MOG - kaipark25's Posts

Classic Rock Playlist

kaipark25 — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 18:38:57 GMT

And now, because its what I do when I’m bored at night, here’s a list of 21 essential rock songs you should always have in your library and at quick reach on your ipod. I’m fairly confident you could stick any of these songs into just about any playlist and they’ll never get old. You’ve probably heard all of them at least once, and there’s a good chance you already own a few of them. Also, I tried to stay away from 80’s songs as much as possible. Because nothing good came out of the 80’s. Somebody recently invited me to a Bon Jovi concert. My reply? Why go to a Bon Jovi concert when I could do something more constructive, like contract really painful cancer. On my balls. So anyway, in alphabetical order:

1. “Back in Black” – AC/DC. This is one of the original rock n’ roll badass songs. It instantly makes you want to put on your dark sunglasses and a leather jacket and go break a bottle over somebody’s skull or something.

2. “Respect” – Aretha Franklin. Yeah, I know. But I can honestly say with a straight face that this may be the best song ever written. Rolling Stone magazine did an issue a couple years ago called “500 Greatest Songs of All Time.” This one was number 2, and I didn’t even blink. And it was only barely edged out for number 1 by…

3. “Like a Rolling Stone” – Bob Dylan. I can’t really argue with this choice either, even if my own personal pick would have been “Respect.” I’m almost certain you already have this song, but it still belongs on the list. It’s a great Dylan song for people who don’t normally like Dylan songs, and it captures your attention right away.

4. “For What It’s Worth” – Buffalo Springfield. This is one of those songs you always hear and always like but could never find the name to it because your parents never listened to cool or important music when they were young, or anytime after that, but somehow seem to know the words to all the songs by Carly Simon and The Doobie Brothers. Let’s just move on.

5. “You Never Can Tell” – Chuck Berry. No, Chuck Berry is not just the punch line to a Back to the Future joke. Makes you wonder why there aren’t more black artists in rock music today.

6. “Bad Moon Rising” – You know them. You love them. Creedence Clearwater Revival, everybody!

7. “Fortunate Son” – Creedence Clearwater Revival. Aaaaand once again. I’m fairly certain this song has been used in every movie/tv show/video game about Vietnam ever made. I also think few musicians have been excited by the current Administration as John Fogerty, who pretty much took all of his unreleased B-sides from back in the day and put them out as a new album but scratched out the word “jungle” with the word “desert.”

8. “Song of a Preacher Man” – Dusty Springfield. Dusty Springfield (no relation to Buffalo) wins this list’s award for “Wait a minute, you mean that voice is coming from a WHITE woman?”

9. “ABC” – Jackson 5. Once upon a time in a parallel universe Michael Jackson was black and had a bright career ahead of him. And people also would have scoffed that one day, as Patton Oswalt said, “Arnold Schwartzennager rules California, torture is legal and spinach is poison!”

10. “Voodoo Child” – Jimmy Hendrix. Roughly 3 billion songs have been influenced by the opening guitar riff from this song. None of them are better than the original.

11. “Instant Karma!” – John Lennon. Unabashedly political. I’m pretty sure this was intended as an open letter to Richard Nixon. I don’t think any musician since Lennon has managed to garner the same amount of public support and political validity while still making you believe that he actually stood for something. Even Bono would go to a baby-eating dinner at the White House as long as there was a $1 million dollar check for Africa at the end of it. Man, Bono is such a douchebag.

12. “Louie Louie” – The Kingsmen. Another obvious choice, but really, you never get tired of this song. It’s almost just as much fun for all the lore surrounding the alleged lyrics of the song. The FBI, way back when, actually released its own version of what it believed were the real lyrics and added to the rumor that the song was actually about something incredibly dirty. I think this was before the FBI found out about serial killers. Also, little known fact: the members of the FBI who came up with those lyrics went on to found Pitchfork. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louie_Louie)

