This looks amazing. "Go around the corner and we'll do it in the back." Classic. The Coen's really can't do any wrong at this point. As an added bonus, Elbow's 'Grounds For Divorce' is the soundtrack to the trailer.
« April 2008 | Main | June 2008 »
May 2008
05/30/2008
05/29/2008
M83 Live @ Triple Rock (05.28.08)
There are some bands (like the Flaming Lips) that you see for the sheer spectacle. The music is great, but the band really puts on a show, and that’s what keeps people coming back. Then, there are bands that you see for sight-bands that look good on stage, and know it. People have gravitated towards the Strokes and Interpol, not exclusively for how they sound, but for how they look, and their live show reflects that somewhat, as both bands don’t have much of a stage presence, but look quite stylish. Finally, there are bands that you go see live for the sound-and last night’s M83 show at the Triple Rock was one of these shows. I knew early on that being able to see what the band was doing on stage wasn’t nearly as important as hearing what they were doing, so I settled in back by the soundboard, not able to see the band at all, and not caring, because the sound that filled the room last evening was absolutely sublime.
Touring with three other musicians (drummer Loic Maurin, guitarist/bassist Pierre Marie-Maulani, and keyboardist Morgan Kibby on backing vocals), Anthony Gonzalez completely elevated everyone in the room last night, with songs that, to me, sounded just like Summer. Anthony and his band gave life to the serene French soundscapes that fill his music, easily winning over the crowded room with their layered, textured synth pop. I find myself comparing M83 to another French band, Air, because both bands create sounds that allow the listener plenty of space to get lost in. And while Air have lately fallen into the trap of having too many lyrics in their music (for my taste, at least), M83 played a set of music last night that was relatively lyric free. Even on the songs that had lyrics, the words were just a mere accompaniment to the sonic tides crashing over the audience, never the focus. The Triple Rock is the best sounding room in the Twin Cities, in my opinion, and last night was one of the best aural experiences I’ve had in recent memory. The sound was glorious, and all I could do was close my eyes and give myself up to the music.
There are some musicians (Jonny Greenwood is one of them) that turn knobs on instruments I’ve never seen, thus creating sounds I’ve never heard. Anthony Gonzalez is another one of those musicians, and rather that fixating on how he is making that sound by twisting those knobs, it’s best to just listen. It was funny to me that the crowd didn’t really cheer much as Anthony came onstage unaccompanied, opening with a partial rendering of the droning instrumental “Midnight Souls Still Remain.” In fact, the crowd cheered louder when the other three members of the band strolled out, perhaps confused about which one Anthony was. The set leaned heavily on tracks from the superb new record “Saturdays=Youth,” with standouts being ‘Graveyard Girl,’ ‘We Own The Sky,’ ‘Kim & Jessie,’ and the wonderful encore ‘Couleurs.’ Older songs were sprinkled in, as well, with ‘Run Into Flowers’ and ‘Gone’ from 2003’s “Dead Cities, Red Seas & Lost Ghosts,” and ‘Guitar And A Heart,’ ‘*’ and ‘Moonchild’ from 2005’s “Before The Dawn Heals Us” all sounding absolutely incredible.
The Triple Rock has fast become my favorite music venue in the Twin Cities, based on size, sound, and shows, and last night was just another stellar gig to add to the litany of great concerts I’ve seen there. The sound was perfect, and the band seemed to be in good spirits, definitely throwing themselves into their music. I was surprised that the crowd wasn’t dancing or moving a little more-M83 is certainly music you can move to, but the audience was rather sedate, voicing their approval with raucous applause rather than bad dance moves. But overall it was an outstanding show, with the layered soundscapes of M83 soundtracking the imminent arrival of Summer.
 |
 |
05/27/2008
New Sigur Rós Track Available For Free Download
The singular Icelandic band Sigur Rós are back with a nearly unpronounceable new record, titled "Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust" (translation, 'with a buzz in our ears we play endlessly') a rather racy album (emphasis on the bum) cover (found below), and, best of all, a free download of the first single from the new record, titled 'Gobbledigook,' available from their website here sigurros.com . Upon first listen of the track, it seems like quite a departure for the band, with acoustic guitar strumming throughout the track, heavy, pounding drum work (ok, no surprise there), and, despite not being able to understand a lick of the lyrics, it seems rather happy and upbeat. It's a short song (for them, at least), clocking in at just over 3 minutes. But it's a good, summery, driving song that definitely has me looking forward to their new record, out June 24th. Here's the tracklisting, complete with a song apparently sung completely in English (my bet is on 'All Alright'), a first for the band:
01 Gobbledigook
02 Inní mér syngur vitleysingur
03 Góðan daginn
04 Við spilum endalaust
05 Festival
06 Með suð í eyrum
07 Ára bátur
08 Illgresi
09 Fljótavík
10 Straumnes
11 All Alright
At this point, the lads are touring the heck out of the record starting in June, but no Minneapolis date has been announced at this time. If, and when the date is announced, I recommend the show to everyone-their live show is not to be missed, and as hyperbolic as it sounds, it is akin to a spiritual experience.
