My friend Eric at Theme Park Experience has a good ear for a solid song. If he posts something on his blog, his Facebook page, or his Twitter account, chances are it's going to be good.
He posted something last night on Twitter that made me scratch my head though. His exact words were, "Disregard who performs this song. Just listen if you love early 80s power pop like The Knack and The Rubinoos". So, curiosity got the best of me, and I clicked the link. He was exactly right. The song he posted was an absolute power pop gem. Then, I had to do a double take to see who the artist was. No. Freaking. Way. It couldn't be. Sure enough, after a little extra research, I could confirm it:
One Direction.
Yes, THAT One Direction. The song in question is "Little Black Dress" off their recently released "Midnight Memories" album. Just the title itself screams LA power pop. It's one of the catchiest things I've heard all year. I'm not sure how I feel about all of this. Media and general music snobbery has told me I should despise anything and everything about One Direction, but the song is that damn good! Does this mean I'm going to rush out and buy the album? No, not at all. Am I going to start taking them seriously? Probably not, especially since it probably wasn't them playing the instruments.
Have a listen for yourself and tell me you don't start tapping your toe or bobbing your head. I dare you:
I think it goes to show that good pop music is everywhere, even in places you wouldn't dare normally look.
Monday, December 2, 2013
Sunday, February 10, 2013
My Bloody Valentine - "m b v"
We heard the news that Kevin Shields was wrapping up work on a new My Bloody Valentine album.
"Sure he is," you said.
Then we heard the news that the album was complete and could be released at any moment.
"Same thing we've heard for 20 years," you said.
I was skeptical, just as you were. So, imagine how silly we all looked last weekend when we were able to get our hands on "m b v". I was really excited when I got my copy. For the first time since 1991's "Loveless", we were finally able to hear new My Bloody Valentine material.
Thing is, I didn't listen to it. I was afraid to.
"Loveless" is a special album. It's in my all-time top ten, and contains one of the greatest songs ever written ("Sometimes"). My fear with "m b v" was that we'd be listening to an album of material that sounded dated, and in some cases, forced, as if there was an attitude of "just finish the damn thing and put it out there". After sitting on it for a week, I finally decided that tonight would be the night I gave the album a listen. Am I ever glad that I did.
I LOVE THIS ALBUM! Opener "She Found Now" picks up where "Loveless" left off, but gives no indication of the ride you're about to go on. All of the elements that make My Bloody Valentine are present: the swirling guitars, the heavy distortion, and the muffled lyrics. But then, about halfway through the album, we're taken in a completely different direction. The second half of this album owes a lot to Primal Scream's "XTRMNTR", an album that Shields contributed to. There are lots of keyboards, drum loops, and other synthetic noise makers. They add an extra element to a sound that, while different, is still purely My Bloody Valentine.
"m b v" does not sound like an album that was over 20 years in the making. In fact, it is the sound of a band that hasn't skipped a beat. It's good to have My Bloody Valentine back. Sit back, relieve yourself of all distractions, and enjoy the flight.
Purchase "m b v" via the band's website.
"Sure he is," you said.
Then we heard the news that the album was complete and could be released at any moment.
"Same thing we've heard for 20 years," you said.
I was skeptical, just as you were. So, imagine how silly we all looked last weekend when we were able to get our hands on "m b v". I was really excited when I got my copy. For the first time since 1991's "Loveless", we were finally able to hear new My Bloody Valentine material.
Thing is, I didn't listen to it. I was afraid to.
"Loveless" is a special album. It's in my all-time top ten, and contains one of the greatest songs ever written ("Sometimes"). My fear with "m b v" was that we'd be listening to an album of material that sounded dated, and in some cases, forced, as if there was an attitude of "just finish the damn thing and put it out there". After sitting on it for a week, I finally decided that tonight would be the night I gave the album a listen. Am I ever glad that I did.
I LOVE THIS ALBUM! Opener "She Found Now" picks up where "Loveless" left off, but gives no indication of the ride you're about to go on. All of the elements that make My Bloody Valentine are present: the swirling guitars, the heavy distortion, and the muffled lyrics. But then, about halfway through the album, we're taken in a completely different direction. The second half of this album owes a lot to Primal Scream's "XTRMNTR", an album that Shields contributed to. There are lots of keyboards, drum loops, and other synthetic noise makers. They add an extra element to a sound that, while different, is still purely My Bloody Valentine.
"m b v" does not sound like an album that was over 20 years in the making. In fact, it is the sound of a band that hasn't skipped a beat. It's good to have My Bloody Valentine back. Sit back, relieve yourself of all distractions, and enjoy the flight.
Purchase "m b v" via the band's website.
Sunday, January 20, 2013
The Chapman Family - ADULT
I first wrote about The Chapman Family on a previous music blog. Now, I get to write about them again, because they have released a new single entitled "ADULT". Oh man, this is good stuff!
