One of my lesser known obsessions (I'm not even sure a lot of my friends now about this, well that's another cat out of the bag) is one hit wonders. I don't know why I love them so much, but I really do! There is a fine line in the world of one hit wonder, and I think I need to clarify the line, from my point of view, first.
On one hand we have the pop one hit:
I've used the Cheeky Girls, because at their 'prime' they did get paid £2500 (!!!) to come out on stage, mime the above song, say hello to everyone, get a few audience members up on stage, teach them a silly dance and then play the song again. Over inside 15 minutes, £2500! I wish I was joking, but I'm not.
The pop one hit, can be easily brushed aside as novelty rubbish that captures a time, mood, whatever...but the song/tune has little basis in musical genius. Whilst it is a skill to produce such a song, the artist/performer is easily discarded. For further examples start looking up Christmas number one's! Don't get me started on the Crazy Frog! So as such many of theses songs are only meant to be one hit, rather than a career.
This brings me to the band/musician one hit wonder.
I have never understood why many of these capable and talented bands have the ability to capture peoples imagination with a song, yet don't manage to capture the populous with a bevi of songs/album.
I offer my first example, and one which is close to my heart:
The Spin Doctors. Yes we all remember that long summer of 1992 (maybe we don't, but you probably know the song) when the radio waves were capture by the awesome slice of funk rock.
Close to my heart I said earlier, and they are, I remember not buying the single and buying the album on tape, which cost me a pricey £11.99 (I still have the price sticker on it!), and I feel in love with it. Main reason being, the album was full of similarly groovy tunes!
Jimmy Olson blues, what a tune! I won't keep posting the songs from this album, but trust me there are some great tunes on there! Litte Miss Can't Be Wrong, also an absolute gem....
They had a live album 'The Homebelly Groove', which effortlessly captured the vibe and feel of their songs, whilst giving them the embellishment of a live performance. There second major album 'Cleopatra's Cat' was a successful album, but single success eluded them beyond "Two Princes".
I was lucky enough to get to see them in London in 2005, and I am really happy to admit that, because I really love this band, yet I have never understood why they fell out of favour with pop culture so easily. On a sunny afternoon their records still go on in my house and make the world seem a little brighter.
Just to clarify how big this song was, I have to share this:
They were on Seasame FREAKING Street, reworking it just for Elmo!!!
Next...Nizlopi, yes you read that right!
Remember this? Yes? No? This was an example of the almost Christmas number one, loosing out to X-factor.
But what are we faced with this song? It was a real internet success story, the above video got emailed around offices, universities, schools...and became a cult hit. So are they a novelty? Hell no! They are/were two folky kids from Lemmington Spa who got lucky with a song, whilst it is an honest reflection of their music, again their other offerings did not capture the imagination of the masses.
I offer you a live version of this song as well, as it is more what they were about, if you ever see their album for sale, I doubt it will cost you a lot and you enjoyed JCB, then buy it for other songs like 'Call it up' and 'Love Rage On', you might be pleasantly surprised. There aren't many bands in the world who you can say had a beat boxing double bass player! So they deserve your time for that alone!
Here is a random favourite of mine:
4 Non Blondes - What's Up, perhaps this would be more fitting in my previous blog about then and now, because this is more about their singer Linda Perry, but I'll come back to that in a second. Once again, album very similar, lost of Linda's signature warbley vocal styling, but one song sparks interest and nothing else...or was it...
Linda Perry, front woman of a one hit wonder, yet has been behind so truly classic slices of girl fronted pop!
She worked on Sheryl Crow's 'Tuesday Night Music Club', played some solo shows but here are a few gems you may or may not know she wrote.
I don't care what anyone says, it can cost me cool points with who ever cares about those sorts of things, but that is an amazing and beautiful (pseudo pun) song.
Oh yes! Pink's 'Get the Party Started', nerd fact, she is behind the bar in the club scene....
How things come full circle...
Oh it keeps coming...
Yep, that too!
She has also written songs for Kelly Osbourne, Alica Keys, Britney Spears...
How can someone this talented can not make a success of herself, yet be behind all of this and more is a complete mysetery!
