Mydriasis & the Granite Giant

Since I already said how badass Beach House’s new record was months ago, I guess there’s nothing much to talk about. Sure, there were a few records that have came out. Some of them were good. Some of them were disappointing.

And I don’t want to talk about that, because it upsets me. (Neck of the Woods. *cough*)

There are things about music that I can’t quite explain. I can’t explain the sounds that James Horner splices together to make a sweeping composition. I can’t explain how those notes, for inexplicably no reason at all, make my hair stand on end and shivers roll down my spine. I don’t know why an extremely high note that is layered over a steady low tone will relax me. I don’t know why a soft, echoing guitar rift will send me to sleep, even in the most inconvenient situations, and I sure as shit don’t know why bass slides always put a smile on my face.

But I can explain one thing. I can explain why a lyric sends me into all those places. I can explain why a lyric will send me into a whisky drunk, a sober sleep, passionate throws, or silent contemplation…

I don’t own the words. I didn’t write them. I’m not that creative, and I famously have a list of songs that ‘I wish I fucking wrote’. I’m not going to tell you which songs I wish I wrote, but I do want to explore the difference between what the artist means and the way I perceive it on my own.

My thesis: I don’t give a fuck. It took me a long time to decide this. I have no idea what those artists did in their lives. Maybe they have done nothing different than you or I. Maybe they do the same damn boring things; maybe they are just more vocal about it. In fact, I think that is probably the case. Maybe they’re just as unimportant as the rest of us… (I say ‘maybe’ a lot in here… speculate much?)

But their lives are important to them. Just as yours should be to you. We are all one in the same. And now, I think that good lyrics are ones that I can relate my personal experiences to.

I wonder about my parents and their divorce. I listen to the song ‘House Full of Empty Rooms’ by Kathleen Edwards, and I imagine that they felt that way. I’m pretty damn sure.

I think about songs like ‘Cigarettes and Alcohol’ when I’m out for a good drunk.
I think about songs like ‘Bloodbuzz Ohio’ when I’m out for a horrific drunk.
I listen to the Beach Boys when I think I am younger than I am.
I listen to the song ‘Happy’ by the Wrens when I feel exposed.
I listen to ‘When the Levee Breaks’ when I feel like I can kick everyone’s ass.
I listen to Tori Amos and U2 when I am on a plane over the ocean.
I smoke when I listen to Lennon.
I drive fast at night with the windows rolled down to old Deftones.
I drive slow during the day with the windows rolled down to Echo and the Bunnymen.
I pretend to be cool when I listen to V.U. and Discount Guns.
I hide my collection of Lisa Loeb.
I invariably smile to the song ‘Searchlight’ by Aloha.
I like all music for the bedroom, but I prefer a tense voice with a steady cadence. (Great Northern, Silverchair, etc.)
I write letters to people while I listen to Hem.
I imagine being back home when I hear Matchbox 20.
I even think things when Peabo Bryson comes on.

The words become part of the moment. The words become part of the whisky, part of the drive, part of the terrain, the outside, the world, the life, the lover… the moment.

And all we have is a moment.

The lyric that I hate the most, because it’s true -

“I gave me heart to the Army, the only sentimental thing I could think of.” (Hell, the whole damn song… I do love this song though.)

/enjoy.

You Must Run in Airports. (AKA. Whisky Helps Everything)

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 20:09:57 -0400

(The story of 36 hours spent trying to see Noel Gallagher perform in Indianapolis.)

I live in Dallas. It’s a nice city. It’s a great city. (Fuck you, Houston.) However, every great once in a while, Dallas gets the shittiest weather that you can possibly imagine. And last week, we got beat to hell.

Yeah, bad.

