Re: The Album That Feels Like Home

If you are viewing this post from a secondary source and cannot see the Flash content, click here.

A friend of mine recently posted an interesting query to his blog. "Do you remember that album that seemed to change your trajectory, define a season, or bring perfect meaning to a place?" Being a music nut (read: loser), I didn't find it very difficult to answer the question. I have playlists on my iPod with dates, so finding out what I listened to was easy enough. But I didn't want to "cheat."

My answer to his question, though, feels a little like cheating. First of all, what I picked -- the Cherry Tree EP by The National -- isn't really an album at all. And in any case, I didn't choose the EP because it connects to a feeling of home. If anything, it reminds me, in vivid detail, of what it was like being away. Here's what I wrote on Kyle's blog, and for added effect, I've posted the song lyrics and a live video for "About Today" below.

...I was in DC in the fall of 2006, far from home, missing my family, and worried about the health of my grandmothers, both of whom had been diagnosed with cancer the week before I left. I had really started enjoying The National's Alligator album the year before, and I was excited (understatement) to hear them at the Black Cat in DC. I bought the Cherry Tree EP at the beginning of the semester, and I probably listened to it a billion times over the course of those four months. It's a wonder the CD still plays.

That was a tough semester for a lot of reasons, but one of the most difficult parts was being away from my girlfriend (and now fiance), Jennifer. Few things can challenge a relationship as much as distance. Even now, I still can't hear the incredible "About Today" without thinking of walking to my house at one in the morning, protected in my overcoat from the cold air of fall, thinking heavily about all the aspects of my future.

Great songs bring you back, but you're reminded how they also pushed you forward.

"About Today"

Today you were far away
And I didn't ask you why
What could I say
I was far away
You just walked away
And I just watched you
What could I say

How close am I to losing you

Tonight you just close your eyes
And I just watch you
Slip away

How close am I to losing you

Hey, are you awake
Yeah I'm right here
Well can I ask you
About today

How close am I to losing you
How close am I to losing

Word Is Bond: Engineers

To hear the song these lyrics are taken from, click back to this post.



"The Fear Has Gone"
by Engineers

The question is why do I walk the long way home?
Can't recall your answer now.
My fear has gone.
I'm fake,
My only thoughts of what's to gain.
As I stumble into sudden blows,
The fall has no delay.

Exalted space, befriended land, an all encompassing high plan.
A vaulted thrust, a word so grand, is spoken by another man.
Above the space, below the land, in everything except the hand.
Forgotten trust, defended land, a way to forge another plan.

Five Songs For: Death And All His Friends

If you are viewing this post from a secondary source and cannot see the Flash content, click here.

“Held”
by Smog

There are certain bands whose musical output is of a developed, acquired taste. And then there's Smog. Bill Callahan's voice is as deadpan as a Wes Anderson character, his music sounding equally understated, often characterized by lo-fi recordings of guitars oddly out of tune. “Held,” though, is something to behold, a rollicking piece of folk rock guided by loud, echoing drums. But even if this song -- from the Knock Knock album -- sounds different from typical Smog, it's hard to dismiss the vocals. That's all Bill Callahan. Regardless, it's a great tune, and Smog is worth checking out. Just don't be surprised if you end up not liking it.

“My Father's Son”
by Ryan Adams

It's not always a compliment to call someone prolific. Uwe Boll, for example, puts out several movies just about every year, and they are all remarkably terrible. But in Ryan Adams' case, his fevered approach to music is something we can appreciate. Though I do enjoy much of his new work, for me his best period will always be the Love Is Hell years. This song is from the same sessions as that album, but it's difficult to track down, available exclusively on a Japanese bonus disc. For such a buried track, “My Father's Son” is pretty darn good, and who can argue with the greatness of a line like “honey, I'm not going to make it out of this bar this time?” This guy sweats music. He literally cannot get away from it.