05/23/2008
Happy Birthday Bob Dylan!
So, tomorrow (May 24th) marks Mr. Robert Zimmerman's 67th Birthday. After his health problems a few years ago put him close to deaths door, I think we can all be thankful that Bob is still around, making relevant, credible music (albeit questionable commercial choices), and still playing concerts on his seemingly neverending tour (even though he's skipped the Minneapolis area on his last two tours, including the fantastic double bill of Bob and Elvis Costello, which I'm still a tad bitter about.) Anyone who knows me, knows that I revere this man and his music, perhaps more so than any other Artist in history. And I guess his birthday is as good a time as any to explain why.
First of all, he is a Midwestern success story. It is hard to escape/deny his presence throughout the state of Minnesota, no matter how much he wanted to leave this area for New York City on his quest to meet Woody Guthrie. All you need as proof are the many different Dylan tributes/celebrations scheduled over the weekend in Minneapolis, Hibbing, and Duluth (and elsewhere in the state, I am sure.) He is, and always will be, a Minnesotan Son-the people of this state refuse to let any other state claim him. He is ours, no matter how far away he roams. His dreams and aspirations took him elsewhere, and fame has followed him from the moment he set foot in Greenwich Village in the 60's. But he is a shining example that the scope of your dreams need not be limited by being born in the Iron Range of Northern Minnesota (or wherever you come from), and that if you have something truly original to say, the world can, and will, hear you- no matter what mountaintop you need to shout from.
When I first got into music, what drew me in initially was crushing guitar riffs and frantic drum beats, hence some of my early favorite bands were Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, and The Who. But as I got more immersed into the world of books and literature, lyrics became the most important thing for me, as far as music goes. So, it was a match made in heaven, a young kid looking for meaningful verse, finding the wisdom, truth, and insight of Bob Dylan's lyrics. People can say what they want about his vocal delivery-rough as it is, it's not for everyone. But his lyrics, the words he sings (not the way he sings them), are second to none in the world of music. He is a true Poet who has given the world anthems for social change, songs of regret and loss, tender love ballads, caustic rock songs, and uplifting hymns that dare to dream of a better way. All the while denying that his songs had any meaning or social importance whatsoever. He has constantly fought against being defined by anyone-journalists, rock critics, his friends, and, perhaps most stridently, his fans. Just when you think you know what direction he's going next, he goes electric, or country, or finds religion-nothing you expected, perhaps not a direction or influence you even liked, but it's impossible to view his career without those drastic shifts in style. And that is one of the many reasons why he and his music are still relevant-it's hard to imagine people would continue to care if he was still just an acoustic troubadour in the coffee houses of the East Village. He has evolved with the times, even changing the times himself through his music and lyrics. No small feat, that. And rarer still for a musician, as opposed to a politician or religious leader, to have that kind of social influence and impact.
Anyone can find themselves in the world Dylan describes, whether you are Lily, Rosemary, Mr. Jones, Johanna, or Joey, whether you're from the North Country, Oxford Town, Durango, Desolation Row or Maggie's Farm. The world he creates in his lyrics are identifiable to all, some perhaps hitting closer to home than others, but we can find the story of ourselves in the stories he spins. And that to me is his enduring appeal, the ability to somehow weave the narrative of us all into his lyrics. Whether it is just a line you latch on to, or a verse, or even a whole album (Blood On The Tracks, in my case. I know, how very sad for me), there are palpable emotions and characters in his words that breathe as surely as we do. And they tell the eternal story of survival, belief, courage, outrage and hope that lies within us all. He gives voice to our fears, our dreams, our nightmares, and our aspirations. And he would vehemently deny doing any of those things. But it is true. Like any good storyteller, he creates a world that we have found, and continue to find ourselves in, and in so doing, helps us discover and define ourselves in the process.
So, Happy Birthday to you, Bob Dylan. Thank you for sharing your poetry and perspective with a world that continually hasn't been prepared for it. Thank you for continuing to sing your songs of freedom in a world where those freedoms regrettably still get taken away. Thank you for even the idea of Bob Dylan, which is everyone and no one, all and nothing, right and wrong, my way and the highway, the duty and the dream. You are without peer, without equal, and within us all.
