Some songs are nice in the morning and some at night. This one is great at 7.19 am on a thursday morning.
काफ़ी कूल हैं!
मेक्स यू वांट तो गेट आउट ऑफ़ दा हाउस।
I amuse myself here; Your amusement is intended but boundedly so
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Asleep at the wheel (but who are you judging?)
I've mentioned Suicidal Tendencies before, and this particular song is maybe the best I've heard from the era that is unfortunately termed "Hair Metal".
Some people I've met say Suicidal is a "ska-punk" not a "metal" band. Well who cares? This sounds good to me! Frankly, I've not really heard any other band sound quite as...accomplished as this one. It's too bad they never hit the big time; with lyrics like this:
Confused understanding, with a slip for the hold
Squeeze past the pressure, you're asleep at the wheel
I mean, look at the structure of that! "With a slip for the hold" is the sort of turn of phrase that should be written down and set in stone. Instead it only sells 20,000 copies. Imperfect market, you bet!
Well, anyway, if I start going on about what's wrong with the business of music it'd never stop. And also, I'd like to talk about this band a bit.
It appears that Metallica's current bass player is from this band. Hmm. I wonder if that has anything to do with the better-than-poo songs off of Metallica's latest album. From where I'm coming from, that's a real compliment. I can't think of enough dirty words to heap on the nonsense that that band heaped on an unsuspecting public post the Black Album. And would you believe it, our state of rock music is such that this is the reason Metallica go on to win a grammy.
Woo hoo, off track again. Maybe my brain follows non-linearities. I read about this theory once about how human beings are unable to comprehend exponential distributions/series because our brains evolved in the plains of Africa, which calls - for some reason - for linear decision making. I'm not really sure how one defines a term like "linear decision making", but I'm going to assume it means that we can comprehend that 2+2 = 4 but e raised to the power of 2 draws the equivalent of "eh?".
In this respect, therefore, I am the next step of mankind. I am the missing link of the future!
You must really, really, listen to the chord sequence at 2:00 minutes into the song; which combines with about 3 vocal harmonies and a bass line that's so groovy it's out of sight. If an acid trip met up with Syd Barett era Pink Floyd, grew up a bit, quit moaning about how awful life is, and like that guy in The Fall (the book, not the movie) started to talk back to society instead of hiding behind a wall, this is what it would sound like.
Actually, this sounds better. That spoken word intro full of nonsense lays down the whole feel of the track which is equal parts trippy, bitter and sweet. Kind of like a tequila shot mixed with acid. I've never taken acid so I could be accused of not knowing what I'm talking about.
Well, that never stopped me before.
But, more seriously, criminally underrated band folks! Nirvana is the most important band of the 90s? Well this just proves that the generation I'm growing up with is fairly screwed up. After all, every generation deserves the art it gets. Or make that, every generation deserves the art it buys. What a bunch of people make of the art that is available is after all up to them. Judging by what has happened, I cannot help but conclude we're pretty much a wasteful generation (art-wise).
So, who are you judging? After all I thought you were different. A blank stare and a whisper, was it too much of a good thing? All you had was a slip for a hold.
Some people I've met say Suicidal is a "ska-punk" not a "metal" band. Well who cares? This sounds good to me! Frankly, I've not really heard any other band sound quite as...accomplished as this one. It's too bad they never hit the big time; with lyrics like this:
Confused understanding, with a slip for the hold
Squeeze past the pressure, you're asleep at the wheel
I mean, look at the structure of that! "With a slip for the hold" is the sort of turn of phrase that should be written down and set in stone. Instead it only sells 20,000 copies. Imperfect market, you bet!
Well, anyway, if I start going on about what's wrong with the business of music it'd never stop. And also, I'd like to talk about this band a bit.
It appears that Metallica's current bass player is from this band. Hmm. I wonder if that has anything to do with the better-than-poo songs off of Metallica's latest album. From where I'm coming from, that's a real compliment. I can't think of enough dirty words to heap on the nonsense that that band heaped on an unsuspecting public post the Black Album. And would you believe it, our state of rock music is such that this is the reason Metallica go on to win a grammy.
Woo hoo, off track again. Maybe my brain follows non-linearities. I read about this theory once about how human beings are unable to comprehend exponential distributions/series because our brains evolved in the plains of Africa, which calls - for some reason - for linear decision making. I'm not really sure how one defines a term like "linear decision making", but I'm going to assume it means that we can comprehend that 2+2 = 4 but e raised to the power of 2 draws the equivalent of "eh?".
In this respect, therefore, I am the next step of mankind. I am the missing link of the future!
You must really, really, listen to the chord sequence at 2:00 minutes into the song; which combines with about 3 vocal harmonies and a bass line that's so groovy it's out of sight. If an acid trip met up with Syd Barett era Pink Floyd, grew up a bit, quit moaning about how awful life is, and like that guy in The Fall (the book, not the movie) started to talk back to society instead of hiding behind a wall, this is what it would sound like.
