Last year I was moved by a song that has eluded my ability to nail down the heart of its meaning. Is it a love song of forlorn? Maybe a song about struggle in the attempt to change one's life; using some arcane lyrical and musical symbology? Or, was there some other meaning I was missing in its layered depths of beats and odd instruments?
That's right, it's Peter Gabriel's "Don't Break This Rhythm", again.
What? I told you when we begun this thing that this was the ultimate song in the entirety of all my musical musings. At its very core is the mystery of its meaning as the tribal beats, and odd sounds whirl about. This song, and this song alone, has continued to perplex, inspire, and entertain me like no other track before, or since. And so, it continues to be my favorite song; now, yesterday, one year ago, and so on, since the day I first heard it.
So, I've ended where I began. But, this is far from the end. If you've read back through The Conductor's Office you"ll see I used to post music reviews, all the time; entitled "Listen to This!" Well, I'm going to get back to doing that. With any luck, it'll become a regular, weekly feature. So, keep your eyes, and your ears, peeled.
Showing posts with label 30 Day Song Challenge. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 30 Day Song Challenge. Show all posts
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
30 Day Song Challenge: Day 29 - A song from your childhood
I'm about to preface this entry with a big "duh" statement. I have always had a love of music different from my peers... at any age.
Music, for me, growing up, scripted the soundtrack of not just my life, but my dreams, as well as my fantasies. From play time with my action figures, to draw time with my wild creations, to dream time with the other worlds of heroes and far away places, music has been the underscore of all I've done. So, with the life that I have led, so far, is it any wonder that this song comes to the forefront for today's challenge?
Formed in 1983 by a collection of composers, programmers, and musicians in the budding age of the synth pop movement, The Art of Noise drew from collages of sound (Long before the term "sampling".) and avant-garde arrangements of mostly instrumental pieces; with exceptional notes for the covers of the Peter Gunn theme and Dragnet (Used in the movie.), "Paranoimia" featuring Max Headroom, Kiss - featuring Tom Jones, and the unsinkable "Moments in Love".
For me, the sound of The Art of Noise will always be linked to the cyberpunk epic Applessed; which made a huge impression upon my young writer's mind. Both were released in the Unites States and found their ways to me about the same time. The strange ambient, sometimes theatrical nature of the music, mixed with the narrative and visuals of the comic blended into such a feel as to change both into a hybreed of media entertainment.
I could fill an entire article about this group. But, for me, The Art of Noise put a sound to the thoughts, feelings, and energies that swirled, and still swirl, around inside my mind and heart. Or maybe they were the mold to which I sculpted my psyche? Perhaps it's a little of both...
Music, for me, growing up, scripted the soundtrack of not just my life, but my dreams, as well as my fantasies. From play time with my action figures, to draw time with my wild creations, to dream time with the other worlds of heroes and far away places, music has been the underscore of all I've done. So, with the life that I have led, so far, is it any wonder that this song comes to the forefront for today's challenge?
Formed in 1983 by a collection of composers, programmers, and musicians in the budding age of the synth pop movement, The Art of Noise drew from collages of sound (Long before the term "sampling".) and avant-garde arrangements of mostly instrumental pieces; with exceptional notes for the covers of the Peter Gunn theme and Dragnet (Used in the movie.), "Paranoimia" featuring Max Headroom, Kiss - featuring Tom Jones, and the unsinkable "Moments in Love".
For me, the sound of The Art of Noise will always be linked to the cyberpunk epic Applessed; which made a huge impression upon my young writer's mind. Both were released in the Unites States and found their ways to me about the same time. The strange ambient, sometimes theatrical nature of the music, mixed with the narrative and visuals of the comic blended into such a feel as to change both into a hybreed of media entertainment.
I could fill an entire article about this group. But, for me, The Art of Noise put a sound to the thoughts, feelings, and energies that swirled, and still swirl, around inside my mind and heart. Or maybe they were the mold to which I sculpted my psyche? Perhaps it's a little of both...
Thursday, June 16, 2011
30 Day Musical Challenge: Day 27 - a song you wish you could play.
There have been two real goals in my life. In all of my... many... years as an artist and creator, I have only wanted to do two things with my life. I am just mere steps from seeing my aspirations of becoming a "professional cartoonist" come to fruition.
