It's time for the new Top 10 most played songs from my iTunes. I know you're excited.
Artist|Track
1.TV on The Radio|"Wolf Like Me"
This is the best perfectly written song for rock out right now, both lyrically and musically. There is a reason these Williamsburg, BK artists are number one. "Wolf Like Me" is fantastic, that's why.
2.Lupe Fiasco|"The Instrumental"
My favorite track on Food and Liquor, it tells the story of a latchkey kid through the use of manipulating the word box. Lupe is that good, and he's going to tell you via perspective.
3.The Majestic Twelve|"Break It and Breathe"
TM12 are my favorite new band, and it shows. "Break" gives you a great traditional rock song that immediately makes you love your friends.
4.The Majestic Twelve|"American Rage"
5.The Majestic Twelve|"Thank God Everything on TV is a Lie"
6.The Majestic Twelve|"Are You Ready?"
Yes, TM12 are that good and that listenable.
7.Lupe Fiasco|"I Gotcha"
VA stand up, the 7 Cities are on the record with this Neptunes-produced track. It;s got that spacey bounce, and damn it's good. Lyrically, it's a nice little joint you can bump to.
8.Lupe Fiasco|"He Say She Say"
Mr. FNF tells us a story about a kid who has a lot of talent, but the split his parents are going through is making him disinterested and such. Good songwriting from Chi City, once again.
9.The Majestic Twelve|"Condoleeza, Check My Posse"
Fun with satire and a calmed-down hardcore approach to vocals, sorta. Still good, however.
10.The Roots|"Livin' In a New World"
A quick 1:47 track that tells you to put on your high tops and turn up your boombox. Ah, those days.
The Majestic Twelve are really good, you see.
The Latest Additions to my Library:
Squarepusher-Hello Everything
These Arms Are Snakes-Easter
Snowden-Anti-Anti
Golden Shoulders-KIN
Brazilian Girls-Talk to La Bomb
Fugazi-13 Songs
awesome.
10.
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Sunday, October 22, 2006
Five albums.
Sheffield, England's Arctic Monkeys are one of my favorite bands, and their album "Whatever People Say I Am That's What I'm Not" is one of my favorite albums of all time. This got me to thinking: What are the five albums that have influenced me the most?
(In no Particular order)
1. Flogging Molly, "Drunken Lullabies"
Synopsis A Septept of Irish musicians from Los Angeles, of all places, come together and make Celtic folk-inspired punk rock about drinking, religion, friendship, freedon, family, and drinking.
Why it means something to me "Lullabies" introduced me to live shows. A friend of mine told me about an upcoming show (way back in 2002), and gave me a burned copy of the album. I was instantly drawn to the energy of the album, and their show on November 2, 2002 was my introduction into kickass live music.
2.Minor Threat, "Complete Discography"
Synopsis Ian Mackaye (formerly of Teen Idles) decides he wants to play music as fast as humanly possible. Along the way, he creates the "straight-edge" subgenre and lifestyle, where kids don't drink, smoke, or do drugs. The sub-sub-genres of sXe and Youth Crew develop.
Why it means something to me I was again introduced to this band through the same friend, and I could identify with them. A clean lifestyle, and fast motherfucking music to listen to. The lyrics were hidden beyond the music, but it was worth it. Yeah...it's IN MY EYES.
3.Kanye West, "The College Dropout"
Synopsis Do I have to? Chicago-area producer gets big by making HOVA for the Jiggaman himself. Fast forward a few years, and this kid gets a record deal. He takes a backpacker-ish route, talking about graveshifts, car accidents, and oh yeah, college and why it sucks.
Why it means something to me The world told me about Ye...and I took the message. West's second album was better recieved critically,but for me, it lacked depth. He seemd to go more mainstream, and it kinda pissed me off. "Dropout" had shit anyone-anyone-could deal with, and had college-related songs. "Late Registration"-the Louis Vitton Don's soph effort-stayed away from school, save Broke Phi Broke skits. It was a helluva freshman effort, and had so many good songs on it-hell, School Spirit coulda beena single.
4.Funeral for a Friend, "Casually Dressed and Deep in Conversation"
Synopsis A group of Welshmen make a rock and roll album. That rock and roll album has just the right blend of screaming and singing, along with damn catchy hooks. Lyrically, the songs have really long song titles but hey.
Why this album means something to me: Lyrically...I was young, sixteen, and getting into screamo because I was naive. But, the songs were easily decipherable, and I really enjoyed the song titles. What really did it for me is that the first time I saw the band, it was the first time I heard them.The audience was singing along, and man...I loved it. Good Job, FFAF.
5.Pixies, "Wave of Mutilation"
Synopsis Pixies, the biggest indie band ever, have all their best stuff thrown on one album by 4AD just in time for a reunion tour.
