WHERE MUSIC LISTENS TO YOU
Dale
Dale
Add To My Trusted Moggers

Well, all righty then

Posted about 1 year ago
My favorite thing about the people I have met here on MOG is that, while we may not absolutely agree on our music choices, there's still a sense of appreciation for the craft. The junk filter is real high here, you know?I wish I could say the same in real life.I spent two days last week out with my middle son Jordan, and a dozen other Boy Scouts and dads, on a canoe trip in Oklahoma. It's an annual tradition for all new Scouts to give them a big push into Scouting, and it's lots of fun.However, we have one dad who came with us, from the ward I attend every Sunday. He's a good guy, but ... he's a blowhard. No other way to say it. He almost got us lost twice because he called shotgun instead of letting our camp leader sit up front. You know, the guy with the *map*. After setting up camp, he proceeds to launch into a loud diatribe against our governor, all the while asserting he's right because "he's a poli-sci major." And on and on.Well, at some point the topic changed to music. I don't think I brought it up, maybe Jordan mentioned my weekend in paradise (Coachella). That's when me really took my breath away with this nugget:"You know what artist I really like? __Colbie Caillat__. I think her music is on another level from everything else." He went on to wax poetic on her exclusive appearance on Wal-Mart's website.WHAT?!?Dude, you're not even her target audience. As Erin ahred with us, her target audience is 13-year old girls that have no interest in hip-hop. And not to totally rain on your parade, but she's just like a female Jack Johnson, but totally corporate.(Let me interject here that I don't like Jack Johnson's music __at all__, but I at least think he's completely sincere, just a surfer dude that makes mellow tunes about bubbly toes and other stuff that some people love, and that drive me batty.)Really, it was the Wal-Mart thing that took me over the top. Ah yes, the Wal-Mart Network, the prime bastion of independent, free-thinking musicians everywhere. I don't know what I'd do if a band I really loved showed up there, probably just cry a lot.What blew me away was how __passionate__ he was about how wonderful her music was. See, I always figured that adults that listened to that kind of music weren't choosing to listen to it, it's just on so there's no uncomfortable silence. I say this because I've caught Melissa with the radio on when that stupid "Bubbly" song comes on. She doesn't like the song either, but it was just background noise. Not this guy, though. He's way into her. Wow. Even saw her live at the festival here in town. Oh yes, she played Wichita. Don't get me started.Now, I'm not near rude enough anymore to retort with any of these thoughts out loud. (Fifteen years ago, I'd have tried to rip him a new one, but I've grown up a bit since.) I just smiled and let him go on, while having a second helping of Dutch-oven peach cobbler and wishing I had the Gigabeat with me.I won't make you listen to her dreck, but those with access to the yellow button may "enjoy" at their leisure.For the rest of you, here's a video from the new album by The Charlatans. I finally gave this a good spin, and it's delightful, a return to the dance-rock style of Tellin' Stories.*Oh Vanity*
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Comments (41)

  1. watchbatteries
    watchbatteries says 1)Kathleen Sebelius seems pretty rad, she's in the running for VP along with Janet Neapolitano, MT Gov Brian Schweitzer, and two guys from my state, Governor Tim Kaine and Sen. Jim Webb. Anyhow.... 2)all the Poli Sci majors I've met are blowhards 3)hahaha Colbie Caillait or whatever writes songs on the level of a 9th-grader and only has a record deal because her parents were/are in the industry.
    Permalink posted 06/09/2008
  2. Dale
    Dale says Oh right, forgot that her parents are in the music industry. Yup, she's real.
    Permalink posted 06/09/2008
  3. Ben Heller
    Ben Heller says Colbie Caillat? Never heard of her...am I missing out or something? Being halfway across the globe, we miss out on the excitement of Colbie and the Dutch-oven peach cobbler. On reflection, and after reading your post I think I know what I would pick.
    Permalink posted 06/09/2008
  4. The Time Machine
    The Time Machine says


    Have to disagree that her audience are tweens. Everyone that I know that has her album is over thirty and truly like her material. She did a show her last week on the island of Oahu and the audience loved her. Again...the children factor was not present. The album is actually quite good. Then again...her style of music is very popular here in Hawaii.





