UPDATE: Ok... after reading some of your comments about the different headers, I have actually decided to put it to a vote. A copy of the 3rd header is now located at the bottom of the post. Take a look at all three, and let me know which one you think I should use. I like all three so much, it's too hard to decide! Ok... vote away!
While I really kind of liked the multi-colored featheresque header that I was able to procure as a ready-made item from tblog, I have decided to go the route of the custom header. In an act of complete and utter generosity two, [b]count 'em two[/b], fellow bloggers made me two utterly yummy headers.
The first comes from my tblog-buddy [url=http://brogonzo.tblog.com]brogonzo[/url] who made me this delightfully music oriented header, which I really loved....
=http://img23.photobucket.com/...
The next header resulted from my entry in a blogging contest that I, ironically, lost and yet won the prize. Go figure! [url=http://fatalfame.tblog.com]Fatalfame[/url] is responsible for this masterpiece, which has a goth flavor that I really dig...
=http://img23.photobucket.com/...
And here is the 3rd header for you consideration which was actually made for me by someone outside of the blogging world.
=http://img23.photobucket.com/...
At any rate, please let me know what you think, making sure to oooooh and aaaaaaah over those that were given to me and that I will store in reserve for a later date. (I find that a girl just can't have too many headers!) :)
[b]NOTE: Please let me clarify that in the post below, when I use the term "album cover" I also include cover art inserts found in CDs. I just use "album cover" as a general term. Thanks! :) [/b]
But album covers are an entirely different story...
So... what's our topic boys and girls? The Best Album Covers Ever! (Rolling Stone did a similar list a few years back, and I will post their results when I post ours).
Of course... I have a list of favorites, but in what is rapidly becoming a tradition, I will turn the list over to you first. You can list as many artists/covers as you like, but I think it would be especially cool if you related at least a snippet of why each image speaks to you. (Also, if you plan to include images in your post... crop 'em just a wee bit for me ~ thanks!).
Whoa! Once again I find myself overwhelmed by the number or responses I received to this latest question. I'm so grateful to everyone who made suggestions. Furthermore, the quality of the responses is just stellar. It's very reassuring to find that so many people are just as passionate about the music they love as I am. (Hmmm... maybe I'm not as much of a nerd as I originally thought).
Originally, my plan was to organize the suggestions into genres, but as I was going through them myself, I got a kick out of seeing who suggested what, so I've decided to approach this much like that old episode of Sienfeld in which Elaine falls in love with Vincent from the video store, whose movie "picks" speak to her.
Finally, one additional note, in doing some research on your suggestions, I found that some were in fact signed to major labels or had enjoyed some radio play or songs featured of popular television/movie soundtracks, but in the end I decided that all "lesser known or underappreciated artists" (as dragonbait22 called them) deserved recognition. And besides... good music is good music. :)
Artist: [url=www.breesharp.com]Bree Sharp[/url] Genre/Description: Pop/Folk Comment: "she's my favorite singer. i found out about her through a soundtrack i got, she's amazing and not many people know her... her most known song is "david duchovny" which was featured in the xfiles i believe."
Artist: [url=www.lexistreet.com]Lexi Street[/url] Genre/Description: Southern/Pop Comment: "shes got a southern soft pop sound to her. and her song "missing out" is a killer."
Artist: [url=http://www.taramaclean.com/]Tara MacLean [/url] Genre/Description: soft/pop Comment: "she's your typical soft pop singer but very unheard of. she's pretty good, i like her voice. its soothing." ***Author's Note: Tara MacLean is on Nettwork Records which puts out a LOT of great artists. If you like Tara, you should check out others on the Nettwork label.
Artist: [url=http://www.sheaseger.com/]Shea Seger[/url] Genre/Description: pop Comment: "she's amazing. and completely addicting."
Artist: [url=http://www.travoltas.com/]The Travoltas[/url] Genre/Description: Punk Comment: "a Beach Boys/Punk group who are signed with Fastmusic."
Artist: [url=http://www.ofarevolution.com/...]OAR[/url] (Of A Revolution) Genre/Description: reggae/rock/folk Comment: "they've just signed with a member of the Evil Empire."
Artist: [url=http://www.fastmusic.fi/index...]Ignite[/url] Genre/Description: Punk Comment: "a political punk group featuring a Hungarian lead singer."
Artist: [url=http://www.flemingandjohn.com...]Fleming and John[/url] Genre/Description: indie/rock Comment: "Fleming has a very unique and amazing voice and their music is great, though it does take a bit of getting used to."
Artist: [url=http://www.bigheadtodd.com/]Big Head Todd & the Monsters[/url] Genre/Description: alt-rock/alt-country Comment: "Very good chill music."
Artist: [url=http://www.allmusic.com/cg/am...]The The[/url] Genre/Description: rock Comment: "chilling vocals and insightful lyrics." ***Author's Note: There is little to no information on the web about this band. If you have other resources please feel free to share.
Artist: [url=http://www.google.com/search?...+Simone]Nina Simone[/url] Genre/Description: jazz/blues Comment: "incredible voice, very unique."
Artist: [url=http://www.hoodoogurus.net/]Hoodoo Gurus[/url] Genre/Description: alt-rock Comment: another 80s alternative band, very upbeat with great music and lyrics."
Artist: [url=url=http://www.frankbango.com/Fra...]Frank Bango [/url] Genre/Description: rock Comment: "reminds me a bit of Elvis Costello, but just a little."
Artist: [url=http://www.djrhythms.com/db/l...]Ke[/url] Genre/Description: alt-rock/alt-country Comment: "Only had one album out (Strange World), but it is one I can play over and over. His voice defies description."
Artist: [url=http://www.starresource.com/S...+Funny+Car/]Alcohol Funny Car[/url] Genre/Description: pseudo-punk Comment: "Not as hard and fast paced as Dead Kennedys, but not the typical rock."
Artist: [url=http://www.oklahoma.net/~jlondon/sdre.html]Sunny Day Real [/url] Estate Genre/Description: see abpve Comment: see above
Artist: [url=http://www.subpop.com/bands/c... ]Codeine[/url] Genre/Description: melancholy-rock Comment: "fairly slow paced... their Frigid Stars LP was my favorite...."
Artist: [url=http://www.southern.com/south...]Fugazi [/url] Genre/Description: grunge Comment: "I don't listen to them unless I am in a particular mood, but still faithfully get their albums."
Artist: [url=http://www.allmusic.com/cg/am...]Air[/url] Genre/Description: lounge electronica Comment: "I am going to see them in April for the first time. I can only hope their show is good. I'll have to report back."