05/22/2008
Pearl Jam, Flaming Lips, Foo Fighters Set To Pay Tribute To The Who
VH1 has announced that this years 'Rock Honors' benefit with be celebrating the music of The Who-the first such benefit that focuses on just one band for the night. Bands tapped to pay tribute to The Who that evening are Pearl Jam, The Flaming Lips, and Foo Fighters, and other unannounced acts and presenters. The three bands will each play a rousing set paying tribute to the energy, originality, and musical legacy of The Who, all leading up to the grand finale, where the surviving members of the band will play a storming set of their own music (while most likely being joined by members of the other bands.)
From The Who's press release:
"Taping in Los Angeles at the Pauley Pavilion on the campus of UCLA on July 12, "VH1 Rock Honours: The Who" will premiere on Thursday, July 17 at 9pm* on VH1, VH1 Classic and MHD. VH1.com will also offer select performances from the show leading up to and following the on-air premiere at Rock.VH1.com. The Who's monumental legacy will be celebrated with a 2-hour tribute that will salute the music and the lasting impact of this groundbreaking band. The influence of The Who will be felt through spoken tributes, filmed packages and performances by some of today's premiere rock acts as well as the legends themselves.
On Friday, June 6, tickets will go on sale to OFFICIAL WHOLIGANS, members of The Who Fan Club (thewho.com). The general public on sale will be on Sunday, June 8. All tickets will be sold via Ticketmaster. Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the efforts of multiple charities including The Teenage Cancer Trust, the Double O Charity, VH1 Save The Music Foundation and select VH1 Classic Rock Autism organizations.
Details of special packages are currently being arranged and full details will be posted on this site soon, along with details of exclusive contests for subscribers of thewho.com."
Sounds like an exhilarating evening, doesn't it. I personally can't wait. While these made for TV events usually end up being disappointing, this has the makings of a can't miss event-great bands playing songs honoring one of the best bands in rock's storied history. I enjoy connecting the links and influences of bands from the past with the current crop of musicians, and while most people seem to criticize and pigeonhole bands as being derivative and 'sounding just like' this or that band, how can you, as a musician, not be influenced by the music you listened to in your formative years? You can't exist in a vacuum, oblivious to the past, present, and future of music. And if someone did, would we even be interested in the music they produce? These type of events, while fully designed by corporate T.V. executives, give bands the opportunity to honor those that have influenced their musical direction, as well as a chance to jam with Pete and Roger. Who wouldn't want that opportunity? Tune in, and turn it up loud!
This is a pretty safe pick for Pearl Jam to play that evening-I've seen them absolutely torch this song live many times:
05/21/2008
New Beck-'Chemtrails'
Pretty solid first track from the forthcoming, Danger Mouse produced new album 'Modern Guilt.' Very drum heavy and soaring, certainly has Mouse's DNA all over it. Sounds a little like Carribou, if you ask me. But this collaboration has me quite excited for the new Beck album, due sometime this summer, which features a song called 'Walls' with none other than Ms. Chan Marshall. Good news for people that like good music.
05/19/2008
Moby-Dick (Or, The Whale) by Herman Melville
After struggling through 700+ pages of what amounted to glorified Cetology (the study of whales) and whaling, all the while anticipating the inevitable meeting of the Pequod and the white whale that never quite seemed to arrive, I have to admit I was pretty frustrated and on the verge of quitting the book on more than one occasion. The often dry descriptions of the differences between humpback whales, white whales, right whales, and sperm whales dragged on for pages on end, and frequently lost my interest. But, the last 100 pages or so were some of the most gripping and tragic passages I've ever come across in literature. It made the effort of reading the entire book (all 896 pages) completely worth it, and definitely solidified in my mind why this book is as revered as it is, and a solid member of the American Canon.
Captain Ahab, the single minded captain of the Pequod, was devoted to an infernal quest to track down and kill Moby-Dick, the white whale that cost him his leg and eventually everything else he held dear. His life's sole purpose became slaying the whale, and in the process he sacrificed everything he had to his quest. He was newly married, and left his wife as a whaling widow, no real idea about the all-consuming life she married into. And while I have read many studies about how the quest to find the white whale was symbolic of man's search for meaning, man's journey into the depths of his own soul, the fruitless quest for the unattainable, etc...(and the book is certainly steeped in allegory and symbolism, there is no escaping it) however, at times I felt like I was simply reading a book about whaling, pure and simple. And that was frustrating. I wanted something deeper, more resonant.
