Music thoughts
I've been checking out tons and tons of cds from the library lately. I've been trying to listen to some classics I've never experienced, check up on bands that I once upon a time liked, and try to figure out what the kids are listening to these days. I find that, almost invariably, my reaction to what the kids are listening to ranges between boredom and outright indignation.
On the boredom end, (i.e. one of the "good ones") is the Decemberists. I wasn't particularly wowed, but it was nice, enjoyable enough. Sarah liked it a lot more.
On the irritation end: The Fiery Furnaces. I know they're a polarizing band--some people love them, some hate them. I knew nothing else, really, about their music. Well after hearing (most of) Rehearsing My Choir I can put myself firmly in the latter camp. I almost never give up on an album before it is entirely through, but after the first 2/3 or so of this album I could take it no longer. Seriously. I like a lot of pretentious music. But even I was screaming "you pretentious fuckwits" at various points. Ugh.
I also checked out Slint's Spiderland, an album I know a lot of indie kids cream themselves over. I went into this album quite optimistically, ready to love it. But again I had to wonder what the fuck was wrong with kids today. It sucks sucks sucks sucks sucks. My reactions spanned the entire gamut, here. Occasionally I was pissed-off, but mostly I was bored. Incredibly bored. Bored to fucking tears. I love the idea of post-rock but in reality I can't stand most post-rock bands. Except Sigur Ros, which I love uncontrollably. And I will endlessly argue about why they are the only post-rock band worth a damn.
Speaking of Sigur Ros, I've been obsessed with Takk... for the past few months. I think I can even say that it is my favorite album on the planet right now. Love it, love it, love it.
I listened to The Stooges' Funhouse--the album that once upon a time played a major role in all the drama, and the eventual downfall, of thedailyalbum group. I was ready to hate this album, but decided to give it a try. And I didn't hate it. Didn't love it, but mostly because the style just isn't my thing. But I could tell it's a good album.
I was also surprisingly charmed by Daniel Johnston's Fun--another album I thought I probably wouldn't like so much.
Sarah has gotten me into Meat Loaf. I hope anyone reading this realizes how tough that is for me to admit. But it's true. Fun music. Can't wait for the next time we go karaoke-ing, because I am going to rock some motherfucking Meat Loaf.
Speaking of guilty pleasures, I picked up The Pet Shop Boys' 2002 album Release from the library today. I also checked out Lou Reed's Transformer and a Pere Ubu album from the late 70's. Is it wrong that I wanted to listen to the Pet Shop Boys first? I've only listened to about half the album so far, and like most PSB it's hit and miss. Some real stinkers, but some real winners, too. After all the angular rock and punk I've been listening to lately, it was rather comforting to be awash in songs like "Home and Dry" "I get along" and "London". Made me quite happy.
I guess that's all, no one's probably still reading at this point. Also listened to some classic Otis Redding, the latest Wilco, caught up on my Radiohead/Thom Yorke, etc. but I suppose I don't have as strong opinions there.
On the boredom end, (i.e. one of the "good ones") is the Decemberists. I wasn't particularly wowed, but it was nice, enjoyable enough. Sarah liked it a lot more.
On the irritation end: The Fiery Furnaces. I know they're a polarizing band--some people love them, some hate them. I knew nothing else, really, about their music. Well after hearing (most of) Rehearsing My Choir I can put myself firmly in the latter camp. I almost never give up on an album before it is entirely through, but after the first 2/3 or so of this album I could take it no longer. Seriously. I like a lot of pretentious music. But even I was screaming "you pretentious fuckwits" at various points. Ugh.
I also checked out Slint's Spiderland, an album I know a lot of indie kids cream themselves over. I went into this album quite optimistically, ready to love it. But again I had to wonder what the fuck was wrong with kids today. It sucks sucks sucks sucks sucks. My reactions spanned the entire gamut, here. Occasionally I was pissed-off, but mostly I was bored. Incredibly bored. Bored to fucking tears. I love the idea of post-rock but in reality I can't stand most post-rock bands. Except Sigur Ros, which I love uncontrollably. And I will endlessly argue about why they are the only post-rock band worth a damn.
Speaking of Sigur Ros, I've been obsessed with Takk... for the past few months. I think I can even say that it is my favorite album on the planet right now. Love it, love it, love it.
I listened to The Stooges' Funhouse--the album that once upon a time played a major role in all the drama, and the eventual downfall, of thedailyalbum group. I was ready to hate this album, but decided to give it a try. And I didn't hate it. Didn't love it, but mostly because the style just isn't my thing. But I could tell it's a good album.
I was also surprisingly charmed by Daniel Johnston's Fun--another album I thought I probably wouldn't like so much.
Sarah has gotten me into Meat Loaf. I hope anyone reading this realizes how tough that is for me to admit. But it's true. Fun music. Can't wait for the next time we go karaoke-ing, because I am going to rock some motherfucking Meat Loaf.
Speaking of guilty pleasures, I picked up The Pet Shop Boys' 2002 album Release from the library today. I also checked out Lou Reed's Transformer and a Pere Ubu album from the late 70's. Is it wrong that I wanted to listen to the Pet Shop Boys first? I've only listened to about half the album so far, and like most PSB it's hit and miss. Some real stinkers, but some real winners, too. After all the angular rock and punk I've been listening to lately, it was rather comforting to be awash in songs like "Home and Dry" "I get along" and "London". Made me quite happy.
I guess that's all, no one's probably still reading at this point. Also listened to some classic Otis Redding, the latest Wilco, caught up on my Radiohead/Thom Yorke, etc. but I suppose I don't have as strong opinions there.