Did MC Hammer deserve a career after 'Can't touch this' and those dam trousers? Probably not. How is Vanilla Ice still a house hold name? Surely miracle is the best thing to say. Why do I own 2 Unlimited's ablum 'No Limits'? Curiosity. I wish I could get in touch with them, to give it back. Should I speak about the New Radicals? Sadly they were a good band who couldn't get past one song! Toploader...well the less said about them the better, except that their 'hit' wasn't even their song! It was a cover of a b side of 70's disco hit....Should anyone ever speak about Billy Ray Cyrus? Maybe if we are talking about his daughter! Do you remember Babylon Zoo? If the answer is no, then DO NOT remind yourself. Why did Right Said Fred try to make a comeback? Perhaps they were too sexy for obscurity...If the Baha Men's dogs had not escaped, would I have been less annoyed? Probably not. What was with Dexy's Midnight Runners clothes? Lord only knows! Why did Meredith Brooks think she was a bitch? Perhaps she was mean to her cat. What was the name of the Rembrants hit? Just ask one of your friends (oh, why the pun?). Would it have sounded the same if there were more Red Balloons? Depends what language the song was in. What in the name of any god, was the Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band about? I doubt they knew. Does anyone else remember Lou Bega? Probably best forgotten everywhere except Germany.
I hope next time a 'One Hit Wonder' comes along, you might give them a little more time, you might be pleasantly surprised.
Michael
Showing posts with label Music Ramblings. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Music Ramblings. Show all posts
Saturday, 13 February 2010
Wednesday, 2 December 2009
2009
2009 is coming to end, and its been a great year for soooooo many different reasons. It is traditional at the end of the year to review the achievements, accomplishments and high points.
I have been asked by my local independent record shop, Spillers, for my 10 favourite records of 2009. Sound easy? Hell no! The first thing that sprang to mind was, what records have I bought this year that weren't released this year? What was released this year that I loved...
I started to think about what I wanted to include, I thought about genre, style, then it was time to think about doing some research into release dates.
Whilst my list for Spillers, will most likely be nothing more than a list of 10 records, with a few honourable mentions, I wanted to explain it for myself as much as anyone else who was curious. Here it is in no particular order:
1. Seasick Steve - Man From Another Time
Another great outing from Californian 'Song and Dance Man'. 2006's 'Dog House Music' was a great record, but the true magic of the man was not captured on the record as well as it was on various live performances (see Jools Holland Hootenanny). 2008's 'I Started Out With Nothing...' truly captured the magic of man, his wonderful gift for story telling, humour, his natural style as a player, amongst so many other qualities. There is something about a bluesman, a quality that is difficult to quantify, the man and his story is often more important than the music he plays, and 'Man From Another Time" is another superb offering from Seasick Steve. This is foot stomping blues at its finest, he captures a sound similar to that of Elmore James, Lightnin' Hopkins...in other words the men who defined Blues, yet this is 2009, there is something magical when a current artist re-captures the magic of the original genre defining artists. Seasick Steve is truly the master of modern blues.
2. Weezer - Raditude
This has been a wonderful 2 years for Weezer fans, 2008 gave us the Red Album and Alone: The Home Recordings of Rivers Cuomo and 2009 gave us Radititue and Alone: The Home Recordings of Rivers Cuomo volume 2!! I find it incredibly strange that their first 3 albums took 7 years to release, yet somehow since 2001 they have managed to release 5 (excluding the home recordings)! There was always a strange joke of the Weezer curse, odd numbered/colour titled albums were great, even numbered/title albums were somewhat more experimental. Example, Blue & Green - both awesome, Pinkerton & Maladroit - more experimental. Their last 3 offerings have been Make Believe, The Red Album and now Raditute, all 3 simply amazing albums, wonderful slices of poppy, catchy, alternative rock. From the opening moments of '(If You're Wondering If I Want You To) I Want You To' it is hard not to smile as the instantly accessible poppy melodies rush over you. Once again Weezer are doing what they do well, and I can't get enough of it!
3. Chuck Ragan - Gold Country
I loved Hot Water Music, I really did, I miss Hot Water Music, I really do! Caution is probably one of my favourite punk albums, ever. Their decision to call it a day is eased greatly by Chuck Ragan's solo offerings. There are countless examples of transitions from punk/hardcore to acoustic/country, (Frank Turner, Jonah Matranga, Chris Wollard...) and Chuck Ragan manages to be among, if not the best example. This was one of the albums of the summer from me, seeing him in August in TJ's really was a special night, his music just comes into its own live, its just close enough to the record to be awesome, but just different enough to make the evening a bit special (does that make sense?). 'Done and Done' and 'The Trench' are my favourite moments.
4. Brand New - Daisy
What can I say about this band? So much, I could probably go on for weeks. I heard their first album (Your Favourite Weapon) in 2002, and I was treated to a wonderful example of Geeky Emo Rock, that was insightful, albeit a little immature in content, so I was certain they would be an interesting band to follow. Deja Entendu showed a more mature side to their song writing, and it remains one of my favourite albums, hookie, catchy, yet more mature than their previous offering. The Devil and God are Raging Inside Me, was again a further departure, it was a more somber experience, but a wonderfully engaging listen regardless. Daisy is another move for them, whilst retaining some of their trademarked hooks, their is a decidedly more aggressive approach to this album, which was an amazing surprise (bordering around a shock) from the initial moments of the record. Brand New remain the masters of progression, each album moves forward whilst managing to retain a distinct sound. 'Vices', 'At the Bottom' and 'Be Gone' are my favourites.
