My co-worker is now one of those people who is addicted to using hand sanitizer. Every the half-hour or so the smell of rubbing alcohol starts wafting through the air. I think maybe she feels that if she uses it so frequently she can avoid getting sick. There has been studies to prove that crap doesn’t even work.
I’ve decided to purchase a new copy of Fifa 2008 (360) off of ebay. I actually got a brand new copy for $27 bucks, not bad considering it still retails in stores for $59.99. That is the thing about these annual franchises, they lose their value rather quickly when the next iteration is six months away. Soccer or (Footie) diehards have begun to make the transition to Fifa over the much beloved Pro Evolution series. Fifa has finally shored up their physics engine and now it plays just as well as ProEvo, not to mention you have the players and league licenses. I played the hell out of the World Cup version, so it’ll be nice to get back out on the pitch.
The new GTA4 trailer came out, it’s a pretty standard effort from Rockstar. It’s hard to not get excited about this game, especially when the main character (Nico) sounds and looks exactly like my Russian brother in law. It’s uncanny the resemblance! I’m also excited for Star Wars “Force Unleashed,” these games are always enjoyable, and the new physics and special effects look incredible. I’ve decided it’s going to take a lot for me to buy Mario Kart for Wii, even after the new Smash Brothers game I’ve been contemplating selling my whole setup. The Wii might be the most overrated system ever.
Anyways… it’s quarter end and I’ve got to stay until 7-8 PM tonight. Sigh.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Radiohead - In Rainbows
Here is my long overdue analysis of Radiohead's latest studio effort.
Videotape:
Naturally I’ll gravitate more to the songs which feature a piano, I find it adds a certain level of class to a song. The problem with Videotape is that it doesn’t consist of very many layers of music- you have the piano, the percussion, and Thom. Although I will admit that it does serve as an excellent platform from Thom to sing, ultimately its simplicity is its downfall. It falls very short as a Radiohead closer, definitely the worst of that group.
Jigsaw Falling into Place:
Love the intro- especially after the soothing goodness of House of Cards. As this album enters its twilight the pacing is a little unexpected. The lyrics seem pretty dark themed, at least from the scattered bits I’m catching. Something about a Cheshire cat grin and walls swallowing people. I guess this is the song you would need to drugged out to really get. You’ll have to tell me about this one Scooter.
House of Cards:
Probably my favorite of the bunch- this is unique. It’s a Radiohead song that isn’t trying so hard to blow your mind, definitely coming across as more natural. As Johnny strums guitar it creates a warm foundation for the vocals. Thom sounds like he’s singing from the deep recesses of a cave. The echoing compliments quite nicely, especially working with the beat and guitar. Feels like Thom and a couple of ghosts are singing me a lullaby.
Reckoner:
This is sonic perfection, all while keeping with the orchestra theme. It combines all the subtleties of Radiohead which make them unique, Phil’s consistent beat, Thom’s howling, uncanny lyrics, and most importantly traditional song structure. Far and away the reason to own this album- after it’s all done I feel nothing but cleansed and refreshed afterwards.
Faust Arp:
Thom’s voice is very nice when layered against the cello and the string instruments. It comes across as an orchestra of gibberish at times, making me wonder what he’s trying to say to me. Nevertheless, it is quite beautiful and doesn’t have to make any sense- one of the inherent beauties of listening to Radiohead.
All I Need:
It is my belief that “All I Need” suffers from a slow beginning that seems like it would fit better toward album end. Nevertheless, the music progresses enough to wake anyone who may have dozed off. Lyrically Thom doesn’t sound very different from the previous two tracks, which I believe is a negative. The piano joining the crescendo is very welcome, hopefully appearing more throughout the album.