“The Fear Has Gone”
by Engineers

I really like shoegaze. A lot. Ever since I heard that first Verve album, I've been hooked, and Ride, Slowdive, and of course, My Bloody Valentine never get too far from any of my playlists. There's just something about heavy distortion fading into tons of layers of decaying delay that hits the spot every time. Engineers are a new band in the Slowdive mold, making classic ambient noise with a greater level of accessibility than other bands in the same genre. This song is from their latest, Three Fact Fader, and it also shows a heavy Ride influence with its slow build from the string introduction. If you like what you hear, you might also want to check out The Meeting Places.

“Ladies And Gentlemen (Roll The Dice)”
by Kasabian

The members of Kasabian are now three albums deep into a sound that pulls from sources as diverse as Massive Attack, Primal Scream, Oasis, and The Stones. (Well, maybe that isn't so diverse, but you get the idea.) Their latest, the bizarrely titled West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum, might be their most focused album yet, in spite of the heavy psychadelia and instrumental experimentation. Most of the band's music gives the impression of a soundtrack to a soccer fight on a dance floor -- with lyrics to match. (A new song, “Where Did All The Love Go?,” starts with the line, “Ever take a punch to the rib cage, sonny?” Awesome.) The track here is one of their quieter ones and, I suppose, perfect for a post-fight recovery. Maybe that was the point. Anyway, the album comes out next week. Go buy it.

“Death And All His Friends” (Live)
by Coldplay

Believers in the trite saying that “nice guys finish last” cannot account for Chris Martin's existence. By all accounts, the guy is completely unassuming. Self-depricating, witty, and rarely appearing haughty, Martin and his bandmates seem the very opposite of arrogant “rock stars.” Maybe I'm naive, and this is all some artificial construct, a very intentional creation for fans who enjoy their “nice” music. But it's hard to deny niceness when a band as massive as Coldplay gives away a live album for free. That is cool any way you slice it. This version of “Death And All His Friends” is from LeftRightLeftRightLeft, available here, and it confirms what everyone probably suspected after hearing the so-so X&Y. Coldplay sounds better live. Their songs were made to be yelled in stadiums everywhere by tons of fans. Somehow, the nice guys pulled off the giant rock star thing. Somehow, I still don't find them annoying. Here's a hilarious clip from the TV show Extras, where Chris Martin makes fun of himself:

Five Songs For: When I Light Your Darkened Door

If you are viewing this post from a secondary source and cannot see the Flash content, click here.

“I.O.I.O.”
by The Bee Gees

Yes, that says “The Bee Gees.” And yes, that song, with the bongo drums and without any sign of disco, is by the same band that made the Stayin' Alive soundtrack. And yes (why so many questions?), that song is very, very good. A long time ago, I read an interview with Noel Gallagher of Oasis where he named his top three bands of all time. I know the first was The Beatles, and I forget the third, but I'm certain that I was shocked when I read that The Bee Gees made the list. Imagine my surprise to learn that before disco, The Bee Gees were the equivalent of Australian Beatles, with complex music and even the occasional concept record. Most of the stuff from that era in the band's career is fantastic, and it stands as a testament to the fact that not all musical evolution is necessarily improvement. These guys were even better before the hair spray quaffs and the bell bottom jeans. “I.O.I.O” is from Cucumber Castle, a really good album but an oddity in their discography. At the time of the recording, the band was on the verge of a breakup, and as such, only two Gees are on the record.

“Slide Away” (Live)
by Noel Gallagher

And speaking of Oasis, I should admit that I still think they're the best band putting out music today. And it's not even close. After most people hear that, though, the first thing asked is almost always whether or not the band is still around. Yes, they are, and last year's Dig Out Your Soul is a great album. But after the many times I have had to frustratingly answer that same question, I realize now why it will always be asked. As good as their newer records are, nothing beats their first two. “Slide Away” might be the band's best song, a ballad from their debut Definitely Maybe, and this live version was recorded late last year (or early this year) by Noel Gallagher for a charity event. The addition of a full orchestra does change the song in a way, but it only serves to bolster the soaring beauty of the original. I have a solo acoustic version, too, that is just as great, and the fact that in so many different forms, the song still shines, only affirms its status as a classic.