Upon first listen, "ADULT" sounds like The Smiths with teeth. We're talking nasty, sharp teeth here. Unlike their debut album "Burn Your Town" and last year's "Cruel Britannia" EP, the bass drives this song and the guitars provide some beautiful ear candy. It's a nice change of pace without deviating from their signature sound. I will use a phrase I used in my previous writeup: The Chapman Family have once again delivered something that is very raw and very real.
"ADULT" is available to download FOR FREE via their website. The video is available here (via ArtRocker.tv)
Upon first listen, "ADULT" sounds like The Smiths with teeth. We're talking nasty, sharp teeth here. Unlike their debut album "Burn Your Town" and last year's "Cruel Britannia" EP, the bass drives this song and the guitars provide some beautiful ear candy. It's a nice change of pace without deviating from their signature sound. I will use a phrase I used in my previous writeup: The Chapman Family have once again delivered something that is very raw and very real.
"ADULT" is available to download FOR FREE via their website. The video is available here (via ArtRocker.tv)
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Music for Cold Weather
It snowed in North Texas this morning. On my commute to and from work on the bus, I wanted to pick an album that reflected my mood and the weather. I went with "Lost Souls" by Doves. As the music played, I got to thinking about how certain bands and albums are perfect for certain weather conditions. Here are some of my favorites:
Doves - "Lost Souls"
Everything about this album says winter. The mood the music creates is one of grey skies, cold temperatures, muddy snow, and anoraks. Basically, Manchester in January.
Slowdive - "Pygmalion"
This is an album that is perfect for night time. Light a fire for warmth, have a drink, lay back in your favorite chair or in your bed (preferably with someone else), and just let the music take you to another place.
Exit Calm - "Exit Calm"
This album creates a mood similar to the one I described with Doves. The difference, however, is that Exit Calm embraces the greyness of the day, whereas Doves wishes for sunshine and warmer temperatures. We've all had that moment where we've had to go outside in snowy or icy conditions, even if we didn't want to. If Doves is the begrudging, "Okay, fine. Let's go," reaction, then Exit Calm's self-titled debut album is definitely the "Fuck it, let's get out there!" opposite reaction.
. Those are just three of my favorite cold weather albums. I'm curious to hear some of yours.
Doves - "Lost Souls"
Everything about this album says winter. The mood the music creates is one of grey skies, cold temperatures, muddy snow, and anoraks. Basically, Manchester in January.
Slowdive - "Pygmalion"
This is an album that is perfect for night time. Light a fire for warmth, have a drink, lay back in your favorite chair or in your bed (preferably with someone else), and just let the music take you to another place.
Exit Calm - "Exit Calm"
This album creates a mood similar to the one I described with Doves. The difference, however, is that Exit Calm embraces the greyness of the day, whereas Doves wishes for sunshine and warmer temperatures. We've all had that moment where we've had to go outside in snowy or icy conditions, even if we didn't want to. If Doves is the begrudging, "Okay, fine. Let's go," reaction, then Exit Calm's self-titled debut album is definitely the "Fuck it, let's get out there!" opposite reaction.
. Those are just three of my favorite cold weather albums. I'm curious to hear some of yours.
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
New music from SUEDE and DAVID BOWIE!
A couple of weeks too late, but oh, this is Christmas!
Here's the new single from Britpop legends Suede. Entitled "Barriers", it has the feel of a U2-esque anthem. That unmistakable Bernard Butler guitar sound is back.
The song is available as a free download via their website.
As if that wasn't enough, David Bowie has released a new song on his birthday. Not only that, but there's a new album on the way in March! I suppose he got tired of his semi-retirement? "Where Are We Now?" has that mellow sound that you've heard from Bowie since "Hours...". Some people have labeled it strange, and others flat don't like it. I happen to think it's a great song. We need David Bowie back.
Here's the new single from Britpop legends Suede. Entitled "Barriers", it has the feel of a U2-esque anthem. That unmistakable Bernard Butler guitar sound is back.
The song is available as a free download via their website.
As if that wasn't enough, David Bowie has released a new song on his birthday. Not only that, but there's a new album on the way in March! I suppose he got tired of his semi-retirement? "Where Are We Now?" has that mellow sound that you've heard from Bowie since "Hours...". Some people have labeled it strange, and others flat don't like it. I happen to think it's a great song. We need David Bowie back.
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Gregory Scott Slay
Gregory Scott Slay (1969-2010)
He was a loving husband, a devoted father, and a phenomenal musician. He was one of the best drummers I ever had the privilege of watching. He struggled every day with Cystic Fibrosis, and he lived to the age of 40, which is almost unheard of for people living with CF. It is a testament to the doctors and researchers who are working on new drugs and treatments that may one day lead to a cure.
Rest well, friend. We miss you.
Monday, December 31, 2012
Welcome
If you know me, then you know I'm very passionate about music. If you don't know me, you'll soon find this out.
This won't be the blog where you'll find the "next big thing". Or, maybe you will. I haven't quite decided yet. One thing I am going to do, however, is write about the bands that I like, and offer my opinions. You may be familiar with some of these bands, and others might be those that you missed along the way. Whichever route I decided to wander down with this blog, I hope you find something that interests you.
I'll start posting soon. Welcome to Macho on Music.
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