The problem with storms is that they also wreck havoc on flights. I had booked myself a flight to Louisville, KY (whisky) in order to meet up with my cousin and head to Indianapolis to see Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds. I’ve always been an unashamed Oasis fan; but there has always been some sort of natural disaster, freak of nature, or act of god that prevented me from seeing this band… for, oh, the last 15 years. That’s bad luck. Noel’s the better of the two, so I naturally wanted to see him. (I’m sure I would have had no problem catching Beady Eye…)

All flights in/out of DFW were put on hold due to the storm. My flight was leaving at 6:34 am the next day. Everyone was telling me that my flight was going to get bumped or blah, blah, blah. Naturally, I was a bit concerned that my flight was going to be delayed, which means, I would miss the show that night. So, I woke up early. I packed my shit, and I headed out the door at 4 am. Plenty of time to get there. I took the Tollway to get there faster. I paid the fucking $19 a day to park right by the terminal, and I left my steel cod-piece at the house so it wouldn’t slow me down through security. Everything went smoothly through security and I was starting to feel better and better about the day. I got myself a smoothie (lame) and a banana and parked my ass in one of those seats at the gate and waited for my flight.

I was sandwiched between a lady with a bum leg and a big ass trench coat and this 49 (just turned – Happy Birthday!) year old woman from Hillsboro, TX. She was nice and attractive; she told me all about her sons and how proud of them she was; and how she was wanting to get to New York because it just seemed like something that she should get done before she turned 50. She was interesting and alive. Ms. Wolfe. It was an engaging conversation, keeping me from silencing her with my earbuds. We walked off the plane together at Houston (plane switch!) and we shook hands. Like good travelers, we wished each other a good journey, I slapped in my earbuds, cranked it up and walked away as cool as I could.

I ate. I drank three Jamesons at Bush (airport), waiting on my next flight to Louisville. That flight sucked. The guy that I was supposed sit next to had a baby that was maybe 2 months old. Cry. Shit. Cry. Shit. I moved, popped in more music, wrote some, and drank some Jack Daniels.

Coming into Louisville, I popped in a cigarette, walked through the airport as fast as I could, got outside, met my cousin and went to the Irish pub for lunch. And I had some more Jameson. Then he went back to work for a bit while I drank Miller High Life (Champagne of Beers, dammit!) and watched Elizabethtown. It seemed right, I was in Louisville, after all.

It was a nice afternoon. I relaxed, and when Brad got home, we drank some more, packed up and started to head to Indy to see Noel. We stopped for a pick-me-up and some Combos. The cashier hit on me, he was a good Christian boy…

And then we were there. Just in time. Curtain drawing back as we walked in the door. And the sun set. And the sun rose. It was amazing. I can’t even begin to describe. I would post some video I took, but all you hear is my screaming lyric after lyric as loudly as I can. (Whisky.) It’s not even worth trying to explain.

This might be as close as I can get you.

The rest was a blur. The ride home. The next morning. The next few whiskys… I ended up on a plane, I landed in Houston. I got on another plane, before I even started to pay attention again. Someone was in my fucking seat. I saw it from midway down the aisle.

I sat down next to this person and said, “I guess I’ll let you sit in my seat.”

“Excuse me?”

“Nevermind…”

And then she just kept talking, so I didn’t shut up either. And we drank and we were merry and loud the whole flight, probably alerting some sort of flight marshal or something… Her flight was a short period of time from landing in Dallas, so in the spirit of drunkenness, we ran together, carelessly and probably not saving any time to get to her next gate.

It was delayed. We drank until they called her name on the intercom.

Cheers, Henna.

{HEYHEYHEY! Support those people that got fucked by the tornado. Dallas Chapter American Red Cross – Donate Here.}

/enjoy

Silversun Pickups - Bloody Mary (Nerve Endings)

Sun, 25 Mar 2012 22:45:34 -0400

Silversun Pickups are set to release their new album, Neck of the Woods , on May 8th. The band’s third full length, I was sure that they would continue down their path of 90s nostalgia/unabashed Smashing Pumpkins loving. I might be wrong. I have mixed feelings about that. I love all their previous efforts; but more importantly, I love that they add just a slightly sharper feel to my beloved shoegaze.

