You didn't hurt me, nothing can hurt me

I'm feeling rather bummed today. One of my all-time favorite bands is playing at Chicago's Charter One Pavilion tonight, and I'm missing out because I snoozed on buying tickets in advance. I really need to stop procrastinating so much.

Nine Inch Nails is one of the very first bands that got me into industrial rock music. Ministry and KMFDM fall under the same category, as far as musicians that influenced my childhood taste buds... which is pretty odd. I didn't know too many 13-year-old's who were jamming to this dark, edgy, industrial music back then. The Downward Spiral was one of the very first CDs I ever purchased (it was actually third, right behind The Offspring's Smash and Sheryl Crow's Tuesday Night Music Club...don't laugh at me).

I have never seen Nine Inch Nails live, and that needs to change. They've been around as long as I can remember, and who knows how many good years they have in them? I'm sure they'll still be rocking for the next few years, so I'm not too worried about it. But today, I'm bummed. Rather than be sad about it, I think I'm just going to share some of my favorite NIN tracks with you today.

One of the reasons I like them so much, besides their aggressive electro-rock sound, is because their lyrics can be so gritty and intense. I don't know it it's just me, but when I try to figure out most of the song meanings, the only thing that comes to mind is sex. Sometimes passionate, loving sex. Other times dirty, heavy sex. Another recurring theme I find...pain. Pain which leads to anger and devastation. And I guess when I really think about it, love and pain are the two strongest emotions one can feel. And Nine Inch Nails do an excellent job evoking these sentiments through lyrics and music.

I'm going to dissect just one song here for you, because I'm listening to it right now as I type and my mind is swimming with thoughts. "Ruiner" is the perfect song to blast when you find yourself hurt by another. Someone came into your life, turned your world upside down and failed to apologize for his mistake. And now you're hurt, upset, angry, full of rage. Just blast "Ruiner," and those feelings will quickly turn into relief and satisfaction, because you realize this person was a waste of your time in the first place. Lesson learned.

Here's a breakdown of some of the lyrics: "You had all of them on your side, didn't you? You believed in all your lies, didn't you? The ruiner's got a lot to prove, he's got nothing to lose and now he made you believe... The raping of the innocent, you know the ruiner ruins everything he sees. Now the only pure thing left in my f*cking world is wearing your disease... You had to give them all a sign, didn't you? You had to covet what was mine, didn't you? The ruiner is a collector, he's an infector serving his sh*t to his flies. Maybe there will come a day when those that you keep blind will suddenly realize. Maybe its a part of me you took to a place I hoped it would never go. And maybe that f*cked me up so much more than youll ever know."

And the best line, which Reznor sings repeatedly to close out the track: "You didn't hurt me, nothing can hurt me, you didn't hurt me, nothing can stop me now."

So to those of you attending tonight's show, have a blast for me. I hope they play the following songs, because I am positive they'd kill these tracks live.

I dedicate this post to you, Bati ;-)

Nine Inch Nails - Ruiner
Nine Inch Nails - Sunspots
Nine Inch Nails - Sin
Nine Inch Nails - The Persistence of Loss
Nine Inch Nails - Reptile

I'm surrounded

Photo: Raphael Gendron Martin

I had the pleasure of having an enlightening Q & A session with the man behind the mic of Chicago's very own Republic of Lights. Gosh...I'm such an insider! I suppose it may help that I've known Alan Snider, lead vocalist and guitar pro, since I was 11 years old. I'm pretty sure we intended to start our own rock band and call it The Broken Llamas. Oh, what I would give to see the disturbing — yet tantalizing — cover art we designed during our 7th grade lunch breaks! Anyhow, I digress. Back to Republic of Lights (or what should be The Broken Llamas, if I stuck to my aspirations of becoming a rock star)...

This young, fresh, electric band will be performing at The Bottom Lounge this Saturday (May 30) with Har Mar Superstar. And I'm pumped! Alan even gave me permission to rush the stage and throw my undergarments at his band mates. Or did he? Hhmm...I suppose we'll find out. Here's what Alan had to say:

Jazzy Juice: As an enthusiastic and passionate music lover, I've been disappointed (as you might already know) with rock music recently. What are your thoughts on rock music?