Weird Fishes/Arpeggi:
The song structure feels a little bit awkward here, but it’s Radiohead so I’ll assume it was all purely intentional. Beyond Thom repeating “Weird FISHES” mid-track and the percussion explosion at the end, it seems much uninspired- or maybe I’m just clearly missing the point this morning. In fact, it’s very hard to draw any conclusions about this song. Thom claims “I’ve been eaten by the world” or did he say “the worms...” I’m lost.
Nude:
This sounds a lot like a Mercury Rev song, that is until you hear Thom reminding you it is definitely Radiohead. It’s wrapped in sadness, lines like “so don’t get any big ideas, they’re not gonna happen….” while the music swells drive that point home. This is one of those introspective songs you listen to after a breakup late at night, when you’re taking yourself entirely too seriously.
Bodysnatchers:
This song features all the elements of classic Radiohead- Bends guitar, OKC synth, and Kid A lyrics. Almost as if Thom is introducing you to a Subterranean Homesick Alien, at least in the imagery it successfully creates. The distortion is turned up to max, easy to bob your head to, but not mainstream enough for the Radiohead hardcore to hate it.
15 Step:
Abrasive beats, tempered down by a calming guitar. Interesting enough lyrically, especially when catch fragments of the lyrics. At first reaction I felt the banshee howling mid-track was a little over the top, but as the climax builds it seems to work well with the softly spooky atmosphere.
Videotape:
Naturally I’ll gravitate more to the songs which feature a piano, I find it adds a certain level of class to a song. The problem with Videotape is that it doesn’t consist of very many layers of music- you have the piano, the percussion, and Thom. Although I will admit that it does serve as an excellent platform from Thom to sing, ultimately its simplicity is its downfall. It falls very short as a Radiohead closer, definitely the worst of that group.
Jigsaw Falling into Place:
Love the intro- especially after the soothing goodness of House of Cards. As this album enters its twilight the pacing is a little unexpected. The lyrics seem pretty dark themed, at least from the scattered bits I’m catching. Something about a Cheshire cat grin and walls swallowing people. I guess this is the song you would need to drugged out to really get. You’ll have to tell me about this one Scooter.
House of Cards:
Probably my favorite of the bunch- this is unique. It’s a Radiohead song that isn’t trying so hard to blow your mind, definitely coming across as more natural. As Johnny strums guitar it creates a warm foundation for the vocals. Thom sounds like he’s singing from the deep recesses of a cave. The echoing compliments quite nicely, especially working with the beat and guitar. Feels like Thom and a couple of ghosts are singing me a lullaby.
Reckoner:
This is sonic perfection, all while keeping with the orchestra theme. It combines all the subtleties of Radiohead which make them unique, Phil’s consistent beat, Thom’s howling, uncanny lyrics, and most importantly traditional song structure. Far and away the reason to own this album- after it’s all done I feel nothing but cleansed and refreshed afterwards.
Faust Arp:
Thom’s voice is very nice when layered against the cello and the string instruments. It comes across as an orchestra of gibberish at times, making me wonder what he’s trying to say to me. Nevertheless, it is quite beautiful and doesn’t have to make any sense- one of the inherent beauties of listening to Radiohead.
All I Need:
It is my belief that “All I Need” suffers from a slow beginning that seems like it would fit better toward album end. Nevertheless, the music progresses enough to wake anyone who may have dozed off. Lyrically Thom doesn’t sound very different from the previous two tracks, which I believe is a negative. The piano joining the crescendo is very welcome, hopefully appearing more throughout the album.
Weird Fishes/Arpeggi:
The song structure feels a little bit awkward here, but it’s Radiohead so I’ll assume it was all purely intentional. Beyond Thom repeating “Weird FISHES” mid-track and the percussion explosion at the end, it seems much uninspired- or maybe I’m just clearly missing the point this morning. In fact, it’s very hard to draw any conclusions about this song. Thom claims “I’ve been eaten by the world” or did he say “the worms...” I’m lost.
