MOG - Jonus63's Posts

Back from a Vacation in my Head

Jonus63 — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 12:45:42 GMT

I guess I exited for a while, can't quite say why but I am sure there is something I can say about it.

I spent last week with the flu which included a fever and what felt like my impending death. I still feel slightly off but then again at least I am alive. I believe I caught the British flu (thats a story in itself) at SXSW where I was the week prior. I had high hopes for SXSW this year as I didn't have to spend every waking moment behind a booth as I did the year before. Unfortuantely I did have to "network" which included me not seeing a lot of bands and catching only a few songs of the bands I did get to see. The last night my fever began but I pushed myself to wait in line, alone for almost an hour to see Daniel Johnston. It was definitely worth the time and he was a lot better than I had expected. I got to the front only to realize I would pass out if I continued to stand so I was forced to a booth in the back but still had enough of a view to not be too bothered. I then made it to Tokyo Police Club only to realize I was close to death and had to go back to my hotel room. Snowden the day before was surprisingly empty at the Pure Volume stage and I had to sit through a good share of punky pop bands linked to labels I won't mention. I can't say that any of the noteworthy events had much of anything to do with music. This is a sad realization and I feel like I was only there for about a day but I still had a good time.

At the same time I have come to major realizations about my future in the music industry, my opinion on corporate rule and the decision that principles must come before everything else. It is sad to have this epiphany, as it will influence much of my future decisions but I am glad I finally have made up my mind one way or the other.

As for my regular rants I will say that I read the Connor Oberst interview in Billboard only to be brought close to puking over his ignorance. I saw that Issak Brock knifed himself on stage only to unsuccessfully do no major harm and then debut at number one. Well so did Doughtry so I don't think it matters.

Hopefully I can come back to blogging regularly about all the things that make me angry in music but I have lost a lot of motivation lately. We'll see....

Oh No You Didn't-When Pitchfork Goes Too Far

Jonus63 — Tue, 06 Mar 2007 13:59:43 GMT

It takes a lot for me to write about the shortcomings up Pitchfork, as it is common knowledge they have their issues but with today’s review of Bright Eyes, Four Winds I have no choice but to go on the attack. I like Bright Eyes, I am not a fan of this EP but don't want to do it any disrespect, however this is exactly what Stephen M. Deusner did in his review.

For those of you who don't know, Neil Young is my musical hero. Few come close to him and it takes a man with more than two balls to compare this legend to Connor Oberst's EP full of half hearted tracks that didn't make the full length. Duesner, whose name could be mistaken for douche bag said, "On the Four Winds EP he sets aside the angst-rock of Lifted, Desaparecidos, and the beatscapes of Digital Ash in a Digital Urn in favor of Neil Young-at-heart folk-rock that sounds like his idea of populism."

Ok so this isn't the end of the world. Its definitely a comparison I wouldn't make since Four Winds just sounds like Connor's been hanging around M. Ward too long but I digress. Deusner could have left it at that but somewhere between that paragraph and the next he grew a giant third ball and wrote, "Reinvent the Wheel" is Oberst's "Needle and the Damage Done," but without a needle, or really any damage."

If it’s not the “Needle and the Damage Done” then why did you even need to bring Neil into it in the first place? This guy is running out of his Pitchfork metaphors and is now scraping around and decided to pick on the hero of folk rock. Connor is not Young, this EP is a mess and instead of trying to be profound with his pathetic comparisons, he could have just said that.

"I'm from Rolling Stone"-A Moggers Prospective

Jonus63 — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 18:21:45 GMT

Has anyone seen, "I'm from Rolling Stone" on MTV? Bored out of my mind last night I watched it for the second time. I personally am not a music journalist, though I did go to school with that intention for several years. As music bloggers, I think that I and the rest of the MOG community can have some insight into this show and its absurdity.

First I want to make it very clear that I am well aware that Rolling Stone is not a legitimate music magazine and has lost all integrity. Joe Levy, the editor on the show is a complete idiot and makes me cringe every time I have to look at his big fat nose on one of those "Best Week Ever" shows.

I am not sure how they choose the six people for the show but it probably was somewhere along the lines of wearing a blindfold and spinning around in a Virgin Megastore. Its want-to-be music critics like these and already established ones such as Joe Levy that created bloggers. We can't read these music magazines anymore because there is nothing in them that speaks to the knowledgeable music enthusiast. People know better and that’s why we have platforms like MOG. So why would anyone ever make a show about the writers for one such magazine? It’s the equivalent of having a show about people who still use Walkmans, VCR’s and phone books. No one cares.

In last nights episode one girl was commended because she wrote an article on Ciara and another on DMX. Then another guy basically harassed Lupe Fiasco about his religious beliefs on the phone and wasn’t even reprimanded. These people make me ill and remind me of why I chose not to get into this career, because true music journalism no longer exists on the magazine level.

In order to find good bands, interesting critiques and unique ideas we must now go to the online realm. Of course I have nothing against this and it in turns allows the little people like me to put in their two cents. I love that the MOG’s of the internet are giving Spin and Rolling Stone an unforeseen competition and the rivalry is the average guy sitting behind his desk at the software company blogging about his new favorite band. Most of the time it’s the anti-Joe Levy’s that are writing the most distinctive critiques and finding the latest bands to listen to.

The Prelude to Cassadaga?

Jonus63 — Fri, 23 Feb 2007 12:30:53 GMT

Hopefully I won't be throwing garbage when I hear Cassadaga but until then we can watch Connor make fun of his critics, which are now hicks?

Also since when did he start seeing my hair stylist?

http://www.spinner.com/2007/02/23/video-premiere-four-winds-by-bright-eyes/

Four Winds=Do Over

Jonus63 — Wed, 21 Feb 2007 13:50:21 GMT

I don't want to go as far as saying its a mess....but its a mess. It doesn't flow, too much twang and just not at all what I was expecting. I know this is a prelude to Cassadaga and therefore I am very scared. Other than the electronic nightmare I won't name, Bright Eyes can't usually can't go wrong on a full length.

I still think Tourist Trap is an amazing song but the others just don't do it for me. I'm not sure if its because Connor brought in too many people and gave them too much creative control or because he has been watching a lot of bad westerns.

I also like Smoke Without Fire but it leaves me wanting to pop in some M. Ward and forget about Four Winds altogether. I still have hopes that Cassadaga will be pleasantly surprising, but I feel Four Winds is going down a road I don't want to travel.

Captitol Records-Down With the Man

Jonus63 — Wed, 21 Feb 2007 12:45:31 GMT

The recent rumored layoffs at Capitol only give me more faith that I can't ever work in for a big label or corporate music company. People say it’s all about the music and if thats what you care about its perfectly justifiable to work at a corporate label or the like. I disagree. You can't knowingly work for the powers that are trying their best to kill all integrity left in the music industry. Capitol, Interscope, Warner you name it they all are run by money hungry ass holes who don't know the difference between Bjork and Corinne Bailey Rae. In order to change the way things are run you sometimes have to work for the man, but I don't think this rule encompasses the music industry anymore. Its like politics, in order to get to a position where you actually have clout and can change something, you have to fuck people over along the way. So really you are only becoming one of them.

