Music is my drug

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.



Emancipator - Lionheart


Emancipator - Anthem


RJD2 - Smoke & Mirrors


Xploding Plastix - More Powah to You

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My Happiness Project

Well hot damn! Did I really go the entire month of September with not a single blog post? Shame on me. Totally unacceptable. YOU might not care...but this is the place where I get my creative juices flowing. This is the place where I can vent and share and discuss the thing I love most in this world: music. And I have totally been slacking.

And it hasn't been without consequence. I've been feeling quite lethargic lately, and lost. I always believed pursuing one's passion was essential to life...and I somehow lost sight of this priority.

Some of you might be feeling as down as I have been. The fall weather sometimes does that to us, especially here in Chicago. We go from hot temperatures, beautiful flowers and days spent on the lakeshore to chilly days and gloomy skies. It can be difficult to keep your optimism when everything around you is darkening.

But you know...there is another way to look at things. The fall and early winter symbolizes the end of a year. That's 365 days of your life gone, and a new 365 await!

I just bought a book over the weekend: The Happiness Project. I'm only about 10 pages into it, but I already feel better about myself and my future. And I encourage you all to re-evaluate your life, your priorities, your values...and most importantly, what truly makes YOU happy. I know I sound like a hippie, but I don't really give a $hit. I'm sick of putting everything and everyone before me. It's not fair to me, and it's not fair to you. How can you taste the real Jazzy flavor, when I'm always worrying about something or someone?

It's time to stop worrying, and make a change. That change begins now, with this post. Here are some tracks that are currently getting me pumped for all the endeavors that await me tomorrow, next week, next month and into 2011.

Cheers!

Faunts - Out on a Limb

Maritime - Parade of Punk Rock T-Shirts

The Strokes - What Ever Happened

Cursive - In The Now

The Smiths - Death of a Disco Dancer

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Keep me guessing

Sometimes I hear something that sounds like nothing I have ever heard before. I can sit there and attempt to "label" it, or even try to guess influences, but it never makes any sense.

But really when you think about it, isn't that the beauty of art? When you can create your own meaning and find inspiration within the music that applies to you personally. When it trips you out every single time and never gets old.

I urge you to listen to these two tracks. Animals as Leaders somehow managed to sync every element that I love about music. It's rock. It's edgy. It's trippy and even "electronic" at moments. It's instrumental. It's progressive. It's emotional. It keeps me guessing. It's dramatic.

If you are a true music fan and appreciate true skill, you will notice the talent of guitarist Tosin Abasi immediately. It's not even debatable. He's a genius.

And if you agree, you might want to check them out live. Animals as Leaders will be on tour this fall with Circa Survive, dredg and Codeseven. I'll be at their House of Blues show in Chicago on November 19.



Animals as Leaders - On Impulse



Animals as Leaders - Behaving Badly

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Stoner rock maaaaaan

The thing that I love about the progression of rock music is that it is so unpredictable. And my musical taste buds have been transforming just as much as the music over the years. I hated metal and all forms of aggressive rock many years ago, but I must say I am really digging the direction in which rock music is going and has been going over the past few years.

It seems as though the heavier guys (not the emo, wannabe-punk bands...I'm talking REAL rock music here, folks) have been moving into a stoner rock direction. Mostly instrumental and lots of trippy melodies. Not too much focus on vocals. It's about the technicality of the music and its many progressions. 

I have recently been introduced to the MANY bands that subscribe to this quasi-genre. Isis, Irepress, Mogwai and Animals as Leaders are just a few. And one of my hometown favorites...Russian Circles. The first time I heard one of their tracks, I was NOT too impressed. Theirs is the kind of music that grows on you. You have to really get into it. Pay attention. And when you do, you will be floored by their brilliance.

So when I found out they're playing a show at the Metro in Chicago this Friday, you better believe I got a ticket immediately. I have a feeling this is the kind of show that will move me and the rest of the crowd and stimulate all sorts of thoughts. I look forward to the mind trip.

The songs below are both the opening tracks on two different albums. Russian Circles sure know how to suck the listener in. If you're not vibing two minutes into each track, you have no soul! 



Russian Circles - Carpe


Russian Circles - Fathom

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Absinthe party, what?

You know...I really, truly believed that I'd be a Lollapalooza attendee this year, however after taking my upcoming travels and expenses into consideration, I decided three days of sweat, overpriced beer and overflowing port-a-potties wasn't worth the $200.

But that doesn't mean I can't enjoy the music! Luckily, a lot of the Lolla artists play more intimate shows at random Chicago venues throughout the weekend. One of the bands I really wanted to see, Minus the Bear, will be playing this Saturday night at the Double Door. So if you're like me and snoozed on the whole Lolla thing, there's still opportunities to catch after-shows.

It's weird, I know Minus the Bear has been around for a while; I just never gave them a fair chance. I do that a lot. I recently got reintroduced to their first LP, Highly Refined Pirates, and it's been on repeat for weeks. It reminds me of the beach--just getting drunk with my lover, watching the waves crash, wrestling in the sand, enjoying a bonfire, etc.

Especially the track "Absinthe Party at the Fly Honey Warehouse." Utopian paradise!

I know they have a new album out, but maybe they'll read my mind and play my three favorite songs from Highly Refined Pirates...


Minus the Bear - Thanks for the Killer Game of Crisco Twister


Minus the Bear - Monkey!!! Knife!!! Fight!!!


Minus the Bear - Absinthe Party at the Fly Honey Warehouse


You can download the full album here.

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