The most recent Minus the Bear album came out last summer, but the more I listen to it the more obsessed I become with it. Today, I want to write about musical progression and growth. You'd think experimentation would be more accepted these days, but people (especially die-hard fans of specific bands or genres) have become quite closed-minded. It's upsetting.
The track I'm posting today, "Animal Backwards" (which can be found on Minus the Bear's latest album Omni), brings out a lot of mixed emotions and reactions from Minus the Bear fans. If you're familiar with Minus the Bear, you'll notice right away that this song possesses a much different sound. They definitely experimented a bit on this one, and they steered away from their traditional sound. And while many fans think this is some sort of blasphemy, I commend the transition.
Sure, this song is a bit more electro-dance than any of their previous songs. Yea, it can be a bit repetitive. But that's the point. It was meant to be different. How talented really are bands that show no growth at all? You can throw on any album from any year, and they pretty much sound the same? Is that what you want? Not me.
Minus the Bear has always been a talented, multifaceted band. And yes, why fix what's not broken? But that doesn't mean stop growing, stop progressing, some learning, stop transforming. This track is a perfect example of musical progression. And I like it.
So the haters of the world that call themselves "fans" can shut up. Step out of that ignorant little hole you live in, and try something new!
Damn you Daylight Savings! I'm all sorts of backwards right now. What is the point anyway? Great, I see the sun earlier in the morning, and my drive home from work is black as hell. Wonderful. What a dumb system.
There's something about autumn and the changing of the season that makes me think a whole lot. I think about what's missing, rather than my blessings. Although I'm probably the happiest I've been in a long time, it still feels like something isn't right. And I know I'm not alone. I hear negativity all around me, just by listening to my friends talk or reading my friends' Facebook status messages and what not. The cold weather takes away our spirit, and we're left feeling unmotivated and uninspired.
So what does one do to snap out of this dismal mood? Just with almost anything else, I find solitude in music.
I downloaded the album Contraption by Beats Antique last night before I went to bed...solely because I heard one of the songs on Pandora yesterday afternoon and liked it. Well, I was in my usual gloomy morning mood as I drove to work this morning. Until...I played my new album and instantly that mood was reversed. Instantly, all the negative thoughts went away. Instead, my mind began circling around all the positivity in my life. And I began taking mental notes of all the things I want to do today, tomorrow, over the weekend, during the winter, etc.
It's so easy to get stuck in that winter depression, but I'm not going to let that happen. I'm far too perky and optimistic for that nonsense. And I was reminded of this as I danced all the way to work in my car.
I've recently been introduced to the calming grooves of Emancipator, and I was quite bummed to have missed his recent show in Chicago on Oct. 30. But the more I thought about it, the more I was actually happy I didn't waste my $44. There is something very depressing about standing there, witnessing a guy and his lap top; it makes me kinda nauseous. I like bands, you know...with instruments. That's what a real show is about.
Not to take anything away from electronic music. It's still music, and an art. It's just not something I'd spend money to watch live. I think electronic music is best listened to in the car, in the shower, at work, etc. It's excellent background noise for any moment.
I listen to a lot of music, as you already know. But there is something so tranquil and calming about this new style of classical, lo-fi, jazz-like electronica. Actually, I think I just made it sound a lot more complicated than it really is. It's probably the one genre I can listen to at any time of any day and feel better than I had moments before.
It's not ridiculously complicated or technical. It's simple, yet thought provoking. Peaceful, yet dramatic. It puts me in a dream. It's my drug. Who needs opiates, when you've got music?! I hope it has a similar effect on you. Here are my two favorite Emanipator tracks, followed by two somewhat comparable tracks by similar artists.
Friday is usually the day I post some crazy, obnoxious, pulsating track(s) to hype everyone up for the upcoming weekend debauchery. But that's not really where my mind is at right now.
I'm more concerned with that late-night drive home, once the festivities are complete. That trek home can sometimes feel like forever. I know, for me, I wish I could just teleport to my bedroom. Unfortunately, that's not possible. So I like my drive to be as peaceful and calm as possible. This is a time I like to reflect and zone out.
I've already written about Little People in a previous post, but I felt the need to revisit the work of this compelling artist today. I'm in a very reflective mood, and I think these are the tracks I'll be listening to all weekend. If you like Portishead and/or Tricky, you'll love this.
So download these nostalgic tunes, and zone out tonight.
I'm feeling a lil frisky today. I foresee some sexy trouble in my near future. Next Friday to be exact. Ha!
I became acquainted with Flying Lotus' experimental, downtempo tracks when I was going over the Coachella 2010 lineup. And wow! There's not much I can say. This is what I want to listen to as I'm walking around a semi-crowded room, scoping out the situation, sipping on my scotch, shaking my behind, turning heads.