I am not trying to disrespect the people who work at Capitol who are about to loose their jobs. I moved down here hoping I could somehow get my foot in the door there or somewhere else and would have jumped at the chance but it wasn't offered to me. Now that I am once removed from the corporate music industry I have watched, learned and formed my opinion about the whole thing. I wholeheartedly admit I was completely ignorant when I first got down here, I had no clue. However if I was in any other position I am sure I would have worked there so I have nothing bad to say about the people who do work there, the ones who aren't in charge that is.

I always preach about sticking to principles but then again I have never been in a position where I was offered a large amount of money to work for the man. Hopefully I won't ever have to deal with that but as long as I want to work in music I will probably have to make some calculated decisions and most likely not make as much money as I potentially could if I was willing to sell my soul somewhere along the line. I never attempted to get into all this to make the big bucks, it was because the one thing in my life that has always brought me happiness is music and I don't want this industry to take that away from anyone.

We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank- A Second Look

Jonus63 — Tue, 20 Feb 2007 18:59:33 GMT

Ok, Ok I might be extremely arrogant at times but I can admit when I am wrong. The new Modest Mouse is not a bad album and although I don't retract all my statements from last week I will say that after several times through I feel much different. Maybe I was just in a really bad mood on Friday but today I have a different opinion.

Not every song is incredible but I will say that the album flows pretty well. It has a strong start and almost reminds you of old school Modest and then ends with the awesome, Invisible. I think that Fly Trapped in a Jar really stands out and Parting of the Sensory is definitely my favorite, pretty amazing actually. However, I still think that Missed the Boat is a huge ball of cheese and should have never been put on the album. Its almost like Issak is getting sentimental, which will never fit right for me. He must have taken a ton of happy pills while writing that shit. Several of the other songs are right around mediocre and it seems that he is struggling between the old sound and what I guess you would call the new sound, and it doesn't really fit, at least not for me.

If you start out with The Blue Album and Pinkerton and then have to sit through Maladroit and Make Believe you realize where things went wrong and how Weezer's potential died a slow and cringe-worthy death. If you come in the later albums then you probably think they aren't half bad, as many do.

Modest Mouse is a slightly different story. Issak may be one of the biggest ass holes in music but it doesn't seem that he has lost all the core elements that originally dictated Modest Mouse's sound. You can call it an evolution, but I rather look at it as a divergence. The Lonesome Crowded West and The Moon and Antarctica still are standout albums that I don't even want to compare them to We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank. Unlike Rivers and crew I can't loose total faith in Modest, though I might have briefly on Friday afternoon.

This album isn't going to be on heavy repeat in my CD player like Arcade Fire is now but I am not going to bash it because even I can admit when I am wrong. It’s hard to say if this album is on the road to something great or to nowhere, though I would bet on the latter. I think that Modest Mouse is still giving a decent effort but their heyday has come and gone. It's good to know they can still whip out songs like Invisible but this album is not good enough to convince me they can keep going.

Modest Mouse-We Were Dead Before The Ship Even Sank-First Impressions

Jonus63 — Fri, 16 Feb 2007 19:26:27 GMT

I feel really ill right now and its definitely because of this album. I am not sure if its just so bad its making my stomach churn or because this is the final straw in realizing that one of my previously favorite bands has completely lost all integrity, talent or clue. Dashboard was a preface to this but I still had gathered some hope that this album might have a chance. That it could be somewhat decent. Oh how wrong I was. Originally, We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank was supposed to come out in '06 and was then pushed back to March of this year and leaked this week. I now wish they had pushed the date back even further to when hell freezes over.

I can only listen to this album once through right now because my initial impressions are so so bad and my headache is getting worse and worse. So here is my summary. I can't speak of each song because there are only so many bad things you can say in one Mog.

March into the Sea -Unlike previous albums its apparent that they won't be using a plethora of instruments and sounds. The best they can do is bells in the background. So sad.

-I shall lay in my bed tonight and pray that Issak marches into the sea.

Fire It Up -Who came up with that guitar riff? It’s the most un-Modest Mouse thing I have ever heard.

Florida -Who the hell is singing in the background and why did Dennis Herring think that was ok?

Parting of the Sensory -The most decent song so far on the album but still not amazing.

Missed the Boat -Is this some sort of bad tribute?

-Worse song on the album, by far

-You got to be fucking kidding me Issak.

Fly Trapped In a Jar -At about 2:20 into the song it actually starts to make you think that there could be some goodness here, that all ends around 3:40 when Johnny Marr chimes in.

Education -Could this guitar riff be a little more annoying?

Little Motel -One word-mediocrity

Invisible- -This is a good song but is it a coincident they put at the end? It’s there so you forget the other painful 13 tracks you just listened to.

Where Will All the Hipsters Go?

Jonus63 — Fri, 16 Feb 2007 13:40:35 GMT

Today they stand proud outside venues debating the new Teddy Bears, smoking outside free trade coffee shops and drinking PBR's in dive bars. But where will they all go?

This country was once overtaken by hippies, who's long hair and free love mentality took hold of the majority of youth culture. Of course they still exist in some form today but their numbers have dwindled so low that that this time is looked at as glory days and no longer a way of life for most. Every generation has their own theme and lifestyle but the difference with the hipster is their snobbish mentality. To be a hipster is to not buy into popular music and thought. They are different or so they think and this will never change. However I doubt people will still be cutting perfectly precise holes in their jeans and spending hours on music blogs when they are forty years old with three kids. The concept of being cool can only matter for so long and then eventually you loose sight of it.

Music will always dictate a generation but I doubt the hipster mentality will be privy to this forever. As with most generations, children will look at their parents pictures and laugh wondering how they could have ever looked like that. The parents will remember how cool they thought they were and realize they never were in the first place. American Apparel will eventually go out of business and Parliaments will become a staple for the older crowd.

Personally I do own a pair of vintage boots and tend to listen to indie rock but am more concerned with my job than my image. Living in SE Portland I felt somewhat like an outsider because I just couldn't ever get into all that. Now I will cruise to Echo Park because the bars in Santa Monica suck balls but I don't go there to be seen, which plagues most of the people there. I consider myself an inbetweener, which is true for a lot of people my age. However, there is still that large group I just don't get. The Hipster is another species but they won't survive, just like the hippies.

I Am A Hater Not A Lover

Jonus63 — Wed, 14 Feb 2007 12:31:46 GMT

Yes I'm single and no this doesn't bother me in the least. However, everyone at work is getting roses, chocholates and wearing red and I am coming close to purging myself onto my keyboard.

The only purpose of this holiday is to make money for companies like See's Candies and Hallmark. Even if I had a boyfriend I wouldn't want to be taken out to some expensive restuaraunt and be fed chocholates that probably have some nasty liqour inside.

