One of my favorite things about the phenomenon known as Rock 'n' Roll is that it has spawned a handful of songs over the years that will last throughout the ages. Now that list is for another music review outlet (Rolling Stone), I only wish to reflect on a turn of the 21st century tune that I feel should be heard and learned for years to come.
If look through Dylan's discography you will find the musical credit "Trad. arr. Dylan" meaning that the song goes so far back that not one person is recognized as the author. In other words, people have been playing that song so long, no one remembers who the was the first. I really like that. For me, these are the hymns of humanity. Shared by all to be interpreted for the times they find themselves in. Dylan certainly did all he could for his time.
Along these lines, I believe that some songs from recent history will reach that same status. I am not saying that their authors will be forgotten (thank you internet) but that they will be passed down, learned by new artists, and serve as opening tracks to careers. "Last Night" by The Strokes is one of those.
I can almost see it, four or five guys, roughly 16 or 17 in bad jeans and sneakers, starting off the set at a coffee house. If they have any rock n roll in them, they are doing it to wake everyone up. They are probably doing it because it is the only song they know. Still there is something there.
From the opening lick, soon joined by the drums, then joined by another guitar, and at last the singer, it allows the whole band to introduce themselves as they come together to play in a style that would make The Ramones proud. Although I cation against calling it punk in statement, I see it more in style.
The real bite of the song comes two and minutes in with an honest confession and vocal explosion. Julian Casablancas proclaims "Me, I'm never gonna understand.... LAST NIGHT!!!" It causes you to go back and listen to whole song over again ( All three minutes and eighteen seconds). You enjoy again the lead up, complete with lyrics telling a story of confusion and leaving, no big love lost but still something is gone, while name checking a laundry list of people who are also in the dark. There is enough word play that it doesn't become stale and becomes a fun challenge to sing along and get the nouns right, in the style "It's The End of the World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)". There are also instrumentation breaks that, to return to that image of the coffee house, are probably just as much fun to play as they are to listen to. There is a handful of chord changes to give it some rhythm and beat. It gets your foot tapping in a familiar way while still sounding new.
And that is what made all those traditional songs so appealing to Dylan. They were familiar, but he knew, he could make them new. I feel the same for "Last Night." So Julian, my grandsons might actually understand.
Thursday, January 29, 2015
Wednesday, January 28, 2015
Some Shoveling Music
The film Juno goes down as one my generation's landmarks, creating a presentation style only later to copied and warped by MTV's "16 and Pregnant" and "Teen Mom." Still, the film had great music and I had a solid album for some shoveling.
Celebration Rock- Japandroids:
This 2012 release that I first took a pass on because by the time I read about it in Rolling Stone I was too steeped in a set summer mix and then later bought the next but to quote George Constanza, it didn't take, it now exists as go to when I am looking for some indie rock. I feel it would be unfair and off target to characterize the group as Canadian Black Keys but I was first drawn to it because it came out of a duo. I enjoy hearing how two, and just two, musicians can relate to and work together.
The album both opens and closes with fireworks, major points for that one. Truly they do invite you for a celebration. For me on Tuesday, it worked nicely as I seized the day and tackled the task shoveling. Out of season in a sense, still I enjoyed all the elements that led to the attention Rolling Stone gave it.
Two particular elements came across: musical craftsmanship and poignant lyrics. In fact, the later almost gets lost in the former but nonetheless this listening experience is created where you are moving (in my case shoveling) along to the music and try to catch all that is sung.
The album details a young man discovering his sexuality. It is both playful and serious, in all the best ways. Some of the highlights include "She'll kiss away your gypsy fears / And turn some restless nights to restless years" from "Fire's Highway" , "So come and find me in this moment / and expose a passionate man for what he is" coupled with "I'll run to find you in this moment / and expose a passionate woman for she she is" from "Evil's Sway" ,"With her blitzkrieg love / roman candle kiss" from "Adrenaline Nightshift".