Actually, this sounds better. That spoken word intro full of nonsense lays down the whole feel of the track which is equal parts trippy, bitter and sweet. Kind of like a tequila shot mixed with acid. I've never taken acid so I could be accused of not knowing what I'm talking about.
Well, that never stopped me before.
But, more seriously, criminally underrated band folks! Nirvana is the most important band of the 90s? Well this just proves that the generation I'm growing up with is fairly screwed up. After all, every generation deserves the art it gets. Or make that, every generation deserves the art it buys. What a bunch of people make of the art that is available is after all up to them. Judging by what has happened, I cannot help but conclude we're pretty much a wasteful generation (art-wise).
So, who are you judging? After all I thought you were different. A blank stare and a whisper, was it too much of a good thing? All you had was a slip for a hold.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Watermelon man!
cool song, cool video, cool fruit
"Watermelon Man"
and something called "Heavy Metal Dark Doom Jazz". Love the drums! This is kind of a strange hybrid but I like it.
"Watermelon Man"
and something called "Heavy Metal Dark Doom Jazz". Love the drums! This is kind of a strange hybrid but I like it.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Wasted Time
This is a great great song...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XddO6wr_FgU
Thank god for the fact that Chuck somethingortheother gave Skid Row the respect they deserve.
Please people, LISTEN and then make your judgments. Why doesn't ever anyone listen goddamnit?
The best test of a song is if it still moves you as much as it did when you first heard it. Well, it does and more than that. Because I got better headphones now, see.
If Mick Jagger had sang this with Keith Richards on guitar, well first of all, he wouldn't have done as good a job on the vocals. Second, Kieth Richards wouldn't have bothered with the rhythm pick up toward the end. Third, every rock critic would have gone overboard praising the song.
Sorry if I get down too hard on the Stones. I like some of their stuff, but man are they overrated.
I never thought that you'd let it get this far.
Indeed.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XddO6wr_FgU
Thank god for the fact that Chuck somethingortheother gave Skid Row the respect they deserve.
Please people, LISTEN and then make your judgments. Why doesn't ever anyone listen goddamnit?
The best test of a song is if it still moves you as much as it did when you first heard it. Well, it does and more than that. Because I got better headphones now, see.
If Mick Jagger had sang this with Keith Richards on guitar, well first of all, he wouldn't have done as good a job on the vocals. Second, Kieth Richards wouldn't have bothered with the rhythm pick up toward the end. Third, every rock critic would have gone overboard praising the song.
Sorry if I get down too hard on the Stones. I like some of their stuff, but man are they overrated.
I never thought that you'd let it get this far.
Indeed.
Friday, July 3, 2009
Fargo Rock City
I was at the corner of 31st street and 7th Avenue in New York City on the 1st of July. This particular corner is also known as the venue of Madison Square Garden. One of the appendages to Madison Square Garden is one of the million branches of Borders Bookstore. It is in this branch - which I entered on the intention of using the restrooms (American for bathroom) - that I bought a copy of Fargo Rock City written by Chuck somethingortheother.
The Good
I read this book within 4 hours. So clearly, this wasn't boring to read. He writes with clear passion and sincerity, as is evident from a full chapter devoted to an analysis of the Guns and Roses videos for Don't Cry, November Rain and Estranged. Apparently they were all supposed to tell a story. What that story is, it ends in Axl Rose trying his best Free Willy impersonation. So, I don't get it. Wait this isn't the point. I don't want to discuss Axl Rose.
Actually, maybe people should discuss Axl Rose. Now that Michael Jackson's popped it, I suppose it won't be too long before one more 80s icon decides he's had enough of living as a joke.
Okay, so back to the book. What else did I like about it? I love how he (the author) involves himself in all sorts of twists and turns trying to rationalize his liking of Motley Crue. I personally think this is a pretty pointless thing to do. There's no rationalizing anyone liking Motley Crue. They couldn't really play, their songs were fun but stupid and the members of the band are fairly unlikable. Kind of like ugly bullies who are actually good at heart. They aren't interesting at all.
The best thing about the book is his analysis of Ozzy. Really, this is about the best account of the man I have read. I always thought Ozzy was a goofball, though not stupid, just caught up in too many drugs.
But that's about it.
The Bad
There's a particularly pointless chapter about the author getting drunk. It should be deleted. Is he trying to pretend he's a rock star by getting wasted on some cheap alcohol? I just didn't get it.
The overall tone of the writing is sort of - what's the word - hectoring. He's not arguing at some points, he's telling you. At other points he's arguing like a lawyer. I felt uncomfortable at how convinced he is of what he's saying. Doubtless this is the result of many hours of reasoning to oneself alone, which is good because it means thought has gone into what's been written; however I am not sure of whether his stance is "This is what I feel. Here." or whether it is "This is what I feel. Let me explain why."
There's virtually no mention of Ritchie Blackmore. Or Megadeth. Beyond a few stray references here and there. But this is not the worst sin. That is...
