Spring break 2009 began yesterday for me, and here I am writing from Cancun, Mexico, already drunk and working on my tan. The weather has been beautiful, as have the bitches. Woohoo!!!!!!
Spring break thus far:
-I went to DSW with my mom and got new shoes. They are made by Mark Ecko. I'm 1/4 Cuban, so I'm comfortable with the choice. I will try to find my camera and take a picture of them. The tips of the shoes (BRAIN FART!!) remind me of a duck-billed platypus. You will see in the picture if I post it
-I have downloaded an album by every band on the first two pages of my Last.FM recommendations. Here is where I promise I will post my thoughts on them; you and I both know that won't happen.
-I am watching what will likely turn out to be the entirety of the Adult Swim series Home Movies. It is funny like "haha."
I leave you now with a passive aggressive riddle/paradox.
Given:
1. Sister City is clearly not a real band (make up your own reason for this)
2. The University of Maryland Baltimore Campus is having a Battle of the Bands for which thirty (30) bands entered and only eight (8) can compete.
Here is my question:
If Sister City is not a real band, how did this happen?! Don't the judges know it's just a Bright Eyes rip-off? Jeez...
Wish us luck!
*A note on the tone of this text: MOSTLY SARCASTIC
Friday, February 27, 2009
Sunday, February 1, 2009
The Goings-On or RANDOM FACTS LOL SO RANDOM
Fact one: It is Sunday, February 1st and it is five minutes to 3PM. I am in pajama pants.
No, but wouldn't it have been so annoying if I made this one of those Facebook things people have recently been doing? They aren't random facts if you're taking precious time to decide each and every one of them. You're not fooling anyone into thinking that you're interesting. Or maybe you're fooling everyone else as desperate for attention as you are because then THEY get to make one of their own!
Now if you'll excuse my diatribe against people who do things for attention, I'm going to write a new blog entry.
Today is the first day of February and every February a website called RPM issues a challenge to songwriters to write and record a full length album in one month. I signed up last year and I ended up with five solid songs. I'm going to try again this year and possibly submit my short story project by the end of the month, assuming I've got enough songs done. As of now I've got a song about "Young Goodman Brown" and a song about "The Cask of Amontillado." I'm going to try to make it into the studio within the next few days to record them; I'll post the MP3s up here once I've got them.
In other musical news, Funion is taking over the world, or at least the quad. Our newest song has been winning awards left and right. A little birdy might have mentioned something about a Grammy for best spoken word/Latin/children's toys hybrid... It's ours this year, Costello!
No, but wouldn't it have been so annoying if I made this one of those Facebook things people have recently been doing? They aren't random facts if you're taking precious time to decide each and every one of them. You're not fooling anyone into thinking that you're interesting. Or maybe you're fooling everyone else as desperate for attention as you are because then THEY get to make one of their own!
Now if you'll excuse my diatribe against people who do things for attention, I'm going to write a new blog entry.
Today is the first day of February and every February a website called RPM issues a challenge to songwriters to write and record a full length album in one month. I signed up last year and I ended up with five solid songs. I'm going to try again this year and possibly submit my short story project by the end of the month, assuming I've got enough songs done. As of now I've got a song about "Young Goodman Brown" and a song about "The Cask of Amontillado." I'm going to try to make it into the studio within the next few days to record them; I'll post the MP3s up here once I've got them.
In other musical news, Funion is taking over the world, or at least the quad. Our newest song has been winning awards left and right. A little birdy might have mentioned something about a Grammy for best spoken word/Latin/children's toys hybrid... It's ours this year, Costello!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Who knew?
I wrote that last blog and I was like: "That is a very long blog."
It turns out that it looks way longer in the text editor than it does on the page. Carry on.
It turns out that it looks way longer in the text editor than it does on the page. Carry on.
Expansion, like the frontier kind
Hello, blogosphere--a word the Firefox spell check will certainly be amended to recognize soon enough (its suggestions for me are: "biosphere, heliosphere, lithosphere, and photosphere").
Long first sentences aside, I've rethought the point of this blog a little bit. It will have GRAVE CONSEQUENCES. This used to be (for three weeks) a blog where I discussed only other people's music. Now I think I will discuss my own as well. This blog is where I make promises for Sister City and other music projects that don't get fulfilled. Too many times have I promised the hordes of internet fans of my band this or that project and it does not happen. Now I will do it here, if only just so there continues to be written record of my false promises one way or another.
I'm taking a class called Short Stories this semester. We read short stories out of a book called THE STORY AND ITS WRITER. Since I have little to no school-related drive this semester for whatever reason, I decided the other night that, to keep myself interested/reading, I will write a song inspired by each short story. This will kill a proverbial two (2) birds with one (1) stone as I am also trying to be less picky about songs that are "BAD IDEAS." BAD IDEAS can turn into GOOD IDEAS sometimes, so this project will speak towards that.