But, as much as I have yearned to make the illustrated adventures we commonly call comic books, I have had a second, secret passion. For as long as I can remember, I have had a love affair with the guitar, and have always ached to be able to play it. And, if I ever do learn, I ant to be able to play this:
Formed out of rival high school bands in 1967, Genesis went on to breach the upper echelons of the progressive rock movement of 1970's England. From the mini epic of "Supper's Ready" on the album Foxtrot - for which "Horizons" also appears, to the revolutionary and imaginative rock opera The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway - which would be front man Peter Gabriel's goodbye, the band used wild story book themes and colorful palettes of visual imagery to paint wild comments on life, love, and being British.
From 1976 until the band's inevitable break up at the beginning of the 21st century, the styling of the group turned more and more pop, and saw the launching point for mildly successful solo careers of remaining members Phil Collins, Mike Rutherford, and Tony Banks.
The band was finally inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010; only the second progressive rock band, besides Pink Floyd, to do so.
As for me and the guitar? Well, I've picked it up more thana few times, but had to put it back down for many reasons. But, I've never stopped trying. One day I will play this...
But, as much as I have yearned to make the illustrated adventures we commonly call comic books, I have had a second, secret passion. For as long as I can remember, I have had a love affair with the guitar, and have always ached to be able to play it. And, if I ever do learn, I ant to be able to play this:
Formed out of rival high school bands in 1967, Genesis went on to breach the upper echelons of the progressive rock movement of 1970's England. From the mini epic of "Supper's Ready" on the album Foxtrot - for which "Horizons" also appears, to the revolutionary and imaginative rock opera The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway - which would be front man Peter Gabriel's goodbye, the band used wild story book themes and colorful palettes of visual imagery to paint wild comments on life, love, and being British.
From 1976 until the band's inevitable break up at the beginning of the 21st century, the styling of the group turned more and more pop, and saw the launching point for mildly successful solo careers of remaining members Phil Collins, Mike Rutherford, and Tony Banks.
The band was finally inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010; only the second progressive rock band, besides Pink Floyd, to do so.
As for me and the guitar? Well, I've picked it up more thana few times, but had to put it back down for many reasons. But, I've never stopped trying. One day I will play this...
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
30 Day musical challenge: Day 26 - a song you can play on an instrument...
It has to be one of the most icon scores to what is, perhaps, one of the most pivotal pieces of science fiction, ever. And, I can play this:
... on a kazoo:
The Kazoo, as we know it, was invented by one Alabama Vest, and introduced at the Georgia state fair in 1852, and is most likely based off of similar such instruments that have been in use for hundreds of years in regions of Africa. But it was magician J.P. Kalaam that brought it center stage as part of his act.
Although its use is generally limited to jug bands and comedy acts, I think this is a highly underrated and potentially fun instrument that should be utilized more often. After all, you should never dismiss the serious potential of this remarkable instrument:
Or... or not:
... on a kazoo:
The Kazoo, as we know it, was invented by one Alabama Vest, and introduced at the Georgia state fair in 1852, and is most likely based off of similar such instruments that have been in use for hundreds of years in regions of Africa. But it was magician J.P. Kalaam that brought it center stage as part of his act.
Although its use is generally limited to jug bands and comedy acts, I think this is a highly underrated and potentially fun instrument that should be utilized more often. After all, you should never dismiss the serious potential of this remarkable instrument:
Or... or not:
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
30 Day Song Challenege: Day 25 - A song that makes you laugh...
And now, for something completely different... a song that always makes me laugh:
Yeah, we're gonna go NSFW, here.
I'm really hoping I don't have to tell any of you who Monty Python are, or about their illustrious carrier. So, instead, I will gleefully inform you that I have had the privilage of unleashing this ticklish terror on unsuspecting karaoke victims in many a fine establishment... even more not so fine ones, too.
No, at no time was there the flashing of the Chuck Cheeks(tm)
Monday, June 13, 2011
30 Day Song Challenge: Day 24 - a song you want played at your funeral...
Life, and all that it holds, is a journey. A journey to a single point. A journey to a single point that is, also, it's one great mystery.
Its end.