13. “Sweet Home Alabama” – Lynard Skynard. Back before the song title was associated with a super-gay romantic comedy starring Reese Witherspoon it belonged to a band of crazy southern illiterate scamps who never figured out how to properly spell their own band name. Also interesting, the entire band died in a plane crash which, unlike say Buddy Holly, did not forever propel them into mythological rock stardom and instead made them rock’s most classic one-hit wonder. Sorta like what would happen if Papa Roach or Linkin Park died in plane crashes. Even though, you know, they don’t really have any hits. Hey, speaking of Buddy Holly…

14. “Every Day” – Buddy Holly. Oops. Not in alphabetical order. I blame it on Lennon. His rebellion is so damn contagious. Anyway, Buddy Holly was like the 50’s Kurt Cobain, only if Cobain committed suicide by having his plane struck by lightning on his way to a concert in Fargo, North Dakota. Just think of all the stories of Holly’s coke-addled, alcohol-induced, sex-fueled heyday we were deprived of by his early death. Damn you, fate! Damn you, I says!

15. “Let’s Get It On” – Marvin Gaye. If you don’t know why this song is on this list then you’re probably gay.

16. “Gimme Shelter” – The Rolling Stones. The Rolling Stones continued existence is completely inexplicable. It’s on record that they consumed roughly 83% of all the cocaine coming out of Columbia between the years 1975 and 1983 yet they’re still alive and making music. I don’t think there’s been nearly enough attention paid to this. It’s Music’s second greatest mystery behind the issue of how Barry Manilow and Busta Rhymes, in addition to looking and sounding EXACTLY the same, have mysteriously never appeared on stage at the same time.

17. “Gimme Some Lovin’” – Spencer Davis Group. Wins this list’s award for “I can’t believe that’s sung by a WHITE GUY.”

18. “Free Falling,” “Learning to Fly” – Tom Petty. Everybody loves Tom Petty’s music and are always surprised to discover he looks exactly like Skeletor. If anything it proves girls will sleep with anybody who can strum a guitar even if some douche says you look like Skeletor on his blog. Seriously though, dude, you’re rich, you can totally afford to fix your face.

19. “Pride (In the Name of Love)” –U2. I think this is the only 80’s selection to sneak on, but I think it deserves its place here. This song would have been just as popular if it had come out in the 70’s. That’s saying something. And yet, except for Bono and The Edge I can NEVER seem to remember the other two band members. Can you? For all I know it’s Bono, The Edge, Mungo and Jumbly.

20. “Sister Ray” – Velvet Underground. Lou Reed was to the Velvet Underground was Billy Corgan was to Smashing Pumpkins. Probably better than they ever really got credit for, and once they broke up neither ever quite reached the same level of success. Although, in both cases, they probably would have become immortal if their planes had been struck down on the way to shows in Fargo, North Dakota. That’s music for you.

The Ave.