Artist: [url=http://www.glurp.com/]Grand Champeen[/url] Genre/Description: rock Comment: "People have compared them to vintage Soul Asylum and Replacements."
[u]Intheshadow's Picks: [/u]
Artist: [url=http://www.trespasserswilliam...]Trespassers William[/url] Genre/Description: dreamy/ethereal alt-country Comment: "fantastic" ***Author's Note: Agreed! I LOVE this band.
Whew! You people suggested a lot of music! Ok, here's what I have to contribute:
[u]Juniperflux's Picks:[/u]
Artist: [url=http://www.adequacy.net/revie...]Bon Voyage[/url] Genre/Description: alt-pop/synth pop Comment: Synth pop+twee vocals with a decidely rock edge. Delicious!
Artist: [url=http://www.brookville.com/]Brookville[/url] Genre/Description: synth-pop Comment: Andy Chase of Ivy strikes out on his own for this debut CD... I love the song "Walking on Moonlight."
Artist: [url=www.chandeen.com]Chandeen [/url] Genre/Description: goth-pop Comment: A wonderful German band that specializes in atmospheric music and mournful lyrics. Darkly beautiful.
Artist: [url=www.innocencemission.com]The Innocence Mission[/url] Genre/Description:pop-folk Comment: IM is one of my favorite bands. I see reviews in which they compared to The Sundays and Over The Rhine... but the truth is there really is no comparison. They have been around for over a decade, and NPR just voted their latest CD Befriended album of the year... but they have yet to enjoy any mainstream success.
Artist: [url=http://web.lanterna.tv/]Lanterna[/url] Genre/Description: Instrumental/Alt-country/ Folk Comment: Henry Frayne's guitar work is distinctive and amazing.
Artist: [url=www.thearrogants.com]The Arrogants[/url] Genre/Description: pop Comment: Again, another of my most favorite bands. For the most part, this is quiet stuff with beautiful accoustic arrangements and sweet twee vocals -- the key here, again though, is the heartbreaking lyrics. The Arrogants provide the perfect soundtrack to a broken heart.
Artist: [url=www.bethanycurve.com]Bethany Curve[/url] Genre/Description: shoegaze/guitar-rock Comment: I think this is one of the best bands the shoegaze genre has to offer. They recently released their 5th album... and they just keep getting better and better.
Artist: [url=http://www.chairkickers.com/]Low [/url] Genre/Description: lo-fi/slowcore/indie-rock Comment: I love this band. Their music is delicate and hypnotic.
The truth is, I could probably think of a hundred more... but this is a good place to start. I hope some of you will take chance and check out some of the bands mentioned here. (I know I plan to explore several of the bands that have been suggested.) Thanks again to everyone who commented... and happy listening!
Several readers have commented on not knowing who many of the bands I reference on this page are. There's a fairly good reason for this. The vast majority of music that I listen to is put out by bands who are either on indie labels or who self-produce their own music.
So... how do people find out about independent artists? Well, there are a few ways:
Of course the interenet is a great source. There are lots of people out there writing about independent music, (myself included), and of course, lots of bands promote their stuff on-line.
Personally, however, I think the best way to find out about new music is through word of mouth. I have been very lucky in regards to that. I've been fortunate in so much as people are always introducing me to new music. Just when I think there couldn't possibly any more new genres or bands to discover, someone like Jonathan comes along and opens up a whole new world to me. It's amazing... and I'm so grateful.
So... that's what this list will be about. Spreading the word about new bands that very few people have heard of, but that you think are stellar and deserve some recognition. Just as with the last list, I'll give people a couple of days to make suggestions, and then I will sprinkle it with fairy dust and post our findings.
I am particularly excited about this, because the discovery of new music is one of the most thrilling things I know of. (Yes, I know... I need a life). Ideally, we'll be able to come up with a terrific list of new bands to discover.
Ok... so here are the rules:
list as many bands as you want.
the band(s) you suggest should still be relatively unknown. (If you're not sure about the obscurity of the band you love, just ask yourself if they can be heard on mainstream radio. If the answer is no... then bring 'em on!)
if possible, provide at least a genre for the band (ie: jazz, goth, folk, or in [url=http://brogonzo.tblog.com]brogonzo's [/url] case, hair-metal). If you're not sure about the genre [url=http://shadowmusic.tblog.com]check this out,[/url] or just give me a tiny description.
Once again, I have a list of my own in mind, but I'll wait until the end to share those along with yours. In the meantime, I look forward to reading your comments... and thanks again to [url=http://dragonbait22.tblog.com...]dragonbait22[/url] who has apparently become my muse.
WOW! What a great response. Thank you so much for all your comments! What great fun it was to read all of your suggestions and then spend hours trying to get songs like "Rico Suave" and "I Touch Myself" out of my head. (Again, thanks a bunch *couch*).
Before I get to my list, I want to take a look at some of your suggestions. Because I am a control freak, I have organized them into neat little catagories:
[u]Two Hit Wonders: [/u] These are bands/songs that some of you suggested but that unfortunately did not meet the "one hit wonder" requirements:
"Strip" by[url=http://www.adam-ant.net/] Adam Ant[/url] ~~ Great song, but unfortunately for us, and fortunately for Adam, he also had a hit with "Goody Two Shoes." (Don't drink? Don't Smoke? What do you do?)
"Take on Me" by [url=http://www.a-ha.com/]A-Ha[/url] ~~ Their later hit "The Sun Always Shines on TV" wasn't quite as big, but it still cracked the top 20.
"Blame It On The Rain" by [url=http://www.coe.ilstu.edu/port...]Milli Vanilli[/url] ~~ Even though TECHNICALLY these boys never had a legitimate hit, they did lip sinc their way back to the top with "Girl You Know It's True."
"Amadeus" by [url=http://www.falco.at/]Falco[/url] ~~ "Der Kommisser" was certainly a hit (and Jeanny sort of was).
"The Locomotion" by [url=http://www.kylie.com/]Kylie Minogue[/url] ~~Super hottie Kylie came back in 2001 with her big hit "Fever."
"You" by [url=http://www.maverickrc.com/can...]Candlebox[/url] ~~As [url=http:dumblondegirl.tblog.com ]dumblondegirl[/url] pointed out, Cadlebox also had a hit with "Far Behind."
"You Can't Touch This" by [url=http://www.delafont.com/music...]MC Hammer[/url] ~~Mr. Balloon Pants himself didn't take a dive until after he had also brought the world "Too Legit To Quit!"