From mystics to skeptics, holy men to scientists, everyone has their own opinion about the final moment of one's life; passing into the great shroud on the unknown. Is death the doorway into another existence? Or, as some believe, the inevitable final act; the abrupt, and unfathomable end from which there is nothing more?
I have, myself, always looked to the skies and thought not of mythical kingdoms hovering beyond clouds, but to the infinite realm of the possible. The deep, endless blue of my mid day sky a curtain across the stage to the great beyond. In my quest to understand, I have found a sort of spiritualism within the planets, stars, the sky, the clouds, and all that surrounds us. I hope, on my eventual day, that I can meet my end, eyes open, looking into the promises of an endless blue sky. And, as my goodbye, this is what I'd like to leave my friends and family with:
When the toy company Bandai approached animation studio Sunrise to produce a cartoon around some spaceships, neither were expecting the critical acclaim that Cowboy Bebop would find, world wide. Set in 2071, in an interplanetary solar system, the "sessions" follow the lives, triumphs, and (mostly) tragedies of a group of bounty hunters, known as "cowboys", as they hunt for the big bounty; their lives coming crashing together toward a climactic crescendo.
The music for what would be considered one of the greatest works of science fiction would be scribed by Japanese musician Yoko Kanno, who would join forces with the ensemble crew known as The Seatbelts to create a menagerie of Asian, Blue Grass, Jazz, and early Rock. The complete soundtrack collection, including the box set, is one of my most cherished peices in my musical collection, and a must buy for anyone who would even consider themself a music lover.
I don't know what lies beyond the last hurrah, but I will always contiue to live, love, and learn. Maybe, one day, we'll all meet again, in that big blue somewhere. I'll see you then, Cowboy, somewhere...
Its end.
From mystics to skeptics, holy men to scientists, everyone has their own opinion about the final moment of one's life; passing into the great shroud on the unknown. Is death the doorway into another existence? Or, as some believe, the inevitable final act; the abrupt, and unfathomable end from which there is nothing more?
I have, myself, always looked to the skies and thought not of mythical kingdoms hovering beyond clouds, but to the infinite realm of the possible. The deep, endless blue of my mid day sky a curtain across the stage to the great beyond. In my quest to understand, I have found a sort of spiritualism within the planets, stars, the sky, the clouds, and all that surrounds us. I hope, on my eventual day, that I can meet my end, eyes open, looking into the promises of an endless blue sky. And, as my goodbye, this is what I'd like to leave my friends and family with:
When the toy company Bandai approached animation studio Sunrise to produce a cartoon around some spaceships, neither were expecting the critical acclaim that Cowboy Bebop would find, world wide. Set in 2071, in an interplanetary solar system, the "sessions" follow the lives, triumphs, and (mostly) tragedies of a group of bounty hunters, known as "cowboys", as they hunt for the big bounty; their lives coming crashing together toward a climactic crescendo.
The music for what would be considered one of the greatest works of science fiction would be scribed by Japanese musician Yoko Kanno, who would join forces with the ensemble crew known as The Seatbelts to create a menagerie of Asian, Blue Grass, Jazz, and early Rock. The complete soundtrack collection, including the box set, is one of my most cherished peices in my musical collection, and a must buy for anyone who would even consider themself a music lover.
I don't know what lies beyond the last hurrah, but I will always contiue to live, love, and learn. Maybe, one day, we'll all meet again, in that big blue somewhere. I'll see you then, Cowboy, somewhere...
Sunday, June 12, 2011
30 Day Song Challenge: Day 23 - a song you want to play at your wedding...
The joining of two lives into one is probably one of the greatest, most sacred bonds to people can enter into. This is something that transcends the borders of religion, race, creed, and even all sense of mind and reason. It's the pull of two souls, clinging to each other in the dark of life; making fast one light against the night. It's holy - probably one of the very few things that truly are. It's the expression of love, desire, and hope for the future.
Once upon a time I thought I, too, would some day enter into this bond. That I would knowingly give up part of myself unto someone that they might, in return, share with me. That the flames of our separate heart's fires would unite, bearing a new path before us. For my part, there would have been only one song I can think of that I would have sang to her on our first dance. Only one song would have encapsulated my heart and mind at that moment...