5. New Found Glory - Not Without A Fight
After years and 5 (?) records released through Island Records/Drive Thru, their move to Bridge Nine to release the parody "International Super Heroes of Hardcore" and a New Found Glory EP (well I say an EP, 3 songs and 3 covers) was almost like a rebirth preparing them for their arrival on Epitaph. They were always a fantastic pop punk band, thier self titled album and 'Sticks and Stones' are simply fantastic, but their last 2 offerings on Island were mellowing, Catalyst and Coming Home seemed to be a move away from what they did well, don't get me wrong I really like both albums, but they are not a patch on their earlier records or this! What we have is a pop punk band with hardcore roots back to doing what they do best. For this reason alone, it deserves a great deal of praise and it's place on numerous lists of this fashion!
6. This City - We Were Like Sharks
Try and imagine, if you will what would happen if you took Head Automatica, Men Woman and Children and Glassjaw (is that making your brain say "hang on?") you would most likely end up with This City. The Brighton based 5 piece, combine awkward, jerky, funky timings with heavy guitars and truly unique vocals. I saw them supporting Rival Schools in Birmingham and thought, if I knew their music I would love this! So I went out bought EP's, downloaded remix's, you name it, I was hooked. To describe it would be difficult, their drum patterns are borrowed from Hip Hop and Disco, their guitar sound is so evidently Hardcore Punk, and vocals, well lets say he listened to Glassjaw far too much, yet has managed to develop his own style. It is rare that you are faced with a unique sounding record in this day and age, yet some how This City have managed it! High points include, "We Move", "Picture This" and "Colours".
7. Chains of Hate - Cold Harsh Reality
This is Hardcore! Deeply inspired by the likes of Madball, Strife, One Life Crew, Sick of It All...This is punishingly heavy hardcore with a deep sense of groove that is often lost in modern hardcore bands. Whilst this has only just seen its official release, I have been lucky enough to have had it since the summer, it helps that I was the guitarists best man! It's strange that this has been the record I have listened to most in the early hours, as it really helps me wake up. This is one of those records that makes me want to get sweaty, violent and happy with my boys. Brutal beatdowns, punishing riffs, bring on the circle pits, walls of death, I just can't get enough of it. Check out 'Nothing to Prove' or 'Scars of Life'.
8. Thrice - Beggars
Again, a band who have grown, changed and moved on from where they started. I will always think of 'The Artist in The Ambulance' as one of my favourite records, it is a spectacular hybrid of riffs, passion, depth and emotion. From the first time I saw Thrice in 2003, I was hooked on the stage presence of their front man Dustin Kensrue, plus his style of playing guitar is very similar to mine, very wristy, he is also obsessed with Christmas, also an admirable quality...I digress. Their previous offering 'The Alchemy Index' was an epic 4 EP collection, each ep with a very different feel, all comfortably within their style, but instead of involving somber moments in riff driven songs, the Alchemy Index, separated them out. Fire, Earth, Water and Air were the themes. Fire was heavy and aggressive, Earth was less aggressive and more technical, Water, again more somber and carefully produced and Air was subdued and minimal. The follow up was always going to be difficult, to try and re-incorporate all of these elements back into an album was always going to be a challenge. Against the odds the goods were delivered! It is worth chasing the special edition to get the bonus tracks 'Answered' and 'Helter Skleter', both would have been a happy addition to an otherwise amazing record.
9. Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears - Tell 'Em What Your Name is
As with Seasick Steve Black Joe Lewis is another example of a modern artist capturing an older genre in its prime. This however, is Soul. From the first moment I heard this record, I kept thinking, they should use this guys songs if they ever make another Blues Brothers film (I hope they don't, but you get the idea). Black Joe reminds me a little of James Brown, perhaps a little bit of Cab Calloway, perhaps even a little bit of Ray Charles. Similar to his contemporary Eli Paperboy Reed, a performance on Jools Holland has marked the beginning of his rise to success, simply by performing his songs. I really wish I had got my hands on this record before the summer, it would have been a perfect soundtrack to BBQ's on long summer nights.