[u]It's a WONDER they were hits![/u] These were songs I had tried to forget, but thanks to all of you, I will now need years of musical therapy... no explaination needed.
[url=http://www.jimi-hendrix.com/]Jimi Hendrix:[/url] Believe it or not, Jimi Hendrix was technically a one hit wonder. Thanks to information provided to me by [url=http://falseexistence.tblog.c...]falseexistence[/url] I learned that Hendrix, despite his influence on music of all types, only ever had one hit to crack to top 20. Amazing.
[u]Your Wonderful One Hit Wonders[/u] I couldn't agree more with these...
"Mickey" by [url=http://www.swinginchicks.com/...]Toni Basil[/url] ~~I couldn't believe that nobody answered my trivia question about Toni Basil's appearance in one of the GREAT classic cult movies of all time!! C'mon people!
"Torn" by [url=http://www.natalie-imbruglia....]Nathalie Umbruglia[/url] ~~ Technically, Natalie has had SEVERAL hits outside of the US... but since Americans generally believe that the world revolves around the lower 48, who am I to argue?
"Tainted Love" by [url=http://www.marcalmond.co.uk/]Soft Cell[/url] ~~ Oh my stars! This song *almost* got my vote for #1 One Hit Wonder of All Time... not many men have the chops to remake a Gloria Jones song, but Marc Armond did it fabulously. PLUS, that song was like 20 minutes long! [url=http://www.stereosociety.com/...]Here's [/url] a pretty interesting article on the song, if you're interested.
"Jenny 867-5309" by [url=http://members.aol.com/Oxym0r...]Tommy Tutone[/url] ~~ For reasons that should be obvious to at least some of you, I really *hate* this song.
"Come On Eileen" by [url=http://www.spiritonline.com/d...]Dexy's Midnight Runners[/url] ~~ This song knocked Michael Jackson's Billie Jean from the top spot in 1983. Plus, I've said it once, and I'll say it again... GREAT overalls!
"Stay" by [url=http://www.geocities.com/dexx...]Shakespeare's Sister[/url] ~~ After a bit more research, I realized that I *DID* know this song after. Superb lyrics that totally remind me of the person who suggested the song to me.
"Mexican Radio" by [url=http://www.geocities.com/vieu...]Wall of Voodoo[/url] ~~ Absolutely GREAT song. When I was in college, a boy I knew used to sing it all the time... we all thought he was crazy. :)
"She Blinded Me With Science" by [url=http://www.thomasdolby.com/]Thomas Dolby[/url] ~~ Again, a classic. Dolby was before his time.
"99 Red Balloons" by [url=http://www.eightyeightynine.c...]Nena[/url] ~~ Honestly, this album had at least one other song that I thought was FAR better than this track.
[url=http://www.vh1.com/shows/seri...]Here[/url] is a link to their top 20. You'll probably not be suprised to note that MANY of the songs you suggested are on this list. However, I take issue with their #1 -- which is ALSO one that at least two of you suggested. (You'll have to click to find out). Below are a few of my personal favorites that either a.) did not make the list at all or b.) were not in the top 20: (not in any real order)
Ok... at long last, here is my #1 pick, (which coincidently is far removed from Vh1's pick).
Drum Roll....
"Video Killed The Radio Star" by [url=http://www.rushw.com/buggles/...]The Buggles[/url] ~~ Not only is this a GREAT song, but it was the first video MTV ever played. I find this immensley significant.... much more so than Vh1's choice.
However, as always, you are welcome to disagree... And Thanks again to everyone who suggested songs. Let's do this again, shall we?
Recently I had the pleasure, (or perhaps misfortune is a better word), to catch the last few minutes of a VH1 program called [i]One Hit Wonders. [/i]For those of you who missed this masterpiece of cinema for the small screen, the basic premise consisted of William Shatner counting down the top 100 [i]one hit wonders [/i]of all time. Being the complete music nerd that I am, I found this very interesting and was, of course, rivited to the screen. However, the word disappointment does not even begin to describe my reaction to who VH1 eventually crowned as their #1 [i]one hit wonder [/i]of all time.
*shakes her head*
Now... I realize that some of you may have seen the show and already know who VH1 picked, but for those of you who did not, I'm going to wait and post their faves later. For now, let's create our own list of [i]one hit wonders[/i], shall we? Of course, normally at this point I would create my own list, (and believe me, I have a list already in mind), but it was recently suggested to me by [url=http://dragonbait22.tblog.com...]"dragonbait22" [/url] in response to an earlier blog, that I quit being such a control freak and let you all make the list... and then I can comment on it later. So... here goes nothing.
The only rules to this game are these:
#1 The song you suggest must in fact be the only *hit* enjoyed by the band/artist.
#2 The song you suggest must have actually been a hit.
#3 And if you like, let me know why your song should rank amongst the greatest [i]one hit wonders [/i]of all time.
So... you suggest the songs (as many as you like) and after a day or so, I'll sprinkle the entire mixture with secret sauce and viola! The new and improved [i]one hit wonder [/i]list will be revealed.
In response to a recent blog, "Olygirl71" posed a question about what kind of music she should allow her two preteen girls to listen to. Olygirl71 seemed to have 2 major concerns regarding her girls' musical options:
#1 That the music be appropriate for their age and maturity.
#2 That the music not be so horrific that it would "drive her to drink."
Olygirl71 also noted that the idea of letting her youngest daughter listen to the likes of Christina Spears and Britney Aguilera (sorry, I get them mixed up), was particularly distastesful.
After careful consideration, this is my response: Let them listen to what they want, even if it drives you crazy.
Let me explain:
First of all, I think it goes without saying that there are very few people out there who find "music" such as the mass produced likes of Britney, Christina and the "boy band of the month" less appealing than yours truly. Not only do I despise such tripe, and refuse to acknowledge is as actual music, but I also find the messages wrapped up in the marketing packages that truly ARE these bands/artists to be particularly [url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/he...]dangerous for teenage girls. [/url] However, I also happen to spend the greater part of my day with people of the teenage persuasion, and if there is one thing I know to be true about these slighly smaller versions of ourselves, it is that the more you DON'T want them to listen to it, the more they WILL want to listen to it. But that's not all. Not only will they want to listen to it, but they WILL listen to it. Believe me, they'll find a way. (The next think you know, there will be boys sleeping in their closets!) Further, your "banishment" of it will only lend validity to an "artform" that clearly deserves none.