The Ugly
NO MENTION OF DEEP PURPLE!!! This is absolutely astonishing. If David Byrne is going to tell me I should read this book, if the author has truly interviewed all the people he claims to have, how is Deep Purple never even mentioned? They form part of the holy trinity of the genesis of metal - Sabbath, Zeppelin and Purple - now how can you possibly leave out anything at all about Purple in a book that describes itself as a heavy metal odyssey through rural North Dakota.
Oh.
Well, okay, I can take this to mean that rural North Dakotans for whatever mysterious reason are not too keen on Deep Purple. But, beyond trite arguments, I found this incredible. Purple are easily one of the most influential bands out there. They rocked, they rolled, and they also wrote long pieces of seemingly intricate melodies. Plus, they may have been the only metal band that could choogle, as John Fogerty encouraged us all to do.
But in the end, most of the book is opinion, and the problem with opinion is that you cannot fault it for being right or wrong. It just is.
The problem is, if this is supposed to represent how I feel about heavy metal - or even 80s glam rock (which would seem equivalent if your only exposure to this genre is through this book) - well then no, it isn't. Which brings me to the basic problem I have with the book:
There's no discussion of the music. Sure you get enough psychoanalysis of lyrics, thematic content, costume, "importance" (what the hell makes Smells like Teen Spirit important whereas say, No Rain isn't?) and on and on. But where is the music talked about? This is what got me into all this nonsense in the first place. I would never ever have gotten so into this music if it wasn't for the rhythms and melodies that metal bands put out. It seems to be therefore that the author was attracted to the music for the wrong reasons. Which makes me say - Don't buy this book.
The Good
I read this book within 4 hours. So clearly, this wasn't boring to read. He writes with clear passion and sincerity, as is evident from a full chapter devoted to an analysis of the Guns and Roses videos for Don't Cry, November Rain and Estranged. Apparently they were all supposed to tell a story. What that story is, it ends in Axl Rose trying his best Free Willy impersonation. So, I don't get it. Wait this isn't the point. I don't want to discuss Axl Rose.
Actually, maybe people should discuss Axl Rose. Now that Michael Jackson's popped it, I suppose it won't be too long before one more 80s icon decides he's had enough of living as a joke.
Okay, so back to the book. What else did I like about it? I love how he (the author) involves himself in all sorts of twists and turns trying to rationalize his liking of Motley Crue. I personally think this is a pretty pointless thing to do. There's no rationalizing anyone liking Motley Crue. They couldn't really play, their songs were fun but stupid and the members of the band are fairly unlikable. Kind of like ugly bullies who are actually good at heart. They aren't interesting at all.
The best thing about the book is his analysis of Ozzy. Really, this is about the best account of the man I have read. I always thought Ozzy was a goofball, though not stupid, just caught up in too many drugs.
But that's about it.
The Bad
There's a particularly pointless chapter about the author getting drunk. It should be deleted. Is he trying to pretend he's a rock star by getting wasted on some cheap alcohol? I just didn't get it.
The overall tone of the writing is sort of - what's the word - hectoring. He's not arguing at some points, he's telling you. At other points he's arguing like a lawyer. I felt uncomfortable at how convinced he is of what he's saying. Doubtless this is the result of many hours of reasoning to oneself alone, which is good because it means thought has gone into what's been written; however I am not sure of whether his stance is "This is what I feel. Here." or whether it is "This is what I feel. Let me explain why."
There's virtually no mention of Ritchie Blackmore. Or Megadeth. Beyond a few stray references here and there. But this is not the worst sin. That is...
The Ugly
NO MENTION OF DEEP PURPLE!!! This is absolutely astonishing. If David Byrne is going to tell me I should read this book, if the author has truly interviewed all the people he claims to have, how is Deep Purple never even mentioned? They form part of the holy trinity of the genesis of metal - Sabbath, Zeppelin and Purple - now how can you possibly leave out anything at all about Purple in a book that describes itself as a heavy metal odyssey through rural North Dakota.
Oh.
Well, okay, I can take this to mean that rural North Dakotans for whatever mysterious reason are not too keen on Deep Purple. But, beyond trite arguments, I found this incredible. Purple are easily one of the most influential bands out there. They rocked, they rolled, and they also wrote long pieces of seemingly intricate melodies. Plus, they may have been the only metal band that could choogle, as John Fogerty encouraged us all to do.
But in the end, most of the book is opinion, and the problem with opinion is that you cannot fault it for being right or wrong. It just is.
The problem is, if this is supposed to represent how I feel about heavy metal - or even 80s glam rock (which would seem equivalent if your only exposure to this genre is through this book) - well then no, it isn't. Which brings me to the basic problem I have with the book:
There's no discussion of the music. Sure you get enough psychoanalysis of lyrics, thematic content, costume, "importance" (what the hell makes Smells like Teen Spirit important whereas say, No Rain isn't?) and on and on. But where is the music talked about? This is what got me into all this nonsense in the first place. I would never ever have gotten so into this music if it wasn't for the rhythms and melodies that metal bands put out. It seems to be therefore that the author was attracted to the music for the wrong reasons. Which makes me say - Don't buy this book.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)