This is the thing: I have actually already written one of these songs. That is a lot farther than most of my ideas come. Whether that means I'll see this project through to completion or not remains to be seen. I do plan on documenting its progress on this very blog(!), though. The first song is inspired by Hawthorne's "Young Goodman Brown," and takes its name from a line in the story: "A Grave and Dark-Clad Company"
Until later.
Long first sentences aside, I've rethought the point of this blog a little bit. It will have GRAVE CONSEQUENCES. This used to be (for three weeks) a blog where I discussed only other people's music. Now I think I will discuss my own as well. This blog is where I make promises for Sister City and other music projects that don't get fulfilled. Too many times have I promised the hordes of internet fans of my band this or that project and it does not happen. Now I will do it here, if only just so there continues to be written record of my false promises one way or another.
I'm taking a class called Short Stories this semester. We read short stories out of a book called THE STORY AND ITS WRITER. Since I have little to no school-related drive this semester for whatever reason, I decided the other night that, to keep myself interested/reading, I will write a song inspired by each short story. This will kill a proverbial two (2) birds with one (1) stone as I am also trying to be less picky about songs that are "BAD IDEAS." BAD IDEAS can turn into GOOD IDEAS sometimes, so this project will speak towards that.
This is the thing: I have actually already written one of these songs. That is a lot farther than most of my ideas come. Whether that means I'll see this project through to completion or not remains to be seen. I do plan on documenting its progress on this very blog(!), though. The first song is inspired by Hawthorne's "Young Goodman Brown," and takes its name from a line in the story: "A Grave and Dark-Clad Company"
Until later.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Top 10 Albums of 2008
Welcome to my End of the Year list(s)! I will start out by shirking all journalistic integrity and having two number 1s for album of the year.
10. Jack's Mannequin - The Glass Passenger
Andrew McMahon only writes good songs (the chorus to "Suicide Blonde" notwithstanding). The first few tracks are great pop songs; ballads like "Hammers and Strings" blow some Something Corporate songs out of the water. I've always liked this band more than SoCo.
9. The Matches - A Band In Hope
This band has come a long way since "Superman." The lyrics are interesting, the melodies are often counter-intuitive and complex, and really the only truly weak song on the album is "Yankee in a Chip Shop"
8. The Loved Ones - Build and Burn
Such good punk rock. I've liked everything this band has put out. I'm looking forward to their EP coming out in February.
7. Dear and the Headlights - Drunk Like Bible Times
This album wasn't anywhere near as good as Small Steps, Heavy Hooves, but songs like "I Know" prove that they've still got it in them. This band has monstrous potential.
6. Right Away, Great Captain! - The Eventually Home
Andy Hull could honestly do just about anything and I would buy it. This album is a lot quieter than Manchester Orchestra and it's been perfect listening for the last couple months of 2008. Some of my favorite Andy Hull songs are on this CD.
5. The Hold Steady - Stay Positive
This album was summer. I don't think there was a single day when I wasn't blasting it at work. In conjunction with seeing them live twice in summer alone, this album helped The Hold Steady pretty much define a full season of this year.
4. Okkervil River - The Stand-Ins
What Stay Positive was to summer, The Stand-Ins was to fall. It leaked in August right as I was getting ready to go back to school and I listened to it non-stop. Listening to The Stage Names and this back to back is almost too enjoyable.
3. Why? - Alopecia
Yoni Wolf's way with words is mind boggling. The lyrics on this CD still amaze me; his rhyming patterns, his word choice, everything. The music backing him is equally as incredible. I've been listening to this one since January and I think I'll continue to for months to come.
2. The Mountain Goats - Heretic Pride
According to Last.fm, I have listened to the Mountain Goats 1,242 times since January 1st, 2008. Thanks in large part to this album, The Mountain Goats went from a band I wouldn't skip if they came on shuffle to a band I can't go a day without listening to. I've since explored Darnielle's massive back catalog to rather overwhelming success. Yet another case where illegal downloading led me to discover and support a band.
1b. The Gaslight Anthem - The '59 Sound
I've listened to this album more than any other this year. The words are permanantly on my lips; the melodies into my fingers. This band plays everything I still like about punk rock. This is honestly a flawless album.
1a. Frightened Rabbit - The Midnight Organ Fight
As I write the final words of my 2008 wrap up, this album is playing. That has been true of almost everything else I've done over the last few months. I have listened to this album almost every day since I first fell in love with it in September. I love it enough to look past the fact that he sings the word "cunt" seriously. And that would usually be a dealbreaker. "The Modern Leper" is officially my favorite song of this year, but each succeeding song on the album makes me want to reconsider. I wish I could remember how I found out about these guys. I hope it wasn't Pitchfork...