Nude:
This sounds a lot like a Mercury Rev song, that is until you hear Thom reminding you it is definitely Radiohead. It’s wrapped in sadness, lines like “so don’t get any big ideas, they’re not gonna happen….” while the music swells drive that point home. This is one of those introspective songs you listen to after a breakup late at night, when you’re taking yourself entirely too seriously.
Bodysnatchers:
This song features all the elements of classic Radiohead- Bends guitar, OKC synth, and Kid A lyrics. Almost as if Thom is introducing you to a Subterranean Homesick Alien, at least in the imagery it successfully creates. The distortion is turned up to max, easy to bob your head to, but not mainstream enough for the Radiohead hardcore to hate it.
15 Step:
Abrasive beats, tempered down by a calming guitar. Interesting enough lyrically, especially when catch fragments of the lyrics. At first reaction I felt the banshee howling mid-track was a little over the top, but as the climax builds it seems to work well with the softly spooky atmosphere.
Monday, March 24, 2008
My Man Günther
This is hilarious. I have to admit, music like Günther is definitely my guilty pleasure. Since Aqua released Barbie Girl way back in my Sophmore year of high school I've always loved playful dance music. It's nice to see something that doesn't take itself to seriously and makes you laugh. Slightly more obvious than Eric Prydz's "Call on Me," but still sexy and fun.
Now we finally know what happened to Samantha Fox (from the 80's). She was without a doubt my brothers number one teenage crush. Well she hooked up with my man Günther to make an awesome duet.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Third.
It seems like just yesterday I was living in some shithole apartment in Aurora. On the walls of my shithole were my collection of subway size posters of bands and albums I enjoyed. One of those posters was of Portishead, the pioneers of trip-hop. Perhaps it was a phase, or maybe a fad, but I really enjoyed all artists from that genre. Portishead’s music was the perfect mix of heavy beats and soothing vocals that worked together to create a dark and gloomy atmosphere.Year after year murmurings of the band’s third album were pretty much routine. It wasn’t until I finally saw activity (ten years later) on the band’s website did I believe these rumors to be true. Well, this week a couple of little birdy’s informed me that the album leaked on to the glorious Internet.
My initial thoughts:
• Trip-Hop sound is pretty much absent (no scratching).
• Beats and drums are far more unconventional then their previous work.
• “Machine Gun” is excellent. I love the synthesizers!
• In certain instances it captures a Sci-Fi vibe perfectly.
• Beth Gibbon’s voice has held up over the last decade. Still pristine and haunting.
• Sounds like my iPod has been possessed and is emitting evil sounds.
I’ll expand further when I do my album reviews at month end. For now, I’ll just let Portishead’s “Third” marinate…
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
New Music - February 2008
Richard Hawley – Lady’s Bridge - 8.0/10
As I slowly make my ascent into my full-blown adulthood, this sounds just about right. It’s cheerful and romantic, and at times you’ll definitely notice the Elvis and Frank Sinatra influences. Top to bottom this was definitely the best album out of my February bunch. Lady’s Bridge is definitely better during the night, songs like “The Sun Refused to Shine” will calm the soul right before bedtime. Stand out tracks: “Tonight the Streets Are Ours,” “Valentine,” and just about everything else.
Klaxons – Myths of the Near Future - 7.4/10
The tracks on this album feature a very serious and direct piano melody overlaying buzzing and humming guitars. The vocal work screams with urgency, it’s extremely upbeat and accentuated by the synthesized tones in the background. Overall this experience feels unique, unlike anything in my collection, it leaves the lasting impression that this experiment in rock was successful. Stand out tracks: “Golden Skans,” “Two Receivers,” “Totem on the Timeline.”
Rivers Cuomo – Alone - 4.8/10
This feels less like an album and more like a collection of random songs Rivers had lying around his house. Rivers vocals remain of high quality- I’ve always enjoyed his voice whether he’s singing or just talking. In this instance these songs lack the polish you would expect to find on a Weezer studio album, but it’s enjoyable to hear some of these rough cuts. I must admit, after the initial listen you will walk away feeling you know the Weezer front man a little more intimately. This certainly isn’t bad, but I can’t help but long for the next Weezer album. Stand out tracks: “I Was Made For You,” “Chess.”