10. Frank Turner - Poetry of the Deed
Whilst I don't think of this record perhaps as highly as I do his previous offering 'Love, Ire and Song', I was flicking through my itunes to try and figure out my favourite records of this year and it seems my most played record of this year has is this. Frank Turner has always had a wonderful 'sing about what he see's' approach to song writing, it is written in plain understandable English which is what makes it so addictive. He writes about his life as it is happening, the issues that you deal with as you grow (up) as a person. He deals with the problems and challenges he faces in catharsis, and song is his channeling. I have been quite attached to what Frank has been doing since 'Sleep is for the Weak', despite not being a fan of the Million Dead, perhaps the fact that we were born a few months apart mean that we are facing much the same things? Growing up is a weird thing, and smiling whilst listening to Frank sing songs about it only makes it easier to come to terms with.
Just Bubbling outside my favourites, but I couldn't ignore them:
Madness - The Liberty of Norton Folgate
I am so glad that a new Maddness album exists.
Set Your Goals - This Will Be The Death of Us
Easily as good as Mutiny, but the guest list left me questioning it a little.
Q-Tip - The Renaissance
Another smooth offering
William Elloit Whitmore - Animals In The Dark
I much prefer his stripped down albums, but this is still an amazing slice of country/blue grass/folk.
Chris Wollard and the Ship Thieves - Self Titled
I couldn't mention one Hot Water Music folky spin off without the other. Perhaps more Americana than folk...
Billy Talent - III
Sticking to their guns, another fine offering.
Taking Back Sunday - New Again
Great songs, running order put me off a little, but some really great songs.
The Doublecross - Things Will Never Change
I feel personally invested in this, as I am a guest guitarist, but one of my best friends has produced a fantastic record.
I'll add some links later and maybe a video or 2...
Michael
I have been asked by my local independent record shop, Spillers, for my 10 favourite records of 2009. Sound easy? Hell no! The first thing that sprang to mind was, what records have I bought this year that weren't released this year? What was released this year that I loved...
I started to think about what I wanted to include, I thought about genre, style, then it was time to think about doing some research into release dates.
Whilst my list for Spillers, will most likely be nothing more than a list of 10 records, with a few honourable mentions, I wanted to explain it for myself as much as anyone else who was curious. Here it is in no particular order:
1. Seasick Steve - Man From Another Time
Another great outing from Californian 'Song and Dance Man'. 2006's 'Dog House Music' was a great record, but the true magic of the man was not captured on the record as well as it was on various live performances (see Jools Holland Hootenanny). 2008's 'I Started Out With Nothing...' truly captured the magic of man, his wonderful gift for story telling, humour, his natural style as a player, amongst so many other qualities. There is something about a bluesman, a quality that is difficult to quantify, the man and his story is often more important than the music he plays, and 'Man From Another Time" is another superb offering from Seasick Steve. This is foot stomping blues at its finest, he captures a sound similar to that of Elmore James, Lightnin' Hopkins...in other words the men who defined Blues, yet this is 2009, there is something magical when a current artist re-captures the magic of the original genre defining artists. Seasick Steve is truly the master of modern blues.
2. Weezer - Raditude
This has been a wonderful 2 years for Weezer fans, 2008 gave us the Red Album and Alone: The Home Recordings of Rivers Cuomo and 2009 gave us Radititue and Alone: The Home Recordings of Rivers Cuomo volume 2!! I find it incredibly strange that their first 3 albums took 7 years to release, yet somehow since 2001 they have managed to release 5 (excluding the home recordings)! There was always a strange joke of the Weezer curse, odd numbered/colour titled albums were great, even numbered/title albums were somewhat more experimental. Example, Blue & Green - both awesome, Pinkerton & Maladroit - more experimental. Their last 3 offerings have been Make Believe, The Red Album and now Raditute, all 3 simply amazing albums, wonderful slices of poppy, catchy, alternative rock. From the opening moments of '(If You're Wondering If I Want You To) I Want You To' it is hard not to smile as the instantly accessible poppy melodies rush over you. Once again Weezer are doing what they do well, and I can't get enough of it!
3. Chuck Ragan - Gold Country
I loved Hot Water Music, I really did, I miss Hot Water Music, I really do! Caution is probably one of my favourite punk albums, ever. Their decision to call it a day is eased greatly by Chuck Ragan's solo offerings. There are countless examples of transitions from punk/hardcore to acoustic/country, (Frank Turner, Jonah Matranga, Chris Wollard...) and Chuck Ragan manages to be among, if not the best example. This was one of the albums of the summer from me, seeing him in August in TJ's really was a special night, his music just comes into its own live, its just close enough to the record to be awesome, but just different enough to make the evening a bit special (does that make sense?). 'Done and Done' and 'The Trench' are my favourite moments.
