There was a time when I'd have scattered this information amongst several posts, making each entry a bite-sized nugget of music goodness ~ prepackaged and easily digested. But these days, time seems to leak through my fingers like quiet wasted tears, and so I'll compile my thoughts today, making this entry a dashed off hodgepodge of music related trivia.
First, let's talk about [url=www.dailytunes.com]dailytunes.com[/url] . Those of you who have been paying attention will note that in response to the recent Halloween Music post, [url=http://shadowmusic.tblog.com]shadowmusic[/url] suggested a few links to daily tunes, which is not only his latest musical obsession, but also a fun place to compile lists of songs and compare your recommendations with other likeminded audiophiles. Warning, this site is for the extreme music nerd. (I say this with the knowledge that I could very well be crowned queen of such a tribe). Anyway, check it out.
Next up, John Peel. As some of you may have heard, John Peel died on the 26th. As someone who, as an American, never had the pleasure of hearing his radio show, I will say only that it is clear [url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/a...]from the words of both those who knew him and those who only felt they did,[/url] that his impact on the world of British music has probably yet to have been realized, and his presence on the BBC airwaves is already missed. Even if you don't feel up to wading through the comments, there's some good stuff [url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/a...]here[/url] that I would recommend to anyone who is interested.
And finally... a few reviews and a word or two about [url=www.losingtoday.com]Losing Today[/url] .
The simplicity and lack of post-production elements on Jodie Jean Marston’s latest CD is somewhat of a double-edged sword. While there is certainly something charming about the lack of slick fabrication on this release that lends itself to the indie-spirit created by labels such as Secret Eye, there are moments in which the listener finds themselves wincing, in much the same way that a mother does sitting in the audience of her son’s first piano recital, as she recognizes the sound of fingers hitting the wrong keys. On the other hand, this same lack of production certainly validates Marston’s vocals, which require no extra polishing or post-production editing to make them alluring or beautiful. This is simple mountain-folk music, combining primarily strummed guitar and flute, accompanied by Marston’s earthy and arresting vocals, and that calls to mind crimson sunsets over endless prairies. Clearly, this is the kind of release that will attract a limited audience, but those that do find their way to Mountain is a Mountain are bound to be impressed Marston’s distinctive vocals and simple, organic arrangements.
For their 6th studio release, Cul de Sac has entered into the genre of soundtrack by composing the 42-minute accompaniment to 2003’s low-budget horror flick “The Strangler’s Wife.” For this experimental band, this foray into the world of cinema seemed like a natural step, particularly considering the fact that the band often performs using film as a backdrop to their music on stage. And yet, there is something unsatisfying about this release, chiefly for fans of the band, who are used to more complete compositions rather than snippets of sound that were inspired by fleeting moments on the screen. Indeed, it is important to note that the relatively brief 42-minutes that make up the album are comprised of a whopping 18 tracks, some of which are as short as 14 seconds in length. Of course, that is not to say that there not some very good moments on “The Strangler’s Wife,” in fact, there are several, including “Mirror II” an acoustic guitar and violin dance that is at once light and breezy while also sprinkled with a hint of melancholy and underlying sadness – a very powerful track. Similarly, the album’s final track “Denouement/ End Credits” is a dark and textured track that fits perfectly with the album’s spooky undertones. However, it is these moments of clarity that make the rest of “The Strangler’s Wife” a bit disappointing. While I’m certain this album represents a fitting soundtrack to the film of the same name, true fans of Cul de Sac will likely be more pleased with their next studio offering which, hopefully, will concentrate on the music as an independent art form unto itself.
Awhile back I posted some information about the new issue of [url=www.losingtoday.com]Losing Today[/url] . Since that point, it has come to my attention that some folks are finding it difficult to track down a copy of the English issue in their hometown. After a bit of detective work, it appears that the US distributor has been a little slow in actually *distributing* the magazine, but at this point, you should be able to find it on the shelves at Borders, Virgin and other indie dealers. In fact, I heard from a pal in CA yesterday who indicated that he had picked up his copy this week. (Hopefully, the forthcoming issue will not experience the same problems). In the meantime, it can always be found at one of my favorite online shopping spots,[url=http://www.tonevendor.com/ite...]tonevendor.com. [/url]
I know. I know. It's been a million years since I have shown my face around here. My excuse? Um... I'll get back to you on that one.
In the meantime, autumn has arrived and the air is crisp, the leaves, like the rest of us, are shedding their summer clothes in favor of all their fall finery, and the porches of my neighborhood are adorned with pumpkins of all manner of shape and size. It's no wonder this is my favorite time of year.
As if all that wasn't enough, Halloween is just around the corner and my friend (and loyal reader) jenxer is throwing a bash so frightening, so festive, so friggin' great that I'm certain it will be talked about for years to come. In preparation for this soiree she's putting together a compilation of Halloween music. But she needs your help! That's right, I'm calling on you to help us compile a collection of the world's best Halloween music. Of course, we've already got some tunes in mind, but I'm sure you can come up with more.
So... let me have it! Your picks for the greatest Halloween tracks of all time. If you know both the title and artist that would be great, but any information you can provide would be helpful. List as many as you want. When all is said and done, I'll post our final list.
JODIE JEAN MARSTON
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I know. I know. It's been a million years since I have shown my face around here. My excuse? Um... I'll get back to you on that one.