Why it means something to me Radio introduced me to Pixies (really) with "Here Comes Your Man" and "Debaser"...both are good songs, and I like the one about gouging out eyeballs better. The album, which I bought because I was getting in to the Pixies and the whole reunion thing, told me why Kim Deal was fucking awesome. I like any Pixies song Kim Deal lends her voice to, my favorite being "Into the White". I saw them live, and well, I saw the Pixies. Mmm....good record.
Now you kids know what music influenced me, leave a comment if you can on facebook, or just put one below.
Payce.
(In no Particular order)
1. Flogging Molly, "Drunken Lullabies"
Synopsis A Septept of Irish musicians from Los Angeles, of all places, come together and make Celtic folk-inspired punk rock about drinking, religion, friendship, freedon, family, and drinking.
Why it means something to me "Lullabies" introduced me to live shows. A friend of mine told me about an upcoming show (way back in 2002), and gave me a burned copy of the album. I was instantly drawn to the energy of the album, and their show on November 2, 2002 was my introduction into kickass live music.
2.Minor Threat, "Complete Discography"
Synopsis Ian Mackaye (formerly of Teen Idles) decides he wants to play music as fast as humanly possible. Along the way, he creates the "straight-edge" subgenre and lifestyle, where kids don't drink, smoke, or do drugs. The sub-sub-genres of sXe and Youth Crew develop.
Why it means something to me I was again introduced to this band through the same friend, and I could identify with them. A clean lifestyle, and fast motherfucking music to listen to. The lyrics were hidden beyond the music, but it was worth it. Yeah...it's IN MY EYES.
3.Kanye West, "The College Dropout"
Synopsis Do I have to? Chicago-area producer gets big by making HOVA for the Jiggaman himself. Fast forward a few years, and this kid gets a record deal. He takes a backpacker-ish route, talking about graveshifts, car accidents, and oh yeah, college and why it sucks.
Why it means something to me The world told me about Ye...and I took the message. West's second album was better recieved critically,but for me, it lacked depth. He seemd to go more mainstream, and it kinda pissed me off. "Dropout" had shit anyone-anyone-could deal with, and had college-related songs. "Late Registration"-the Louis Vitton Don's soph effort-stayed away from school, save Broke Phi Broke skits. It was a helluva freshman effort, and had so many good songs on it-hell, School Spirit coulda beena single.
4.Funeral for a Friend, "Casually Dressed and Deep in Conversation"
Synopsis A group of Welshmen make a rock and roll album. That rock and roll album has just the right blend of screaming and singing, along with damn catchy hooks. Lyrically, the songs have really long song titles but hey.
Why this album means something to me: Lyrically...I was young, sixteen, and getting into screamo because I was naive. But, the songs were easily decipherable, and I really enjoyed the song titles. What really did it for me is that the first time I saw the band, it was the first time I heard them.The audience was singing along, and man...I loved it. Good Job, FFAF.
5.Pixies, "Wave of Mutilation"
Synopsis Pixies, the biggest indie band ever, have all their best stuff thrown on one album by 4AD just in time for a reunion tour.
Why it means something to me Radio introduced me to Pixies (really) with "Here Comes Your Man" and "Debaser"...both are good songs, and I like the one about gouging out eyeballs better. The album, which I bought because I was getting in to the Pixies and the whole reunion thing, told me why Kim Deal was fucking awesome. I like any Pixies song Kim Deal lends her voice to, my favorite being "Into the White". I saw them live, and well, I saw the Pixies. Mmm....good record.
Now you kids know what music influenced me, leave a comment if you can on facebook, or just put one below.
Payce.
Chill?
"Relax Heath".
"You need to chill out man."
I suppose I do. Constantly, I am subject to this advice. Every person I consdier something of a friend seems to say this, but I have no idea what they're talking about. Perspective is a necessity in this situation. You see, I cn't judge myself impartially-no one can, not even the Pope. At the current moment, stress isn't weighing me down as much as it could be. I have no papers due until the 30th, and I need advice on that anyhow. Yeah, I need to study math. The point here is that my academic responsibilities aren't causing me to stress.
Sleep! I sleep every chance I get. You tell me.
"You need to chill out man."
I suppose I do. Constantly, I am subject to this advice. Every person I consdier something of a friend seems to say this, but I have no idea what they're talking about. Perspective is a necessity in this situation. You see, I cn't judge myself impartially-no one can, not even the Pope. At the current moment, stress isn't weighing me down as much as it could be. I have no papers due until the 30th, and I need advice on that anyhow. Yeah, I need to study math. The point here is that my academic responsibilities aren't causing me to stress.
Sleep! I sleep every chance I get. You tell me.
Saturday, October 14, 2006
Identity.
