Nevermind: 20 Years Later

I cannot believe it's been 20 years since I first heard "Smells Like Teen Spirit" blaring from my big brother's bedroom. I was only 8 years old, but when I listened to Nirvana, I knew something great was soon to follow. 

Nevermind was not their first album, but it was the first one that people noticed. Something about that teen angsty grunge drew people in. Hell, I was 8 freakin' years old, and I was mesmerized. Twenty years later, I don't listen much to "Smells Like Teen Spirit," but there are other tracks from that album that remain on regular rotation on my iPod. The big radio hits never did much for me. I guess I'm like that with most bands, actually. I'm not trying to be "different"; it just is what it is.

Anyway, below are my favorite tracks from Nevermind. I just don't want people to forget that the entire album, from start to finish, is a masterpiece. Not just "Teen Spirit" and "Lithium." The whole body of work deserves your attention!

Bands like this just do NOT exist anymore. Back in 1991, even if you didn't give a shit about alternative rock music, you knew damn well who Nirvana was. You watched Nirvana's videos, you tried to sing along with "Teen Spirit," and you thought Kurt Cobain was a badass. 

Now? Shit, I don't even wanna go there.



Nirvana - Drain You


Nirvana - Territorial Pissings


Nirvana - Lounge Act


-

Foals Friday!

A little over a year ago, I posted a few tracks off of Foals' debut album Antidotes. I became pretty obsessed with them at the time. The album grew on me, more and more each day. And to this day, I blast those sassy tracks when I need a little pick-me-up.

I waited and waited and waited some more for a new album to come out. And my prayers were finally answered this week! The new Foals album, Total Life Forever, was released earlier this week and I haven't stopped playing it yet. It's definitely different than their first album. Less sass, more imaginative. The band members have been cited saying this album is more "tropical prog." And I'd have to agree.

Here's a little sample for your taste buds. These are the opening two tracks of the album. If you like what you hear, I suggest BUYING the album. That's right, I said it. Buy the damn thing!



Foals - Blue Blood


Foals - Miami

-

Garden of sound

So the folks at Lollapalooza typically release their upcoming lineup in April, but rumors start circling pretty early on in the year. One rumor that's been getting a ton of attention is that a reunited Soundgarden will headline this year's fest, and I couldn't be any more pumped!

I was obsessed with Soundgarden growing up. I had all their albums, and wore flannel shirts and banged my head through the air, mimicking Chris Cornell in the "Spoonman" video. They had such an original sound, and Cornell's voice was so thrilling.

Although I got my Chris Cornell fix after the break up, when he joined Audioslave, it just wasn't the same. Something was missing.

So when I heard about this possible reunion, I freaked out and decided I had to dedicate some blog space to Soundgarden's brilliance. Here are a few of my favorite tracks.

Crossing my fingers, hoping the rumors are true!!



Soundgarden - Fell On Black Days


Soundgarden - Pretty Noose


Soundgarden - Big Dumb Sex


Soundgarden - Limo Wreck

-

A soul that would die just to feel alive

It's absolutely amazing–this power that music possesses. It makes me feel ALIVE. All those emotions I keep bottled inside pour out with one lyric, one melody, just like that.

Certain artists emulate this power better than others. And to witness a live performance of theirs can be a spiritual experience.

I'm pretty bummed I'm going to miss the Muse show this weekend. I have a unique attachment to their fourth studio album, Black Holes and Revelations. I think the title says it all. It came out in the summer of '06, but I didn't really listen to it much until a couple of years later when I was having some revelations of my own.

Anyhow, I'll be listening to this album a lot this week. Maybe someone out there will catch wind of these positive vibes and generously give me a ticket to the show. Ha!

This first track, "Map of the Problematique," is seriously intense. It makes me think about all the things that make me angry, but in a positive way. How can I get rid of the negativity, or how can I change it? My initial thoughts of destruction become motivation to make a change.

The second track, "Starlight," has a totally different effect on me. It almost makes me want to completely get lost in passionate, senseless love. My favorite lyric: "You electrify my life. Let's conspire to reignite. All the souls that would die just to feel alive."

If you're going to the show, I'm sure it'll be a profound blend of love and music. Enjoy! And tell me all about it!



Muse - Map of the Problematique


Muse - Starlight

-

Fly Phoenix @ The Shrine!

If you're in the Chicago area and you don't have plans for this Sunday night...now you do! And I'm not interested in hearing any lame excuses. Desperate Housewives is not acceptable!