And lucky for me, Flying Lotus is making a stop in Chicago before Coachella and playing at the Double Door next Friday.
If you like what you hear, join me. Deep, dark, sexy grooves for only $5!!! (In advance, that is...$10 at the door.)
I cannot even remember the last time I wrote a blog entry on a Monday. The only time I've ever been motivated to write on a Monday is when I have a wicked weekend. And finally! My head is still bobbing, my hips are still swaying, my toes are still tapping. I'm on a high.
I was fortunate to spend most of my weekend with a new friend who has just as diverse a music collection as my own. Since I've already shared my music library with him, he decided to return the favor and introduce me to something new. It's trippy how you pick up on others' musical preferences; it's so rewarding when they actually like what you recommend. I wonder what it was about me that gave him the notion that I would like Hercules And Love Affair. I'm glad he thought of me, though. When I walk into a room, I want "Athene" to play in the background. And I want to dance until I can no longer feel my legs.
I'm sitting here right now, listening to "Time Will," and in my mind I'm reliving the brilliant moments I shared with friends these past three days. There's nothing else I would rather listen to. Something about that voice and that funk... it captures sentiments I thought were lost.
The thing I love about Hercules And Love Affair is that they transcend musical boundaries. It's house, it's jazz, it's synth-pop, it's soul. I could hear these songs mixed at a dance club or performed live at a loungy piano bar. And that's something I can definitely appreciate. Just like I don't like to classify music, I don't like to be classified myself. If I were a song, I'd be...
It's a pretty simple equation. And it happens all the time. Why do we always want what we can't have? Something about the impossible that makes us even more hungry for that which is unrequited.
"Cause maybe you want him. Like you want me. Only truly." Ouch.
"It hurts when you rule me. And the whole world can see through me." Damn.
I don't have much to say today. This track is sick, and it possesses so much power, passion and intensity. The remix is heavy. The more I listen to it, the more it stings. Don't worry, it's a good sting.
This may just be my favorite holiday. I get to put on a costume and raise hell all over the streets of Chicago. I like to cause trouble, and this is the day that it is slightly acceptable. I'll be out and about dressed in something hilarious and crashing parties this weekend. But I had to make sure I had a proper soundtrack for my shenanigans. If you're hosting a party or just want to blast some music on your way out, here are some tracks that'll surely get you into the spooky spirit! Some are heavy, some are down-tempo... but they've all got that creep factor.
Since my last post, I have done a lot of thinking, reflecting, meditating, etc. And just like that, I've snapped out of it. It's Friday. I'm alive. You're alive. Let's dance.
I hope you will add these tracks to your weekend playlist as you destroy public property, cuss at pedestrians, pump your fist and snarl. Yes, that's the theme today. When I hear each of these tracks, I can't help but snarl and make shifty eyes. If you can find me over the next 48 hours, that's how you'll find me — swaying uncontrollably with a nonsensical mean mug on my face. I got no time for BS!
It's amazing how a British accent can make anything sound charming. My pal brought this to my attention last week, and I heard this song a few days ago. Sure enough, this noise confirmed my pal's theory.
If this chick didn't have that fake British accent, this would be the biggest pile of crap I have ever heard. The lyrics are awful, and the music was probably made with a cheap Casio synthesizer. I mean, there's something about white brauds attempting to rap that makes me want to vomit. I don't know much about Uffie, and to be honest with you, I don't care to look much more into it. I'm content with this being my little guilty pleasure for the week, and anything more will ruin it for me. I'm sure of it.
Now you can listen, bob your head, and love/hate it with me. Don't judge me.
Finally! The day has arrived when I can post one of the absolute greatest instrumental tracks I have ever heard in my life. It took me long enough to find this track in mp3 format; otherwise, I would have posted this day one of Jazzy's Joynt.
The first time you listen to this song, you must be in a comfortable position and you must be able to blast the volume to full capacity. Also, no interruptions allowed. This track must be played from beginning to end. If you're into the whole self-medication thing, go ahead and get a little lifted. It might illuminate the experience. Press play, and enjoy the ride.
This track is most definitely a work of art. The progression, the breaks, the instrumental solos... they take me on a journey. I've already written in a previous post how there are certain songs that create movies in my mind. And if my life was a movie, this song would absolutely be on the soundtrack. It would play at the turning point of the movie, when something that you didn't expect occurs. Something twisted. I fall in love, I almost die, I discover something cryptic about my past. Dig?
I travel a lot. I meet a lot of people. These people come, and they go. But every once in a while, I meet someone that makes me want to desperately miss that flight back home so I can spend just one more day getting to know this new friend. Sometimes I meet someone that I can't get out of my brain once I return. I wonder if any of these people think about me. I wonder if our paths will ever cross again. Only time will tell... I came across this track last week as I was searching for Fred Falke remixes. I liked it immediately, but I couldn't really understand the lyrics. So when I looked them up, I liked the song even more. Read the lyrics as you listen, and enjoy!