Defining one's self is a process that never ends, beginning at our first conscious experience and possibly transcending into the afterlife. Nothing can stop the ongoing formatting of our personalities. We are known for one trait or another, whether it has positive or negative connotations. I say this given my current situation in my social circles.
I think I know where I belong, but I still exist somewhere outside of the main groups formed by those I have met. Being a necessary part of a group is not my only means of emotional fulfillment, nor should it be. But, acting as a peripheral part of several groups doesn't quite have the same meaning as a role as a necessary part of a group does. Granted, I am introverted and to myself. Yes, I find happiness in my solitude-but it gets boring sometimes. Maybe my problem is that I am not aggressive enough with my social building skills. Most of the friends I have came about passively, as is the case with many people. I am not quick to reject someone simply because they do not belong with the status quo, but there are some people I seem to ignore. Not that they're horrible people, I just don't feel like seeking out other means.
Then again, when I am aggressive in my strategy, it backfires on me. Join an organization, they say. I did, and I feel out of place with everyone within two years of my age. This has plagued me: it always seems like I was born too late. Maybe I should have been advanced a year back in elementary school. I have to make the most of my situation, and the situation sucks. Where this particulary bothers me is in the field of..hmm, I can't call it romance, I can't call it lust, what the hell am I supposed to call it? Alright, the pursuit of the opposite sex.
An area I've had no success with, ever. Ah, the failure stories I can tell, they're fucking...depressing. They're not even awesome, they just suck. Maybe they'll draw empathy, but wow, that's a low move. I'd just like a girl who's not in a relationship to like me for who I am and vice versa...but that will never happen or something. Or maybe. I really didn't clear up what I wanted to clear up.
I think I know where I belong, but I still exist somewhere outside of the main groups formed by those I have met. Being a necessary part of a group is not my only means of emotional fulfillment, nor should it be. But, acting as a peripheral part of several groups doesn't quite have the same meaning as a role as a necessary part of a group does. Granted, I am introverted and to myself. Yes, I find happiness in my solitude-but it gets boring sometimes. Maybe my problem is that I am not aggressive enough with my social building skills. Most of the friends I have came about passively, as is the case with many people. I am not quick to reject someone simply because they do not belong with the status quo, but there are some people I seem to ignore. Not that they're horrible people, I just don't feel like seeking out other means.
Then again, when I am aggressive in my strategy, it backfires on me. Join an organization, they say. I did, and I feel out of place with everyone within two years of my age. This has plagued me: it always seems like I was born too late. Maybe I should have been advanced a year back in elementary school. I have to make the most of my situation, and the situation sucks. Where this particulary bothers me is in the field of..hmm, I can't call it romance, I can't call it lust, what the hell am I supposed to call it? Alright, the pursuit of the opposite sex.
An area I've had no success with, ever. Ah, the failure stories I can tell, they're fucking...depressing. They're not even awesome, they just suck. Maybe they'll draw empathy, but wow, that's a low move. I'd just like a girl who's not in a relationship to like me for who I am and vice versa...but that will never happen or something. Or maybe. I really didn't clear up what I wanted to clear up.
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Conceived after yesterday's longer than expected road trip, I present to you my new blog, A Sign In Salem. The sign in question was the marquee outside a Pizza Hut that read "Smile You Know You Want It." I'm sure the franchise meant their pizza, but other connotations may have been intended. for all I know, some motherfucking hot waitress works there and she want to naughty things to the customers. Chances are she's a college student, with the bevy of higher education around the New River Valley/Roanoke Valley. Back to business, though.
What I aim to do with this blog is to post on a more frequent basis, post Watch Batteries (I will write another one, one day...), and deliver content. That's right, content. the Alarm Clock blog was a fun experiment, but no one wants to do anything like that in the summer. A Sign in Salem (ASIS...or ASS, your choice) will be solely my work, because I feel the need to tell you these things. In the vein of Watch Batteries, I give you the first feature-Top 10/25.
Here's how this works: I give you the top 10 of my 25 Most played on iTunes. Currently, I only have 1.5 GB of music on my laptop. Thanks, DRM! I digress.
Artist|Title
1. The Majestic Twelve|Thank God Everything On TV is A Lie
Perhaps the best song on their sophomore effort, Schizophrenology, TM12 construct a middle-of-the-road argument by using saracastic infelction. Brilliant. The best part? The bridge-"C', mon baby let's go....to the mall"
2.TV on the Radio|Wolf Like Me
TVotR are back....and this is the poppiest song on the album. Pop in a good way-this song was performed on Letterman, and Dave really really liked it.
3.The Majestic Twelve|Break It and Breathe
Taking a breather from talking about politics, TM12 reflect on old times and taking it easy. A pure rock song, really. Adds a little something called complexity to the album.