Fly Phoenix is a band I accidentally stumbled upon a couple of weekends ago at Amp Rock Lounge. I didn't know what to expect when I saw these young, attractive 20-somethings setting up their equipment. They played some tunes, I bobbed my head. But what really caught my attention was this beautiful little riff the guitarist busted out in between songs. In traditional Jazzy fashion, I had to dance over to him and introduce myself and let him know I was feeling the grooves. And just like that, they made an instant fan.

I stalked their website and discovered they had an upcoming show at The Shrine and downloaded some of their tracks. I was impressed.

These gentlemen met each other while getting their education on at Columbia College, and today they're creating a funky blend of rock and soul. And although their studio recordings sound amazing, this is an act you have to see live to fully understand. And for the ladies out there...they're not too bad on the eyes ;)

If you have yet to catch a live set at The Shrine, you are missing out. See that stage above? Tell me you wouldn't want to see these guys tear it up on that stage.

So check out the tracks below, and join me this Sunday night at one of Chicago's up-and-coming music venues.


Fly Phoenix - Not Ready For Love

Fly Phoenix - Eden

Fly Phoenix - A Beautiful Moment

-

A phoenix rising

I like to pride myself in the fact that I condemn all things "pop" for their damage to modern society. My friends call me a hater; it is what it is. So I don't normally attend any radio-sponsored concerts and events, but this one is an exception. Well, especially because it's an XRT show—not your typical pop radio.

My cousin Alexa discovered XRT's Holiday Concert is taking place on her birthday, December 11. The Flaming Lips, Phoenix and Pete Yorn will be performing. We're buying our tickets today, but you know I spent all day yesterday previewing tracks by each of these artists.

Phoenix has always been one of my favorites, since the first time I heard "If I Ever Feel Better." That song has the power to pick me up when I'm down every time. As a matter of fact, I played it this morning and it pretty much hit the nail on the head on my current state of mind. It's amazing how a song can do that. Do yourself a favor, and Google the lyrics. You'll thank me.

I have also added a few new favorites to the list, after yesterday's download frenzy. "Love Like A Sunset" is magical. You have to listen to it the whole way through to appreciate it. If you're an impatient type, go ahead and fast forward to the 2:45 mark; if that still doesn't work, go ahead to the 3:45 mark. That's when it drops! Now that's some snarlin' music!

As for the other XRT performers: The Flaming Lips are insanely trippy, and I had no idea I could get this into them. Up until yesterday, I was totally unaware that they have been around since the early '80s. It's definitely the older, grittier sound I like. And I'm surprised I am digging Pete Yorn as much as I am right now. I would typically label his style as a bit too sappy for me, but there's something about it. He has such a beautiful voice.

So check out the tracks, and if you like what you hear, come celebrate with me!

Phoenix - If I Ever Feel Better
Phoenix - Love Like A Sunset
Phoenix - 1901
Phoenix - Too Young

The Flaming Lips - Okay I'll Admit That I Really Don't Understand
The Flaming Lips - The Strange Design of Conscience
The Flaming Lips - Mountain Side

Pete Yorn - Lose You
Pete Yorn - Splendid Isolation

-

White lies @ The Metro Tonight!

Although I hyped up the music festival days, weeks and months in advance, I never actually wrote a post-Lollapalooza entry. But today, the opportunity presented itself when I was reminded that White Lies will be performing at The Metro in Chicago this evening.

Unfortunately, I will not be able to attend the concert, but I wanted to give you rock fans out there a heads up in case you were looking for something to get into tonight.

Once the official lineup for Lollapalooza 2009 was announced, I immediately started downloading tracks from each artist. There were so many, and tons that I never heard before. So I wanted to make sure I didn't miss anything I would potentially enjoy. I listened to "Farewell to the Fairground" by White Lies during my download frenzy, and I knew this was a performance I had to witness.

I am not a fan of comparing bands to other bands, but if I HAD to define White Lies by other bands' influences, I'd have to say they sound like a mixture of Depeche Mode and The Killers. (Although they're often compared to Joy Division. That must have something to do with the darker lyrics.) I gave this same description to a couple of my friends who joined me in watching the White Lies set, and they agreed. And now they're fans too.

What a way to start my three-day music overdose! White Lies was the first set I caught on that Friday afternoon. It had just begun raining, and I was not expecting there to be much of a turnout. I was wrong. And the crowd was definitely feeling the music and the vibe. As a matter of fact, I think the rain was a blessing. It made the performance feel more real and intense; it made the experience that much more exciting. White Lies killed each and every song. And if you weren't able to attend Lollapalooza, I strongly urge you to check these guys out. Tonight, they'll be at The Metro in Chicago.

White Lies - Farewell to the Fairground
White Lies - E.S.T.
White Lies - Death

Just because I like this song...

