Friday, January 30, 2009

thoughts for the weekend...

I love the classics (classical music, classic rock, oldies, all of them), but there's something to be said for entirely new music and the music of our generation. Newly released music is the only music you can be sure you haven't heard before. The rest you may think you haven't heard before, but with the proliferation of music in film and television, advertisements, events, stores, the radio... how can you be sure? I still meet people who will say "Queen? David Bowie? I don't know any of their songs." And I'll play for them "Another One Bites The Dust" and "Changes" and "Under Pressure" and of course, they'll recognize them immediately. The same thing will happen to me when I tune into the oldies or classic rock station on the radio - songs will sounds vaguely familiar, but I won't remember consciously listening to them - it's almost like a musical deja vu. And when I surf iTunes I listen to some new from the last year or so, but who knows where I might have heard that before? The Gap? Starbucks? Listening to brand new music no one else has heard before is cool, but even cooler (imo) is listening to new music I know I haven't heard before. Like the song "1, 2, 3, 4" I heard on the radio today by Plain White T's.

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Top 10 Songs From Movie Soundtracks

With the Academy Awards coming up, I thought it would be fitting to blog about my favorite songs from movies. Some of these tracks come from albums that function as one beautiful compilation that both enhances the film it accompanied but also stands alone (i.e. the Garden State soundtrack, which continues to be one of my favorite albums). None of them are from current Oscar nominees (mostly because I have seen very few of the noms), and in order to get my list down to ten, I've excluded songs from musicals (I somewhat cheated on the inclusion of Once, which I guess it technically a musical. Because it's not really a traditional musical and because the music is so incredibly beautiful, I chose to include it) or television soundtracks.

1. El Salvador - Athlete (from The Last Kiss)
2. Sleep - Azure Ray (from The Devil Wears Prada)
3. If You Want Me - Glen Hansard & Markéta Irglová (from Once)
4. New Slang - The Shins (from Garden State)
5. The Call - Regina Spektor (from The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian)
6. De usuahia a la quiaca - Gustavo Santaolalla (from The Motorcycle Diaries)
7. Moonlight Kiss - Bap Kennedy (from Serendipity)
8. Hallelujah - Rufus Wainwright (from Shrek)
9. Anyone Else But You - The Moldy Peaches (from Juno)
10. Come Pick Me Up - Ryan Adams (from Elizabethtown)

I know ten doesn't cover the amount of great music from soundtracks. What are some more great movie songs?

Bonus: I have seen one of the Oscar nominees, Slumdog Millionaire, which, coincidentally, is nominated for both Best Music, Score and Best Music, Song. My particular favorite from the album is the peaceful and lullaby-esque "Latika's Theme." Enjoy!

Latikas Theme - A.R. Rahman

Friday, January 23, 2009

10 songs under 2 minutes...

As a sort of companion list to my "10 songs over 6 minutes in length", here are 10 songs that clock in in under 2 minutes - meaning you could listen to all of them during your 20 at work!

1. Plead the Fifth - Relient K - 1:16
2. Parachutes - Coldplay - 0:47
3. I Will - The Beatles - 1:46
4. The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin' Groovy) - Simon & Garfunkel - 1:56
5. Inaugural Pop Music for Jane Margaret Byrne - Sufjan Stevens - 1:25
6. Eruption - Van Halen - 1:43
7. Piano & I - Alicia Keys - 1:51
8. Dick Holster - Ben Folds Five - 0:29
9. Pantala Naga Pampa - Dave Matthews Band - 0:40
10. Largo from "Winter" - Composed by Vivaldi, Performed by Yo-Yo Ma - 1:50

It's actually quite impressive how quickly these songs establish themselves and how much personality each song has. Any short favorites I missed?

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Have you heard... Erin McCarley?


Erin McCarley's debut album Love, Save the Empty came out January 6th, 2009. It is a blend of piano-driven alternative/pop/rock akin to KT Tunstall or Vanessa Carlton. The songwriting is creative and fun, but also more accessible than Regina Specktor or Kate Nash. One of my favorite songs "Blue Suitcase" creatively uses castanets during the verse, giving it a special flair. In fact, whoever the percussionist is, I applaud him or her for using a variety of different instruments and techniques that steer clear of the humdrum pop-rock drum beats we're so familiar with. Erin's voice soars, but retains a slightly husky edge (not quite Rachael Yamagata, but huskier than KT Tunstall). Where artists like Rachael Yamagata and Ingrid Michaelson seem to follow a minimalist, less is more mantra, Erin's tracks have obviously undergone more production. Singles "Pony (It's OK)" and "Love, Save the Empty" are full of strings, bass and backup vocals, but I wouldn't label them overproduced... at least not yet. Despite the layers, there remains a quality of clarity and direction.