“Lonesome Swan”
by Glasvegas

Everything about Glasvegas is over the top. The singer's accent is as thick as cold molasses, the music has more reverb than every Coldplay album put together, and the subject matter of the band's songs is all over the place. All these elements go together to create a product that has no right to be, well, happy -- especially with songs about mental instability, abusive fathers, school fights, and what it feels like to be stabbed. But the contrast between the lyrics and the music is of course intentional, and Glasvegas' self-titled debut is one of the most assured you're likely to hear of any band in the past five years. As a group, Glasvegas expects you to buy into their music, and if you can accept its theatricality, you will certainly enjoy what you hear.

“Down From Above”
by Vetiver

This is one of the most chilled-out songs you'll ever hear. The music fades in and seems to float on passing clouds, and before you realize it, it's all gone, fading out in the same direction it came. Vetiver is a folk band that unfortunately got their start playing with the awful Devendra Banhart, but thankfully, the band has distanced themselves with four records of melancholy guitar and rainy day atmosphere. “Down From Above” is from their latest, Tight Knit.

“When I Light Your Darkened Door” (Daytrotter session)
by J. Tillman

There might not be another male singer today with a voice as angelic as J. Tillman's. (I say male in particular only because there might not be anybody with a better voice than Zooey Deschanel. Just saying.) For the life of me, I still cannot get past the fact that this guy plays drums and sings backing vocals for his main gig in the band Fleet Foxes. He's got a better voice than the lead singer! This song, from his solo work, is a great example of the stark beauty invoked by his spare guitar playing and wonderfully unique voice. Damien Jurado has covered it well, but nothing can match Tillman's breathy vocals. “When I Light Your Darkened Door,” along with four other songs, is available for free as a Daytrotter session here. The somewhat boring, if not entrancing video below is for the song “First Born,” off Tillman's latest album, Vacilando Territory Blues.

Something I'd Like To See #294: A Return To Form

These guys are not cool. I mean, by all objective accounts, this is just incredibly lame. Like really, really awful. I have actually seen Christian pop bands look tougher than this.

***

I still remember how awesome Youth & Young Manhood sounded the first time I heard it. Jangling guitars, a slight country twang, and some truly bizarre lyrics all mixed to make the Kings of Leon sound unique in indie rock. If you recall, the scene was already dominated by a hip young band from New York, and in fact, I can remember plenty of reviews that described the Kings as “Southern-fried Strokes.” The comparisons were appropriate. For one thing, the Kings had the same penchant for very tight guitar arrangements, and the styles of the two bands were also similar. But the Kings were different. Even their stomping grounds provided a stark contrast to bands like The Strokes or The Hives. Nashville, Tennessee is popular as a music hotspot, but the only time its fashion has seriously appeared in NYC has been in the impromptu gigs of the inimitable Naked Cowboy.

I've heard many rumors that the first Kings album isn't actually their own work, that it's written by a third party and performed by the band, Monkees-style, to create a very intentional indie “product.” I've always shrugged off this assertion for many reasons. For one thing, even indie music is a product, and the hippest bands simply make their musical creations more “authentic” or “legitimate.” This idea, though, that even my favorite artists could be less “real” than I have found them to be, has been a struggle for me to wrap my head around. But the easiest way past this rabbit hole criss-cross of entertainment and philosophy has always been the music itself. If it sounds good, it doesn't matter how “real” it is. It's aesthetic value is real to me. As far as the Kings were concerned, their debut album sounded great, and as far as I was concerned, that was all that was important.