The Catholics have officially removed Valentines Day from their calendar of holidays for the Saints. And as I learned from an earlier Mog post today Saint Valentine was actually beheaded and 2,000 Jews were burned at the stake on this day. So fuck Valentines Day. Tonight I am going to eat macoroni and cheese and watch Lost. Maybe Kate and Sawyer will do it again, that would be a good Valentine.

Snowden Remixes-Worth a Listen

Jonus63 — Tue, 13 Feb 2007 16:48:22 GMT

My current favorite band has posted an EP of remixes from their Anti-Anti album, with a sprinkling of Fleetwood Mac. Because they are so awesome you can download it free off of their website. www.snowden.info/remixes

If anyone has ever heard the deluxe Antics album with Carlos D's remixes you know how easy it is to make something good into something so bad. God knows I love Interpol but adding an extra beat doesn't make it a new song.

Snowden's remixes are full of energy and put a whole new take on their music. Honestly I usually hate it when the songs I love get remixed because I end up feeling like I am in some cheesy dance club in Germany, but this is different.

Now no matter what mood I am in I can always turn on Snowden.

Roadtrip Anyone?

Jonus63 — Tue, 13 Feb 2007 13:30:11 GMT

I really can't figure it out and I find it to be a true "What the Fuck?" Why would Arcade Fire not play LA? I know they are playing Coachella but I don't want to see them in such a massive setting. I was running on the assumption I would get to see them at The Wintern or Fonda but they completely bypassed my city and its not like I live in Toledo.

Well this calls for drastic measures and a roadtrip is necessary. I'll sleep in an alley in the Mission, I don't care. The only problem is no one seems to want to say when these tickets are going on sale. I have signed up for four mailing lists now hoping someone will email me beforehand. I might sound like a real loser but I will see Arcade Fire even if it kills me.

Here are the rest of their tour dates in case you are one of the lucky ones.

02-13 New York, NY - Judson Memorial Church 02-14 New York, NY - Judson Memorial Church 02-15 New York, NY - Judson Memorial Church 02-16 New York, NY - Judson Memorial Church 02-17 New York, NY - Judson Memorial Church 03-05 Dublin, Ireland - Olympia * 03-06 Dublin, Ireland - Olympia * 03-08 Manchester, England - Apollo * 03-09 Manchester, England - Apollo * 03-11 Glasgow, Scotland - Barrowlands * 03-12 Glasgow, Scotland - Barrowlands * 03-14 London, England - Brixton Academy * 03-15 London, England - Brixton Academy * 03-16 London, England - Brixton Academy # 03-17 London, England - Brixton Academy # 03-19 Paris, France - Olympia # 03-20 Paris, France - Olympia # 03-23 Stockholm, Sweden - Circus # 03-24 Oslo, Norway - Centrum Scene # 03-25 Copenhagen, Denmark - Vega # 03-27 Berlin, Germany - Postbahnhof # 03-28 Munich, Germany - Elserhalle # 03-31 Lyon, France - Transbordeur # 04-01 Cologne, Germany - E-Live Music Hall # 04-02 Utrecht, Netherlands - Vredenburg # 04-04 Brussels, Belgium - Halles de Schaerbeek # 04-05 Lille, France - L'Aeronef # 04-26 San Diego, CA - Spreckels Theatre 04-28 Indio, CA - Empire Polo Field (Coachella) 05-01 Atlanta, GA - Civic Center 05-02 Asheville, NC - Thomas Wolfe Auditorium 05-04 Washington, DC - DAR Constitution Hall 05-05 Philadelphia, PA - Tower Theatre 05-07 New York, NY - TBA 05-08 New York, NY - TBA 05-09 New York, NY - TBA 05-10 Boston, MA - Orpheum Theatre 05-12 Montreal, Quebec - Arena Maurice Richard 05-13 Montreal, Quebec - Arena Maurice Richard 05-15 Toronto, Ontario - Massey Hall 05-16 Toronto, Ontario - Massey Hall 05-18 Chicago, IL - Chicago Theatre 05-19 Chicago, IL - Chicago Theatre 05-20 Chicago, IL - Chicago Theatre 05-27 Portland, OR - Schnitzer Concert Hall 06-01 San Francisco, CA - Greek Theatre 06-02 San Francisco, CA - Greek Theatre 06-22-24 Pilton, England - Glastonbury

The Police at The Grammy's-Someone Shoot Me

Jonus63 — Mon, 12 Feb 2007 13:26:02 GMT

Was it the leather vest, the hints of geriatrics or possibly the fact that Sting wasn't able to move from the waist down while performing? I'm not sure but after last night's Grammy performance I hope that The Police reunion comes to an abrupt end via Sting injuring himself during tantric yoga.

From about the age of three I listened to The Police. I loved every song, though I couldn't appreciate it for what it was at the time; now I can. An album like "Brand New Day" is truly unforgivable but for some reason I thought they might be able to resurrect themselves. It would have made more since to do it at Coachella but signing on for the Grammy's was the first sign of disaster.

Just because you had a good thing doesn't mean you can come back to it 20 years later and it will still be the same. I don't believe there is anyway to salvage The Police and its time for them to throw the towel in. Andy Summers and Stewart Copeland could have had the balls to just say no to Gordan Sumner and his black leather vest. When your front man turns to the dark side of adult contemporary you have to just keep walking.

Brandon Flowers-Can YOU Read My Mind?

Jonus63 — Thu, 08 Feb 2007 17:03:53 GMT

Here is the link to The Killers new video for "Can You Read My Mind?" http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?vid=132282

Below is a picture of me and my green phallic friend taken last year. The other picture is of the green blob in The Killers video. Coincidence? I think not.

SXSW-The Pain I Feel

Jonus63 — Thu, 08 Feb 2007 16:17:03 GMT

I've been waiting for this day for quite some time now and I just don't feel whole again like I had expected. Is it Interpol, is the ridiculous $425 I am supposed to drop or maybe it’s the fact that I have had such a shitty week not even SXSW can make it better.

Let us begin with Interpol. In the big scheme of things it doesn't make any sense for a band like Interpol to play the festival or at least not be part of the line-up. But then of course rumors, along with an initial list said that they would be playing. Today the official list did come out and their name was very apparently missing. Now I realize I will get to see them at Coachella but it will also be with a few thousand sweaty drugged out people. I rather see them in an intimate setting and at a festival like SXSW. So most likely they will play but it will be one of those super secret, announced at the last minute things. My relationship with Capitol is not what I would like it to be and I am worried that disaster may occur and I won't get in. This leads me to my next point...press passes.

I won't name names, I won't be specific but despite my job, company and previous involvement in Austin but since when did press passes have a dollar amount? I called bullshit on this but still nothing. I am not going down there to pay to interview bands on top of having to drop massive amounts of cash on the a hotel, flight and what not. Now of course this isn't just for me this is for all registrants who are expected to pay that amount for their badge. I realize these people have to make money but I think it is absolutely outrageous. Why should music cost so much? They are going out of their way to make it an environmentally friendly festival well while you are at it why not make it affordable to the normal fan who doesn't have 500 bucks to drop to see bands. I can understand a figure somewhere around 250 but the badges are just too fucking expensive.