4.The Majestic Twelve|American Rage
This time, it's personal. With the refrain " I Am American Rage!" serving as the hook/chorus, the listener is taken ona ride through the vocalist's eyes. Connects with the listener on a person-to-personal level.
5.Lupe Fiasco|The Instrumental
One of my favorite tracks on Lupe's long-awaited full length (or at least a real full length). I'd really like to see you rhyme box that well. Go ahead, do it. You can't.
6.The Majestic Twelve|Are You Ready?
TM12 close their album with a battle cry, asking you if you're gonna "stand up like Patrick Henry or get baked and watch Patrick the Starfish". Spongebob is cemented into stoner culture, but that's beside the point. The best part of the song? The lyrical gem "My constitution is forged from Carnegie Steel/Ellis Island, Rosa Parks, America for real!" Only from this band from Wilmington, NC.
7.The Roots|Bread and Butter
Hip-hop's hardest working group is back with their new album, Game Theory. "Bread and Butter" is an exclusive track onyl available via iTunes download. I highly suggest you get it.
8.Lupe Fiasco|Hurt Me Soul
Hailed as the best song on the album, Mr. FNF complains about...everything, and how they "hurt me soul." Mainly though, Loop explains why he's not your typical rapper.
9.The Majestic Twelve|Condoleeza, Check My Posse
Everybody's favorite song at WUVT from TM12. I like the song, but the novelty wears off.
10. M83|Teen Angst
FUCK lyrics, let's dance. M83, those electronic/shoegazers you love from their 2005 effort When the Dawn Heals Us. Good song. Few Lyrics.
Feature one down. I hope you come to enjoy A Sign in Salem, as much as many of you like Watch Batteries. For those of you coming here via AIM or facebook-enjoy the humor, aight?
Aight,
H.S.
What I aim to do with this blog is to post on a more frequent basis, post Watch Batteries (I will write another one, one day...), and deliver content. That's right, content. the Alarm Clock blog was a fun experiment, but no one wants to do anything like that in the summer. A Sign in Salem (ASIS...or ASS, your choice) will be solely my work, because I feel the need to tell you these things. In the vein of Watch Batteries, I give you the first feature-Top 10/25.
Here's how this works: I give you the top 10 of my 25 Most played on iTunes. Currently, I only have 1.5 GB of music on my laptop. Thanks, DRM! I digress.
Artist|Title
1. The Majestic Twelve|Thank God Everything On TV is A Lie
Perhaps the best song on their sophomore effort, Schizophrenology, TM12 construct a middle-of-the-road argument by using saracastic infelction. Brilliant. The best part? The bridge-"C', mon baby let's go....to the mall"
2.TV on the Radio|Wolf Like Me
TVotR are back....and this is the poppiest song on the album. Pop in a good way-this song was performed on Letterman, and Dave really really liked it.
3.The Majestic Twelve|Break It and Breathe
Taking a breather from talking about politics, TM12 reflect on old times and taking it easy. A pure rock song, really. Adds a little something called complexity to the album.
4.The Majestic Twelve|American Rage
This time, it's personal. With the refrain " I Am American Rage!" serving as the hook/chorus, the listener is taken ona ride through the vocalist's eyes. Connects with the listener on a person-to-personal level.
5.Lupe Fiasco|The Instrumental
One of my favorite tracks on Lupe's long-awaited full length (or at least a real full length). I'd really like to see you rhyme box that well. Go ahead, do it. You can't.
6.The Majestic Twelve|Are You Ready?
TM12 close their album with a battle cry, asking you if you're gonna "stand up like Patrick Henry or get baked and watch Patrick the Starfish". Spongebob is cemented into stoner culture, but that's beside the point. The best part of the song? The lyrical gem "My constitution is forged from Carnegie Steel/Ellis Island, Rosa Parks, America for real!" Only from this band from Wilmington, NC.
7.The Roots|Bread and Butter
Hip-hop's hardest working group is back with their new album, Game Theory. "Bread and Butter" is an exclusive track onyl available via iTunes download. I highly suggest you get it.
8.Lupe Fiasco|Hurt Me Soul
Hailed as the best song on the album, Mr. FNF complains about...everything, and how they "hurt me soul." Mainly though, Loop explains why he's not your typical rapper.
9.The Majestic Twelve|Condoleeza, Check My Posse
Everybody's favorite song at WUVT from TM12. I like the song, but the novelty wears off.
10. M83|Teen Angst
FUCK lyrics, let's dance. M83, those electronic/shoegazers you love from their 2005 effort When the Dawn Heals Us. Good song. Few Lyrics.
Feature one down. I hope you come to enjoy A Sign in Salem, as much as many of you like Watch Batteries. For those of you coming here via AIM or facebook-enjoy the humor, aight?
Aight,
H.S.
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