However, when the second album arrived -- the hipper Aha Shake Heartbreak -- the Kings formula started to change. After touring with The Strokes, the influence was even more noticeable than before, and the things that made the two bands similar in the first place -- the tight guitar solos, the shorter “poppy” songs -- were amplified with clearer production and cleaner performances. For all the changes, though, Aha Shake Heartbreak was still a great album to listen to, and it still sounded like the Kings, albeit a 2.0 version.

But this chameleon-like change was not a step in the Kings evolution, it was the beginning of a very different process. The Kings were becoming a completely different band. As much as I liked Heartbreak, I couldn't get past how silly the band looked in their fashion photos in the CD inlay. When I saw them live that year, too, it was remarkable how uninterested and even bored they looked on stage. The Strokes had tried the same act when I saw them that same year, but where The Strokes could pull of the indie hip thing quite well, the Kings just looked lazy. Needless to say, it was a disappointing show.

Still, it was not even close to the disappointment that was their next album, the difficult to pinpoint Because Of The Times. Apparently, like some musical equivalent of Absorbing-Man, they had sucked up the darker, grimier sounds of their new tour partners, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, and created an album that tried to add the shoegazing tendencies and aggressiveness of BRMC. As you might expect, these new sounds don't fit so well with country twang and New York punk, and the album was understandably a confusing mess. A few good songs, to be sure, but still a mess. Their latest album only makes the results of this adaptive musical strategy into some sort of hilarious joke. On Only By The Night, the band adopted the U2 sound (yes, U2), and emerged as a caricature of themselves. But the best part of this joke -- the truly funny part -- is that the people actually in the band seem to be the only ones who don't get it. (One of the singles from that album is “Sex On Fire,” which would be less funny but more respectable if it was in fact about a painful STD. The video is one of the funniest things I've seen all year, which is a huge statement because I just watched The Room and have Troll 2 in the queue.)

Judging by sales, you could argue I'm totally wrong. Only By The Night is the most popular Kings album yet. But the sad fact is that there are a hundred bands who go for that stadium-filling U2 sound, and a good chunk of them do it much better than the Kings do. Coldplay, British Sea Power, and Longwave come to mind. Heck, even the country-tinged stadium-like sound is already done much better by the likes of Band Of Horses. Does the world really need another bland, mindless, and overly ambitious indie band like The Killers? I liked the Kings albums -- no, I loved them -- when they were unique, when they sounded like something only the Kings could put out.

I had a dream once, embarrassing and music-obsessed as it may sound, to hear the Kings of Leon do something live that only they could pull off. Creedence Clearwater Revival has always been one of my favorite bands, and they share some surprising similarities to the Kings. CCR was never truly country (impossible when you start in sunny California), and their style, like the Kings' decades later, was a creation that only partially reflected their roots. But like CCR, Kings did something with their first two albums that other bands in their day could not. They sounded great while sounding like themselves. My dream was to see these two bands unite in the form of a perfectly selected cover. I wanted to see the Kings play “Commotion” by CCR. They would have been perfect for it, and it would have made for a great show. I cannot imagine them doing that today, but I can imagine them playing awful covers of U2 songs or BRMC songs or even Strokes songs.

What I would like to see is a good band return to form. I would like to see the Kings go back to playing music that is theirs, both a nod to the past and something new. I doubt that day will come (or return), and until that does, I'll have to be satisfied with those first two albums. But seriously, Youth & Young Manhood is fantastic, a solid record from first song to hidden track. What happened to these guys?

Five Songs For: When My Time Comes

I decided to upgrade the "Song of the Week" posts on my other (old?) blog to a sort of mini-playlist. With a flash "mixtape" like the one above (which Vox was unable to support), anyone reading this can hear all the songs I mention. Also, each of these posts will include at least one song you can download for free, usually from Daytrotter.com.

"I'm Going To Forget"
by Attack In Black

I don't know too much about this band, but I have really enjoyed the two albums I've heard. This song is the first track off of their Curve Of The Earth album, and if you ask me (which you didn't) they deserve just as much attention as The Shins. They have the same indie rock sensibilities but somehow, less pretension.