I really didn't think I would ever get down on SXSW but from I have never encountered such blatant rudeness in a professional setting. I hate that people should have to pay all this money to see all these amazing bands. It gets to the point where you have to be somebody or have some real cash to go there and that’s not right. Of course there has to be money to pay these bands, there has to be profit but something tells me those badges are paying for more that five days of music.

Don't get me wrong I am still really excited about some of the artists who will be there. Its going to be an amazing five days but its also going to force me to eat Macaroni and Cheese for months at a time. I like compromise but I just don't see any here.

The Law of Integrity

Jonus63 — Mon, 05 Feb 2007 22:26:00 GMT

When one sets out to write the next great American novel, the most influential album of the century or become the most radical artist of the past twenty years, ambition takes hold and disappointment soon follows. Then there are those who make their mark and are compared to those who have changed the world forever, and many times join those ranks. These people succeed because this was never their sole purpose, only a result of an unassuming attempt. Not all efforts lead to the golden road of success but the pretentious ones will never find their pot of gold because they were searching for it from day one. They disregard the fact that you can’t create something extraordinary when you loose your integrity along the way or never had it in the first place.

So of whom am I speaking of? In this oversaturated materialistic world we live in, unfortunately most everyone but for now I would like to focus on a few that make this decree a rule in music. The Killers, Sam’s Town is “one of the best albums in the past 20 years". If only someone other than Brandon Flowers had said this they might not fall into my law of egotism. Unfortunately, Flowers was quoted saying this while still recording the record. Sam’s Town is definitely an attempt at greatness but the blatant goal of being the next Pink Floyd is more apparent than their talent in the 12 tracks that litter the polycarbonate plastic it resides in. So what was running through Flowers mind as he crafted the imagery of cliché archetypes, religious references and imitated personas? When one tries too hard it becomes blatant in what they create. After a few times through Sam’s Town it becomes sadly apparent that while writing the album Flowers was not only listening to Springsteen, he was studying it. When Springsteen recorded Nebraska in his room on a four track player I doubt his ambitions took over as The Killers did. This unpretentious effort is what allowed Springsteen to create musical masterpieces. Hot Fuss came out of nowhere and although it wasn’t an album to remember for centuries, it introduced a few well crafted pop songs. Whether Mr. Brightside was a fluke or someone in that band happens to be a genius is not the issue at hand. The fact is the band still had the opportunity to make a decent follow up but their success from their debut overshadowed any integrity they at one time possessed. Unless a miracle occurs I predict their third album will be the beginning of the end and they will soon fall into oblivion. Now to those who achieve greatness while exerting humbleness. Arcade Fire’s most recent creation, Neon Bible exemplifies this fact. The record showcases a darker side while every song has a strong driving force behind it that emits a certain feeling to the listener, reminiscent of Born to Run. Already many people have compared Neon Bible to Springsteen and the similarities are clear. However, they are in no way carbon copies of each other, but each reflecting the same key elements that create these amazing records. Neon Bible doesn’t make me think that Arcade Fire set out to write the next Born to Run, where Sam’s Town does just that. This record has already surpassed my expectations and has forced me to throw it on repeat. It’s not just the power of the album but the overall feeling I get from the band that are just trying to make good music and won’t let fame, hype or ambition cloud that purpose.

By the time Arcade Fire releases their third album, Brandon Flowers will meticulously be listening to Queen, Zeppelin or even Funeral trying to scrape together some sort of sound he can pass off as original and epic, still in an attempt to make the next best album of the century. Unfortunately for him ambition fueled by arrogance will only lead to a very public failure.

Ok this is Amazing

Jonus63 — Fri, 26 Jan 2007 23:17:27 GMT

Ok so whatever I just said about my life sucking. Nevermind. At least I don't do this.

http://www.darkonthemovie.com/trailers_qt_hi.html

Hmmmm.....

Jonus63 — Fri, 26 Jan 2007 23:13:06 GMT

So I was going to post about how Pete Wenz said the link of his shitty album was the biggest in musical history but then I began to question myself. I don't like Fall Out Boy and anyone who I would probably have any form of a relationship with wouldn't either. It really doesn't matter and as my New Years Resolution said I need to spend less time hating on people, especially hating on people that just don't matter and never did. Do you ever eat lunch and then feel like you are going into a coma? I am so exhausted and just sick of it all. This whole week, even month has seemed to all blend together. Nothing eventful has happened, I'm depressed and just bored with things. I don't normally write this stuff on Mog but I feel so blah why not?

Do we all just listen to music in order to be in denial of the world we live in and the complete pointlessness of our lives? It sure convinces me otherwise at times. I think I am just in a bad mood and should snap out of it soon. I'm going to see Cold War Kids tonight and I think that should make things better. Well that was a pointless post.

Metal is Magic

Jonus63 — Wed, 24 Jan 2007 00:15:12 GMT

Ok I don't normally blog about Metal-core but there is a first for everything. One of my favorite metal bands, Unearth (yes I do like some Metal) is currently on tour with Slayer but for some reason there is no metal love in Los Angeles. They're hitting up Las Vegas and Sacramento but aren't coming to LA and I am mad. Ok maybe I wouldn't exactly be freaking out in the pit at the show but I would have gone. I saw them play in Portland at the now defunct Meow Meow and despite the horrible sound in that place it was an awesome show and I got to have a lovely conversation with the band.

I myself went through a metal/hardcore phase that I still can't explain and listened to everything from Stretch Armstrong to Throwdown. These days I don't have much angry teenager left in me so I don't get into it as much. However, I would never miss out on an Unearth/Slayer show. So why aren't they coming here? Does Jeff Hanneman have something against the plastic city? I know I am not the only disappointed fan.

Also to all of you non-metal people I am going to try out this Mog player so you can hear one of my favorite beat downs ever. If you can't get through the whole song just fast forward to 2:13. It’s so amazing you will want to bust out the windmill no matter where you are.

It's Not the Road We Used to Know-Bright Eyes' Homecoming

Jonus63 — Tue, 23 Jan 2007 19:59:36 GMT

Despite yesterday's post, not even selling out can defer me from good music. I opened my inbox this morning to Bright Eyes new single, Tourist Trap and it’s been on repeat since.

I was really torn the last year and a half with Digital Ash and I'm Wide Awake. To me Fevers and Mirrors and Lifted have yet to be surpassed. I feel that Connor's recent dappling with fame and added addictions led to not being able to meld his musical intrigues together. I've tried, but Digital Ash can only take me so far without pushing the eject button in my car. I'm Wide Awake its Morning is a different story. I think it might be missing some of the haunting melodies that the other albums have but it’s still an amazing piece of work.

My obsession with music that contains synthesizers can only last so long and its time for a change. And just in time Connor comes along. Tourist Trap is definitely a melodic Yee-ha, with his typical lyrical grandeur. I think that this single is a brilliant prelude into the upcoming EP and hopefully an even better introduction to Cassadaga, which will arrive April 10th.