"Younger Us" is as much an anthem about being young and having friends as anything I have ever heard. It ends up on about 70% of the mix CDs I make and it is honestly one of my all time favorite tracks. It both speaks to me about my own youth and inspires me to further explore it. In the case of this snowstorm, it pumped me, had me moving across the driveway a little faster
Arguably the album's strongest tracks, these four songs also possess a musical landscape to match these lyrics. The playing is as much about exploration and pride as the lyrics. Sure, we have all heard fast, loud guitar playing before, but it comes with a purpose. It is not loud simply to be loud. It is auditory excitement. I have never seen Japandroids live but I imagine they jump when they play. I like to think the notes also jump, leaving the instruments ready to meet the world and bring some meaning. It borders on racing but I like to think of it as running.
Another possible slight against the style might be that all the songs sound the same. I like to think that they are fabric cut from the same cloth coming together to form a quilt with different scenes from the same experience. I think that some lyrics from "Younger Us" capture it best "Waiting for a generation's bonfire to begin / when the plunder of a poets / thunder of a punk's guitar."
That pairing at the end, a poet and punk, it also does well to caption the album, which did well to provide some music for a snowstorm.
Celebration Rock- Japandroids:
This 2012 release that I first took a pass on because by the time I read about it in Rolling Stone I was too steeped in a set summer mix and then later bought the next but to quote George Constanza, it didn't take, it now exists as go to when I am looking for some indie rock. I feel it would be unfair and off target to characterize the group as Canadian Black Keys but I was first drawn to it because it came out of a duo. I enjoy hearing how two, and just two, musicians can relate to and work together.
The album both opens and closes with fireworks, major points for that one. Truly they do invite you for a celebration. For me on Tuesday, it worked nicely as I seized the day and tackled the task shoveling. Out of season in a sense, still I enjoyed all the elements that led to the attention Rolling Stone gave it.
Two particular elements came across: musical craftsmanship and poignant lyrics. In fact, the later almost gets lost in the former but nonetheless this listening experience is created where you are moving (in my case shoveling) along to the music and try to catch all that is sung.
The album details a young man discovering his sexuality. It is both playful and serious, in all the best ways. Some of the highlights include "She'll kiss away your gypsy fears / And turn some restless nights to restless years" from "Fire's Highway" , "So come and find me in this moment / and expose a passionate man for what he is" coupled with "I'll run to find you in this moment / and expose a passionate woman for she she is" from "Evil's Sway" ,"With her blitzkrieg love / roman candle kiss" from "Adrenaline Nightshift".
"Younger Us" is as much an anthem about being young and having friends as anything I have ever heard. It ends up on about 70% of the mix CDs I make and it is honestly one of my all time favorite tracks. It both speaks to me about my own youth and inspires me to further explore it. In the case of this snowstorm, it pumped me, had me moving across the driveway a little faster
Arguably the album's strongest tracks, these four songs also possess a musical landscape to match these lyrics. The playing is as much about exploration and pride as the lyrics. Sure, we have all heard fast, loud guitar playing before, but it comes with a purpose. It is not loud simply to be loud. It is auditory excitement. I have never seen Japandroids live but I imagine they jump when they play. I like to think the notes also jump, leaving the instruments ready to meet the world and bring some meaning. It borders on racing but I like to think of it as running.
Another possible slight against the style might be that all the songs sound the same. I like to think that they are fabric cut from the same cloth coming together to form a quilt with different scenes from the same experience. I think that some lyrics from "Younger Us" capture it best "Waiting for a generation's bonfire to begin / when the plunder of a poets / thunder of a punk's guitar."
That pairing at the end, a poet and punk, it also does well to caption the album, which did well to provide some music for a snowstorm.
Thursday, January 1, 2015
Top Ten Tracks of 2014
In a year saturated with songs, these ten stuck out as ones that we will be listening to for years and slipping onto mixes for friends and loves alike:
10) "Just One Of The Guys"- Jenny Lewis: A song, thanks to a video filled with all-star female cameos, is nearly as much fun to watch as it is to sing. Miss Lewis delivers chorus and verse perfect for a circle at a girl scout campfire or a coed college dorm room. Either way, it delivers words that are both fun and philosophical, filling the four minutes perfectly and going well with simple strumming led instrumentation.