Instead, let them listen to what they want to... BUT talk to them about what makes music good and what makes it bad. Discuss with them the way in which some music is created specifically to make money and how true art is something different. Just like anything else in life, you can't be with them 24 hours a day, but you can arm them with the insight and tools to make good and informed choices when you're not around to lead the way. Another way to do that is to expose them to other types of music. Take them to an opera. Turn off the TV and make them listen to different kinds of music, and then have them research the artist/composer on the internet. For every CD they buy that they want, tell them they also have to buy one from another genre of music. They will likely protest, but in the end they will remember it and be better for it. (Thanks mom for making me listen to Scheherazade and Bobby Darin!) Fill their palets with a broad variety of colors and let them paint their own musical canvas.
In the end, all three of you will be better if they always feel they can come to you and share the new band they've found. If might be "just music," but, music is just one of the ways in which teenagers define and find themselves, and I know you want to be a part of that... not someone standing on the outside looking in.
Besides, if you REALLY can't stand what they come up with, you can always shut the bedroom door.
What follows are a few reviews I've done in the last year for LT, but that I have not posted here. There are probably several more, but in doing a recent google search on LT, these popped up on various band sites, etc. Anyway, enjoy ~ and as always, feel free to comment.
It took two years for The Arrogants to follow up their debut release Your Simple Beauty, (also on Shelflife Records), but it was certainly worth the wait. While the combination of playful and shoe-gaze reminiscent guitars accompanied by airy female vocals is not a new trend in the world of indie music, The Arrogants rise to the top as the crčme among such bands with their succinct arrangements and flawlessly minimalist production that allows their California-dream-pop sound to shine through. However, what separates The Arrogants from their counterparts is not only the simple perfection of Jana Wittren’s vocals, but also the pinpoint accuracy of their often mournful and always powerful lyrics. With its infectious pop-melodies and delicate female vocals, it’s easy to come away from Nobody’s Cool with comparisons to bands like The Sundays, or K Records’ The Softies. However, next to The Arrogants, the music of these clearly talented musicians seems lyrically vacant and emotionally hollow. With turns of phrase such as “I spent my whole life thinking of you / never mind what I intended to do / I waited my whole life just for you / but now I don't know where to find you / the distance between us hides you / I can't stay here wishing you loved me too,” (from The Distance Between Us), Nobody’s Cool is both an emotional and auditory delight. In Another Cold Morning, Jana coos “it's no longer enough / to lull myself to sleep / to a perfect tune / or gorgeous melody…” However, this is exactly what The Arrogants manage to create over and over again. Nobody’s Cool, the 9 track EP from Shelflife Records, is not only a worthy follow up to their arresting debut, but also a tantalizing tease for true Arrogants fans who continue to look forward to future music from this truly beautiful band.
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[url=www.projekt.com]Audra [/url] Going to the Theatre Projekt Records
The Audra homepage at Projekt Records describes the music of these relatively young goth-rockers as lying “somewhere between a Tim Burton landscape and a Dorian Gray painting….” Nowhere is this provocative description more evident than in their second release Going To The Theatre. From its opening notes, it’s very easy to recognize, Going to the Theatre as being reminiscent of the best of Love and Rockets, David Bowie and Iggy Pop. However, to dismiss this album as a mere throwback to these obvious influences is not only a disservice, but also entirely inaccurate. Musically rich and varied, the Helm brothers show off their considerable talent in arrangements that range from hard hitting and contagious to fragile and passionate while always deeply rooted in pure darkwave and goth-rock at its best. Indeed, while the opening track, Midnight Moon Swing, heaves with thick rhythmic percussion and potent, electric-charged guitar, the album’s title track provides a pure, scaled down acoustic background for Bret’s throaty, velvet vocals, yet both are equally powerful and showcase the diversity of this Arizona based band. Lyrically, Going to the Theatre, tells a unique story in each of its individual tracks, and while somewhat inconsistent in quality, together they provide the listener with assorted perspectives and a varied lyrical landscape to explore. Rounding out this impressive album is Don’t End This Time, in which the theme of universal loneliness is directly addressed in a powerful yet melancholy arrangement that brings to mind the best qualities of Human Drama, while maintaining a vision that is clearly and uniquely Audra.
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BLEU REDHEAD (Aware)
Boston based Bleu got his big break last year when his guitar driven lament “Somebody Else” was included on the Spiderman Soundtrack. Unfortunately, “Somebody Else” turned out to be a completely forgettable song that left neither a pleasant nor pungent taste in the listener’s mouth. Sadly, Bleu continues this trend with his latest release, Redhead, (on which "Somebody Else" again appears). Redhead, is a tightly produced compilation of radio-ready power-pop tunes that seem aimed directly at mainstream mediocrity – and it hits that bullseye dead on. The opening track “Get Up,” a percussion heavy call to arms designed to inspire the listener to climb out of his/her respective slumps and join the living, falls short of reaching this goal with a lackluster hook that feels monotonous rather than motivating. “Get Up” is followed up by the melodically more complex “I Won’t Go Hollywood,” an anti-establishment anthem that seeks to define Bleu as a misunderstood alt-rocker, paving his own way among his plastic – sell out – counterparts. The only problem is that underneath the sideburns, the majority of Bleu’s efforts on Redhead leave us with little more than just processed cheese: completely benign and utterly inoffensive tracks that lack real personality or any hint of innovation. However, despite the disappointing totality of Redhead there are a few moments on the CD that suggest, ever so slightly, that there is more to Bleu than this release would have us believe. The album’s fourth track “We’ll Do It Again” is a guitar heavy pop ballad that manages to mix in a satisfying strings arrangement while challenging Bleu’s vocal capabilities, calling to mind Ben Folds and Cheap Trick without being transparently plagiaristic. Redhead’s brightest moment comes on the album’s 7th track “Watching You Sleep,” a quirky little song about stalking the object of ones desire rather than working on the real problems plaguing the loveable stalker's life. Vocally, Bleu seems comfortable on this track, and its distorted production coupled with slightly off-centered lyrics, are pleasantly reminiscent of Beck’s recent foray into dark ballads on Sea Change. Regrettably, these brief flashes of individuality and musical inspiration are too few and too fleeting to make Redhead a viable choice for discerning listeners - who find little satisfaction in the one-size-fits-all mentality that guides commercial/mainstream radio, and to which Redhead seems perfectly suited.