    Permalink posted 06/09/2008
  5. Rawkkiddoh
    Rawkkiddoh says I am with Ben here and sadly I am a fourth grade teacher. I should be in the know about something like this, but then again most of the kids in my class listen to the Game and lil wayne. I am glad to see some one poo on Wallmart though, for some reason I have never liked that place for any reason at all. Glad to hear the camping trip was semi successful, I can still remember my trip with my dad from when I was a scout. I do not remember much about the conversation, but I do remember it was the first time I ever went on a snipe hunt. For some reason that tradition never seems to die.
    Permalink posted 06/09/2008
  6. The Time Machine
    The Time Machine says

    My camping experience with the Cub Scouts resulted in someone sabotaging all of the tents in the middle of the night. Wasn't me but I still thought it was funny. Ahhh...the memories of a nine year old...

    :=)





    Permalink posted 06/09/2008
  7. watchbatteries
    watchbatteries says @rawk: snipe hunt. what a classic episode of King of the Hill. @Dale: who's real?
    Permalink posted 06/09/2008
  8. Rawkkiddoh
    Rawkkiddoh says Indeed watch, even better when you are the young kid out in the woods calling out for the snipe. I am sure the dads on the trip had a blast doing that to us, and I still remember thinking I would be the scout that bagged snipe
    Permalink posted 06/09/2008
  9. watchbatteries
    watchbatteries says I was never in scouts. I liked books and lego and such.
    Permalink posted 06/09/2008
  10. Dale
    Dale says Heath: I was talking about Colbie, not Gov. Sebelius, who I find quite capable. Ben and Kevin: Here's the video, Universal disabled embedding. "+Bubbly+":http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2PWfB4lurT4 Don't say I didn't warn ya. And yes, the peach cobbler was da bomb. For all the canoeing I did, I think I actually gained a pound or two from the good food. Time: Really? Wow. I know gobs of tweens here that love her music. That does however lend more credence to the Jack Johnson connection.
    Permalink posted 06/09/2008
  11. Dale
    Dale says Kevin, that reminds me that next week I get to camp with a large group of LDS girls, maybe I'll get to take them on a snipe hunt. I did that once, with a smaller group, about three years ago, and it was so funny. We came running out of the bushes and their leader screamed and did a ten-foot standing high jump, haha.
    Permalink posted 06/09/2008
  12. sordidhipster
    sordidhipster says Ah, Colbie. I definitely agree with you that she is marketing herself towards tweens. Which in my opinion, is a terrible demographic to aim for. But whatever. My dance instructor always makes us warm up and cool down to bubbly. sigh... I could rip my ears off.. In other news, I've never been camping...is that bad? haha
    Permalink posted 06/09/2008
  13. watchbatteries
    watchbatteries says Dale: well yes, I suppose. Doesn't feel real, though. sordidhipster: camping doesn't really exist these days. Not the times I went "camping" anyway.
    Permalink posted 06/09/2008
  14. Dale
    Dale says Sordid: It's not bad, but you should try it, just to say you've done it. And for the s'mores, of course. Just don't forget bug repellent and a decent camp chair.
    Permalink posted 06/09/2008
  15. Augusts1
    Augusts1 says It's about darn time you gave that Charlatans a listen! See what you've been missing? And I think it's much better than "Tellin' Stories". One of my contacts on the dark side recommended Ms. Caillat since I recommended something mellow for her from my collection. She was surprised when I didn't like it & told her it wasn't interesting enough for me(in other words it was dull, dull, dull). She didn't like my recommendation either so we were even but truly learned something about one another that day, hehe.
    Permalink posted 06/09/2008
  16. Jonh Ingham
    Jonh Ingham says Why does having parents in the music industry make Colbie less real? Jakob Dylan? Rufus and Martha Wainwright? Her music may suck to most ears (I've never heard it), but that's reality, not 'realness'.
    Permalink posted 06/10/2008
  17. SA
    SA says I hate camping, and that has nothing even to do with annoying people with sucky music taste. (a) Tents, having to get out of the sleeping bag in the middle of the night, dress up, out of the tent, to the toilet (if there is any) and then reverse the procedure is nothing for me. It's always funny that people not completely into music will go on a rave about some sort of artist who seems indie or something, but who in actuality is an artist most indie people frown upon. Usually when you throw a heap of names at him he won't know he shuts up, because if you don't know those bands (You don't know them? Really? They headlined this and this festival not too long ago, their album was met with such critical acclaim, yadieyada") how can you say that someone is so much better than the rest? That's always the danger of trying to be cool on a subject you don't know much about. "Oh, she is so good" and then you see the real music lovers cringe.
    Permalink posted 06/10/2008