9) "Rainbow"- Robert Plant: The old lion roars once more, this time accompanied by a relaxed, full band led by a calm bongo beat. Tender and sweet are two words not newly attributed to a song by Plant but it is both reassuring and entertaining to hear him do it once more in 2014. If only the same could be said for leading Led Zeppelin.
8) "Heavenly Father"- Bon Iver: You have got to be a mover and shaker to inspire Justin Vernon to get the boys of Bon Iver back together and record a song. And that is exactly what Zach Braff is. Coincidentally, that is exactly what this song makes you do: move and shake, in a familiar way, just as "Wish I Was Here" undoubtedly felt familiar to "Garden State." In just over four minutes, and through a loop, the moniker meaning "Happy Winter" makes you smile, wonder, ponder, and feel a little happy. Now go make another album!
7) "Scarecrow"- Counting Crows: No Mr. Jones this time for Adam and the gang, but instead an all American rocker in every sense of that cliche phrase. In all seriousness, it is beyond nice to hear a band from a decade now sometimes classified as classic rock still able fire on all cylinders and provide the perfect backdrop for lyrics as mystically pop as one of their first hits (Mr. Jones). A native species ear worm that slows down, speeds up, and equals a lot fun.
6) "A Sky Full of Stars"- Coldplay: With an assist from Avicii, Chris and the crew add another single to their solar system of hits. More catchy than contemplative, it works nicely as a bookend to "Yellow" when Martin first invoked the Heavens. Say what you will about the album, this one belongs right up there with Coldplay's best and definitely goes on any serious Coldplay mix.
5) "Rather Be"- Clean Bandit ft. Jess Glynne: A perfectly smooth around the edges piece of synth pop that is a pleasure no one needs to feel guilty for turning it up loud when it comes on the radio or downloading it onto your computer to enjoy in quiet moments. I deem there to be enough integrity, both musically and lyrically, for it to serve as part of the soundtrack to any romance.
4) "Zigzagging Toward The Light"- Conor Oberst: No longer needing to be known by a moniker referring to his optical light, Oberst brings it all back home in some sorts in this opening to track to his Americana meets today's alternative album released back in May. Fun to both tap and sing along to, it showcases craftsmanship defined by full band involvement and earnest, reflective lyrics. A great introduction to new fans and a reward to those who have been along for the full journey, it is nice to know Orberst has an idea of where he is going.
3) "Lost In The Dream"- The War On Drugs: The lush title-track from album filled with ambient anthems, this one offers a sentiment on an experience we all strive for while moving at a medium pace and bringing in all the instruments that serve as the ingredients for the album's effort. Together they all play, taking turns, and working together to, along with some contemplative lines, provide four minutes of contentment. In effect, the listener gets a little lost.
2) "Gotta Get Away"- The Black Keys: A catchy throwback tune that serves to close out to the album, it also works nicely as a piece of radio gold. It doesn't have the bite of "Tighten Up", but instead captures the release of a man letting go. Dan Auerbach, having shared it all on the preceding tracks, has some fun with his drummer/best friend Pat. As accessible as "Tighten Up" it draws the listener in for less shifts in tempo, but just as much fun. Plus any chorus that can name drop Kalamazoo is just a good time.
1) "Happy Idiot"- TV On The Radio: If you choose to carry on after the death of a band member, it should be with a dance beat and lyrics about love lost. Blending them together, TV On The Radio deliver a song that encapsulates the struggle between joy and knowledge, mirroring the tension between indie and pop found in this song. I hear purposeful instrumentation paired with lyrics written from dipping into the well of pop's cannon. Similar to #4, this very well can serve as the introduction to an act that has for years made critically acclaimed music. With this track, they just happened to make the year's best song.