"Murder By Mistletoe"
by The Felice Brothers

I decided to give this band a bigger listen when I found out they were playing ACL this year. Their self-titled album, where this track is from, is excellent, and they definitely play the part of The Band quite well. Depending on who you ask, they are either completely unoriginal in their nod to Dylan's Basement years, or they're simply paying respects. I'm still making up my mind, but they sure sound great, either way.

"Ship Of Fools"
by Doves

Doves are possibly the most criminally overlooked band in music today. Seriously. This song is a b-side. Somehow, it didn't make the cut for their new album, Kingdom of Rust, and having listened to them for a while now, I'm still shocked by the omission. They're one of the few bands where everything they put out is excellent, and even on more forgotten tracks like this one, they prove why their musical genius is equal to that of more popular bands like Coldplay or Travis.

"Black Eyes/Prices"
by Damien Jurado

In the last post, I mentioned how Damien Jurado has quickly become one of my favorite artists. He's been putting out music since 1997 (1997!), and his output has been remarkably consistent. Like Doves, even his b-sides and assorted toss-outs are fantastic. This song is from the rare tour-only release Walk Along the Fence. In that collection it was called "Black Eyes," but on the Just In Time For Something EP, the same song was called "Prices." Whatever the correct title, it's a fantastic song. Jurado has the uncanny ability to recognize a great song when he comes upon it, whether it's a six-minute epic or something barely over 90 seconds. I could go on and on, but I'll leave it at this: I can't get enough of this guy's music. Go buy Caught In The Trees.

"When My Time Comes"
by Dawes

This is another band I don't know too much about. I "discovered" Dawes listening to Delta Spirit cover one of their songs on Daytrotter. Dawes had just opened for Delta Spirit on their tour, and shortly after, Dawes also did a session at Daytrotter. This song is part of that session and available free online. The band looks like they know how to put on a great show, and I have to admit, it was pretty awesome to see on their MySpace a live cover of the Wonder Years theme song (viewable below). I'm paying attention.

Since We Last Spoke: A Late, Post-Hiatus Buckshot

I am happy to say that another semester is behind me and that my time away from blogging has ended. I will be posting again on a regular basis. Below is a list of things I learned in my nearly three weeks away from this space:

• I am badly out of shape. It is possible for me to be 5'11” and 140 lbs. and still be getting my Roker on. Justice O'Connor used to grill her engaged law clerks to make sure they were staying in shape for their significant others. I point this out only because I am starting to look like Justice Scalia. I have seven months. (Michael Scott says always leave them with an ultimatum.)
• After watching him in Spike Lee's Kobe Doin' Work, Kobe Bryant has convinced me that it is possible to possess enough talent to take all joy from its use. Tim Keown says it best.
  
• I'm pretty sure Damien Jurado is in my “Top Ten Artists of All Time” list. Watch the music video for “Caskets” from his new album. It feels a lot like There Will Be Blood, only happier.

• Somehow, the equation for a successful grad school semester has been discovered: me - free time - sleep + panic + prayer = straight A's. If I had figured that out sooner, I'd be a much better student. Still, this will come in handy when I start my thesis next semester.
• Star Trek is completely nerdy but still totally enthralling, in a generally awesome and still slightly embarrassing way.
• Aziz Ansari continues to be the funniest guy in the entertainment industry that looks like me. (Kal Penn is just too Indian, and Aladdin doesn't count, as he's a fictional cartoon character. I will accept, however, “that guy from Slumdog Millionaire” as a close second.)

• For the first time in a long time, I really felt like I worshiped while playing guitar on stage. Sometimes in life you have to use the E-Bow.
  
• The best Spurs blog on the internet is, like the organization it follows, highly accessible for its fans. I even got to write a post for it! This last season was great for Spurs fans, even considering the early playoff exit, and Graydon Gordian's blog had a lot to do with it.