kaipark25 — Sat, 11 Aug 2007 21:54:32 GMT

The Ave. From the album Blue Scholars see post below

G'Dang Diggy

kaipark25 — Sat, 11 Aug 2007 21:50:46 GMT

By Common Market From the album Common Market see post below

They Call Me

kaipark25 — Sat, 11 Aug 2007 21:47:25 GMT

By Surreal & The Sound Providers From "True Indeed" see post below

Benzi Box

kaipark25 — Sat, 11 Aug 2007 21:34:24 GMT

From the Album "The Mouse and the Mask" Danger Doom

Hip-Hop is Dead, Long Live Hip-Hop

kaipark25 — Sat, 11 Aug 2007 21:30:58 GMT

The new Kanye West album is available for pre-order on iTunes and I can't say I'm really tempted. I was intrigued by the all the hype surrounding him after his first album, proclaiming him the savior of hip-hop, and downloaded several tracks off his follow-up, "Late Registration," and enjoyed them. I had the same two-week infatuation with "Gold Digger" as everyone else, I admit, but none of the tracks managed to stick with me or make it onto my permanent playlist. I also have to admit that I'm relatively new to the hip-hop genre as a whole, mostly because the stuff that gets the mass exposure makes me cringe. Snoop Dog annoys me, primarily because he's responsible for 40-something white women at my job using words ending in "izzle" with a straight face. 50 Cent makes me nervous, as is generally the case with someone who considers it a badge of pride to have been shot 8 times. Ja Rule? Like listening to granite poured over a dog in heat. I don't get Jay-Z beyond his aesthetic appeal -I mean, really, look at my profile picture. Wouldn't you be worried if I did identify with "Big Pimpin'?" Not to mention the dozen other flavors of the week that only serve to proliferate the stereotype of modern hip-hop and hip-hop artists of being only about "bitches and bling." But this is really less a hip-hop problem and more of a problem with the music industry as a whole. Most of the radio play and popular exposure is given to the artists who sell and not the ones who truly influence and create. But, as with rock music, hip-hop has a rather large catalog of indie and underground artists who are more than worth your time and money and push the genre in all kinds of interesting and compelling directions.

Most of these artists and groups were part of, or primarily influenced by, a loose collaboration of hip-hop groups and artists from the late 80's/early 90's known as the Native Tongues Posse. Some of the early members include De La Soul and A Tribe Called Quest, to name a couple of the better-knowns. According to the wikipedia entry, the Native Tongue Posse was "known for their positive-minded, good naturedly-Afrocentric lyrics, and for pioneering the use of eclectic sampling and later jazz-influenced beats." Unfortunately, they never recorded an album together and most of the members, through varying degrees of success over the years, have drifted apart. But their influence is readily apparent. It's definitely hip-hop, but it's not what you're used to. Some of the tracks I'm listing below fit as easily into a playlist alongside John Coltrane and Miles Davis as they do with any mainstream hip-hop act. Some might say it's hip-hop for people who don't like hip-hop, but a more accurate description would be to say it's hip-hop for people who truly believe it's an art form. You'll find the tracks I've listed below and the mp3's posted above, contain not only insanely catchy beats and hooks, but are also smart, funny, insightful and highly-literate in every respect. And if you do really consider yourself a fan of hip-hop, after listening to these I doubt you'll ever look at Kanye West quite the same way again. Hip-hop needs no saving.

Danger Doom/MF Doom http://www.mfdoomsite.com/ http://www.dangerdoom.com/

Real name Daniel Dumile, he lives by the motto of life imitating art. That mask he's wearing isn't a joke. He generally doesn't appear in public without it, allegedly wearing it as a statement "against the industry that so badly deformed him," when his first record was dropped by his label at the time after the other half of his then-group KMD (also his younger brother) was killed in a car accident. To date, his most well-known album is a collaboration with famous producer Danger Mouse (responsible for last year's massive hit single, Gnarls Barkley's "Crazy"), called The Mouse and the Mask. It's something of a theme record. The theme? Cartoon Network's "Adult Swim" cartoons. No, I'm not kidding. Many songs featuring samples from characters ranging from Space Ghost, to the Aqua Teen Hunger Force and reference drops to the Jetsons, Star Trek and most anything else you can think of. It may also be the best hip-hop album released in 2005, and easily the best album ever based on a series of cartoons, its serious rap with a sense of humor. This is my own personal favorite track off the album, "Benzi Box."

Also recommended: "Space Ho's" "Crosshairs"

Talib Kweli http://talibkweli.com/

Probably one of the most well-known on this list, he achieved some early success as one half of the group Black Star (with the other half being Mos Def.) He appeared regularly on the Chapelle Show and has collaborated on several mainstream records with artists such as The Beastie Boys, Kanye West and Danger Doom. His upcoming album, Ear Drum, is getting good advanced reviews and features another, somewhat surprising, mainstream collaboration, with Norah Jones. Does it work? Absolutely.

Also recommended: "Redifinition" - Black Star "Old School" - Danger Doom feat. Talib Kweli

The Sound Providers http://www.thesoundproviders.com/

The Sound Providers present a solid case that rap and jazz belong together like chocolate and peanut butter. Their 2004 album "An Evening With the Sound Providers" could probably play in a jazz club without anybody even blinking. It's a hip-hop album you can relax to after work. You'll wonder how you ever listened to hip-hop without pianos or jazz guitar again. They have also collaborated with a number of other artists on full albums, including emcee Surreal on "True Indeed" and DJ Balance on "Future Classic,"both of which are worth your attention.