Formed in Cincinnati, but based in Brooklyn, The National has a knack for painting "picture-perfect Americana bar-soaked gems". [Jason McNeil - No Depression magazine] It's fronted by singer/songwriter Matt Beringer and two sets of brothers; Arron and Bryce Dessner, and Scott and Bryan Devendorf.
There music is, generally, grass roots Americana indie rock; the band enjoying a nice collection of small releases. But this song, which first grabbed my attention when part of another peice of animation, also put the band into the limelight. They just recently closed an American tour, and are even featured on the soundtrack to the game Portal 2.
As for me? Well, I've been dreaming about her for 29 years... one day I'll find her.
Once upon a time I thought I, too, would some day enter into this bond. That I would knowingly give up part of myself unto someone that they might, in return, share with me. That the flames of our separate heart's fires would unite, bearing a new path before us. For my part, there would have been only one song I can think of that I would have sang to her on our first dance. Only one song would have encapsulated my heart and mind at that moment...
Formed in Cincinnati, but based in Brooklyn, The National has a knack for painting "picture-perfect Americana bar-soaked gems". [Jason McNeil - No Depression magazine] It's fronted by singer/songwriter Matt Beringer and two sets of brothers; Arron and Bryce Dessner, and Scott and Bryan Devendorf.
There music is, generally, grass roots Americana indie rock; the band enjoying a nice collection of small releases. But this song, which first grabbed my attention when part of another peice of animation, also put the band into the limelight. They just recently closed an American tour, and are even featured on the soundtrack to the game Portal 2.
As for me? Well, I've been dreaming about her for 29 years... one day I'll find her.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
30 Day Song Challenge: Day twenty two - a song you listen to when you're sad.
There's just no getting around it; every high comes with a low, somewhere. You really can't have one without the other. So, what do you do about it? Well, if you're like me, and the pitfalls of life have got you down, made you sad, you simply perk up with a catchy tune...
Yeah... um, there's no embedding for this video. Sorry; not my fault.
Born in Austin, Texas, and spanning the folk rock genres and into comedy, The Asylum Street Spankers take a big heaping handful of music and mash it into time bending mix of modern awareness and American country roots. And, yes, they're named for a street that did, in fact, lead to an asylum.
Though the band has gone their separate ways, their music endures in filking circles, revival shows, and in the hearts of those random, odd musical lovers... much like myself.
"Cakewalk" is available on their album Hot Lunch. (Pictured above.)
"Cakewalk" is available on their album Hot Lunch. (Pictured above.)
Spanks for the memories, folks! And for helping me keep my chin up when the chips were down!
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
30 Day Song Challenge: Day twenty one - a song you listen to when you're happy!
I'm pretty sure I don't have to explain to anyone
who Ren & Stimpy are...
Saturday, May 28, 2011
30 Day Song Challenge: Day twenty - a song you listen to when you're angry.
Anger. We all get it at some point. There are so many things that can make us angry. Know what makes me very angry? When, it seems, no matter how hard I work at something, there's always a new obstacle in my way; some trip up that comes along, from outside my plans, and snarls my feet on my path.
You can't always avoid these, of course. But, when my frustration has reached to anger, and my teeth nashing has led to a loss of heart, there's always one song I can turn to:
Though quietly leading a very productive musical life, Stan Bush is best known for the single anthem of our childhoods; when a mouthy robot car took hold of his future and saved the galaxy. Actually, he's been responcible for quite a few themes through the eighties, as well as one song for Sailoor Moon... but we still love him, anyway.
Recently, Stan had remixed both The Touch, as well as Dare, and submitted them for the new Transformer movies. While neither did make the cut, they are both available in various places, including a download for the video game Rock Band.
Dream the Dream, his latest release, is out now, and avaialble through all the regular resources.
You can't always avoid these, of course. But, when my frustration has reached to anger, and my teeth nashing has led to a loss of heart, there's always one song I can turn to:
Though quietly leading a very productive musical life, Stan Bush is best known for the single anthem of our childhoods; when a mouthy robot car took hold of his future and saved the galaxy. Actually, he's been responcible for quite a few themes through the eighties, as well as one song for Sailoor Moon... but we still love him, anyway.