4. Brand New - Daisy
What can I say about this band? So much, I could probably go on for weeks. I heard their first album (Your Favourite Weapon) in 2002, and I was treated to a wonderful example of Geeky Emo Rock, that was insightful, albeit a little immature in content, so I was certain they would be an interesting band to follow. Deja Entendu showed a more mature side to their song writing, and it remains one of my favourite albums, hookie, catchy, yet more mature than their previous offering. The Devil and God are Raging Inside Me, was again a further departure, it was a more somber experience, but a wonderfully engaging listen regardless. Daisy is another move for them, whilst retaining some of their trademarked hooks, their is a decidedly more aggressive approach to this album, which was an amazing surprise (bordering around a shock) from the initial moments of the record. Brand New remain the masters of progression, each album moves forward whilst managing to retain a distinct sound. 'Vices', 'At the Bottom' and 'Be Gone' are my favourites.
5. New Found Glory - Not Without A Fight
After years and 5 (?) records released through Island Records/Drive Thru, their move to Bridge Nine to release the parody "International Super Heroes of Hardcore" and a New Found Glory EP (well I say an EP, 3 songs and 3 covers) was almost like a rebirth preparing them for their arrival on Epitaph. They were always a fantastic pop punk band, thier self titled album and 'Sticks and Stones' are simply fantastic, but their last 2 offerings on Island were mellowing, Catalyst and Coming Home seemed to be a move away from what they did well, don't get me wrong I really like both albums, but they are not a patch on their earlier records or this! What we have is a pop punk band with hardcore roots back to doing what they do best. For this reason alone, it deserves a great deal of praise and it's place on numerous lists of this fashion!
6. This City - We Were Like Sharks
Try and imagine, if you will what would happen if you took Head Automatica, Men Woman and Children and Glassjaw (is that making your brain say "hang on?") you would most likely end up with This City. The Brighton based 5 piece, combine awkward, jerky, funky timings with heavy guitars and truly unique vocals. I saw them supporting Rival Schools in Birmingham and thought, if I knew their music I would love this! So I went out bought EP's, downloaded remix's, you name it, I was hooked. To describe it would be difficult, their drum patterns are borrowed from Hip Hop and Disco, their guitar sound is so evidently Hardcore Punk, and vocals, well lets say he listened to Glassjaw far too much, yet has managed to develop his own style. It is rare that you are faced with a unique sounding record in this day and age, yet some how This City have managed it! High points include, "We Move", "Picture This" and "Colours".
7. Chains of Hate - Cold Harsh Reality
This is Hardcore! Deeply inspired by the likes of Madball, Strife, One Life Crew, Sick of It All...This is punishingly heavy hardcore with a deep sense of groove that is often lost in modern hardcore bands. Whilst this has only just seen its official release, I have been lucky enough to have had it since the summer, it helps that I was the guitarists best man! It's strange that this has been the record I have listened to most in the early hours, as it really helps me wake up. This is one of those records that makes me want to get sweaty, violent and happy with my boys. Brutal beatdowns, punishing riffs, bring on the circle pits, walls of death, I just can't get enough of it. Check out 'Nothing to Prove' or 'Scars of Life'.
8. Thrice - Beggars
Again, a band who have grown, changed and moved on from where they started. I will always think of 'The Artist in The Ambulance' as one of my favourite records, it is a spectacular hybrid of riffs, passion, depth and emotion. From the first time I saw Thrice in 2003, I was hooked on the stage presence of their front man Dustin Kensrue, plus his style of playing guitar is very similar to mine, very wristy, he is also obsessed with Christmas, also an admirable quality...I digress. Their previous offering 'The Alchemy Index' was an epic 4 EP collection, each ep with a very different feel, all comfortably within their style, but instead of involving somber moments in riff driven songs, the Alchemy Index, separated them out. Fire, Earth, Water and Air were the themes. Fire was heavy and aggressive, Earth was less aggressive and more technical, Water, again more somber and carefully produced and Air was subdued and minimal. The follow up was always going to be difficult, to try and re-incorporate all of these elements back into an album was always going to be a challenge. Against the odds the goods were delivered! It is worth chasing the special edition to get the bonus tracks 'Answered' and 'Helter Skleter', both would have been a happy addition to an otherwise amazing record.
9. Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears - Tell 'Em What Your Name is
As with Seasick Steve Black Joe Lewis is another example of a modern artist capturing an older genre in its prime. This however, is Soul. From the first moment I heard this record, I kept thinking, they should use this guys songs if they ever make another Blues Brothers film (I hope they don't, but you get the idea). Black Joe reminds me a little of James Brown, perhaps a little bit of Cab Calloway, perhaps even a little bit of Ray Charles. Similar to his contemporary Eli Paperboy Reed, a performance on Jools Holland has marked the beginning of his rise to success, simply by performing his songs. I really wish I had got my hands on this record before the summer, it would have been a perfect soundtrack to BBQ's on long summer nights.