Manic Street Preachers – Send Away the Tigers - 4.1/10
At this point the Manics seem to be cranking out albums yearly with their quality steadily decreasing. With that being said you would expect their eighth or ninth attempt (I’ve lost count) to be extremely uninspired. Unfortunately, there is really nothing here to indicate otherwise. Immediately this sounds nearly identical to their last few releases, even the collaboration with Nina from The Cardigans sounds very average. I’ve always admired James Dean Bradfield’s lyrics and political commentary, his ability to present an idea in a single statement is top notch. “Send Away the Tigers” doesn’t offer any clever wording, let alone anything that will allow you to sit and ponder. Stand out tracks: “Imperial Bodybags,” “Rendition.”
The Horrors – Strange House - 2.4/10
Don’t quite get this album. It feels like a cheesy Halloween themed soundtrack, something you’d hear in the background at The London Dungeon… that is if the London Dungeon was converted into some sort of gothic dance club. For now I’ll pass, although I could see why some people would like this, but musically it’s not for me. I’ll leave my generic review at that. Stand out tracks: “Jack the Ripper.”
As I slowly make my ascent into my full-blown adulthood, this sounds just about right. It’s cheerful and romantic, and at times you’ll definitely notice the Elvis and Frank Sinatra influences. Top to bottom this was definitely the best album out of my February bunch. Lady’s Bridge is definitely better during the night, songs like “The Sun Refused to Shine” will calm the soul right before bedtime. Stand out tracks: “Tonight the Streets Are Ours,” “Valentine,” and just about everything else.
Klaxons – Myths of the Near Future - 7.4/10
The tracks on this album feature a very serious and direct piano melody overlaying buzzing and humming guitars. The vocal work screams with urgency, it’s extremely upbeat and accentuated by the synthesized tones in the background. Overall this experience feels unique, unlike anything in my collection, it leaves the lasting impression that this experiment in rock was successful. Stand out tracks: “Golden Skans,” “Two Receivers,” “Totem on the Timeline.”
Rivers Cuomo – Alone - 4.8/10
This feels less like an album and more like a collection of random songs Rivers had lying around his house. Rivers vocals remain of high quality- I’ve always enjoyed his voice whether he’s singing or just talking. In this instance these songs lack the polish you would expect to find on a Weezer studio album, but it’s enjoyable to hear some of these rough cuts. I must admit, after the initial listen you will walk away feeling you know the Weezer front man a little more intimately. This certainly isn’t bad, but I can’t help but long for the next Weezer album. Stand out tracks: “I Was Made For You,” “Chess.”
Manic Street Preachers – Send Away the Tigers - 4.1/10
At this point the Manics seem to be cranking out albums yearly with their quality steadily decreasing. With that being said you would expect their eighth or ninth attempt (I’ve lost count) to be extremely uninspired. Unfortunately, there is really nothing here to indicate otherwise. Immediately this sounds nearly identical to their last few releases, even the collaboration with Nina from The Cardigans sounds very average. I’ve always admired James Dean Bradfield’s lyrics and political commentary, his ability to present an idea in a single statement is top notch. “Send Away the Tigers” doesn’t offer any clever wording, let alone anything that will allow you to sit and ponder. Stand out tracks: “Imperial Bodybags,” “Rendition.”
The Horrors – Strange House - 2.4/10
Don’t quite get this album. It feels like a cheesy Halloween themed soundtrack, something you’d hear in the background at The London Dungeon… that is if the London Dungeon was converted into some sort of gothic dance club. For now I’ll pass, although I could see why some people would like this, but musically it’s not for me. I’ll leave my generic review at that. Stand out tracks: “Jack the Ripper.”
Sunday, March 02, 2008
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