idea what Big Day Out is, it's basically Australia's only 'worth-mentioning', annual, international-act-featuring music festival . Enjoy this week’s episode and hang out for next week where I’ll actually have to put some effort into choosing the bands, let alone the songs.
1) Red Morning Light - Kings of Leon
Tragically I missed this band along with countless others at the 04 BDO. I paid for my ignorance. This year I will not make the same mistake. They are yet another band with a singer who sings in an indecipherable voice but I'd have to say this a positive point. Their style is probably best defined as 'southern rock' and with many great songs should not be missed
2) Long Legs - The Magic Numbers
This band has some catchy music which is why I’ll probably go see them. I included them here in order to provide a variety of styles and accommodate for varying tastes. Their music is very poppy and I’d probably classify them as 'happy music'. The problem with this kind of music is that while it might sound good on record, it could translate to a rather mediocre live show. But then if Polyphonic Spree is anything to go by, I could be proved wrong......in other words check them out and decide for yourself
3) I Wanna Be Your Dog - Iggy Pop
I'm definitely looking forward to old man Iggy. Most likely I'll sit in the stands and appreciate his good music rather than go into the mosh. This song is one of his earlier songs and my favourite however overall I think his mid-to-late period was his best (if that makes sense). The bigness of his name warrants you watch him, even if you're not his biggest fan (provided there’s nothing better of course)
4) Blood On The Microphone Pt. 1 - Gerling
For a long time I knew of Gerling but never really listened to their stuff. However I saw them live recently and it was electric. I'm still not their biggest fan but will probably go see them just because their live shows are so good. This isn't to say they have no good music; this song shows that that's not the case. They have a rather odd sound, in one of their songs they hint at being a cross between punk-rock and house-dance, which I think is a pretty good description
5) Monday - The Living End
Yes this is The Living End and yes I’m admitting to liking them. I think it's a shame that they're liked by so many little kids (I was one of them) 'cause it turns so many people (I was one of them) off a rather good band. But the truth is they have heaps of good songs, one of the best guitarists and do a great show (partly because they have a double bass player who stands on it and plays solos). So do yourself a favour and see them. Alright?
I hope I haven't made those without tickets jealous - actually that’s a blatant lie. For those who have no idea what Big Day Out is, it's basically Australia's only 'worth-mentioning', annual, international-act-featuring music festival . Enjoy this week’s episode and hang out for next week where I’ll actually have to put some effort into choosing the bands, let alone the songs.
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