=http://img23.photobucket.com/... So... my disdain for the corporate blood suckers over at the RIAA is no secret. To be honest, for a long time now, what has bothered me most about the RIAA has been the combination of unbridled audacity and complete idiocy that they seem to exhibit with each passing day. When I think about the RIAA, two sayings, (that will forever be linked with two very dear friends of mine), come to mind:
"I don't know how you walk with balls that big..." (Marlene)
And...
"They just don't know what they don't know..." (Brenda)
But now I have a whole NEW reason to despise these folks. Thanks to [url=http://www.negativland.com/al...]this article[/url] by Steve Albini, who produced Nirvana's [i]In Utero[/i], which is sickening. (Note: the article is sickening, not Nirvana). I encourage everyone to read it, but since I know most of you won't, at least take a look at the spreadsheet which outlines how the RIAA screws artists out of their money. It is preceeded by a very detailed explaination of how bands get sucked into signing bogus deals. Albini then states:
"These figures are representative of amounts that appear in record contracts daily. There's no need to skew the figures to make the scenario look bad, since real-life examples more than abound."
I won't bore you with all the details [url=http://www.negativland.com/al...](because you should just read them yourself), [/url] but the bottom line is that after all is said and done the artist ends up in the hole (In Albini's example they owed the record company [b]$ -14,000[/b] Where as the record company came out with a gross profit of [b] $ 7l0,000 [/b]
Albini's final example showed the following:
[b]The Balance Sheet: This is how much each player got paid at the end of the game. [/b]
Record company: $ 710,000 Producer: $ 90,000 Manager: $ 51,000 Studio: $ 52,500 Previous label: $ 50,000 Agent: $ 7,500 Lawyer: $ 12,000 Band member net income each: $ 4,031.25
Followed by:
"The band is now 1/4 of the way through its contract, has made the music industry more than 3 million dollars richer, but is in the hole $14,000 on royalties. The band members have each earned about 1/3 as much as they would working at a 7-11, but they got to ride in a tour bus for a month. The next album will be about the same, except that the record company will insist they spend more time and money on it. Since the previous one never "recouped," the band will have no leverage, and will oblige. The next tour will be about the same, except the merchandising advance will have already been paid, and the band, strangely enough, won't have earned any royalties from their T-shirts yet. Maybe the T-shirt guys have figured out how to count money like record company guys." [url=http://www.negativland.com/al...](Seriously, read the article).[/url]
Ya... it sucks that bad.
But what can we do about it? [url=http://www.boycott-riaa.com/p...]This guy [/url] seems to think that if we all band together in a united effort, we can bring the RIAA to its knees. That's a nice idea, but I've been on planet earth long enough now to know that, that isn't exactly how things go. However, I do plan to buy a [url=http://www.boycott-riaa.com/p...]t-shirt.[/url] And then I plan to support independent artists and buy music from [url=www.cdbaby.com]independent distributors. [/url] Not only will I be able to sleep better at night knowing that none of my money has been used to line the pockets of record label executives. (Note: 85% of all music produced is done so by 5 labels), but the music is infinitely better anyway.
Lately, I have been thinking quite a bit about Johnny Cash. I'm sure that's partly due to his recent death, but even prior to his last days, a rising curiousity has been needling me regarding the recent surge in his popularity -- especially amongst a generation far too young to have seen him at his prime. And yet, everywhere I turn, some pop-punk-newbie is crediting [i]the man in black[/i] for being his muse. Something about this connection just doesn't seem to make sense to me... and so for the last several weeks I've been trying to make the pieces of this puzzle fit together.
Now, don't get me wrong, as someone who is deathly allergic to country music, I am also keenly aware of the fact that it simply doesn't get any cooler than Johnny Cash. I can remember distinctly listening to my mom's copy of the [u]Live at San Quentin[/u] album as a kid. The scratchy vinyl coupled with Johnny's bottomless leathery voice: "hello, I'm Johnny Cash." ~ It's impossible not to be mesmerized. Not to mention, Johnny was [url=http://www.toptown.com/hp/66/...]dangerous[/url] : "I shot a man in Reno just to watch him die...." and [url=http://www.toptown.com/hp/66/...]real[/url] "dealin' cards with the old men in the club car, penny a point, ain't no one keepin' score, pass the paper bag that holds the bottle, and feel the wheels grumblin' neath the floor.... " and [url=http://www.toptown.com/hp/66/...]flawed[/url] : "at my door the leaves are falling, a cold wild wind has come, sweethearts walk by together, and I still miss someone...." But more than that, Johhny Cash's music reflected the values that he lived and died by. His loyalties, loves, convictions and addictions were all spread out in the open in each of his compositions, exposing the most vulnerable part of himself, and us.
And yet, that still leaves the question of his recent popularity. In doing a little research on the subject, I came across this [url=http://www.reckonmag.com/arti...]article[/url], which I think really hits the nail on the head. It's a long one but this paragraph sums up the truths I've been grappling with:
"In a time when girl/boy bands and hip-hop dominate the music industry commercially, Cash offers an appealing alternative of mature love, remorseful violence, and traditional religion. Having lived through enough hard times, heartache, and drug abuse to fuel a marathon run of VH-1 "Behind The Music" specials, Cash knows of what he speaks. But unlike most of the stars featured in such documentaries, he's still on his feet making music that people are interested in. His love songs resonate with modern listeners as songs of experience rather than of innocence or half-baked juvenile braggadocio."
In other words when Cash sings: "I wear the black for the poor and the beaten down, livin' in the hopeless, hungry side of town, I wear it for the prisoner who has long paid for his crime, but is there because he's a victim of the times..." he really means it.
More from the article:
"The regret in Cash's songs of rebels and outlaws is refreshing in a time when most violent entertainment offers little morality. Politicians blame the entertainment industry for aiming violent music, television programs, and movies at America's youth (see Joe Lieberman's speeches during the most recent presidential campaign). Media moguls pay lip service to the need to scale back violence in the media and then don't do anything about it. Parents have a responsibility to shape their children's morality and police what they listen and watch. However, most kids get access to what they want to hear and see; and despite the claims of many artists, they are influenced, at least in part, by explicit entertainment..."
And finally:
"In addition, Cash put his money where his mouth was and performed numerous free shows at prisons during his career. Two of his most appealing and popular albums were live concerts at Folsom Prison and San Quentin. Modern audiences listening to these recently re-released albums can still hear the intensity of his performances and feel the strong connection he forged with his audiences. "I was in the prison band when I first saw him in San Quentin, I was impressed with his ability to take five thousand convicts and steal the show away from a bunch of strippers, 'Merle Haggard is quoted as saying on Cash's own website. "That's pretty hard to do."'