  18. DaveCromwell
    DaveCromwell says Good MOG, bro. Being a parent is always a challenge.
    Permalink posted 06/10/2008
  19. Marigold
    Marigold says great story Dale, I'm glad you weathered the storm of idiocy. I almost feel bad for a guy like that.
    Permalink posted 06/10/2008
  20. Dale
    Dale says Jonh: You could also add the members of the Strokes to that list, but in this case it's the cherry on top of her UMG-supported, Wal-Mart-pushing excess. Although I do remember lots of eggs getting thrown at the Wallflowers' debut because of Jakob Dylan's lineage. Stef: Haha, that's true. I don't drink anything after 8PM on campouts so I can avoid running to the latrine (or tree). And I still find it difficult to sleep, it was so humid last week and Jordan kept kicking me. He's a bit of a tent-hog. Mike: I did, but I did at least tip him off to JJ, so who knows?
    Permalink posted 06/10/2008
  21. annieander
    annieander says Colbie who? No knowledge of her here...but like your above arguement suggests...she's not targeted to my demographics, so why should I. Now The Charlatans...right up my alley. Enjoying it.
    Permalink posted 06/10/2008
  22. Bartleby
    Bartleby says I've got a friend who adores Jack Johnson and his epigones' music. I see no reason why this should make him a lesser person. I try to respect all tastes in music and I must thank you for introducing me to Colbie Caillat, whom I've never heard before.
    Permalink posted 06/10/2008
  23. annieander
    annieander says Marigold - I keep wanting to press your avatar...I don't know why.
    Permalink posted 06/10/2008
  24. Cody B
    Cody B says Excellent, multi faceted post Dale. Camping for me is fun, but in extremely small doses. I'll hike from dawn to dusk, but I'd prefer to return to a bed. Beware "the real"..you might be disappointed. There's plenty of good music that comes directly from corporate boardrooms, just as being indie doesn't mean you don't want to reach the masses. Clearly an album like a SpongeBob soundtrack is coming from a very corporate place..but the producers concocted a cool little record. It sounds like something the studio cats (sounding like the Wondermints in spots) had a lot of fun with. That said, being part of the machine and doing exclusives for mega chains (like Prince, Stones, Eagles and countless others) is a strike against any band in my estimation. It really puts fans in a tough spot if they aren't a big fan of the mega box stores or want to support their local option (where it still exists).
    Permalink posted 06/10/2008
  25. poebegone
    poebegone says great post, Dale. mellow tunes about bubbly toes? jesus. i would mention that i am a lot more forgiving with very young "products of the music media machine". e.g. i never really criticized Hanson circa Mmbop - they were kids - but anyone older has no excuse for sucking or selling out or whatever. he's right because "he's a poli-sci major." - yeah, i'd really like to sit right next to that guy on the plane. :{
    Permalink posted 06/10/2008
  26. fistula spume
    fistula spume says I was talking to my wife just yesterday about who buys music like that anymore. Someone is but it's clearly not the overall will of what the people want. Why does the radio machine continue to pump out the same old pop crap that the public at large doesn't seem to like. I have to say though there's a lot of lazy listeners out there. Take 98% of my office for instance. There's a lot of bands that get huge on the internet and around the world but you'll never hear about them on regular television or on the radio. It's kind of surreal. Makes me think of that movie They Live and the average consumer is the human and the aliens are the record labels. Part of what sparked the conversation actually was I was thinking how you liked the Editors so much but aside from the internet and concert billings I have never seen or heard of them in mainstream media. And they appear to be quite popular to the contrary. Cody that Spongebob soundtrack is awesome. It's so weird. You got The Flaming Lips, The Shins, Ween, Motorhead, Plus-Tech Squeezebox and other cool people. I think the corporate machine was responsible for getting Avril Lavigne on there. The Power Puff Girls soundtracks are the same way. Really cool contributors.
    Permalink posted 06/10/2008
  27. Shud33
    Shud33 says Wow Dale, sounds like a painful moment in time. Although, I am with a few of these other Moggers. I am not familiar with her. But I bet that when he was going on and on about it, you already had this blog written in your head hu? Lol.. Cheers! Oh and annie, I also wanted to press mikes avatar. lol.
    Permalink posted 06/10/2008
  28. Zeroskilz
    Zeroskilz says Sounds like the camping was a good if a bit windy at times. You probably should have put a sail up in one of the canoes. I had a friend that introduced me to miss Caillat. My friend knew that I loved music and therefore had to love Caillat's music. She has a good voice, but that's the most positive thing I can say. I'm not a JJ fan either. It strikes me as odd that her fan base isn't more rooted in the tweens though. Oh well, to each their own.