10. Jack's Mannequin - The Glass Passenger
Andrew McMahon only writes good songs (the chorus to "Suicide Blonde" notwithstanding). The first few tracks are great pop songs; ballads like "Hammers and Strings" blow some Something Corporate songs out of the water. I've always liked this band more than SoCo.9. The Matches - A Band In Hope
This band has come a long way since "Superman." The lyrics are interesting, the melodies are often counter-intuitive and complex, and really the only truly weak song on the album is "Yankee in a Chip Shop"8. The Loved Ones - Build and Burn
Such good punk rock. I've liked everything this band has put out. I'm looking forward to their EP coming out in February.7. Dear and the Headlights - Drunk Like Bible Times
This album wasn't anywhere near as good as Small Steps, Heavy Hooves, but songs like "I Know" prove that they've still got it in them. This band has monstrous potential.6. Right Away, Great Captain! - The Eventually Home
Andy Hull could honestly do just about anything and I would buy it. This album is a lot quieter than Manchester Orchestra and it's been perfect listening for the last couple months of 2008. Some of my favorite Andy Hull songs are on this CD.
5. The Hold Steady - Stay Positive
This album was summer. I don't think there was a single day when I wasn't blasting it at work. In conjunction with seeing them live twice in summer alone, this album helped The Hold Steady pretty much define a full season of this year.4. Okkervil River - The Stand-Ins
What Stay Positive was to summer, The Stand-Ins was to fall. It leaked in August right as I was getting ready to go back to school and I listened to it non-stop. Listening to The Stage Names and this back to back is almost too enjoyable.3. Why? - Alopecia
Yoni Wolf's way with words is mind boggling. The lyrics on this CD still amaze me; his rhyming patterns, his word choice, everything. The music backing him is equally as incredible. I've been listening to this one since January and I think I'll continue to for months to come.2. The Mountain Goats - Heretic Pride
According to Last.fm, I have listened to the Mountain Goats 1,242 times since January 1st, 2008. Thanks in large part to this album, The Mountain Goats went from a band I wouldn't skip if they came on shuffle to a band I can't go a day without listening to. I've since explored Darnielle's massive back catalog to rather overwhelming success. Yet another case where illegal downloading led me to discover and support a band.
1b. The Gaslight Anthem - The '59 Sound
I've listened to this album more than any other this year. The words are permanantly on my lips; the melodies into my fingers. This band plays everything I still like about punk rock. This is honestly a flawless album.1a. Frightened Rabbit - The Midnight Organ Fight
As I write the final words of my 2008 wrap up, this album is playing. That has been true of almost everything else I've done over the last few months. I have listened to this album almost every day since I first fell in love with it in September. I love it enough to look past the fact that he sings the word "cunt" seriously. And that would usually be a dealbreaker. "The Modern Leper" is officially my favorite song of this year, but each succeeding song on the album makes me want to reconsider. I wish I could remember how I found out about these guys. I hope it wasn't Pitchfork...
Top 9 EPs of 2008
Bands who were too lazy to put out a full length or just wrote too many songs:
9. Conor Oberst - Gentleman's Pact
Definitely better than the full length, this four song EP reminds me a little of "I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning" era Bright Eyes. No eagles, no poles.
8. You, Me, and Everyone We Know - So Young, So Insane
Although this one isn't quite as good as their previous EP, it's still really good. They're one of the only good pop punk bands left. A full length from them is going to be very interesting.
7. Straylight Run - Un Mas Dos
These songs are definitely different from old Straylight Run stuff aside from the fact Michelle is gone. I like the new direction; I don't like the fact that they said they're only going to be doing EPs from now on.
6. Mountain Goats - Black Pear Tree/Satanic Messiah
John Darnielle has dominated the last few months of my life and these EPs certainly helped. Neither has songs of the caliber found on Heretic Pride, but each is an enjoyable listen. Kaki King is always a plus as well.
5. Manchester Orchestra - Let My Pride Be What's Left Behind
"I Can Feel a Hot One" and "I Was a Lid" are both fantastic songs. If there was more new content, this would be higher up. Since there isn't, it just gets me very excited for their upcoming full length
4. Kevin Devine - I Could Be With Anyone
Four new songs off of his album out next year. All four are great. He could be with anyone.
3. All Get Out - All Get Out
Rounding out the Favorite Gentlemen releases is All Get Out's new EP. They were really good live and this EP captures it well. I've been listening to it a lot in the last few weeks. They're in the genre of bands that sound like Manchester Orchestra; I pretty much love all of them.
2. The Gaslight Anthem - Senor and the Queen
The Gaslight Anthem come in at number two here also. "Say I Won't (Recognize)" just isn't a strong enough song to make this EP number one. That doesn't mean I don't listen to it all the time, though.