Bright Eyes is going on a preliminary tour before the release and will be playing in Los Angeles in March. The last time Bright Eyes came through he was only playing Digital Ash tracks so I chose not to go but this time I will definitely be at The El Rey with stirrups on.

Soul For Sale...Do I Hear a Bid? Bright Eyes Surrenders

Jonus63 — Mon, 22 Jan 2007 20:55:01 GMT

http://www.betweenplanets.co.uk/2006/12/20/bright-eyes-announce-new-album-and-free-download/

“Selling Out”...such a nasty phrase. These days I try my hardest not to use it or force my judgments on artists that choose to go to major labels. I feel that any artist should be given a chance to come out with an album on a major, and only if the selling out is apparent do I comment. Death Cab, The Decemberists, even Interpol, but its not always bad. There are always going to be different results. We have on one end the amazing The Crane Wife by The Decemberists and on the other the horror that is now the overproduced Modest Mouse. However, there are some artists who stood for something in a very vocal way who do look hypocritical when they make this decision.

I have been listening to Bright Eyes for a long time and despite his sometimes whiny tirades, Connor is an amazing songwriter and capable of things that most musicians can't touch. At the same time he has also spent a lot of his tracks speaking of his pledge against sell outs, critics and this country. He has always been outspoken in his views and until now I have found this trait highly respectable, despite his manic depressive issues.

If you read the occupying article you now know that Bright Eyes has signed to Polydor in the UK, which is under the Universal Umbrella, otherwise known as the Evil Empire. I know what all you indie snobs are thinking, it’s ok, if not respectable because the only reason he did this was to get distribution on a world wide level, especially in Europe. His publicist even said, “Bright Eyes have been on numerous labels outside of North America over their recording history and the move to Polydor is the newest endeavor to reach as many fans as possible." Well that’s a nice thought but not true.

Saddle Creek also has an office in London along with distribution throughout Europe, and through many other independent labels. In the year I spent on that side of the ocean I had a boyfriend who would force me to stay in obscure record stores for hours at a time and without fail I could always find Bright Eyes albums, even rarities that I couldn't get in the US. Maybe he will get a bigger shelf in the Virgin Mega store but it wasn't like his albums weren't there in the first place. If there is anyone I expect to hold to their principles its Connor Oberst. The next you know he will be backing Hilary Clinton and dating Cameron Diaz.

Connor once sang, "I feel more like a stranger each time I come home. So I’m making a deal with the devils of fame. Saying “let me walk away, please”

Looks like someone broke their end of the deal.

Jesus and Indie Rock- A Hipster's Nightmare?

Jonus63 — Fri, 19 Jan 2007 20:06:37 GMT

After reading the recent press on The Cold War Kids and their debated Christian faith I feel it is necessary to give my two cents on the issue of indie rock and Christianity.

http://www.sdcitybeat.com/article.php?id=5267 http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/article/record_review/39188/Cold_War_Kids_Robbers_and_Cowards

As Pitchfork so eloquently put it, "hipsters hate Jesus." This I can understand but when it comes to music I think that some open mindedness should be expected. Plenty of artists sing about things I am not terribly interested in or would ever do, like shooting up heroin, being famous or sleeping with large numbers of women. However, lyrics don't usually hinder me from getting into a good band. I am sure many of you Jesus hating cool kids are disagreeing with me but let me share some personal experience.

After growing up in a family where my only religion was watching Zeffirelli’s Jesus of Nazareth around Christmas time, I didn't really believe in much, just some form of God. My senior year of high school I randomly found God and Jesus and all that other jazz due to many different circumstances. I then arrived at Seattle Pacific University as a freshmen and though I had found some faith I still had a lot of questions and not much of an understanding of popular Christian culture, especially in my age group. In the year and a half I spent at this school I began to realize just who these "Christians" were. I was forced to go to 20 hours of Christian events a quarter which included guys talking about how they had lost faith and become gay only to be "fixed by Jesus" and were now straight enough to share their stories. I went to the famous Mars Hill Church in Seattle, run by Satan himself Mark Driscall who believes women can not be ordained. Professors who were closeted themselves or ones who cried at the beginning of class begging everyone to spend their big Christian bucks on the starving children in Africa. The main theme in the freshmen dorms was "ring for spring" which quickly led to my rebellion of dating one of the only other outsiders, a guy who wore a tail for fun and would flash his homemade porn belt in the school cafeteria. I would walk a mile just to hide in the woods so I could smoke a cigarette. In the end this school made me loose complete faith in Jesus and I buried myself in music and anything that wasn't religious, anything. A year and a quarter later I woke up one morning, looked out the window, threw all my crap in my Honda and drove back to Portland. Best decision of my life. I am now an agnostic at best and proud of it.

So why do I tell you this long, pointless story? No it is not my personal pity party. I want to justify the fact that I have had my own horrendous Christian experience before I go on with my argument for hipsters to get off their high horse. And no not all Christians fall into this category, of crazies and hypocrites.

Many amazing bands have Christian jargon or visuals in their music that scares off listeners in tight pants with perfectly placed holes. Or the running phrase I have heard too much of, "They aren't a Christian band, they are Christians in a band." In the end who knows if many of these bands are Christians or not and does it really matter if the music is good? To name a few bands that have at some point been associated with Christianity:

Sufjan Stevens Pedro The Lion Cold War Kids Mute Math U2 Bob Dylan Belle and Sebastian

I once saw David Bazan of Pedro the Lion get quite angry at a show after having too many interviewers ask him if he was a Christian. I seem to remember him even using the word "Fuck" to show his distain. Of course I also think that there are exceptions to all this. Such as bands that start out as extremely preachy and one sided, only to suddenly not want to talk about their beliefs or no longer sing about them in a direct way because they are picked up by a major label. This is hugely hypocritical and a metaphor for many of the people I went to college with. I think that we can put Switchfoot and POD into this genre, though they were never decent in the first place.

Music is an art form and many people can be deterred because Jesus gets involved. However, Jesus didn't make the music and as long as no one is asking you to believe in him, you might as well listen. It’s taken me a long time to get to this point of acceptance and I understand that some people just can't do it. But being a music snob doesn't mean that you can't open your ears to bands like Cold War Kids because of their implied beliefs.

This Is the End-Rivers Cuomo Has Broke My Last Straw

Jonus63 — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 22:43:40 GMT

Before I begin my tirade, here is the article that Rivers Cuomo of Weezer contributed to The Harvard Crimson Best of '06 list. http://www.thecrimson.com/article.aspx?ref=516461 Try not to purge your lunch.

I lost faith in Rivers and Weezer a long time ago but this article has completely ripped the groundwork from under my feet and made me question River's integrity from Day 1 of the Blue Album. Can one person possibly come to these conclusions after being a gimp, losing half their fan base and leaving music behind? Or has he always been this heinous, absolutely nonsensical person? It truly makes me ill to even comprehend such a tragic idea. Not even Shakespeare could imagine such a one sided monstrous person.

Let us first review some of the highlights (if you can call them that), sections of the article.

Danity Kane—“Show Stopper.” I am biologically incapable of not being attracted to this song.