    Permalink posted 06/10/2008
  29. Dale
    Dale says Annie - If you can stop pressing Mike's avatar a sec, take August's advice and check out that Charlatans album, it's really divine. Michael - You're welcome, I guess. Cody - Good call on the SpngeBob soundtrack. Major label doesn't always mean bad, that was never my contention. Ilay - You read right, bubbly toes. JJ and CC both have doubled initials and sing songs with Bubbly in the title. The comparisons get a bit creepy, actually. Sarah - I must admit, I was thinking, "I have to MOG this, but how?" Heh. Mike - The camping was awesome, except for the sleeping. The canoeing was even better, although Jordan got his legs sunburnt real bad. The river was swollen from all the rain, so we made great time down it.
    Permalink posted 06/10/2008
  30. Universalis
    Universalis says ° ° ° Poor Dale, now you realize the Wal-merchants have, since long, sold the temple :) Alas without the knowledge... As you said this guy may be a good guy... When he stays put :))))))) Now scouting and camping are always a mix of good and bad, some people you thought you knew well and for a long time, suddenly reveal themselves without make-up :))))
    Permalink posted 06/10/2008
  31. amber
    amber says I had to google colbie...I don't really listen to the radio anymore (I have WAY too much music on my ipod for YOU PEOPLE for random commercials and over played pop). Thanks for the good influence, peep! Camping...some day I will give that a real attempt. Does the Westin let you make s'mores?
    Permalink posted 06/10/2008
  32. jaye
    jaye says dale, what's a snipe hung????
    Permalink posted 06/10/2008
  33. Dale
    Dale says Sorry sis, it's not a s'more unless it's done over a fire. And no, candle fire doesn't count. ;) Jaye, you can't __tell__ someone what a snipe hunt is, it's something you have to experience. I think I might have seen some desert snipes around Palm Desert though, not far from the timeshare, so if we do Coachella gain, we could hook that up. :)
    Permalink posted 06/10/2008
  34. Lady Miss Ian
    Lady Miss Ian says What? Another good gigantic discussion I missed cuz I was unplugged all day. Wow, Dale. Whatta stinky situation to be stuck in. I've been in similar. It takes a lot of willpower to keep from screaming at someone like that. Good for you keeping your cool. Like others, I'd never heard of Colbie before. Pretty schmaltzy pop. Dull and inoffensive. Music for people who don't really like music, but like to have it on in the background and not be challenged by it. It's always surprising to realize (yet again) that there are a lot of people who really like and prefer this kind of music. I think we forget that we here in the MOG-O-Sphere are actually in the minority when it comes to music. The majority of folks on the planet would rather listen to poppy-pop-pop music. We're the freaks to them. Finding your music on the Wal-Mart website? Oh man, that just speaks volumes about somebody, doesn't it.
    Permalink posted 06/10/2008
  35. Dale
    Dale says Yeah, I'm amazed by the response. I was just kinda venting, and it took off from there. See, that's my take on her music as well, which is why I was so surprised at how passionate he was. There may have been a comparison to the Beatles, but I'm not definite on that. That would be something I'd remember, for sheer blasphemy.
    Permalink posted 06/10/2008
  36. ardyjormkiv
    ardyjormkiv says i think we all share the same passion against her.
    Permalink posted 06/11/2008
  37. Anna
    Anna says I have no idea who this person is, but I have to say this: I used to respect people's taste in music. But you know, let's be honest here; it really is a battlefield. They call you a snob, you call them ignorant sheep (is it just me?), and the good times roll. I stopped respecting their taste long after they stopped respecting mine, and it's more fun this way. If anyone needs private lessons on how to give people pitiful looks or laugh at their faces or/and make them feel bad about themselves, MOG-mail me, I'll give you a friendly price. (I made a post about these thoughts of mine, once, dunno if you remember it) ??It's alright, to be mean?? ;)
    Permalink posted 06/11/2008
  38. Anna
    Anna says {by "person", I mean the singer you talk about}
    Permalink posted 06/11/2008
  39. extraordinarypoems
    extraordinarypoems says Interesting discussion here.
    Permalink posted 06/11/2008
  40. HelenMarie
    HelenMarie says

    I agree with your take on her music as well as your take on the poli-sci major. Funny zero skilz and I just associated Colbie and Jack's bubbly lyrics on a recent post too.   Great music minds think alike (if I may include myself in that).  : )

    Permalink posted 06/12/2008
  41. Buzz Sellwood
    Buzz Sellwood says

    Her lousy diction makes it sound like she says "I talk to my toes."  

    I'm disappointed to learn that the line is actually "It starts in my toes." 

    The consolation prize is that she actually does go on to say "Makes me crinkle my nose."

    Permalink posted 06/15/2008

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