10) "Just One Of The Guys"- Jenny Lewis: A song, thanks to a video filled with all-star female cameos, is nearly as much fun to watch as it is to sing. Miss Lewis delivers chorus and verse perfect for a circle at a girl scout campfire or a coed college dorm room. Either way, it delivers words that are both fun and philosophical, filling the four minutes perfectly and going well with simple strumming led instrumentation.
9) "Rainbow"- Robert Plant: The old lion roars once more, this time accompanied by a relaxed, full band led by a calm bongo beat. Tender and sweet are two words not newly attributed to a song by Plant but it is both reassuring and entertaining to hear him do it once more in 2014. If only the same could be said for leading Led Zeppelin.
8) "Heavenly Father"- Bon Iver: You have got to be a mover and shaker to inspire Justin Vernon to get the boys of Bon Iver back together and record a song. And that is exactly what Zach Braff is. Coincidentally, that is exactly what this song makes you do: move and shake, in a familiar way, just as "Wish I Was Here" undoubtedly felt familiar to "Garden State." In just over four minutes, and through a loop, the moniker meaning "Happy Winter" makes you smile, wonder, ponder, and feel a little happy. Now go make another album!
7) "Scarecrow"- Counting Crows: No Mr. Jones this time for Adam and the gang, but instead an all American rocker in every sense of that cliche phrase. In all seriousness, it is beyond nice to hear a band from a decade now sometimes classified as classic rock still able fire on all cylinders and provide the perfect backdrop for lyrics as mystically pop as one of their first hits (Mr. Jones). A native species ear worm that slows down, speeds up, and equals a lot fun.
6) "A Sky Full of Stars"- Coldplay: With an assist from Avicii, Chris and the crew add another single to their solar system of hits. More catchy than contemplative, it works nicely as a bookend to "Yellow" when Martin first invoked the Heavens. Say what you will about the album, this one belongs right up there with Coldplay's best and definitely goes on any serious Coldplay mix.
5) "Rather Be"- Clean Bandit ft. Jess Glynne: A perfectly smooth around the edges piece of synth pop that is a pleasure no one needs to feel guilty for turning it up loud when it comes on the radio or downloading it onto your computer to enjoy in quiet moments. I deem there to be enough integrity, both musically and lyrically, for it to serve as part of the soundtrack to any romance.
4) "Zigzagging Toward The Light"- Conor Oberst: No longer needing to be known by a moniker referring to his optical light, Oberst brings it all back home in some sorts in this opening to track to his Americana meets today's alternative album released back in May. Fun to both tap and sing along to, it showcases craftsmanship defined by full band involvement and earnest, reflective lyrics. A great introduction to new fans and a reward to those who have been along for the full journey, it is nice to know Orberst has an idea of where he is going.
3) "Lost In The Dream"- The War On Drugs: The lush title-track from album filled with ambient anthems, this one offers a sentiment on an experience we all strive for while moving at a medium pace and bringing in all the instruments that serve as the ingredients for the album's effort. Together they all play, taking turns, and working together to, along with some contemplative lines, provide four minutes of contentment. In effect, the listener gets a little lost.
2) "Gotta Get Away"- The Black Keys: A catchy throwback tune that serves to close out to the album, it also works nicely as a piece of radio gold. It doesn't have the bite of "Tighten Up", but instead captures the release of a man letting go. Dan Auerbach, having shared it all on the preceding tracks, has some fun with his drummer/best friend Pat. As accessible as "Tighten Up" it draws the listener in for less shifts in tempo, but just as much fun. Plus any chorus that can name drop Kalamazoo is just a good time.
1) "Happy Idiot"- TV On The Radio: If you choose to carry on after the death of a band member, it should be with a dance beat and lyrics about love lost. Blending them together, TV On The Radio deliver a song that encapsulates the struggle between joy and knowledge, mirroring the tension between indie and pop found in this song. I hear purposeful instrumentation paired with lyrics written from dipping into the well of pop's cannon. Similar to #4, this very well can serve as the introduction to an act that has for years made critically acclaimed music. With this track, they just happened to make the year's best song.
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