Did he just say that? Biologically incapable? Are you also biologically incapable of being true to your fans and not deserting them? Excuse me, that is an understatement. Forsaking them after Pinkerton to force them to listen to your bullshit ranting on being on an island with a hash pipe? Speaking of islands lets go to the next excerpt.

“Lost”—I’m just about finished with the first season but I think I’m going to have to give it up because it’s too violent.

You have got to be fucking kidding me. Too violent? What is violent is the emotional pain you have caused me since '01. This just happens to be my favorite show and the only intelligent thing on television. Who is this guy? There are even Asian women on the show to play to his yellow fever.

And finally to top it all off, this:

Panic At The Disco—“I Write Sins Not Tragedies.” This song seems so avant-garde and yet it’s structurally very simple and repetitive. Good job, kids.

The irony about this statement is that he points out one of the main reasons Panic is such a horrible band; they are simplistic and repetitive, but to him this is a good thing?

On a personal note (not that this whole thing isn't personal) I came into work today late because I am very sick and while I sat at my computer coughing and sniffling I ran across this article. Not only am I physically ill but I am now emotionally wounded. I feel that this man has no sense of reality anymore. He sits in his little dorm room, listens to Danity Kane and is no longer, if ever, was the Rivers I knew.

The horror! The horror!

Jonus63 — Mon, 15 Jan 2007 23:04:36 GMT

I know this may sound conceited but they are out to get me. Brandon knew that there were few other things in life that could piss me off more than a Killers cover of Joy Division, especially in a movie about Ian Curtis. He is turning over in his grave. The majority of the soundtrack is done by New Order so of all the other bands in the world to add to this compilation, why The Killers?

Well if you are wondering why this is I have the answer or a portion of it. The film titled, "Control" and based on Ian's wife Deborah's book is being directed by Anton Corbijn who is no idiot. He is a famous photographer and music video director. You probably know him from the U2 Joshua Tree cover seen above. He has directed music videos such as the very disturbing Heart Shaped Box by Nirvana, pretty much every Depeche Mode video, and of course The Killers "All These Things I've Done."

Anton Corbijn has an amazing portfolio; he has had the opportunity to work with some of the most talented and interesting artists of the past 20 years but I am not sure how The Killers fit into this. Of course any photographer/director is going to work with artists that aren't so great but why would you choose the Killers to cover Joy Division, who is supposedly one of Corbijn's favorite artists. It seems that he has close relationships with U2, Depeche Mode, even Morrissey and yet he asks the Killers to contribute to this film. All I can imagine is that he wanted the press, or lost his musical ear sometime after Curtis' death.

Then again maybe I am being too harsh. This guy has obviously put his all into this film along with Deborah Curtis and I am just bitching about a soundtrack. So many bands that I love have been deeply influenced by Joy Division and I am sure that they effected The Killers along the way also. If I was making this film of course they would be excluded but considering the amazing body of work that Corbijn has created along the way I will have to wait to see the movie before I make any final conclusions on its integrity.

As for The Killers, I can confidently lift my middle finger and ask "how could you?"

I Love You Jimmy

Jonus63 — Wed, 10 Jan 2007 18:51:57 GMT

Jimmy is finally going to come out with another album. Futures wasn't my favorite but it was definitely worth listening to. Butch Vig, producer of the record said "The record is quite eclectic. There are three or four songs that sound like classic Jimmy Eat World, with angular, razor-sharp guitars. There are a couple that are a lot more dreamy, and some that are very groove-acious. Anybody who is fan will like this record." That right there says it all. Nothing will ever match Clarity but I am counting the days.

Morrissey Takes On Eurovision in a Non-Confrontational Way

Jonus63 — Tue, 09 Jan 2007 21:53:08 GMT

Ok so in case you don't know what Eurovision is its an American Idol meets hell, European style. Morrissey seems to think that he should write the song contest. He never seizes to amaze me by his utter arrogance matched with wanting to be involved with a contest as shit as Eurovision is. Don't get me wrong I will always be a Morrissey fan but I am not die hard enough to grasp why he is wanting to be part of this crapshoot.

You can read the article at : http://www.nme.com/news/morrissey/25706

Finally a Reason To Live

Jonus63 — Tue, 09 Jan 2007 00:23:56 GMT

It’s still a few more months before the release of Neon Bible, but with the recent outing of Intervention and Black Mirror I am starting to feel like a whole person again. Unlike a lot of my other favorite bands I had few doubts that Arcade Fire would do anything less than blow me away with this album. They bring a sound that is not only unmistakable but so unlike anything else you can't escape their brilliance.

Many bands (I won't mention names) attempt to make an epic album with a lasting resonance but fail because they are so aware of their objective and allow their ambitions to take over. Arcade Fire creates an extraordinary sound but lack the hedonism that engulfs others. In the musical world of facades and self importance, this band reminds me what music is about, instead of getting lost in all the mess of spectacle along the way.

If all goes well in the world of 2007 Arcade Fire, Interpol and Bright Eyes will bring me a new respect for music and remind me why I got into this mess in the first place because the past year of music and exposure to this industry has managed to dissuade me from my original purpose.

Same Old Blog-Different Band-Modest Mouse Dead on Arrival

Jonus63 — Thu, 04 Jan 2007 20:25:24 GMT

I know I know this has happened so many times to me but everytime I still feel the need to complain and take offense. I started listening to Modest Mouse many many years ago while living in Seattle and being angry at the world. Despite the many horror stories from people who were one time close to Issak and his craziness, I still appreicated his raw honesty and blatantly destructive outlook on the world. It can really cheer you up with all the rain and fir trees looming around. I have been appeased until Sony came along and ruined my party and I can only assume Issak got money hungry. At the same time I don't like blaming the major labels for the artists choice to go more mainstream with them music. I remember when they used to play off of a laptop on stage, before they had someone for every instrument and strange noise that he feeds off of.

The point is I listened to Dashboard today (www.myspace.com/modestmouse), their new song from the new record and well its overproduced (for Modest Mouse that is) and just even more mainstream than the last album. I can't help but get bitter when my favorite bands from previous years loose their integrity. Usually crazy whack jobs like Issak are so errogant and stubborn they don't let the influences get in but obviously something has taken over because the raw, unihibited Modest Mouse I once knew is gone. I realize there are still at least another 10 songs to change my mind that I have yet to hear but I am going to just prejudge and say that the band is right and they were dead before the ship even sank.

The Beginning of The End or The Best Five Days of My Life

Jonus63 — Thu, 04 Jan 2007 01:35:05 GMT

So this is it, the initial line up, my motivation to look both ways and not get run over for the next three months, but is it true? Can it be true? Sure Interpol isn't Smashing Pumpkins or The White Stripes and they will have a new album to push but will they really play SXSW or pull out like all the other mother fuckers on a major label? One can only hope. Of course if they play I will be able to see them for the millionth time but life was just a lot better when they were on Matador. I have been worried since the switch that this third album will be the sequel to my lifetime Weezer nightmare. Of course Antics isn't Pinkerton but they are well on their way to prove $$$ signs count over talent and integrity.