Melville introduced some interesting and truly memorable characters throughout the novel. Ishmael, of course, the books faithful narrator, who, in his relative innocence and naiveté regarding whaling, provides the book with some rather funny observations early in the novel, and serves as a beleaguered guide into the abyss that the Pequod is doomed to reach. Quequeg is the heavily tattoed harpoonist that Ishmael finds himself roommates with at the beginning of the book. He worships a small idol that he keeps with him at all times, often consulting it when times get tough. Starbuck is the second captain, who knows exactly where Ahab's obsession would lead them all. His desperate plea to Ahab to forget about the whale and join him in going back to their respective families was as heartbreaking and poignant as literature can be, and almost convinced Ahab to give up on his fateful quest. The lack of development of these characters was rather vexing, as the book careened towards the thoughts of the obsessive Ahab, forgoing most of the characters that Melville spent the earlier parts of the book developing. And I'm sure that was intentional. Ahab sacrificed all of those around him to his own stubborn crusade, why shouldn't Melville.
The book certainly built up to the fated confrontation between Ahab and Moby-Dick, and the battles (there were two), although rather one-sided, were dramatically recounted, and the pages flew by in a blur. As the characters lost their bearings and were tossed about by this huge monster of the ocean, you felt disoriented as a reader, as well. Melville captured these scenes in such an animated way that the action on the page really thundered to life. It was gripping and suspenseful, everything that I hoped the inevitable encounter would be as I slogged through the first 700 pages. As I said earlier, these last 100+ pages were some of the most rewarding and riveting chapters I've ever read, and justified the reading of the book for me. I would most assuredly recommend this book to anyone and everyone, preaching patience for all for the ending is worth it. And, I would also recommend getting a version (like the Modern Library Classics version that I read, pictured above) with the beautiful illustrations by Rockwell Kent. His simple black and white drawings really added to my enjoyment of the novel, and brought Melville's descriptions of the whale, the ocean, and the crew to life.
Moby-Dick was always destined to be a tragedy, as is any man's single-minded obsessive quest. But in the end, the journey proved to be the ultimate reward, for how are we to get anywhere unless we set our sights on something grand? We are left to find, in our own lives, the white whale that we seek. It can, and will, symbolize different things to different people. We just have to be careful that this search doesn't consume us, and that we find joy and importance in other/all things in life. This will ultimately keep all of our ships adrift, and hopefully on the path towards whatever end we seek.
05/15/2008
The Hold Steady Returning To First Ave.
Everyone's favorite bar band is returning to Minneapolis, this time to actually play in a bar. Forgoing the theater and auditorium venues of their last two local shows, the Hold Steady boys are playing First Avenue on July 22nd. Pre-sale tickets are available Friday, May 16th @ 10 A.M. I predict a quick sell out on this one. Should be a riotous evening. Don Rickles will probably not be there.
05/14/2008
R.I.P. Robert Rauschenberg (1925-2008)
Pioneering American Artist (and one of my personal favorites) Robert Rauschenberg died yesterday, at the age of 82. He continually reshaped Art in the 20th Century, with his recognizable collage style, as well as his innate ability to turn junk or found items into works of beauty. He also was one of the most prolific of all artists during his lifetime, refusing to settle into his legacy and rest on his laurels, he continued to work straight through until his death. His work also transferred to the stage as well, with his vast, intricate, layered backdrops being used for numerous dance recitals. So much so, in fact, that when Rauschenberg won the International Grand Prize at the Venice Biennale in 1964, he claimed that the Merce Cunningham Dance Company represented his biggest canvas. His work continued to evolve during his career, never remaining static, incorporating items as diverse as beds, stuffed bald eagles, goats, and tires into his paintings, reworking the definition of sculpture and canvas, and Art as we knew it. He was the link between the Abstract Expressionism of Pollock and de Kooning, and the Pop Art of Warhol and Johns. He was also one of the few artists that became quite wealthy during his lifetime, regularly sharing his fortune with charities for women, children, medical research, other artists and Democratic politicians. He was a true visionary, in a world often lacking in them. He will be missed.
“I really feel sorry for people who think things like soap dishes or mirrors or Coke bottles are ugly,because they’re surrounded by things like that all day long, and it must make them miserable.”
Robert Rauschenberg
“I really feel sorry for people who think things like soap dishes or mirrors or Coke bottles are ugly,because they’re surrounded by things like that all day long, and it must make them miserable.”
Robert Rauschenberg
Recent Comments