"Jazz at the Cove" "True Indeed" - Surreal and the Sound Providers

Common Market http://masslinemedia.com/commonmarket/

Part of the new Seattle-based wave of hip-hop (apparently, Seattle is now to hip-hop what it was for grunge and indie rock in the 90's-they must be putting something in the water up there), this duo's message is a good example of a modern influence of the Native Tongues Posse with often-positive and socially-conscious lyrics dealing in subjects from religion and politics to the current state of mainstream rap. And one-half of the duo, DJ Sabzi, is also a member of my final and favorite group...

Also recommended: "Re-Fresh" "Connect For"

The Blue Scholars http://www.bluescholars.com/

Perhaps one of the foremost members of the emerging Seattle hip-hop scene, and my personal favorite on this list. The Blue Scholars have managed quite a bit of mainstream success, performing at shows and appearing on albums with the likes of Mos Def, Kanye West and De La Soul. They received top honors for hip-hop group in Seattle Weekly's 2006 Music Awards Poll. The vocalist, Geologic, has achieved success as a spoken word poet and that skill becomes almost immediately obvious. The lyrics are sharp, interesting and flow together easily between the addictive beats. They just released a new album in June called Byani, but you'd be doing a disservice by not first checking out their self-titled debut, ladies and gentleman, "Blue Scholars."

Also recommended: "Freewheelin'" "No Rest for the Weary"

A Fine Frenzy Indeed

kaipark25 — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 01:01:14 GMT

It's sometimes hard to write about something you really love in terms articulate and eloquent enough to convince others that you're not just infatuated. I'm sure I've been guilty of this, in fact, having gone over some of my previous posts about certain artists who I was but am no longer as-enamored with. But in this case I don't care. The only bad thing I have to say about A Fine Frenzy's debut album "One Cell in the Sea" is that it's only 14 tracks long when there should probably be about 60. Fronted by 22-year old (!) Alison Sudol, she has managed to supplant, without much difficulty, Voxtrot as my several-months-running top artist. I first picked up the album the Friday after it was released and have barely listened to anything since. It's a beautiful, lush, intimate trip with Sudol's glorious voice leading the way, and there isn't a single weak song out of the bunch. With lyrics as deep as Tori Amos and a pop sensibility of Vanessa Carlton, I hope this is the start of a long and prosperous career. So yes, I'm madly in love with her and I don't care who knows it.

Mix Tape Treasure

kaipark25 — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 00:59:21 GMT

I recently re-connected with an old friend of mine from Kentucky. It had been a while since we last spoke and it wasn't long at all before the conversation turned to music. Turns out we like a lot of the same bands (Death Cab, Camera Obscura, and of course Kentucky natives My Morning Jacket), but we also like a lot of bands and artists from our local area. We both agreed that we HAD to exchange mix tapes (or CD's -whatever) full of stuff we each hoped was obscure enough to still be new to the other. I wasn't sure what to expect. I got the CD about a week later, and while I had heard most of what she had chosen to put on there, she included two little gems by at least one artist I'd never known. Her name is Sarah Harmer, a Canadian singer/songwriter who sounds like Aimee Mann with a tinge of bluegrass. I loved her so much I just couldn't keep her a secret anymore.

A Link, A Song and a Remorse

kaipark25 — Tue, 03 Jul 2007 00:59:51 GMT

As I write this "Hannah Montana, Volume 2" is currently the top-selling album on iTunes. Excuse me while I peel all the skin off my face.

Having said that, quite a bit of great music out lately. I'm not gonna go on about the new one by the White Stripes. There are several other, better, posts about "Icky Thump" then whatever I would say, so I'll limit my comments to "just listen to it."