Hey, good morning Hey, it's calling Hey, good morning Watch the sun come up It's calling I want another day with you
How can I explain it scratchin' my brain How can 10 hours feel like 10 years? I cry 10 men's tears as it disappears With the passionate atmosphere Took your glove as a souvenir Left the other on the pillow as I stroked your ear One last breathe of your hair, stared for a second Then the doorway beckoned I'm a lover not a fighter So I didn't fight the fact that I more than liked ya Didn't matter we were under influence Made sense this was more than lust I don't own you, you don't own me One night only, if only I could take you back and just show you off But I guess if I did that, the magic is lost
Hey, good morning Watch the sun come up It's calling I want another day with you
You and that red dress - What a pairing I kept staring, you couldn't have said less Can't let my head rest, thinking about ya, Really wanna look into your catwoman eyes Turn back time, cause it flies by You know, them Marty mcfly vibes See, I can picture the bright lights Sights and night skies and boats go by I don't know why it happened so fast When I tried to speak your language I'm happy you laughed Cause I'm hardly a linguist Spoke through kisses you didn't speak English And it was hard to distinguish Love at first sight or holiday romance? Don't care I was lost in the moment I really shoulda missed that flight
Hey, good morning Watch the sun come up It's calling I want another day with you Hey, good morning Watch the sun come up It's calling I want just one more day with you
Believe me I wanna stay But I'm going away
I don't think I could be dreaming I felt your touch No I remember you breathing when I woke up Now all I have are these memories I can't trust Just one day, wont be enough
I've been in this British phase the past month or so. I just can't get enough of the UK-based bands and DJs, such as Bloc Party, Calvin Harris, Dizzee Rascal, Hard-Fi, The Streets and most recently, Audio Bullys.
This track has been on repeat for the past few days, and I don't see it getting old anytime soon. The first time I listened to it I had no idea what was in store. The song had so many ups and downs and rapid turns, I didn't know what to expect.
After a rough weekend, this was the perfect jam to get me started on my Monday morning commute to work. I had to share it with you. Trust me, your laptop speakers will do this song no justice. I prefer you bump this in your ride.
If you like house music or just some funky beats, check this out. As soon as you think you have this song figured out, you'll be in for a nice little treat.
I love it when one single song has the ability to create a movie in the listener's mind. I listen to the track in its entirety and envision scene after scene. Sometimes I'm the star, other times I simply create characters in my head. Either way, I absolutely love those songs that bring on this creative force in my mind.
Although I like to play it off with this tough girl exterior, I really am a softy and a romantic at heart. And for the most part, most of Erlend Øye's songs direct a love story in my mind. Now, that's not to say it's always a happy ending. Most love stories end in tragedy, don't they? Maybe that's the cynic in me writing. Anyhow, when I heard this song this evening (for the first time), this was my vision:
A young man is traveling with his friends. During one of their excursions, a beautiful girl catches his eye. He initiates conversation with the girl, who is also traveling through this foreign land, and doesn't even notice his friends leave him. He spends the entire rest of the day with her. She makes him feel more alive than he's ever felt in his life. They experience the city and behave as if they had known each other for years, like no one else is around. He decides to spend the rest of his trip with her and she with him. And when it's time for the girl to leave and return home, he follows her. He leaves all that he knows behind to be with this girl. But once they reunite, things aren't the same. She found another, and already forgot about him. His heart is crushed and he retreats back home. And years later, thousands of miles away, he still thinks of her...
I posted this track just a couple of weeks ago. But after everything that has been happening in Iran the past seven days, I found it only fitting to post it again today.
I'm still in shock that so many people around me are completely ignorant to the current situation in Iran. Open your eyes, pals. People are dying, fighting for their freedom. The government is killing its own people. And this terror continues. If you're one of the many people who are more concerned with Perez Hilton's feud with Will.I.Am than foreign affairs, do yourself a favor and do a quick google search on Iran. Educate yourself. Get involved.
And if you don't know who Neda is, get off your silly little cloud and watch the video. I'm not going to post the link; you can find it yourself. Neda was a young, beautiful woman who was protesting with her father in Iran. Sadly, she was targeted and killed, and it was captured on video. People all over the world began posting this video on Facebook and Twitter. Apparently, her name means "voice" in Persian. How fitting; she has become the voice representing change in Iran.
If only social media emerged 15 years ago. Maybe the former Yugoslavia wouldn't be in the state it's in now. Maybe Americans would be more aware that there's more to this life than Heidi and Spencer and E! News. The world needs a revolution now more than ever.
It's Friday! You know what that means... I need to bump something crazy and upbeat. I need something to get me amped and in the mood for all the trouble that will be stirred up over the next 48 hours.