Recently, Stan had remixed both The Touch, as well as Dare, and submitted them for the new Transformer movies. While neither did make the cut, they are both available in various places, including a download for the video game Rock Band.
Dream the Dream, his latest release, is out now, and avaialble through all the regular resources.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
30 Day Song Challenge: Day nineteen - a song from your favorite album.
Challenges like this are particularly tough. You see, the artists from my top ranking favorite albums are all pretty much represented throughout this list. And, seriously, you really can't repeat. (Or, can you?) So, in an effort to keep things fresh, I present to you a track from one of my favorite albums; which, oddly enough, is - like its predecessors - a rock opera:
Ludo is an alternative rock band, born in a high schooler's car, sitting in a super market parking lot, somewhere in Ladue, Missouri. Wild and imaginative, the band's music crosses many different levels of geekdom, absurdity, and down right fun. Here, "Save Our City" is the middle bridge of the EP rock opera Broken Bride; the tale of a scientist bouncing through time, trying desperately to get back to 1989 to save his wife's life. Even though the premise may sound familiar, the execution is done with care, craft, and a twist ending.
Recently, Ludo's label, Redbird. (Yes, a tie in with Peter Mulvey!) became an Island Records imprint, with Ludo signing a recording deal; their third full length release Prepare the Preparations out now, in record stores.
Ludo is an alternative rock band, born in a high schooler's car, sitting in a super market parking lot, somewhere in Ladue, Missouri. Wild and imaginative, the band's music crosses many different levels of geekdom, absurdity, and down right fun. Here, "Save Our City" is the middle bridge of the EP rock opera Broken Bride; the tale of a scientist bouncing through time, trying desperately to get back to 1989 to save his wife's life. Even though the premise may sound familiar, the execution is done with care, craft, and a twist ending.
Recently, Ludo's label, Redbird. (Yes, a tie in with Peter Mulvey!) became an Island Records imprint, with Ludo signing a recording deal; their third full length release Prepare the Preparations out now, in record stores.
Monday, May 23, 2011
30 Day Song Challenge: Day eighteen - a song you wished you'd hear on the radio...
Okay, as challenges go, this one isn't as strong; mainly because the Station House Radio archives are full of music that should be on regular radio. Well, at least I think so. Of course, even with so many choices, it wasn't really hard to nail it down to this one:
Hailing from the home of the greatest NFL football team, ever, Peter Mulvey is what I like to think of as one of the true to heart American singer/songwriters. With his voice and a six string he can do more with his home spun lyrics that most of the mainstream acts couldn't with a mixing board, backing band, and a producer.
I, personally, discovered Peter quite by accident, when I came across his CD, Letters from a Flying Machine, in the Rasputin's clearance bin. It spun for several days in The Dangermouse, including an impromptu Christmas road trip in 2009. I have since begun collecting the rest of his catalog, including this ditty from his 2006 release, The Knuckleball Suite.
My big hope is that someone will see this, check him out, get him on the radio, and he'll finally come out here - perhaps on one of his famous bicycle tours - and I can see him play an actual live show.
I can dream, can't I?
At any rate, Peter Mulvey is definitely an act that needs to be on the radio. Still don't beleive me? Here, have a listen to Smell the Future and, one of my personal favorites, Charlie.
Hailing from the home of the greatest NFL football team, ever, Peter Mulvey is what I like to think of as one of the true to heart American singer/songwriters. With his voice and a six string he can do more with his home spun lyrics that most of the mainstream acts couldn't with a mixing board, backing band, and a producer.
I, personally, discovered Peter quite by accident, when I came across his CD, Letters from a Flying Machine, in the Rasputin's clearance bin. It spun for several days in The Dangermouse, including an impromptu Christmas road trip in 2009. I have since begun collecting the rest of his catalog, including this ditty from his 2006 release, The Knuckleball Suite.
My big hope is that someone will see this, check him out, get him on the radio, and he'll finally come out here - perhaps on one of his famous bicycle tours - and I can see him play an actual live show.
I can dream, can't I?
At any rate, Peter Mulvey is definitely an act that needs to be on the radio. Still don't beleive me? Here, have a listen to Smell the Future and, one of my personal favorites, Charlie.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
30 Day Song Challenge: Day seventeen - a song you hear a lot on the radio.
Ah, the radio...