10. Frank Turner - Poetry of the Deed
Whilst I don't think of this record perhaps as highly as I do his previous offering 'Love, Ire and Song', I was flicking through my itunes to try and figure out my favourite records of this year and it seems my most played record of this year has is this. Frank Turner has always had a wonderful 'sing about what he see's' approach to song writing, it is written in plain understandable English which is what makes it so addictive. He writes about his life as it is happening, the issues that you deal with as you grow (up) as a person. He deals with the problems and challenges he faces in catharsis, and song is his channeling. I have been quite attached to what Frank has been doing since 'Sleep is for the Weak', despite not being a fan of the Million Dead, perhaps the fact that we were born a few months apart mean that we are facing much the same things? Growing up is a weird thing, and smiling whilst listening to Frank sing songs about it only makes it easier to come to terms with.
Just Bubbling outside my favourites, but I couldn't ignore them:
Madness - The Liberty of Norton Folgate
I am so glad that a new Maddness album exists.
Set Your Goals - This Will Be The Death of Us
Easily as good as Mutiny, but the guest list left me questioning it a little.
Q-Tip - The Renaissance
Another smooth offering
William Elloit Whitmore - Animals In The Dark
I much prefer his stripped down albums, but this is still an amazing slice of country/blue grass/folk.
Chris Wollard and the Ship Thieves - Self Titled
I couldn't mention one Hot Water Music folky spin off without the other. Perhaps more Americana than folk...
Billy Talent - III
Sticking to their guns, another fine offering.
Taking Back Sunday - New Again
Great songs, running order put me off a little, but some really great songs.
The Doublecross - Things Will Never Change
I feel personally invested in this, as I am a guest guitarist, but one of my best friends has produced a fantastic record.
I'll add some links later and maybe a video or 2...
Michael
Friday, 18 September 2009
Music Ramblings 3
Then and now...
I've been listening to Frank Turner and Chuck Ragan's most recent albums lately, and it dawned on me, I hadn't listened to Million Dead or Hotwatermusic in absolutely ages! But this also got me thinking about the countless artists I love, who have a very different past to their current musical incarnation (yes I have already done this on Rod Stewart, but he went from amazing to awful).
I don't want to bore anyone to death with some sort of history lesson, so I think this will just focus on the "Then and now" approach.
First of Jonah Matranga; I am a bit of an uber-fan so I have to contain myself.
Then: Far
Now: Performing as Onelinedrawing/Jonah Matranga
I've always found the transition from massively influential hardcore band to gentle heartfelt acoustic genius astounding. I have tattoos on my arms that are from a onelinedrawing hoodie.
Eric Scrhody; Once again bit of a fanboy, I have a triple platinum award plaque from his first solo album post House of Pain on my wall.
Then: The House of Pain. (Yes this is the remix, I just prefer it)
Now: Everlast.
So he has evolved from HipHop to acoustic/country with some awesome beats. Great example of an artist growing older with style.
Chuck Ragan; bit of a fan again, don't want to ramble.
Then: HotWaterMusic.
Now: Just playing as Chuck Ragan.
Again a fairly natural transition, there are moments in his solo stuff you can hear HotWaterMusic songs trying to escape. Probably the best punk to country/acoustic transition in my humble opinion.
So far I have hit on heavier to lighter, so now for something a little bit more random. Gabe Saporta...
Then: Midtown.
Now : Cobra Starship.
This one, makes me sad, confused and happy at the same time. I miss Midtown soooo much, their records we the soundtrack to many summers, but I can't shake how much I love this slab of disco pop rock!
I've hit on a few that I really love, but this doesn't mean for one second there aren't countless other examples of people doing one amazing thing and evolving to do something even better. Never ending list starts here (I'm not saying either is better, I'm just stating facts):
Dave Grohl: Nirvana - Foo Fighters
Frank Turner: Million Dead - Solo
Phil Anselmo: Pantera - Down, Superjoint Ritual...
Chris Cornell: Sound Garden - Audioslave
Mike Patton: Faith No More - Fantomas, Mr Bungle, Peeping Tom...
Vinnie Caruana: The Moivelife - I am the Avalanche
Tom DeLonge: Blink 182 - Angels & Airwaves, BoxCarRacer
Kimya Dawson: The Moldy Peaches - Solo
Josh Homme: Kyuss - Queens of the Stone Age
This is a never ending list, and to me it boils down to accepting and hoping that musicians you love will continue to produce/write great songs not matter what form they choose to do it. It is easy to say, "It's not as good as...", but those days are gone, we can accept that, move on and enjoy what they are doing now or, shut up.
Bedtime.
