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