I can't honestly remember the last time I just sat and listened to it for anymore than a couple of hours.* Grand Central boosts over 1000 CDs and various digital musical sources. The entirety of the collection has come to be affectionately known as "Station House Radio". So, really, between indie retailer updates, and my monthly dives into Rasputin's clearance bins, there just isn't any real draw to listen to commercial radio, any longer; what with it's over plaid, over hyped, musical wasteland playu lists. And today's challenge illustrates this pretty perfectly:
Okay, so this number, by one time cultral revolutionists turned media staple Red Hot Chili Peppers, probably shows how long it's been since I had my dial tuned up to any major radio station. However, there was, at one point, a time when this made rotation two, maybe even three, times during each DJ's shift. The controversy over its simulatiry to a Tom Petty hit didn't help any, either.
Honestly? I don't care what it's about, or any particular back story it may have. Like so many
main stream" songs, I'm really just so disinterested and don't really care.
*I do find the dial tuned, every Saturday morning, to college station KFJC for the Norman Bates Memorial Soundtrack show. In fact, KFJC is about the only station I do listen to. Yes, I am really into independant music.
I can't honestly remember the last time I just sat and listened to it for anymore than a couple of hours.* Grand Central boosts over 1000 CDs and various digital musical sources. The entirety of the collection has come to be affectionately known as "Station House Radio". So, really, between indie retailer updates, and my monthly dives into Rasputin's clearance bins, there just isn't any real draw to listen to commercial radio, any longer; what with it's over plaid, over hyped, musical wasteland playu lists. And today's challenge illustrates this pretty perfectly:
Okay, so this number, by one time cultral revolutionists turned media staple Red Hot Chili Peppers, probably shows how long it's been since I had my dial tuned up to any major radio station. However, there was, at one point, a time when this made rotation two, maybe even three, times during each DJ's shift. The controversy over its simulatiry to a Tom Petty hit didn't help any, either.
Honestly? I don't care what it's about, or any particular back story it may have. Like so many
main stream" songs, I'm really just so disinterested and don't really care.
*I do find the dial tuned, every Saturday morning, to college station KFJC for the Norman Bates Memorial Soundtrack show. In fact, KFJC is about the only station I do listen to. Yes, I am really into independant music.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
30 Day Song Challenge: Day Sixteen - A song you hate that you once loved
I've already covered, in a previous challenge, how I'm not quite attached to the word "hate". Having said that, there is one song that meets today's challenge perfectly. A song that, when first released some nearly ten years ago, was an absolute favorite that - I felt, at the time - touched the very essence of my soul. Today? Yeah, I blow right past it when it comes up on the player, thinking; "what the Hell was I thinking?!
Officially formed in 1990, VNV Nation unleashed - at least to us unwary American Goth types - a torrent of sound know as EBM; Electronic Body Music. From the underground Industrial clubs of the inner cities, to the top of the charts across Europe and, now, sneaking in on the American charts, the band's message - while, at times, delivered with thundering beats and often darker imagery - is generally one of positive hope and fuel for change.
"Joy" appeared on the '95 release, Advance and Follow, and had us hopping mad to hear it again, and again. Sixteen years later (Wait, that can't be right.) and you go up to a DJ in the booth to request this song? Yeah, you get laughed at.
Officially formed in 1990, VNV Nation unleashed - at least to us unwary American Goth types - a torrent of sound know as EBM; Electronic Body Music. From the underground Industrial clubs of the inner cities, to the top of the charts across Europe and, now, sneaking in on the American charts, the band's message - while, at times, delivered with thundering beats and often darker imagery - is generally one of positive hope and fuel for change.
"Joy" appeared on the '95 release, Advance and Follow, and had us hopping mad to hear it again, and again. Sixteen years later (Wait, that can't be right.) and you go up to a DJ in the booth to request this song? Yeah, you get laughed at.
Monday, May 9, 2011
30 Day Song Challenge: Day fifteen - a song that describes you.
We're about to cross the threshold of halfway through the 30 Day Song Challenge, and now, finally, we're getting to the meat of the matter; me, the listener.