This is another story, but I first heard Erin McCarley late last year, downloaded two songs on iTunes and then the album disappeared for about a month before returning on Dec. 30th (I hate when that happens! Has it happened to anyone else?). Rest assured it's available now for $7.99 on iTunes, 12 tracks. Solid debut album that is sure to entertain. Too bad the closest her tour is coming to Spokane is Dallas, Texas :(

Fave tracks: "Blue Suitcase", "It's Not That Easy" and "SleepWalking".
RIYL: Vanessa Carlton, Colbie Caillat, Sara Bareilles or KT Tunstall


Oren Lavie & Stop Animation

I was introduced to Oren Lavie and his beautiful, twinkling song "Her Morning Elegance" around six months ago. It has found its way onto many playlists, and I really just can't get enough of it. Lavie's voice has a soothing quality to it (one imeem member described him as sounding "bored," which I think is a bit harsh), both smooth and somewhat haunting.

Lavie's album was originally released in 2007, and though I can't seem to find the release date of the U.S. version, I know it was sometime after (because I tried to buy his album several months ago, and was unable to find anything but a very expensive import on Amazon). Lavie was featured on the Prince Caspian soundtrack, but still seems to be fairly unknown (Amazon lists only one customer review and no "real" reviews of The Opposite Side of The Sea).

The video for "Her Morning Elegance" (which you can listen to below) is currently the featured and free music video on iTunes. To download the video (which features a somewhat cool, somewhat creepy stop animation technique that matches the dreamy quality of the song), just click here.


Her Morning Elegance - Oren Lavie

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Album Review: Fiction Family

About a week ago I posted about the upcoming album from Jon Foreman of Switchfoot and Sean Watkins (formerly) of Nickel Creek. The album came out yesterday and is available to download on iTunes, Amazon.com, or on the pair's website.

I have to admit that I was sucked into buying this album through a very clever marketing scheme. I was actually doing homework for my book marketing & promotion class, which was to write about positive experiences we'd had with marketing. While I was pondering what to write about, I logged on to Facebook and noticed an ad on the right side of the page. It mentioned two bands I enjoy, so I clicked through to find out more, downloaded the free track (still available here), told some friends, and just payed $11.99 for the full CD. Clever marketing sure does work.

So far, I am extremely pleased with the album. As I may have mentioned before, the album was pieced together bit by bit in between busy tour schedules. The combination of this and the diverse genres of music Foreman and Watkins hail from gives the album a patchwork feel. The album is really quite eclectic--at times it feels like what Nickel Creek would sound like if Foreman became its lead singer (not something I'm at all advocating, by the way), tracks like "War in My Blood" are heavy on the bluegrass and feature Foreman's unique vocals over Watkins' skillful guitar work; "Throw it Away" begins as a moody, acoustic number ala Elliott Smith or Radiohead and then gets spiced up by a surprising sitar; and while "Closer Than You Think" may come closer at times to the rock/pop numbers Switchfoot fans may expect, the harmonica and the blending of Foreman's and Watkins' vocals make it something new altogether. Ultimately, while comparisons can be drawn between these artists' work with their well-known bands, Fiction Family is more experimental than it will be familiar to fans of either band.

The standard version of the album has 12 tracks and is $9.99 on iTunes. There is also a deluxe version which is $11.99 and includes three bonus tracks (including a cover of the Cure's "Friday I'm in Love" and another sitar-influenced track which rocks harder than most of the album, "Resurrect Me.")

Fave tracks: "Out of Order," "Not Sure," and "Look For Me Baby."
RIYL: Wilco, Switchfoot, Nickel Creek, Jon Foreman, Sean Watkins, Bob Dylan, or experimental alt-country-folk-rock.

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

O.A.R. and Eric Hutchinson at the Knitting Factory


When I saw that O.A.R. and Eric Hutchinson were coming together to the Knitting Factory, I thought what a perfect match: both upbeat, energetic acts that borrow from a range of similar genres (rock, jazz, soul, funk). And it would be a great chance for Eric to make fans of some of the O.A.R. crowd. My only disappointment with the concert was that Eric was unaccompanied by a band. He switched between guitar and piano, playing most of his debut album Sounds Like This, however I must admit, it was difficult for me to get into some of the songs without percussion or bass or backup vocals. Stripped down, some of the songs like "You Don't Have to Believe Me" and "Rock & Roll" just weren't as catchy or energetic (if I'd had a tambourine with me, I'd have started playing). "OK, It's Alright With Me" and "Oh!" fared a little better under the acoustic conditions. Eric is without a doubt a talented musician and songwriter and having heard his music before, I enjoyed the performance but I couldn't help but feeling the crowd didn't get to hear all he has to offer.