All of this leads me to two conclusions about Johnny Cash and his recent resurgence of popularity: #1 The raw honesty that defined Johnny Cash's music is something that is sorely lacking in modern music. Not that anyone ever could, but there is certainly no one around today who can fill his shoes, thus his iconic stature is solidified. Which leads me to my next point being #2, unable to fill the void left by Cash in the world of music, jumping on the Cash band wagon has become the latest marketing ploy to add validity to what is inherently souless music. Clearly, the range of Cash's influence on popular (and not so popular) music is beyond measure, but it's somewhat sad to see so many using his name as a means of legitimizing their own corporately created instant-pop.
So... I was having a conversation with [url=http://irishred.tblog.com]Richard Simmons[/url] the other night, and he suggested that I do a blog on 'Ultimate Albums' -- you know, albums that are good from start to finish. The kind of album that you can pop into the CD player and not worry about song #6 (please smile, Jonathan) sneaking up on you and ruining the whole experience. These albums are a true rare breed, so for our purposes I may include a few that might have just one slightly mediocre track -- but for the most part, these albums should be nothing less than stunning musical accomplishments.
A few come to mind....
The Beatles: [u]The White Album[/u], [u]Sgt. Pepper's[/u] ~ What can I say? They're The Beatles Simon and Garfunkel: [u]Bridge over Troubled Water[/u], [u]Bookends[/u] ~ So many great songs on both. An amazing mix of the personal and political. Music that defined a generation. Fleetwood Mac: [u]Rumours[/u] ~ My mom would put this album on and play it from start to finish -- over and over -- and it still holds up today. U2: [u]The Joshua Tree[/u] ~ Considering how much this band has accomplished, the fact that this album is their defining work, says a lot. Peter Gabriel: [u]So...[/u] ~ Later albums are probably more topically, and even musically rich, but So... put a post-Genesis Gabriel on the map. Talking Heads: [u]Remain in Light[/u] ~ A seminal work by a truly original band. The Cure: [u]Disintegration[/u] ~ Robert Smith's angst is at is its darkly beautiful best here. Paul Simon: [u]Graceland[/u] ~ Simon is a genius, and this album proves it. REM: [u]Automatic for the People[/u], [u]Document[/u] ~ Document in particular represents a defining moment in my life musically -- I will never tire of that album. Nick Drake: [u]Pink Moon[/u] ~ The world is a better place for having had Nick Drake for even a few short years. Pink Moon shines bright as one of his best. The Police: [u]Synchronicity[/u] ~ Another snapshot of my life. Great album. The Beach Boys: [u]Pet Sounds[/u] ~ Genius and incredibly influential. Depeche Mode: [u]Violator[/u] ~ A personal favorite. Innocence Mission: [u]Befriended[/u] ~ NPR voted this the best album of 2003 -- I couldn't agree more. The Arrogants: [u]Your Simple Beauty[/u] ~ This album always finds its way to my CD player. There's not a bad track on it. Beck: [u]Sea Change[/u] ~ More than the sea changed on this album for Beck and the result was outstanding. I'm amazed this album didn't get more support from the critics. 10 years from now, people will be looking back on this work in awe. Love Spirals Downwards: [u]Ardor[/u] ~ At their pinnacle, this band defined a genre -- and this album defined the band. Excellent. Rufus Wainwright: [u]Poses[/u] ~ This album is a marvel. Belle & Sebastian: [u]Tigermilk[/u] ~ None of their later albums could live up the debut. Barenaked Ladies: [u]Gordon[/u] ~ See my earlier post on these Canadian wonder boys. Yummy! The Clash: [u]London Calling[/u] ~ Arguably the best punk album ever. Elton John: [u]Goodbye Yellow Brick Road[/u] ~ A classic. Cat Stevens:[u]Tea For the Tillerman[/u] ~ Anyone whose seen Harold and Maude will understand why this one made the list. Carly Simon: [u]No Secrets[/u] ~ One of my all time favorites. Sting: [u]Dream of the Blue Turtles[/u] ~ This album made us all forget that The Police had broken up. George Michael: [u]Listen Without Prejudice, Vol. 1[/u] ~ Ok, I know I will catch hell for this. But this album ruined his career, but in the end, it was wroth it. Red House Painters: [u]Songs for a Blue Guitar[/u] ~ No album before or after could recreate the magic of this album. Kate Bush: [u]The Hounds of Love[/u] ~ Despite her prolific career, this is still her best. Led Zeppelin: [u]III[/u] ~ I know... I know... you were expecting IV -- but III is just a better album. Stairway to Heaven does not an album make, my friends. The Smiths: [u]The Queen Is Dead[/u] ~ Their shining moment.
Ok, admittedly, that might be a slight exaggeration. But believe me... it's only a slight one. It seems like I'm constantly creating a new mix CD for myself -- putting together just the right combination of songs that, for whatever reason, seem to fit my mood for that day. Sometimes they are influenced by whatever is happening in my life, sometimes they are influenced by changes in the weather, and sometimes, although I hate to admit it, they are strikingly similar to another one that I have in the growing pile of these personal compilations. (But I swear, very often changing just one or two songs can make a HUGE difference!)
So without further adieu, here's tonight's playlist:
This morning, while reading one of [url=http://brogonzo.tblog.com/]my favorite blogs,[/url] (and simultaneously postponing my commute to work), I was reminded of a group I had not thought about in a very long time: [url=http://www.bnlmusic.com/]Barenaked Ladies[/url]. Ok... I can almost see you roll your eyes from here... BUT WAIT! Let me explain!
I love this band.
Admittedly, BNL's music is clear cut, sweet as bubble-gum, pop-rock. Their five man set-up consists of the usual suspects: guitar, bass, drums and synths -- plus the occasional "exotic" instrument thrown in, but primarily these Canadian boys do straight guitar-rock -- and they do it fairly well. But the thing that makes BNL stand-out from others in the genre is their [url=http://www.fishertowne.com/Ba...]lyrics[/url] -- which are just so damned clever.
Although they have been around for ages and many of their albums are great, my favorite will always be their first: [i]Gordon[/i]. There's a reason why [i]Gordon [/i]remains somewhat of a cult classic. Check out the lyrics for one of my favorite songs on the LP: [url=http://www.fishertowne.com/Ba...]Grade 9[/url].
Of course, I realize these may be a bit dated, but if you went to high school in the 80's (yes, I am that old), this song will take you straight back to those days when thin ties ruled and Molly Ringwald was the ideal woman.