Michael
I've been listening to Frank Turner and Chuck Ragan's most recent albums lately, and it dawned on me, I hadn't listened to Million Dead or Hotwatermusic in absolutely ages! But this also got me thinking about the countless artists I love, who have a very different past to their current musical incarnation (yes I have already done this on Rod Stewart, but he went from amazing to awful).
I don't want to bore anyone to death with some sort of history lesson, so I think this will just focus on the "Then and now" approach.
First of Jonah Matranga; I am a bit of an uber-fan so I have to contain myself.
Then: Far
Now: Performing as Onelinedrawing/Jonah Matranga
I've always found the transition from massively influential hardcore band to gentle heartfelt acoustic genius astounding. I have tattoos on my arms that are from a onelinedrawing hoodie.
Eric Scrhody; Once again bit of a fanboy, I have a triple platinum award plaque from his first solo album post House of Pain on my wall.
Then: The House of Pain. (Yes this is the remix, I just prefer it)
Now: Everlast.
So he has evolved from HipHop to acoustic/country with some awesome beats. Great example of an artist growing older with style.
Chuck Ragan; bit of a fan again, don't want to ramble.
Then: HotWaterMusic.
Now: Just playing as Chuck Ragan.
Again a fairly natural transition, there are moments in his solo stuff you can hear HotWaterMusic songs trying to escape. Probably the best punk to country/acoustic transition in my humble opinion.
So far I have hit on heavier to lighter, so now for something a little bit more random. Gabe Saporta...
Then: Midtown.
Now : Cobra Starship.
This one, makes me sad, confused and happy at the same time. I miss Midtown soooo much, their records we the soundtrack to many summers, but I can't shake how much I love this slab of disco pop rock!
I've hit on a few that I really love, but this doesn't mean for one second there aren't countless other examples of people doing one amazing thing and evolving to do something even better. Never ending list starts here (I'm not saying either is better, I'm just stating facts):
Dave Grohl: Nirvana - Foo Fighters
Frank Turner: Million Dead - Solo
Phil Anselmo: Pantera - Down, Superjoint Ritual...
Chris Cornell: Sound Garden - Audioslave
Mike Patton: Faith No More - Fantomas, Mr Bungle, Peeping Tom...
Vinnie Caruana: The Moivelife - I am the Avalanche
Tom DeLonge: Blink 182 - Angels & Airwaves, BoxCarRacer
Kimya Dawson: The Moldy Peaches - Solo
Josh Homme: Kyuss - Queens of the Stone Age
This is a never ending list, and to me it boils down to accepting and hoping that musicians you love will continue to produce/write great songs not matter what form they choose to do it. It is easy to say, "It's not as good as...", but those days are gone, we can accept that, move on and enjoy what they are doing now or, shut up.
Bedtime.
Michael
Wednesday, 29 July 2009
Music Ramblings 2
With the sad lose to the music industry recently, that being the untimely death of Michael Jackson, I had a conversation with a friend who is only 20 about the fact that she barely remembers Michael Jackson as anything other than "a bit of a weirdo". At the ripe old age of 27, I am lucky enough to remember Jackson during his good years as "The King of Pop", I was lucky enough to see him in 1992 on the Dangerous tour, but I am digressing slightly...
This got me thinking about acts and performers who have had a strong past that is now slightly, if not entirely forgotten. After watching a documentary on BBC4 I was reminded about "The Faces", and the past that Ronnie Wood and Rod Stewart shared (obviously post their time in the Jeff Beck Band) in this wonderful band.
Ronnie Wood, mainly thought of now as a rehab regular and his place in the Rolling Stones (1975 onwards), he hasn't changed much over the years... And then there is Rod Stewart, where do I start with this man? It is hard for me to think of him as anything other than a dodgy hair cut, leather skin/trousered warbler who drives the (not so young any more) ladies wild!
Seriously now, Ronnie Wood, is a rocker through and through, but Mr Rod Stewart, I can not shake solo "hits" (just because they were a success doesn't make them good) like "Have I told you lately" and him belting out "I am Sailing...." So here we are at my point of comparison, Jacko, truely amazing past, sketchy end (hopefully the last songs will be strong). Rod Stewart, awesome past, presently crooning his life away, trying to hang on to his rock 'n' roll past!
But when you look back to Stewarts time with the Faces, you are faced with one of the best examples of British 70's rock! So I offer you the Faces in their prime, when Rod still rocked...
From the album "A nod's as good as a wink...to a blind horse"
Also check out the lyrics to Borstal Boys...
