Beck

We talked about Beck the other day in class and I have loved listening to his old early albums. Songs such as "Que Onde Guero" "E-Pro" "Where its At" and "Girl" are some of my favorites. I would embed a video but for some reason my youtube isn't working... oh well. His use of electronic-grunge sounds are really impressive because he keeps his music from sounding "electro" in the sense that Beck's beat is not solely computerized, but incorporates grunge/techno sounds in addition to guitar and drums (for example in the beginning of "Girl"). This combination of genres is what really drew me to Beck. I have yet to listen to his new album, and from what we sampled in class, I can already  tell its very different. It sounds much slower and mellow, almost like really really soft rock. The small bit I did hear surprised me because I was so used to hearing him with a rough, raw voice and his new album was quite the opposite. I look forward to listening to his new stuff and comparing it to the old -- hopefully I'll like it just as much. 

I Am Trying To Break Your Heart

I watched the Wilco documentary you lent me with my dad earlier this week and it was soooo good. I really enjoyed all of the insight into the Loft studio in addition to a look into Jeff Tweedy's personal life. I didn't know he had been suffering from intense migraines & vomiting since elementary school, and had to miss a substantial amount of schooling when he was younger. It was also really interesting to witness the fighting between Jay and Jeff (personally, I took Jeff's side on the arguments shown because he seemed to be the most reasonable... but they were both being slightly ridiculous at times). My all time favorite part was hearing Heavy Metal Drummer in the making, along with all of the other songs on "Yankee Hotel Foxtrot." Seeing film from the studio was the best part and I really want to watch the other disc sometime, with live concert footage. Watching the band I've grown up with with my dad was a great experience so thank you for letting me borrow it!

Panic! At The Disco

So last Wednesday, kendall and I went I a free acoustic showing of Panic! At The Disco. I had an opportunity to go to their real concert that same night but couldn't make it, so I took the next best thing. it turns out this was even better! I don't normally listen to Panic, I know a song or two, but a couple days before I decided to look them up and check out their top hits. I really like "Miss Jackson," "I Write Sins not Tragedies," and "This is Gospel." Brendon Urie (lead vocals) lead a hilarious free show with his two band mates. he was so charismatic and extremely skilled that I never wanted the show to end. To top it off, acoustic versions of any song always appeal to me, so this was one of the best concerts I've been to. Despite my lac of familiarity, I had a lot of fun just listening to the raw talent these guys had and plan to attend many more Waterloo Records free shows. I have some videos on my phone and looking back on then you can really hear the full range and amazing tone of Brendon's voice, it was so great to go listen and have this experience.

My Own Two Songs

for the songs of our choice, I chose "You Only Live Once" by The Strokes and "I Turn My Camera On" by Spoon. These two songs are some of my absolute favorites and have been such for many years. I love love love the guitar in "You Only Live Once," its one of my favorite sounds and is iconic, to me at least. The Stokes is one of my favorite bands and that was the first song that i heard by them. ITMCO by Spoon was also one of the first Spoon songs I had ever heard. the high vocals and rhythmic guitar/drums are soothing to me, which sounds kind of strange, but its true. Spoon is my favorite Austin band and when I saw them in concert they put on a FLAWLESS show. 

Additionally, I really liked Anton's self-recorded song. The guitar was really cool and very impressive, which is pretty good for me considering I rarely listen to purely instrumental music! 

Chance the Rapper

Chance the Rapper is a really cool guy that i discovered pretty recently... He has a signature "yelp" that he does in each song that is really funny to me. Plus, I just really enjoy his music. Chance is coming to JMBLYA this year in New Braunfels in May and I CANT GO. I am very upset. Regardless, I like his album Acid Rap a lot and have been listening to it on the way to school. His sound is very distinct to me and thats what peaked my interest from the very beginning. You should listen to "Favorite Song" (which happens to be my favorite...ha ha) featuring Childish Gambino, as well as "Pusha Man."

Frank Ocean

Heather played Frank Ocean as her in-class song choice which was awesome because I happen to love him. Frank Ocean is a great artist with an impressive vocal range and calm, soothing sound. She played "Super Rich Kids" which is a great song that I think is extremely relevant today, especially with the materialistic obsessions that have overcome the American youth. Frank Ocean is not only significant in terms of his music, but as an artist he is an openly gay and extremely successful man, a real icon for the kids of today. I think the importance of his coming-out letter really gave others the confidence needed to embrace themselves and who they really are.

"Pyramids" -- yes that is John Mayer on the lefthand side...

"Thinkin Bout You" -- his voice sounds so insane in this song its crazy

Phantogram

Phantogram has a really cool electronic sound that I would compare to Cherub and Purity Ring. Conveniently, Phantogram AND Cherub are coming to SXSW. Just a thought. Anyway, Phantogram is one of my favorite bands right now, and I've been listening more to the electronic sound with some rock aspects and high female vocals that somehow tie in together. Josh Carter, one of two band members along with Sarah Barthel, describes his sound as "street beat, psych pop" with "lots of rhythms, swirling guitars, spacey keyboards, echoes, airy vocals." My favorite song by Phantogram right now is called "Fall in Love" and unfortunately I cannot find a good live video, so here's the audio:

Red Hot Chili Peppers

The controversy surrounding the Red Hot Chili Peppers is definitely frustrating for certain people, those fans (much like yourself) who are dedicated to their music and consequently let down. I do believe that lip-syncing detracts from the artist's name, career, and authority. In this case, the RHCP carelessly put together a fake performance and showed signs of disregard for their own so-called "sacred" music. That being said, I don't believe this is as huge of a scandal that the media is making it out to be. Yes, people came to see live music and watch the RHCP (who were randomly paired with Bruno Mars... I really didn't understand that grouping...) sing in front of them. Yes, I believe they cheated their audience, both loyal fans and mere football enthusiasts. However, in the grand scheme of things, it won't make a lasting effect. Beyonce, an incredibly talented artist, lip-synced at the Presidential Inauguration. I wouldn't want to screw up that performance either. Regardless, whether the RHCP pre-recorded a track due to stage fright or sheer indifference, the fact that their inability to even plug in a fake cord says more about their attitude than the lack of a live performance.