Bloody Mary (Nerve Endings) starts off with an electronic and harmonious symphony that builds like a tidal wave… and then dies off. I was worried. I was afraid that they’d just spent 1:12 on nothing. I’d forgot how nutty Brian Aubert can be. The song keeps you tightly in pocket for the entirety of it’s five minutes and some odd seconds. The drums are still the way they always are (which is not a bad thing!) and the bass drives as normal; but it’s really Joe Lester (the button pusher) that shines this song all the way til the end. (Turn up your monitors and key in at 4:40.) Joe owns this song, which makes me think that SSPU is hopping on the 80s vibe, but this song is too damn spacey to label it like that. It’s part video games, part chant: but the backbone is still shoegaze. I’m pretty sure I’ll still be looking at my feet and driving with the windows down to this album. Can’t wait.

Check out the new track!

Check out the band’s site for pre-order details! (Yellow Wax… Hooray!)

/enjoy

unfortunatelycommon.wordpress.com

Sun, 25 Mar 2012 22:42:31 -0400

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Beach House Blooms

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 18:34:23 -0400

On May 15th, Beach House will release their fourth LP, Bloom . I was lucky enough to get to listen to the album today, and I just can’t really explain how excited I am to put the needle to the wax on this dream-pop masterpiece.

Myth, the first track, was leaked several weeks ago, and shortly thereafter, became available to purchase/preview on most websites/services. I was really excited when I first heard this track. The dreamy vibe of Teen Dream is eroding away in the sands and the nightmare of Bloom is what we are left with. The lyrics (just on Myth) are more personal feeling, more angst-filled, more prone to seclusion.

“Found yourself in a new direction, aeons far from the sun.”

You can really feel the influence of Brian Wilson as they caress the music into a squall of simplicity. The music is rich and full but brittle at the same time. Victoria’s voice burns beautifully, almost Nico-esque, just barely being able to comprehend and decipher what she is even moaning into the microphone…

The rest of the album builds on that frustration. I think there is a chance that the album will get good reviews, but just as High Violet for The National; I think there is also the chance to see some very mixed reviews of Bloom . My guess is that it will be received well, but there will be those reviewers that constantly exercise their penchant to cry, “It sounds like the last album!”

Those fuckers apparently didn’t listen all the way to the last note. The constant craving for the American single is so disgusting to me these days that I can’t really justify buying anything unless it is in album form. I want the full story. I don’t want the instant gratification. I want a complete concept. Bloom is the best album I have put my ears to yet this year, and it hasn’t even released yet.

The track Lazuli comes pumping in like an 8-bit dream and then proceeds to punch you in your chest with electronic verve as thick as the Great Wall for about four or so more minutes. The lyrics are horrific: by that I mean, they conjure up some of the most beautifully grotesque images in my head.

Other notable tracks are the jangling On the Sea and the epic (and personal favorite track on the record) Irene.

The only thing I can say about Irene:

“It’s a strange paradise.”

Check out Myth here.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FuvWc3ToDHg]

Visit the band’s website here.

/enjoy

unfortunatelycommon.wordpress.com

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 18:32:59 -0400

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The State of Media Affairs. (AKA… we all have bad taste.)

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 19:09:01 -0400

So, Natalie Portman said to Zack Braff in some coming-of-age movie (Garden State), that the Shins would change your life… I don’t know who wrote that line, because they are most definitely wrong; however, it is hard to deny the power of movie, marketing, television, etc. to sell records (or at least shuttle popularity). The fact is that media sells music. It puts an image to a feeling and people get goosebumps and then go out and spend their hard earned dollars on their newest obsession. For instance, there’s been a rash of people waltzing up to me and asking me if I have heard of a band called the Veils recently. (I blink strangely because I’m wearing a faded and old Veils shirt…)

“Why, yes… I have heard of the Veils.”

yada yada yada… then some rambling about Jesus for the Jugular being on some television show.