But going along with my New Years resolution I must convince myself that their third full length is going to blow my mind, that they won't pull out of the festival and somehow one of the Capitol peeps will come through and I will get to share my thoughts and feelings from the past three years with the band so that they don't pull a Rivers on me.

As for the rest of the line up Bloc Party will definitely make me happy as long as Panic doesn't tag along as they have been and you can't go wrong with Cold War Kids. I have also heard rumors that Snowden shall be attending, a band who wouldn't pull out and who I think is amazing and sadly left out of a lot of the best of '06 lists. Despite my accommodation at the Rodeway Inn I think it should be a good SXSW.

New Years Resolution or Restitution

Jonus63 — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 19:41:48 GMT

I don't enjoy doing the whole New Years resolution thing but I think that a slight compromise might be in order this year. I seem to spend most of my time on my blog and Mog bashing bands such as The Killers and Panic! but I feel that all the negativity is really getting me down. I think we all know my glass will never be half full but at least I can fill it with chocolate milk as opposed to rat poison.

Of course I still don't find anything compelling about Sam's Town but after a long conversation I recently had with some musically inclined people, I have found that if it wasn't for bands like The Killers I wouldn't have as great of appreciation for the artists I think are doing something completely original.

We'll see where this leads me, maybe a little sprinkle of happiness or possibly explode in my face, due to my normal blog repertoire.

The Horrors-My Truth Behind the Hairspray

Jonus63 — Tue, 05 Dec 2006 23:53:31 GMT

"We wouldn't compromise our music to get on the radio," said one of the weird named, bigger hair than I, members of The Horrors. Well I don't believe you and here is why.

Don't get me wrong, my number one hated band is still Panic! with The Killers following as a strong second, however The Horrors have entered my life and created a paradigm in the world of shit music, asking the real question, "Can I legitimately hate them?" Let us first begin with their musical talent. To me they aren't Panic! in writing catchy riffs they know will sell with no musical theory in mind. They also aren't The Killers directly ripping off older bands.

Firstly its hard for me to hate British bands because most them seem to have at least a drop more of intelligence that the clique shit coming out of the US, but with more volume in their hair than me and names like Spider Webb, we must take a second look at this band to determine whether they are the next shoot me in the face, I rather fuck a tree than listen to this music, band. I think that being from England is directly reflected in their music; as in they seem to have some sort of grasp of the original punk movement though I can only hope they don’t consider themselves part of the new one (which in my mind is non-existent).

Their recent fame seems to be based on the fact that they got a decent amount of press from their strobed out video directed by Chris Cunningham. Sure it might be visually pleasing, but I don’t have much else to say about it. I prefer his take on Madonna or Bjork. And also the fact that NME, the British music magazine going down the tube is taken upon itselves to launch The Horrors career. So far we have established that they may not be as no talent as some of the other bands I enjoy hating on, but they also don’t have much going for them.

Now to my final point, the last straw that really made me lean in one direction as opposed to stay in the middle: their live show. Yes I did witness this and yes I did leave before the end due to the reality of my head potentially exploding. The hair is real, the fake goth bullshit is there but live the sound isn’t. It was like a massive mess of noise going in one ear and killing brain cell after brain cell as it attempted to exit out the other. Four cranberry and vodka’s and I still wanted to die and not in that good old emo slit your wrists way. I walked out. The band has recently been harassed and attacked on stage. No it wasn’t me but I do seem to understand why audience members would be motivated to do such a thing.

It wasn’t until I saw them in person that it hit me; despite all the potential signs that they aren’t just another façade or unimportant goth/rock clique, that is exactly what they are. Unlike other artists, they have done a better job of hiding it while still using a hint here and there to pull in the young, easily influenced, Hot Topic loving kids, while still snatching up some intelligent, studious listening fans along the way.

Despite The Horrors claiming that they have pushed through the shit to get their true music out there without letting labels or commercial interests influence them, I don’t believe it for a second. No one who spends four hours getting their hair three feet off their head and wearing color coordinated outfits and makeup care that much about the integrity of their music, and you won’t convince me otherwise. I won’t be adding them to the top of my most hated list anytime soon but I do feel like a better person, having found out the truth under the mess of hairspray, strobe lights and British accents. Good job Heather, good job.

We wouldn't compromise our music to get on the radio," said one of the weird named, bigger hair than I, members of The Horrors. Well I don't believe you and here is why.

Jonus63 — Mon, 04 Dec 2006 19:23:39 GMT

This makes me happy inside.

Weezer is Dead-The First Thing I Wrote When I got to LA

Jonus63 — Fri, 01 Dec 2006 20:31:21 GMT

So a slight preface to this post would go something like I moved down to LA having never been to the city but with hopes of working in the music industry. I had never seen a celebrity and was already considering moving back to Portland after a 24 hour period filled with palm trees and strip malls. Then this happened, leading to my complete thoughts on my relationship with Weezer. Now I do work in the music industry, have gotten used to the vegetation and still feel the same way about the band that got me into music in the first place.

So we go to this book release party for Andy (boyfriend at the time) in what is called "The Arts District," which is actually very nice. Kind of like the Pearl in Portland but has more hipsters than yuppies even though they are secretly the same thing, just don't tell the hipsters that. Of course getting there was the interesting part. First we go through Koreatown, which is larger than any other "town" in this city then to some sort of weird warehouse area where everyone is selling large amounts of crap in these garage like buildings, I think this should be called China country town, because it looks just like it.

So anyway as we arrive at the party we decide to first go get sushi but on our way Andy points to this guy in the most star struck touristy way and informs me its the bassist for Weezer. Now some of you probably know my reaction to this but for those who don't let’s go back to 7th grade. As a young naive 12 year old I purchased the first weezer album, the Blue album, and it changed my life. I forced my good friends to memorize the words to "My Name Is Jonas" and turned "Only In Dreams" into some sort of anthem of my life. Now as an anxiety prone 23 year old I still sing this song in my head when I am in closterphobic situations or getting my annual fisting at the doctor's office. It is very reassuring to me.

So as time went on I was introduced to Pinkerton. A new side of weezer and an allegory of Rivers years of hardship at Harvard with one usable leg and no sex. So that was it. It got me through high school, bad relationships, kept me busy when I choose to not drink or smoke. Those albums saved me. Then it happened. The green album, or what I like to refer to as the beginning of the end. This is where the untrue weezer fans blindfold themselves with denial and come up with some saying like "they are just progressing." Well playing background guitar on Fred Durst's new album and singing songs about your pipe are not a progression, they are some sort of sick regression into the blurry days of the beginning when Rivers couldn't tell the difference between his hand and his amp. That’s when they lost me, that’s when it ended. Since then three more albums have been released, all of which were a sad withdrawal from the beauty and wonder of the first two. So if you know weezer well enough you know that they have juggled around the bassists since Matt Sharp left. So I understand that this guy wasn't there for the whole thing and cannot take all the blame. However, he still is aware of the mess he has put himself into. That he in turn contributes to the death of one of the potentially best bands of all time. So I have no sympathy.