Alan Snider: Well, I think that, in general, rock music has flourished since 2003. The internet, while killing revenue, has created an audience for a ton of bands who wouldn't otherwise have had one. Traditional methods of finding and distributing music made nu-metal happen, which was absolutely the low water mark of American pop music. Even though there was a ton of good music being made at that time, I think that was probably the worst time to be a fan in pop music's history. The democracy of the internet diminishes the need for million-dollar marketing binges. They still happen, but buzz on music blogs seems to happen more and more around deserving artists, regardless of their label affiliation. The downside of that is that those same, deserving bands are old news by the time they release a second album, which makes it difficult to have a semblance of a career.

Maybe it's for that reason that, nationally, I haven't been disappointed in rock music at all. I got to see Jack White, Grizzly Bear and Radiohead play in Chicago on the same day last summer. Of Montreal's record was excellent. Phoenix's new record is so much fun. Animal Collective made a great record. And I feel like Spoon has perfected their sound... so there's a lot to be excited for if you're a fan of rock music. Watch your feet for all the name-dropping I just did.

JJ: Ha! And as a proud Chicago resident, I've been even more disappointed with the latest rock bands that come from this great city. I haven't seen anything like the Pumpkins in ages it seems. What do you think, specifically, about Chicago rock?

AS: When it comes to Chicago acts, I can understand your hesitation. The hip-hop community is thriving right now, and that makes for a rough comparison. There's definitely an under representation of Chicago in national pop-rock scene. When we spoke before, I said that Pete Wentz makes a poor Billy Corgan, but that's not entirely fair. Fall Out Boy is more a DuPage County band than a Chicago band. I don't mean that to slight them, it's just that I think they've completely captured the essence of what it means to be a kid from an affluent suburb who's into punk rock. It's not for me, it's not for a lot of music critics, but I think that it's unfair to burden a band who does one thing well with something as ridiculous as the musical aspirations of a city with an inferiority complex.

That said, I have a hard time thinking that Chicago will ever dominate the national music scene for a stretch of time like Seattle and L.A. have done, and that New York sort of always is doing. The very nature of the way that our city is laid out, geographically, can hinder that sort of creative community. Our venues are scattered like buckshot, and they become destinations rather than scenes. I think that influences the fact that our city only seems to produce random pockets of eclectic, excellent music in bursts here and there.

There's still a lot to like here, though. Company of Thieves, my brother's band 1997, Empires, the Redwalls, the now defunct Wax On Radio... all good stuff.

JJ: Well put, and I think you just put me in my place (which is mighty hard to achieve!). How, if at all, does Republic of Lights intend to fill this void in modern rock music?

AS: Well, we don't. I don't have any aspirations of SUPER RAWK STARDOM. I think I'd make a bad superhero superstar. I talk too much. I drink too much. I have questionable morals. It's great that Chris Martin can bask in the glow of that lifestyle — I think I'd ruin it pretty quickly. Look at all the talking I've done already. That doesn't exactly help you look mysterious.

JJ: Good point. I admire that about you, pal...I'm such a cheeseball. Can you tell me then what's special and unique about your sound?

AS: As a band, when we're right, what makes it work is the right combination of ominous tension and energy. That's also what makes a good nightclub. And a good cocktail.

JJ: I love a good cocktail! Now I'm thirsty. Thanks. Anyhow, are you competitive with other local bands? What is your relationship with them?

AS: In that some of them make the marketing aspect of our jobs easy, yes. I can get jealous of that because my band is terrible at it. Awful. But creatively and in terms of success, not at all. It would be sour grapes to begrudge anyone's success when they're trying to do something as ridiculous as being a musician in an age where no one pays for records.

Still, I wish that our scene were more collaborative. It's incredibly insular. I write with my band members, and sadly, that's it. It seems like it's like that all over town, at least from where I'm standing.