Initially, it generally makes me upset to see bands get their due from a quick snippet on a television show, but I am glad nonetheless… and here are some instances where I shamelessly hopped on the bandwagon thanks to media. (Cheers, television!)

1. Mojave 3 – Running With Your Eyes Close: The only reason I know this band is because of a Sears commercial that aired sometime in 2007. The commercial showed some woman in a flowery dress running through a field or something like that. The music played along perfectly and because of that I searched it out and became a fan. (I’m feeling so generous I am bringing the music to you this time.) Key song to check out by Mojave 3 is the nine minute symphony Bluebird of Happiness.

2. Medicine – Time Baby III: Sure, the song came out about the same time, but the movie locked this band into my top playlist, permanently. The Crow soundtrack is probably one of the best soundtracks I have ever purchased. If you like grunge or shoegaze music, I suggest this OST. The Medicine track to check out Miss Drugstore.

3. The Five Stairsteps – Ooh Child: I’d heard the song plenty of times before, and I have always cared for the song, but it wasn’t until watching a kid’s movie, Bridge to Terabithia, that I really enjoyed the song. Check out Zooey playing part of the song here. (You have to fast forward to 10:10.)

4. The Veils – Vicious Traditions: Even my beloved Veils were off my radar until 2007, when I saw the movie, Mr. Brooks. If you haven’t seen the movie, I recommend it. I don’t own it, but… I kind of wish I did. Listen to a cool Veils song here. (As a side note: most lyrics that you will read on the interweb for this particular track are horribly wrong. BUT, if it makes sense to you, then by all means. After all, there is a bathroom on the right.)

5. Nine Inch Nails – Just Like You Imagined: I’ve always been a fan of NIN, but it was slapping Just Like You Imagined on during the trailer for the movie 300, and I can barely listen to any other record than the Fragile now. Watch the trailer. It’s almost better than the movie.

/enjoy

“I Swear the Next Time I’ll be Better!” (AKA… Sophomore Albums)

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 19:12:00 -0500

A lot of the time, bands come out swinging on their first record. And then, a lot of the time, they shit out. However, there are those cases when the band decides to do a better job on the second record. I feel rather basic; so, I am just going to list them off and say,

“They’re good.”

Dirt by Alice in Chains: followed Facelift.
The Flying Cup Club by Beirut: followed Gulag Orkestar.
Swoon by Silversun Pickups: followed Carnavas.
Siamese Dream by The Smashing Pumpkins: followed Gish.
Nevermind by Nirvana: followed Bleach.
House With No Home by Horse Feathers: followed Blood on the Snow.
Ænima by Tool: followed Undertow.

/enjoy

Seven Singles You Should Own

Sat, 03 Mar 2012 17:08:38 -0500

The single is so under-appreciated these days. We all buy (yes, I said BUY!) one song that we hear/heard on the radio on loop seventy-five times a day, one song that was on that trendy movie soundtrack, or the one song that everyone told me to go buy because it’s popular. But what about those other weird tracks on those singles that never get purchased? I think they call them B-sides? And some of them are absolutely genius. Take a look at some of these singles, as not only the A-side is worth it, the B-side is perhaps even better yet.

1. Mistaken for Strangers – The National, B-side – Blank Slate: I chose this particular single for the simple fact that 8 out of 10 times, I would rather listen to Blank Slate than Mistaken for Strangers. Not because Mistaken for Strangers is a bad song, but I would rather listen to Blank Slate because it is an oddity for the National – slightly more upbeat, still driving.

2. 5ive – Medicine, B-side – Time Baby II: The B-side to one of the greatest tracks on Shot Forth Self Living is a pretty damn important track. It turned into a track called Time Baby III that appeared on the OST for The Crow. The problem? Time Baby II is even better than its successor; it’s lighter, more punchy, and a touch more poppy than the tar and feathered in shoegaze Time Baby III.