So as Andy told me as he was standing there, all these years of internal strife went through my head and as much as I wanted to throw myself at his feet, screaming, "why? how? do you know what you have done to us?" in protest not just for myself but for all the forgotten weezer fans, the ones who truly believe what Rivers has done is quite possibly true evil. But I held back. I kept walking. Not only because I might ruin Andy's big night and his potential career in the publishing industry. But because it wasn't worth it. Its too late. As much as the blue album has come and went so has the time to open my heart and soul to this band and tell them how my life has slowly deteriorated since the demise of the band. I kept walking for all those weezer fans who know its just too late.

An Open Letter To Brandon Flowers

Jonus63 — Thu, 30 Nov 2006 19:14:14 GMT

Brandon, I know your eyeliner is running, your heart is breaking and your beautiful dreams of becoming the next David Bowie are shattering. But yes you are second best, there is no more Hot Fuss, no more 40 year old women singing along to Mr. Brightside in their oversized Expeditions. You now officially suck, and no longer to just the intelligent people but to all of those who are even mentally capable enough to walk into a Best Buy and purchase a CD. You know why Brandon? Because people rather listen to a goth chick in a black dress than your Cheech and Chong meet Romeo and Juliet in a hurricane on the skyline.

Of course many of you are still thinking, "but they are still number two." Yes they are but something tells me that isn't enough for little Mr.Flowers and its a sign of the times. The same sign that tells me no one will know who Panic! at the Disco is in five years. A few years ago the Killers had a brilliant idea of taking a bunch of catchy 80's rifs and creating an album. This time it didn't work. This time they just went too far. The over the top video, the molester mustache and the obvious Coldplay ripoff only went so far and now there they are sitting in number two.

Don't get me wrong there will always be something that just hits you when you listen to a Killers song. They grab you, pull you in and put you in that place you want to be. However it isn't because they have created a unique sound that you can't get away from or because technically they can blow any other band out of the water. Its because they are smart and they ripped something off before anyone else did. But now the rest of the music world has caught up with them and the catchy hooks will no longer make up for the shitty stage show where fans suddenly realize Brandon Flowers can't sing or perform. Now the general CD buying public rather listen to a goth girl with a good voice, then some made up ass hole with a bad mustache.

But life goes on Brandon and as so many artists have done before, you must reinvent yourself. Personally I think I would stray from the 80's and maybe go way back to teen idol pop from the 50's. There is nothing the world needs more than the next Frankie Valley. Shave off that mustache and throw on that cardigan and start over. It's never too late. Not even the day after your second album debuts at number 2. Now is a good a time as any!

Thom Yorke Busting My Non-Existent Balls

Jonus63 — Thu, 30 Nov 2006 19:08:23 GMT

Let me start by saying that I am from an environmentally friendly city, I like Al Gore, try to recycle my beer bottles and own a bike. However, I am also a Radiohead fan that still has yet to see the band live and now may never see them because Thom is jumping back on his soapbox.

It seems that Thom would like to reduce carbon emissions into the air and therefore is considering not touring if it means taking a plane. However, Thom might have forgot that the only way to get from the little island of England to Los Angeles is to fly. Though I would love to see him on a Disney cruise with Mickey Mouse but something tells me he would find something morally wrong with that too.

Thom said, "Some of our best ever shows have been in the US, but there's 80,000 people there and they've all been sitting in traffic jams for five or six hours with their engines running to get there, which is bollocks."

I totally agree, however over here in the great US of A and especially in LA we don't have many choices. Its great to protest based on a principle but I also think people need to be realistic, evevn you Thom. First he needs to understand that we have a tree hating monkey running the country. Secondly he needs to know that the majority of public transit in America, especially LA, sucks. This isn't Europe; buses don't actually stop where you need to go, they don't run on time and you will most likely be assaulted or peed on (yes I have had this experience) if you do choose to take it. The next option is our best friend the Hybrid. These cars are a great idea, low emissions, awesome gas mileage, happier drivers. However, they cost a butt load. How am I supposed to buy a car I can't afford in order to save money and the environment? Isn’t that an oxymoron? I recently bought a new car and had every intention of purchasing a hybrid until I saw the prices. So then I looked at used hybrids but you have to replace the battery every five years so when that happens you are just paying for a new one.

This is life Thom and as much as I want to save the environment its not going to happen overnight so you don't get to not tour because you are an idealist.

Another important thing that needs to be pointed out is that when little old Thom decides to tour through our environmentally unfriendly country he likes to use the biggest corporate sleaze balls next to myspace, to sell his tickets, Ticketmaster. If this guy was really an idealist than he wouldn't make us fans go through a company that rips you a new ass hole just to see him play live.

Sorry Thom but by the time you come back to LA to play I am going to have saved up all my ticketmaster service fees to pay for a hybrid so I won't be able to afford to see you live.

Source

Panic! Needs to Go Back to the Disco

Jonus63 — Thu, 30 Nov 2006 19:06:37 GMT

Finally I agree with Panic! At the Disco, or at least partically. Panic! is not emo, emo died a slow and painful death at the beginning of this century. It is an insult to defining bands like Rites of Spring, Sunny Day Real Estate, Mineral and Jimmy Eat World to even try to throw a piece of shit band like Panic! in the same genre.

Emo rock was not created, it just happened. Bands decided to start singing about their vernability and emotions but the fact that they made amazing music out of it doesn't make them pussy's as a lot of people like to label emo. Then soon like everything else it caught on and was made into something it wasn't. Emo isn't dyed black hair swept to the side, or girls slitting their wrists. Emo is a type of music, not a lifestyle.

Of course bands like Panic! don't know much about music and probably haven't even heard of Mineral so they have no right calling a genre that no longer exists "bullshit." What's bullshit is bands selling an image and not a sound. Brendon Urie seems to think that making his voice sound like he's going through puberty and dressing up like he is in the circus is real music. Unfortunately our soceity is more about a facade and a look than it is about a sound. Kids are no longer interested in amazing musicians but are focused which band most embodies their teenage angst in the outfits they wear on stage.

As many people know its really hard for me to accept where music is heading and its bands like Panic! that really piss me off. The music world is turning into overproduced bands who are selling an image and I hate it and it's only going to get worse. Most of my music nazi friends still have hope but I find it hard when bands like Panic!, Cobra Starship and MyChem are the tastemakers to teenagers. Don't get me wrong there is still amazing music out there and it isn't going anywhere but it's getting further away from the mainstream. I now can very rarely find any album on the top 100 that I think is actually created by a worthy band.

I was once a teenager and I too listened to emo, trying to deal with the stupid shit that I actually thought mattered back then. However, I listened to Dashboard because I could relate to what he was saying, not because he went on stage wearing makeup.

Panic has been pigeonholed by the press into the genre of emo and I understand that this could very well bother them. But why diss the genre, why not diss the media? Oh I know because they want more press and want more money. If Panic! was actually an outspoken, amazingly unique band they wouldn't need to cover their asses and they would actually target the media, instead of target emo like every other journalist does.