But how does one describe themself in a song? Surely it takes more than one tune, yes? I mean, aren't we all a bit more complex than a single song can capture? Well, in my case, maybe not so much:
Chumbawamba are an anarcho-punk group hailing from the UK formed in 1982. With a name deriving from gibberish (No, really. Their name literally means nothing at all.) they took on the mantle of the punk power to the people, with political stunts that have included dumping water on a British official during a show that sided against striking dock workers. Having actually been to a Chumbawamba show, I can tell you they have a crazy stage presence that is full of life and vigor.
As for the song? Well, I think the lyrics speak for themself; especially when you map them against the turbulent, yet never boring, life I've lead. And, while many songs may reflect the various facets of my mind and personality, this one covers the most basic aspect of who I am; drink, song, and the enduring struggle of perseverance...
But how does one describe themself in a song? Surely it takes more than one tune, yes? I mean, aren't we all a bit more complex than a single song can capture? Well, in my case, maybe not so much:
Chumbawamba are an anarcho-punk group hailing from the UK formed in 1982. With a name deriving from gibberish (No, really. Their name literally means nothing at all.) they took on the mantle of the punk power to the people, with political stunts that have included dumping water on a British official during a show that sided against striking dock workers. Having actually been to a Chumbawamba show, I can tell you they have a crazy stage presence that is full of life and vigor.
As for the song? Well, I think the lyrics speak for themself; especially when you map them against the turbulent, yet never boring, life I've lead. And, while many songs may reflect the various facets of my mind and personality, this one covers the most basic aspect of who I am; drink, song, and the enduring struggle of perseverance...
Saturday, May 7, 2011
30 Day Song Challenge - Day fourteen - a song no one expects you to like.
I am known far and wide, out here, for my across the board musical tastes. I don't think there isn't a genre not represented in the Station House Radio collection in some way. However, it never ceases to amaze me that people are generally amazed that I like this particular song:
No, I am not a real fan of local boys made good, Train. (Though, with that name, one would figure I was, I guess.) But, this song I do like. The general message of trying to work out the problems in the world delivered in an unausally upbeat way kind of speaks to me; makes me feel like I might have the power to do something about life, sometimes. And, leaves me in a generally positive state about it, too.
And yet, they aren't really a popular kind of sound with my close crowd, and so they're surprised when this song comes on and I start singing away with it.
No, I am not a real fan of local boys made good, Train. (Though, with that name, one would figure I was, I guess.) But, this song I do like. The general message of trying to work out the problems in the world delivered in an unausally upbeat way kind of speaks to me; makes me feel like I might have the power to do something about life, sometimes. And, leaves me in a generally positive state about it, too.
And yet, they aren't really a popular kind of sound with my close crowd, and so they're surprised when this song comes on and I start singing away with it.
Friday, May 6, 2011
30 Day Song Challenge: day thriteen - a song that is a guilty pleasure.
I have failed day thirteen of the 30 Day Song Challenge; a song that is a guilty pleasure. I feel no guilt over the music I like. I am, in fact, very proud of my wrong taste in music!
Thursday, May 5, 2011
30 Day Song Challenge: Day Twelve - a song from a band you hate...
Hate.
Hate can be such an ugly word. I like to think it a word saved for the most dire of circumstances. After all, do I really hate asparagus?
Well, yes, I do. But, generally speaking, when it comes to music, I like to say; "Nope, not really my thing," instead of that I hate it. One man's folly is, after all, another man's anthem.
So, how do I classify a band I hate? Well, if they, are, say, a pack of total douches:
Metallica started as an underground metal band. They were edgy, relevant, and real. They spoke to the fans, the people, and did so directly; utilizing garage style bootlegging to get their music. They were raw and were the voice of a generation.
And then they hit it big. You've heard the adage about power and corruption, right?
Spearheaded by Lars, the drummer, Metallica become the poster children for the RIAA, the musical boogie man; attaching themselves, personally, in lawsuit after lawsuit in file sharing pirating legal actions. In many occasions, directly against their very own fans. And they did so, aggressively; without mercy. A whole generation of music lovers watched as the powerhouse cut their hair, softened up, and got... well... greedy.
In a word? Sellout.
Are they good? Not as much as they used to be. Do I enjoy the occasional Metallica song? Every great once and a while. Do I like this band? No. Do I hate this band? Only for what they've come to stand for.