"Cell block five, how I hate Bromide
With your coffee in the morning makes you so sterile
The corner gang never made a man of me boys
You know the walls are taller and the inmates scheme
There's no one here that's more than seventeen
Bet your life there's a riot tonight in the mess hall
A letter from your home town makes you sad
You read it when the warden's had a second laugh
He said sentimental rubbish ain't got no place in here boy
See the years roll on by
such a senseless waste of time
What a way to reform
Call out your number
who's a nonconformer
Shakey Brown didn't hang around
When a Molotov didn't do its stuff
He went back in there and said it with a sawed-off shotgun
You know Poker Sam couldn't lose a hand
If he did you was hit by a downtown tram
Or crushed in the path of a moving elevator
See the years roll on by
such a senseless waste of time
What a way to reform
Call out your number
who's a nonconformer
When I get out I'll get straight
If this old world gives me half a break
But, if you see me in the corner with a chip on my shoulder
Don't blame me"
Time to sleep.
Michael
This got me thinking about acts and performers who have had a strong past that is now slightly, if not entirely forgotten. After watching a documentary on BBC4 I was reminded about "The Faces", and the past that Ronnie Wood and Rod Stewart shared (obviously post their time in the Jeff Beck Band) in this wonderful band.
Ronnie Wood, mainly thought of now as a rehab regular and his place in the Rolling Stones (1975 onwards), he hasn't changed much over the years... And then there is Rod Stewart, where do I start with this man? It is hard for me to think of him as anything other than a dodgy hair cut, leather skin/trousered warbler who drives the (not so young any more) ladies wild!
Seriously now, Ronnie Wood, is a rocker through and through, but Mr Rod Stewart, I can not shake solo "hits" (just because they were a success doesn't make them good) like "Have I told you lately" and him belting out "I am Sailing...." So here we are at my point of comparison, Jacko, truely amazing past, sketchy end (hopefully the last songs will be strong). Rod Stewart, awesome past, presently crooning his life away, trying to hang on to his rock 'n' roll past!
But when you look back to Stewarts time with the Faces, you are faced with one of the best examples of British 70's rock! So I offer you the Faces in their prime, when Rod still rocked...
From the album "A nod's as good as a wink...to a blind horse"
Also check out the lyrics to Borstal Boys...
"Cell block five, how I hate Bromide
With your coffee in the morning makes you so sterile
The corner gang never made a man of me boys
You know the walls are taller and the inmates scheme
There's no one here that's more than seventeen
Bet your life there's a riot tonight in the mess hall
A letter from your home town makes you sad
You read it when the warden's had a second laugh
He said sentimental rubbish ain't got no place in here boy
See the years roll on by
such a senseless waste of time
What a way to reform
Call out your number
who's a nonconformer
Shakey Brown didn't hang around
When a Molotov didn't do its stuff
He went back in there and said it with a sawed-off shotgun
You know Poker Sam couldn't lose a hand
If he did you was hit by a downtown tram
Or crushed in the path of a moving elevator
See the years roll on by
such a senseless waste of time
What a way to reform
Call out your number
who's a nonconformer
When I get out I'll get straight
If this old world gives me half a break
But, if you see me in the corner with a chip on my shoulder
Don't blame me"
Time to sleep.
Michael
Sunday, 31 May 2009
Music Ramblings 1
I have 3 things in my life, design, music and food (there's a girlfriend in there somewhere). I can not live without out them, it's true. I am a complete hound for new tunes, or atleast new tunes to me (I've been on a blues bender recently, some of those guys have been dead for 30 years, so it's hardly "new" music, I digress), so I have decided to expand this blog into other random things that cross my path and I think are of some interest.
I was working on the layout change, (nice huh?) and my girlfriend shouted "Come down here now, there is an amazing band on Jools Holland!" I get down stairs to be greeted by a brass band. I have a bit of a soft spot for this new breed of hip hop/funk inspired brass bands (Youngblood Brass Band and The Dirty Dozen Brass Band are fine examples), they just blow my mind!
The brass band I am going to recommend now are:
Hypnotic Brass Ensemble.
That is an awesome video!
The live videos are truly something special aswell.
These guys have some serious soul, end of.
Happy Listening.
Michael
Links
Hypnotic Brass Band
Youngblood Brass Band
Dirty Dozen Brass Band
I was working on the layout change, (nice huh?) and my girlfriend shouted "Come down here now, there is an amazing band on Jools Holland!" I get down stairs to be greeted by a brass band. I have a bit of a soft spot for this new breed of hip hop/funk inspired brass bands (Youngblood Brass Band and The Dirty Dozen Brass Band are fine examples), they just blow my mind!
The brass band I am going to recommend now are:
Hypnotic Brass Ensemble.
That is an awesome video!
The live videos are truly something special aswell.
These guys have some serious soul, end of.
Happy Listening.
Michael
Links
Hypnotic Brass Band
Youngblood Brass Band
Dirty Dozen Brass Band
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