Another favorite from this album is [url=http://www.leoslyrics.com/lis...%2B2lLqU%3D]You Can Be My Yoko Ono.[/url] These lyrics stand alone as is, but again the pop-culture reference here is classic.
And finally, one more example, and quite possibly my favorite BNL song: [url=http://www.lyricscafe.com/b/b...]If I Had A Million Dollars.[/url] For those of you who have seen BNL live, you know that this song is a special treat in concert. In some odd, yet utterly endearing, Canadian-Rocky-Horror-Pic ture-Show-esque tradition, this song has evolved to include everything from canned audience lines at specific intervals in the song, to the audience actually throwing items (mac&cheese mostly) during key moments. It's crazy, and stupid, and completely loveable.
Again... I love this band.
In my humble opinion none of their later LPs can stand up to [i]Gordon[/i], but that doesn't make them bad at all. In fact, there are some absolutely beautiful moments on [i]Born on a Pirate Ship[/i], ([url=http://www.azlyrics.com/lyric...]Break Your Heart [/url] in particular), not to mention [url=http://www.fishertowne.com/Ba...]Intermittenly[/url] from the [i]Maybe You Should Drive [/i]LP, which is a beautifully sad song. And of course, [i]Stunt[/i] is a great album with a number of songs that are perfect for putting the top down on some late summer night, turning up the stereo, and letting the road and the music be your guide.
Long Live Death is a communal collection of artists out of Baltimore that produce an eclectic mix of psychedelics folk and spiritual dirge music that lingers somewhere between being simply odd, to being somewhat disturbing. The opening track of LLD’s debut CD “there is no death”, offers a glimpse into what this band is about. A heavy bass drum introduction leads into a rhythmic and hypnotic refrain: “there is no death” that defines the song. Lilting and slightly uncontrolled cello follows the vocals in an unsuccessful cat and mouse game throughout the track – all of which leaves the listener with a feeling that can only be defined as “huh?” The most eerie of the EP's 6 tracks is by far the 3rd “bending time” which offers the same repetitive dirge style vocals as the others, this time coupled with an odd musical arrangement that includes, for lack of a better term, the bowed saw blade. Yes. It’s that strange. I have to give this band points for their originality. But in the end, I can’t help thinking that this music would make a fitting soundtrack to another far away communal experience: Jonestown – and as I recall, the Kool Aid wasn’t too good there either.
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An old favorite....
Yesterday I stuck Rabbit Songs by [url=http://www.rabbitsongs.com/]HEM[/url] in the CD player and was reminded of how good it is. I was introduced to this band from a certain [url=http://shadowmusic.tblog.com]stealth blogger[/url] who sends good stuff my way from time to time. Anyway, it's hard to describe HEM's music, except maybe to say that this is blues infused-alt-country... all wrapped up in a folk blanket. Maybe it's because of the album's first track, or maybe it's because Sally Ellyson's vocals are so billowy and comforting, or maybe it's just because she was so drawn to this type of music herself when I was growing up, either way, there's something about HEM's music that makes me feel as though each song could be a lullaby sung to me by my mother late at night... long after the rest of the house is asleep.. while the two of us make shadow puppets on the wall.
The bed is too small for my tiredness.. Give me a hillside with trees... Tuck a cloud up under my chin.... Lord, blow the moon out, please....
Everyone is talking about this movie. It seems everyone has an opinion... and of course, I am no exception. And if you'd like to know what I thought of the film, just ask me. I'll be glad to share. But not here. Here, I want to talk about the soundtrack to Gibson's controversial film.
Regardless of your politics or religious view points, one thing that cannot be denied about The Passion of The Christ is the fact that it is a very sensory dependent film. It is common knowledge that Gibson fought having to add subtitles to the final version. His original vision was one in which the images on the screen would tell the story without the audience sharing a common language with the characters. In order to pull off such a feat, those images have to be both powerful and familiar to the viewer. In the end, of course, Gibson reluctantly chose to add subtitles, but his vision for the film remained the same, and thus he tried to mold his movie into rich sensory experience in which the words were just one, and arguably a less important, piece of the overall puzzle. One way he did this was through the film's score, which is incredible.
Film soundtracks can be either an intregal part of a movie's success or merely a collection of songs plunked together in the hopes that the film's monetary achievements will result in a few residual sales of the soundtrack as well. In some rare instances, however, the soundtrack becomes an additional character in the film, without whom the movie would be incomplete. Some examples of such soundtracks include:
It's hard to imagine any of these movies without the music that accompanied them. The Passion is one of those movies. Regardless of how you might feel about the subject matter of this film, John Debney's soundtrack is not only a triumph in film score, but also an accomplishment that will undoubtedly get overlooked next year come oscar time as a result of the politics that swirl around this movie. However, this would be a tragedy as Debney's score is a lush and beautiful orchestral collection of music that is just as powerful alone as it is as the evocative backdrop to Gibson's storytelling.
Ok... your turn. Did I leave any important soundtracks off my list? And if you saw The Passion, any thoughts on the music?
As a recovering music pirate myself, I have to admit that I had to do quite a bit of rationalization when I read [url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/clic...]this story[/url] to convince myself that my former dabblings in file trading (Note to RIAA: I said FORMER -- now move along!) were far more [i]robinhoodesque[/i] in nature than the fellow in the story who was clearly selling his booty for profits that should have gone to charity. (Side note: I believe there is a special level in hell for people who divert money from charities for personal profits. Bastards).
Don't get me wrong, I have no sympathy whatsoever for the major labels who have watched both their substandard products swapped all over the internet, as well as their once massive profit margins plummet to an all time low. As I am sure I have mentioned before, I think we all know that file sharing is but one piece of that puzzle. However, since the vast majority of artists that I listen to are not signed to a major label, I can't really justify [u]not[/u] paying for their music -- and so now, I do. And I'm glad to do it. Even though, I do know of several independent [url=http://www.arrogants.com/song...]artists [/url] and [url=http://www.projekt.com/projek...]label owners[/url] that disagree with me, and who actually encourage fans to download their music. --- Go figure.
In the end though, for me, it's not morality or a fear of being sued that has caused me to uninstall kazaa, and thus lower the pirate flag on my desktop forever. Rather it's just a desire to support the musicians that bring me so much joy through their music. The least I can do is say thank you.
I refuse to give up the eye patch, though. Arrrrrrr!