You may have noticed a trend by now; I just did. When, and if, I post on a Friday, it's usually my "get blasted into the universe" playlist. Fridays may be my favorite day. The work week is complete, and I'm free to behave however I'd like. I'm a troublemaker and a free spirit, so I can tell you already it'll be a wild one!
As soon as I leave the office, I get into my car, blast the new CD I burned and cruise home in anticipation for what the weekend has to offer. And if you do the same, please check out the songs below, and create your own playlist! I'm going to be dancing all the way home, dancing into my house, dancing in the shower, dancing in front of the mirror as I try on a million outfits, and dancing to the party I will attend this evening.
Lately I've been neglecting my writing, and this troubles me. I used to keep a journal, since I was maybe 10 or 11 years old. And the older I get, the less time I allow myself to artistically express myself. I did, however, find an outlet through this website. Yet, there are so many other thoughts and ideas running through my head that I absolutely need to get on paper. Thoughts that have nothing and everything to do with music.
What I used to do and haven't done in a very, very long time is what I like to call my personal "expression sessions." It goes a little something like this:
I create a playlist, which includes songs that are thought-provoking, soothing and hypnotic. I throw those bad boys on a CD. I dim the lights just a bit, bust out a pen and paper and blast my new inspirational CD. I make sure there are no distractions; the cell phone is shut off. The music takes me on a journey, and I can't put the pen down. The thoughts come pouring out from my mind through the tips of my fingers. And I don't stop until I have nothing else to write.
This works for any form of art: painting, dancing, sculpting, etc. I want you to try this out one day. I can assure you won't regret it, and what's the worst that can happen anyway? You made yourself an awesome playlist. No harm, no foul.
Here I've posted some of the songs that I recently discovered that will definitely go on my next expressive session playlist. Maybe they will inspire you. I hope so.
I know I will go home tonight and write the things I've been longing to express for months now. What a release! Artistic expression is therapy for the heart and mind, and I am anxiously looking forward to my next session.
Finally! Memorial Day is just around the corner, and I'm amped for the three-day weekend! The weather is amazing, and thoughts of summer in Chicago invade my mind. There's nothing like it. Everyone around me is happy and making big plans for the festivities. This is good. I feel the hype in the air, and all I need now to set the tone is some hyperactive jams.
If these tracks don't get you out of your seat and on the prowl, you're a vegetable. Enjoy!
Hi pals, this is just a reminder that those of you in the Chicagoland area need to hit up Smart Bar tonight. You might remember a lil' post I wrote last month about Mr. Scruff. I discovered his music at a record shop in San Francisco, and I've been pumped about it ever since. And thankfully, my cousin came across a flyer promoting an event at Smart Bar for tonight. Mr. Scruff will be spinning all night long, a six-hour set to be exact. That's right...SIX HOURS. And based on reviews I've seen on the web, this guy is amazing. Here's a lil' taste:
"Mr Scruff smoothly changed the pace of the music from soul and funk to dub, ska and reggae...As time slipped by, the type of music would sway gently from old reggae to new funk to old skool hip-hop - and the crowd lapped every drop...That’s the great thing about Mr Scruff's sets: you may not know the song but you can be sure it will be very, very funky." -From www.bbc.co.uk
"As a DJ, Mr. Scruff is damn impressive. The breadth of his musical palette is phenomenal, and he manages to own all genres. Not dipping in and out, with the ebb and flow of fashion, but appreciating them, owning them, and moulding them into his vision. From funk to reggae, trance to ambient, to soul and indie, nothing seems forced, nothing is quirky for quirkiness’ sake. The ability to keep a crowd in the palm of his hand for five plus hours, while building a set from chill out to full on hoolie… I guess its easy when you know how." -From www.claus.com
And if that's just not good enough for you, maybe you should come to Smart Bar and decide for yourself! I'll be the wild hippie girl dancing by herself in the center of the dancefloor.
If you're still not sold, here are some Mr. Scruff videos for you to check out:
I haven't been my usual self lately. I've been laying low, staying in, relaxing. And that needs to change. NOW. So I figured who better to get me amped than Cut Copy? There's something about this Australian group that gets me in a happy, toe-tapping mood. You hear a little bit of 80s new wave infused into their electro-pop riffs. It's heavy!
Now, although I love Cut Copy's original tracks, I absolutely love any remix they introduce. Similar to MSTRKRFT, these guys are able to take a decent track and make it hot. So, today we're getting into the groove, friends. We're starting the weekend early with a healthy dose of Cut Copy.
I will confess: I have not listened to the original version of either of these songs. Cut Copy's remixes ruin the originals for me; I don't even care to listen to the originals because in my mind nothing can beat a good Cut Copy edit.