The last time I saw O.A.R. was four years ago when they opened for Dave Matthews Band at the Gorge (also a good match). I know they'd been performing many years prior to that, but they still seemed a little inexperienced (at least compared to DMB) and they had to stop their song "Love and Memories" and start over. Rest assured, four years later they were one of the most polished, energetic and crowd-pleasing acts I've seen. Songs like "City on Down" and "Black Rock" sounded simultaneously familiar and impromptu - both virtues for a jam band. "That Was a Crazy Game of Poker" was phenomenal. Richard On's guitar solos and Chris Culos' ability to lay down a range of tempos and beats were most impressive to me. Marc Roberge's vocals soared and Benj Gershman's basswork was steady. And it wouldn't be fair of me not to mention Jerry DePizzo who got the loudest response from the crowd during every saxaphone solo. I would've liked to hear a couple more songs from their later albums (though I know I'm in the minority here), but since the concert had zero duds, I can't complain.

Monday, January 19, 2009

Coldplay vs. Joe Satriani vs. Marty Balin (?)

The Coldplay vs. Satriani affair has unearthed a 1980s single by Marty Balin (of Jefferson Airplane) called Hearts that some believe sounds like "Viva La Vida" and "If I Could Fly". Check out the steamy music video here:



I tell you what, if I had the software and the technical finesse I would splice these three songs together and make one heck of a music video.

Pachelbel Rant

It's good somebody finally put this sort of thing on youtube, because I've been ranting about it for years - the only difference being, I still like Pachelbel's Canon in D...

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Coldplay vs. Joe Satriani

Thanks to Katie for bringing this to my attention: the story is, 52-year-old rock guitarist Joe Satriani is suing British rock band Coldplay for plagiarism. Satriani's copyright infringement suit, filed on December 4th in Los Angeles federal court, claims the Coldplay song "Viva La Vida" incorporates "substantial original portions" of his 2004 instrumental "If I Could Fly." Satriani is seeking a jury trial, damages and "any and all profits" attributable to the alleged copyright infringement.

My verdict: not "substantial portions" and good luck finding a jury without any Coldplay fans. I think there might be one melody line in question that's used throughout Viva la Vida: "I used to rule the world, seas would rise when I gave the word..." (the riff is about 55 seconds into Satriani's song). Not substantial by my books. Actually, I like the song "If I Could Fly". I listened to it a couple times on youtube and then downloaded it on iTunes (the guy can shred) - which made me think, this is probably all Joe wanted - people who hadn't heard of him before to download his music.

Well, judge for yourself:

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Moving?

As the result of a combination of forces beyond my control, the Genthers had to move at the beginning of 2009 in the ice and the snow. Fortunately, it was only about 30 yards away (but there was still ice and snow). So here are 10 moving songs (well, at least they have motion in them):

1. Move Along - All-American Rejects
2. Hitch a Ride - Boston
3. Caravan - Brian Setzer Orchestra*
4. Slow Ride - Foghat
5. Car Crash - Matt Nathanson
6. Ticket to Ride - The Beatles
7. Moving Too Fast - Norbut Leo Butz**
8. Let it Ride - Bachman Turner-Overdrive
9. Tripping Billies - Dave Matthews Band
10. Spiralling - Keane

* This popular jazz standard was composed by Juan Tizol and first performed by Duke Ellington in 1937.
** This song is from the musical The Last 5 Years by Jason Robert Brown.

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Fans of Switchfoot and/or Nickel Creek, listen up!

I know, Switchfoot and Nickel Creek may sound like an odd pairing. The bands have little in common--until recently, that is. Jon Foreman of Switchfoot and Sean Watkins of (the no longer together) Nickel Creek are releasing a collaborative album January 20.

That album will be called Fiction Family, which also happens to be the name of the duo. The album was created in Postal Service style with Foreman and Watkins sending material back and forth between each other and working bit by bit during the down times of their busy tour schedules, and, according to their website, "with very few exceptions, every note was written, arranged, played, and recorded by Sean and [Jon]."

You can check out their site here and score a free download of their song "When She's Near." I definitely hear more of Foreman's vocals than Watkins' on the track. Both artists are multi-instrumentalists and vocalists, so I look forward to hearing what the rest of the album sounds like.

Here's the video to "When She's Near:"


Fiction Family - When She's Near from ATO Records on Vimeo.

Thursday, January 8, 2009

Top 10 Songs With New Resolutions


Happy 2009 everybody! We're eight days into the new year. Have you stuck to your resolutions so far? Did you even make any resolutions? Here are 10 songs that I thought were pretty fitting for the new year; they all have to do with resolving to make some sort of change. Good luck with your resolutions!

1. Next Year, Baby - Jamie Cullum
2. Waiting in Vain - Bob Marley & The Wailers
3. Gonna Be Some Changes Made - Bruce Hornsby
4. Surely We Can Change - David Crowder Band
5. Change - Tracy Chapman
6. Never Going Back Again - Fleetwood Mac
7. This is the Last Time - Keane
8. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road - Elton John
9. Gotta Get Thru This - Daniel Bedingfield
10. I'm Gonna Find Another You - John Mayer


The Last Time - Keane