In an era when customer service is treated as an archaic tradition that has outlived its usefulness, I thought I would share the following e-mail I received today from one of my all time favorite music purchasing establishments. [url=http://cdbaby.com/]CD Baby[/url]. Not only are their prices very reasonable, they excel in the service department, as evidenced by the following:
Your CD has been gently taken from our [url=http://www.cdbaby.com]CD Baby[/url] shelves with sterilized contamination-free gloves and placed onto a satin pillow.
A team of 50 employees inspected your CD and polished it to make sure it was in the best possible condition before mailing.
Our packing specialist from Japan lit a candle and a hush fell over the crowd as he put your CD into the finest gold-lined box that money can buy.
We all had a wonderful celebration afterwards and the whole party marched down the street to the post office where the entire town of Portland waved 'Bon Voyage!' to your package, on its way to you, in our private [url=http://www.cdbaby.com]CD Baby[/url] jet on this day, Tuesday, March 2nd.
I hope you had a wonderful time shopping at [url=http://www.cdbaby.com]CD Baby.[/url] We sure did. Your picture is on our wall as 'Customer of the Year'. We're all exhausted but can't wait for you to come back to [url=http://www.cdbaby.com]CDBABY.COM!![/url]
Thank you once again,
Derek Sivers, president, [url=http://www.cdbaby.com]CD Baby[/url] the little CD store with the best new independent music phone: 1-800-448-6369 email: cdbaby@cdbaby.com"
And so to those of you who long for something other than the sound of snapping gum on the other end of the cash register, I offer this letter as a glimmer of hope. Apparently, there are still some businesses out there who understand that they have to EARN our business if they are going to keep it.
Or at least a few folks who are interested in the job....
Since today is Super Tuesday, I thought we'd play a little game. Below is a list of songs that have been used in political campaigns over the years to "build momentum" or to help "get the message out." Let's see if you can match the song to the appropriate candidate. Some of these are really kind of funny. :)
I'll post the answers in the next day or two. In the meantime, enjoy!
"Crazy" by Patsy Cline
"We're Not Gonna Take It" by Twisted Sister
"Born In the USA" by Bruce Springsteen
"Don't Stop Thinking About Tomorrow" by Fleetwood Mac
"Soul Man" by Sam and Dave
"We Are Family" by Sister Sledge
"Simply the Best" by Tina Turner
"Get Up, Stand Up" Bob Marley and the Wailers
''A Little Less Conversation" by Elvis Presley
"I'm A Believer'" by Smashmouth (cover of The Monkees Tune)
I get to spend a lot of time doing the thing I love best -- writing about music. Every time [url=www.losingtoday.com]Losing Today[/url] sends me a package of CDs to review, my heart thumps. It never stops being exciting.
I once heard a music critic say that all music writers secretly want to be musicians... but just don't have the chops to pull it off. I think there is probably a grain of truth to that. But to be honest, I never wanted to be the girl holding the mic -- I'm much more comfortable with the pen.
Anyway, these are my two latest reviews for LT. If you can get your hands on The Von Trapps' EP, it's good stuff.
THE VON TRAPPS THIS IS THE VON TRAPPS [url=http://tonevendor.com/](Tonevendor)[/url] BY JENNIFER JONES
I first heard the Von Trapps several years ago on the 1997 Dewdrops Records compilation “Splashed With Many A Speck.” Since that time, The Von Trapps have gone through several member changes finally settling on a line-up including Matt Gleason (drums), Nick Marshall (keyboards), Rodney Rodriguez (guitars), Lief Bunting (bass), and Jenny Adams (vocals), making “This is The Von Trapps” the debut CD for this shoe-gaze inspired band who have, in some form or another, been around for years. The result is an infectious 4 track EP that leaves the listener wishing for more. The opening track ‘Go With Me’ is a splendid mix of brit-pop sensibility dashed with reverb and shoe-gaze elements calling to mind bands such as Yo La Tengo and Belle and Sebastian. This opener, although individually satisfying, is a bit deceiving, however, as the next track ‘Waiting’ spirals into a more melancholy dream-pop arrangement that is layered just enough with gauzy-faraway reverb to be interesting, without losing track of the “pop” aspect of dream-pop. It’s a brilliant balance that so many bands never achieve. Indeed, ‘Go With Me’ is an exceptional track that provides the perfect segue into the EP’s crowning jewel ‘Rollercoaster,’ a shimmering 4 minute track that showcases the band’s musical strengths and jenny’s vocals – laden with longing – as well as the song’s introspective lyrics, all of which hook the listener, wrap him in a comforting musical blanket and leave him reaching for the ‘repeat’ button. This song was recently featured on NPR’s ‘All Songs Considered’ and it is easy to see why. Unfortunately, “This is the Von Trapps,” while being the band’s debut, is also the last release to be made by this talented group of artists who recently went their separate ways. Although several of its members have already moved onto other projects, The Von Trapps, like the (somewhat prophetic) image on the cover of this impressive and satisfying EP, are but a fleeting memory. A complete Von Trapp discography will also include the Cocteau Twin’s tribute compilation “Half-Gifts” on which The Von Trapps contribute their version of ‘Need Fire.’
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SCENE OF ELATION SELF-TITLED (Autoproduction) BY JENNIFER JONES
Scene of Elation’s self-titled debut has all the makings of a great album. With influences ranging from My Bloody Valentine, and The Cocteau Twins to Slowdive, Scene of Elation has a strong foundation on which to build a powerful and moving release. Couple this with striking female vocals that are reminiscent of both Sleeping Dogs Wake and Claire Voyant, then mix in a little ambient noise and a dash of industrial backbone, and you should have a stellar album that appeals to a multitude of listeners with varied musical roots, right? Wrong. Unfortunately, Scene of Elation, while certainly talented in their musical abilities and strong vocals, has failed to include one essential ingredient in their debut, that ingredient being originality. Each song on this EP, while soaked in influence, fails to stand out as a creative tour de force. In fact, none of the EP’s five tracks say much about the band at all other than the type of musicians they wish they were. However, that is not to say that everything about this release is insignificant. On the contrary, one thing that the listener does glean from Scene of Elation is the fact that this is probably a very good live band. Clearly, Scene of Elation is a collection of several talented musicians who likely provide their audiences with an intense and satisfying performance live. However, reproducing the magic of live performances is a tricky feat indeed, and unfortunately Scene of Elation misses the mark. In short, while Scene of Elation’s self-titled debut should be filled with all the promise worthy of its rich musical foundations, the lack of originality and innovation that define each of its five tracks make it instead little more than a promise unfulfilled.