Hate can be such an ugly word. I like to think it a word saved for the most dire of circumstances. After all, do I really hate asparagus?
Well, yes, I do. But, generally speaking, when it comes to music, I like to say; "Nope, not really my thing," instead of that I hate it. One man's folly is, after all, another man's anthem.
So, how do I classify a band I hate? Well, if they, are, say, a pack of total douches:
Metallica started as an underground metal band. They were edgy, relevant, and real. They spoke to the fans, the people, and did so directly; utilizing garage style bootlegging to get their music. They were raw and were the voice of a generation.
 |
| I'd rather bang heads with these fellas than have my head bashed in by these fellas. Am I right? |
Spearheaded by Lars, the drummer, Metallica become the poster children for the RIAA, the musical boogie man; attaching themselves, personally, in lawsuit after lawsuit in file sharing pirating legal actions. In many occasions, directly against their very own fans. And they did so, aggressively; without mercy. A whole generation of music lovers watched as the powerhouse cut their hair, softened up, and got... well... greedy.
In a word? Sellout.
 |
| Give me fuel, give me fire! An Armani suit that I desire! |
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
30 Day Song Challenge: Day eleven - a song from your favortie band.
The measure of a man? A question of his worth? The merit of his metal? Today's challenge is really no challenge at all, but only stands to ask you one simple question:
Roger Daltry, Pete Townsend, Keith Moon, and John Entwhistle. In 1964 these four Brits came together to form what is, arguably, one of the greatest rock bands, ever. Crossing genres from Rock to Mod, with a little Punk, The Who have dished out some of the most iconic and memorable albums of all time, including the rock operas Tommy and Quadrophenia, as well as My Generation, Who's Next, and The Who by Numbers.
Their place as an all time rock legend was cemented with inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990, the UK Music Hall of Fame in 2005, and punctuated with the most watch NFL halftime show, ever, in 2009.
Today The Who are survived by Roger and Pete, who continue to preform both together, and apart on various projects. But no one can deny the power this band had, and still has, in the lives of so many.
Roger Daltry, Pete Townsend, Keith Moon, and John Entwhistle. In 1964 these four Brits came together to form what is, arguably, one of the greatest rock bands, ever. Crossing genres from Rock to Mod, with a little Punk, The Who have dished out some of the most iconic and memorable albums of all time, including the rock operas Tommy and Quadrophenia, as well as My Generation, Who's Next, and The Who by Numbers.
Their place as an all time rock legend was cemented with inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990, the UK Music Hall of Fame in 2005, and punctuated with the most watch NFL halftime show, ever, in 2009.
Today The Who are survived by Roger and Pete, who continue to preform both together, and apart on various projects. But no one can deny the power this band had, and still has, in the lives of so many.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
30 Day Song Challenge: Day Ten - a song that makes you fall asleep.
Okay, this is a tricky one. And those who are friends of The Conductor know why...
I hate to sleep, and have a hard time doing it.
Needless to say - and hard for some to believe - I do actually need a couple hours of shut eye every night. So, when I look for a soundtrack to my slumberland, I generally look for music like this:
Hey. HEY! Wake up...
Anyway, Dead Can Dance is definitely one of the most unique sounds to come out of the 1990's... or, for that matter, most of mainstream music. Their brand of haunting vocals and rich, vibrant sounds merge in such a way that my mind is able to drift into other places, constructing worlds, events, and the people that might be encountered there. This, in turn, helps me to relax for a little while, and get a couple hours' rest before the madness of my day begins, again.
I hate to sleep, and have a hard time doing it.
Needless to say - and hard for some to believe - I do actually need a couple hours of shut eye every night. So, when I look for a soundtrack to my slumberland, I generally look for music like this:
Hey. HEY! Wake up...
Anyway, Dead Can Dance is definitely one of the most unique sounds to come out of the 1990's... or, for that matter, most of mainstream music. Their brand of haunting vocals and rich, vibrant sounds merge in such a way that my mind is able to drift into other places, constructing worlds, events, and the people that might be encountered there. This, in turn, helps me to relax for a little while, and get a couple hours' rest before the madness of my day begins, again.
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