1. Shining Through - Man Vs. Wild
This EP is really good. Equal parts Weatherbox and Bright Eyes, Shining Through makes up for a lack of output by either band this year. I hope they get big and successful or at least record a full length.
9. Conor Oberst - Gentleman's Pact
Definitely better than the full length, this four song EP reminds me a little of "I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning" era Bright Eyes. No eagles, no poles.8. You, Me, and Everyone We Know - So Young, So Insane
Although this one isn't quite as good as their previous EP, it's still really good. They're one of the only good pop punk bands left. A full length from them is going to be very interesting.7. Straylight Run - Un Mas Dos
These songs are definitely different from old Straylight Run stuff aside from the fact Michelle is gone. I like the new direction; I don't like the fact that they said they're only going to be doing EPs from now on.
6. Mountain Goats - Black Pear Tree/Satanic Messiah
John Darnielle has dominated the last few months of my life and these EPs certainly helped. Neither has songs of the caliber found on Heretic Pride, but each is an enjoyable listen. Kaki King is always a plus as well.
5. Manchester Orchestra - Let My Pride Be What's Left Behind
"I Can Feel a Hot One" and "I Was a Lid" are both fantastic songs. If there was more new content, this would be higher up. Since there isn't, it just gets me very excited for their upcoming full length4. Kevin Devine - I Could Be With Anyone
Four new songs off of his album out next year. All four are great. He could be with anyone.3. All Get Out - All Get Out
Rounding out the Favorite Gentlemen releases is All Get Out's new EP. They were really good live and this EP captures it well. I've been listening to it a lot in the last few weeks. They're in the genre of bands that sound like Manchester Orchestra; I pretty much love all of them.2. The Gaslight Anthem - Senor and the Queen
The Gaslight Anthem come in at number two here also. "Say I Won't (Recognize)" just isn't a strong enough song to make this EP number one. That doesn't mean I don't listen to it all the time, though.1. Shining Through - Man Vs. Wild
This EP is really good. Equal parts Weatherbox and Bright Eyes, Shining Through makes up for a lack of output by either band this year. I hope they get big and successful or at least record a full length.
Best Albums of 2008 I Know Are Good, But Haven't Spent Enough Time With
Most of these came out in the last quarter of the year; I just haven't had enough time to really familiarize myself with them. They're in alphabetical order.
Butch Walker - Sycamore Meadows
I always like everything Butch Walker puts out. This album is no different.
Cloud Cult - Feel Good Ghosts (Tea-Partying Through Tornadoes)
Every time I've listened to this album, I've really enjoyed it. I just forget to put it on. This is one of those where I'm thankful for album shuffle.
Dillinger Four - C I V I L W A R
I will always have a weakness for this kind of punk rock. It's great when I'm in the right mood.
Fall Out Boy - Folie a Deux
I will also always have a weakness for this kind of punk rock. I've only listened to this album a few times, but Fall Out Boy definitely can still make catchy and intelligent pop music. Fuck you, Drew.
Parenthetical Girls - Entanglements
This album is so cool. The orchestral arrangements sound incredible. I can't wait to listen to this album more.
Pompeii - Nothing Happens for a Reason
This is a really good album that got overshadowed by bigger things that I got at the same time. If I had listened to it more, it could have probably been in the top 10. It just needs some time to really click.
Wild Sweet Orange - We Have Cause to Be Uneasy
This band reminds me of Manchester Orchestra and that can only ever be a good thing. I listened to this album a lot this year, but certainly not enough.
Butch Walker - Sycamore Meadows
I always like everything Butch Walker puts out. This album is no different.Cloud Cult - Feel Good Ghosts (Tea-Partying Through Tornadoes)
Every time I've listened to this album, I've really enjoyed it. I just forget to put it on. This is one of those where I'm thankful for album shuffle.Dillinger Four - C I V I L W A R
I will always have a weakness for this kind of punk rock. It's great when I'm in the right mood.
Fall Out Boy - Folie a Deux
I will also always have a weakness for this kind of punk rock. I've only listened to this album a few times, but Fall Out Boy definitely can still make catchy and intelligent pop music. Fuck you, Drew.Parenthetical Girls - Entanglements
This album is so cool. The orchestral arrangements sound incredible. I can't wait to listen to this album more.Pompeii - Nothing Happens for a Reason
This is a really good album that got overshadowed by bigger things that I got at the same time. If I had listened to it more, it could have probably been in the top 10. It just needs some time to really click.
Wild Sweet Orange - We Have Cause to Be Uneasy
This band reminds me of Manchester Orchestra and that can only ever be a good thing. I listened to this album a lot this year, but certainly not enough.
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