3. Who Feels Love? – Oasis, B-side – One Way Road: The song intros with birds chirping and one of the waviest guitar riffs. Noel bathes a little in psychedelia on One Way Road. I’m proud of the senior Gallagher on this track. Well constructed and produced exquisitely, you’ll forget that there was even an A-side to this single.

4. Good Day – The Dresden Dolls, B-side – A Night at the Roses: I have a secret soft spot for the ‘punk cabaret’ duo. Maybe it’s because I got a big sweaty kiss from Amanda Palmer, or maybe it’s because I really enjoy that Bukowski way she delivers her lyrics. The line, “Who says we can’t touch ourselves to keep from getting bored? Nothing else is touching that’s for sure…” is worth a hell of a lot more than the piles of shit-filled jewel cases and sleeves that get called music these days.

5. Lavinia – The Veils, B-side – Citadel: The A-side to this single could be played on loop until I die, and I probably wouldn’t mind. It’s sweeping and dramatic. Maybe over-dramatic. Listen to Citadel and maybe Lavinia is a shell in comparison. Finn Andrews is quite possibly the most masterful lyricist of our day, and I greatly anticipate the release of their next album.

6. Sometimes Always – The Jesus and Mary Chain, B-side – The Perfect Crime: “But it was easy, baby…” That’s probably all I need to say.

7. Paperback Writer – The Beatles, B-side – Rain:You know, I was in a bit of a debate with myself over this, because the problem with a lot of older B-sides is that a good lot of them have songs that are found elsewhere on the LP. But, you can’t get Rain on an album until you start getting into compilations much later on. So, I really love the hell out of Rain. It’s got that dancing bass that Paul is just so damn good at. And yes, this song is 1000 times better than Paperback Writer… but that’s a fun song, too.

/enjoy

Five Records You Should Be Ashamed Not To Own

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 20:41:00 -0500

Let me preface this by saying that:

My opinion is shit.
There are many more than five records you should be ashamed not to own.
They are in no particular order and they might not be new or safe or old or whatever…

BUT, let me say that if you aren’t compelled to immediately buy everything on this list, then you are probably not concerned with music and probably only listen to it when it’s:

On in the car.
At your homecoming dance.
At the club, and you were grinding/getting grinded on (ground, maybe).
On at some retail venue/in a movie/ambiance.

So…

1. Harvest by Neil Young.

Don’t tell my wife, because I pretend to not like Neil Young here and there, but sometimes when I know I’m ‘all alone at last’ I put this record on and just sit in my chair (that rocks back and forth - it’s from IKEA…) and watch the paint chip. It’s a brilliant record.

2. Pet Sounds by The Beach Boys

Sure, it’s considered one of the most influential records of all time, but it’s the blend of insanely complex orchestrations (that include everything from voices to peas snapping) and simple, heartfelt lyrics that create the most beautiful songs ever penned. Key track that had to go through the ringer before Mike Love would let Brian Wilson say what he really wanted to say - Hang On To Your Ego.

3. () by Sigur Rós

This album can best be described as the euphoric adventure of driving your car off a bridge and into a river. You won’t understand a word Jonsi is saying, but it doesn’t matter. When people tell me they listen to music for the feeling (mostly people who listen to hip-hop, strangely enough), I wonder if they have ever heard this guy croon…

4. Howl by Black Rebel Motorcycle Club

I’m a little confused how B.R.M.C. ended up producing a record that felt a little folksy, but this album has a unique feeling. It reminds me of listening to V.U., pretending to be cool. Maybe actually achieving. I’m pretty sure that just wearing a black jacket will get you labeled a fan of this band.

5. Alligator by The National

Buy a bottle (better make it a case) of whisky. Drink. Listen. Repeat. Even if you’re a woman you might come out with a beard when you emerge from your cave. The bad thing about the National… the cave only gets deeper.

—-Enjoy. More to Follow.

Photo

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 19:28:37 -0500