JJ: What is the focus of your music? Do you have a message?

AS: There's no message. We try and capture a feeling. It can be difficult, and it's always fleeting. But it's electric when it happens. I'm not interested in preaching my morality at people. That's what churches and talk radio are for.

JJ: Indeed. So what should I expect to see at your show at The Bottom Lounge? Will you at least take your shirt off and call me on stage to dance with you?

AS: At any other show, I would certainly take my shirt off. But look at Har Mar. Would you compete with that? Too much sexy for me to handle.









JJ: I don't know Alan. I think you might have him beat. I'd be willing to pay to watch you two gentlemen duke it out in your underwear...perhaps in oil. Ok, I'll stop talking now.

Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with me. And for letting me post these awesome tracks! I can't wait to see you guys perform them live. My personal fave is "Landmines." Sexy sexy!

Republic of Lights - Got You Surrounded
Republic of Lights - Landmines
Republic of Lights - 38 and First Street

She's such a charmer, oh no!

I've heard a lot of hype about Kings of Leon recently, and I just couldn't get into it. I asked a few of my friends what they knew about this band, and they were all in the same boat as me. They've heard of them but never really listened to any of their songs. Finally, this past weekend, I was pretty much forced to sit down and really absorb their music.

If it wasn't for "I Want You" I may never have given them a chance. This track blasted through my friend's house, and I sat on his couch and let the goosebumps take over my body. I closed my eyes and took in the beautiful melody and profound lyrics. The singer's vocals hit me, hit me hard. This may be one of the sexiest songs I've ever heard. I am most serious.

Once that track finished playing, my friend decided I needed to hear "Charmer" and "Molly's Chambers" as well. "Charmer" is a twisted song. I love it because I can really feel the singer's emotion. It's hard not to! Just listen to the track. You'll quickly understand what I'm saying. And "Molly's Chamber" reminds me of a dusty surfer track. It's so catchy. I'm not sure if this is correct, but I'm almost positive I've heard this song in a commercial. And if I'm wrong, someone really needs to play this in a commercial, an iPod commerical preferably.

And if you've got a minute to spare, you should really check out the story behind Kings of Leon. They have an interesting background, which may pique your interest even more.

So after listening to these three songs, I realized I need to pay more attention to this band. With so much horrible rock music being overplayed on the radio and television, it's so refreshing to hear such a talented rock band. Their sound is diverse and pleasantly distinct. I know I can recognize that voice and that sound anywhere now. And I absolutely cannot wait to see these guys perform at Lollapalooza this year. What a treat!

Kings of Leon - I Want You
Kings of Leon - Charmer
Kings of Leon - Molly's Chambers

I lose myself in flashing colors

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!


Friendly Fires - Skeleton Boy (Grum Remix)
Revolte - Ironical Sexism (We Are Terrorists Remix)
Weird Science - Haus of Cards (Dan Sena Remix)

Life is still beautiful

Such a beautiful track for a beautiful day! It's in the high 70s and sunny here in Chicago, probably the most beautiful day I've witnessed this year. And I just discovered this uplifting hit as I was perusing the Hed Kandi website this morning. The geniuses at Hed Kandi closed two of their compilations with this track, and I totally agree with its placement. What a wonderful way to end a groove...on such a positive note.

If you keep up with my entries, you know very well that I've gone through a ridiculous amount of changes and I'm making big moves. This summer is going to be like no other. And I know this to be true for many of my close friends as well. I am on such a positive high right now just thinking about what the summer will bring. And this track is a perfect illustration for this mood.

If you haven't given the track a listen yet, here's a taste of the lyrics: "Even when the sun goes down on all the things you thought would last so long. It's alright. Life is still beautiful."

I know I say this a lot, but this may just be my new favorite song for the moment. It strikes a nerve. It keeps my spirits up, and that's exactly what I crave.

Now, let me introduce to you: Jazzy's Summer 2009 Anthem...


The Orange Lights - Life Is Still Beautiful (Alan Braxe Remix)