And I never heard this version of "Let It Rock" until I downloaded Kevin Rudolf's entire album. The album's not bad, but it's not good either. It's tolerable at best. But this song never gets old for me. I remember rocking to this jam late last summer..went out with a bang. And now I'm going into this summer with an even bigger bang.

Now please excuse me while I go party like a f*cking rock star and indulge my hedonistic urges...


Kevin Rudolf - Let It Rock (Filthy Dukes Remix)

Stars & Stripes

Have you ever heard of Adrian Champion? Yea...neither have I, but thankfully, my good friend Brian forwarded his album, Stars & Stripes: The White Stripes Reimagined, to me. It's pretty much a collection of mash-ups featuring classic White Stripes tracks with some of hip-hop's greatest. I normally hate this sort of thing; you may already know about my distaste for the Jay-Z/Linkin Park album. But this album was a pleasant lil' surprise. So I thought I'd share my favorite track with you.

And forget about blasting it on your cheap computer speakers; they will do this song no justice. This is a track you need to bob your head to in your ride while cruising the streets with the windows down low.

Another gem...just for you...let me know what you think! I think this'll continuously play on my summer soundtrack this year.


Adrian Champion - Cash Run (The White Stripes + Notorious B.I.G. & 2Pac)

Ready for the weekend!

The weekend has finally arrived...and not soon enough! It's been one crazy week, with the Chicago heat wave (70 degrees in February...madness!) and octo-baby mama drama and Chris Brown beating up on his much hotter, much cooler, much more talented girlfriend. It's been a turbulent few days, and I need a release! I'm going to close out this week the only way I know how...with some hot tracks and dancing, of course!

These three tracks are permanent fixtures on my "getting ready to go out" playlist. They're fun, catchy and vibrant. So if you're feeling as pooped as I am right now and need a little pick-me-up, jam to these tracks and get motivated! It's Friday!

Also, if any of you are in the Chicago area this weekend, I highly recommend attending Madd Soul's performance at Cuatro tonight. Madd Soul is a combination of percussion, trumpet and saxophone played live with Chicago house DJ, David Sabat. I've already seen this group perform quite a few times, and I have probably become their biggest promoter! I'm telling you, if you like to dance, this is the place to be. And the crowd is so lively. The drinks are delicious. No doubt, you'll have a good time.


Grand National - Cherry Tree (Download)


Laurent Wolf - No Stress (Download)


Punks Jump Up - Dance To Our Disco (Download)

Quite a heartbeat...

I'd like to take this moment to share my new favorite band with you: The Foals. Although I'm sure they'd be categorized as "alternative" or "punk," their music absolutely has an electronic/techno influence. That's why I like them so much. They're not the typical emo-pop-punk band. You can rock out to their tracks...or dance...or relax. The Foals can fit any mood, any vibe. They're like Minus The Bear meets Pinback, with a splash of Bloc Party (mostly because of the British accents). Anyhow, give these few songs a listen, and if you like them, all these tracks can be found on their album Antidotes.

Some commentary on the tracks:

Hummer is aggressive, yet funky. Has some good solos, especially at the 1:45 mark.

Electric Bloom is for those who want something more mellow, dark and chill.

Olympic Airways is fun and full of energy. It has a pretty melody, and the vocals are mesmerizing.


Foals - Hummer (Download)


Foals - Electric Bloom (Download)


Foals - Olympic Airways (Download)

Nirvana vs. Tricky

So I'm at a bar last night with my best pals, James and Justin, and we decide to play some tunes on the jukebox. I see the Nevermind album by Nirvana and immediately get excited, and they actually had ALL the songs available to play. Usually, on these new digital jukebox machines, I only see "Smells Like Teen Spirit" and "Lithium." Anyhow, I digress...so I see the title "Something In The Way," which is a great song, but I honestly haven't heard it in several years. So I thought it was as good a time as any for a grade school flashback.

James and Justin encourage me to blog about the song, because I was so excited about it. So that's what I'm doing right now. I like James' description of Nirvana: "They're dirty. Kurt Cobain's voice is ugly. But that's why I like them. They're ugly, good music." I couldn't agree more. Nirvana was by no means a "pretty" sound. But they represented a generation, who, at that time, needed a voice — a dirty, honest voice. It just fit.

Anyhow, many years after I first heard this song, I discovered a cover by Tricky. I have to be in the right mood to listen to Tricky, who is very mellow, sinister and dark. And right now, I am feeling very conflicted. I normally hate covers, especially anyone who dare covers a Nirvana song. But I am beginning to feel like Tricky's version might be slightly better. I can't believe I just shared that.

Well, I'll leave it up to you. What do you think?


Nirvana - Something In The Way (Download)


Tricky - Something In The Way (Download)