Some of my other recently-discovered favorites: The Winterpills, Surreal and the Sound Providers, Memphis, the Handsome Furs and Sea Wolf, who's 5 song EP "Get to the River Before it Runs Too Low" is pure indie rock gold. They also sound a lot like Voxtrot. So much so that sometimes I think about Voxtrot when I close my eyes and listen to them. Shh, don't say anything, I haven't told them yet.

My song pick for this post is by an artist named Mozella. You might recognize her voice or her track "You Wanted It" which has seen some commercial play. This particular song, "What To Say" has something of a Lily Allen vibe to it. A bright, jangly tune with lyrics that are of a somewhat darker theme, which makes it worth more than one listen. The whole album happens to be on sale at iTunes right now for $6.99.

Lastly, I spent almost my entire Sunday going through the archives on this site for NPR's "All Songs Considered" Song of the Day. I spent probably way more money then I should have downloading songs they featured here. No matter what type of music you like, you'll find something you like here.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4703895

Greatness in Ambiguity

kaipark25 — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 01:06:56 GMT

A couple weeks ago I heard this great track by a band called Vega4. It was that week's free iTunes download called "Life is Beautiful." One of those indie rock tracks that starts slow and builds into a massive guitar riff and epic surging chorus. The kind of song you really like up until you see it in the preview for some terrible teenage melodrama on the CW Network or gets onto the Grey's Anatomy soundtrack or something. The song also sounds more than a little like Snow Patrol's "Chasing Cars." But that's okay because I like Snow Patrol too even though they're pretty much a clone of Coldplay, who's song "Fix You" pretty much started this recent trend of "start slow and build into a huge chorus" songs. I like them too.

So then a few days later, I heard this other new song by a band called Borne and they have this song called "The Guide" that sounds like Vega4's "Life is Beautiful" which sounds like Snow Patrol's "Chasing Cars" which sounds like Coldplay's "Fix You." And I couldn't help but begin to grow suspicious. Hmm, most of these bands have come out in pretty sequential order, one AFTER the other. And they seem to keep writing the same hit song, with slightly different lyrics. And THEN I started looking up pictures of them. And the following, fellow moggers, is what I found. Please note, even though all of these pictures are different sizes I think the point still comes across.

That's right, they're all THE SAME BAND!!! I think the pictures serve as all the evidence we need to expose this hoax. Mix any of the pictures from the labels and who would know the difference? Why hasn't somebody noticed this before? The crazy thing is, I'm kinda okay with it. It's like that scene in "Anchorman" where Ron Burgundy says to his dog, "What? You pooped in the refrigerator? AND ate an entire wheel of cheese? I'm not even mad at you! That's impressive!" I just wonder why the record industry hasn't just come out and told us. I mean, all of these songs are great and I'm pretty sure I still would have bought them even if I knew they were by the same band and even if they all sound the same. Instead, I'm more excited about the potential of the existence of this superband that's capable of cranking out the same massive hit song. This band has the potential to be bigger than U2. They could be called "Coldsnowvegaborne." I'm already looking forward to their next single, "Fixing Beautiful Guide Cars." I'm pretty sure it's going to be in the Grey's Anatomy season premiere.

More Cowbell -evamour!

kaipark25 — Thu, 31 May 2007 01:05:40 GMT

I have no segue into this post. Nothing particularly witty or insightful to say. I was going to rant about how Voxtrot's new LP wasn't even on iTunes list of new album releases, but I just can't muster up enough anger. So here's the gist of this post: Christopher Walken reading Edgar Allen Poe's The Raven. If you're not madly clicking on the mp3 below right now then you just don't understand. For those of you already listening to it, you may have questions, such as "Why?" and, well, mostly "Why?" I don't know, except to say that I hope Christopher Walken starts doing more audiobooks and that he can do for audiobooks what he can do for movies: instantly make them better. Do I want to read "Jane Eyre," for instance, or "Divine Secrets of the Ya Ya Sisterhood?" Not a chance. Do I want to listen to Christopher Walken read those same books? Simply, yes. Yes I do. And throw in some of those bizarre background electric guitar riffs too.

Cover This!

kaipark25 — Sat, 19 May 2007 23:51:28 GMT

Anybody who didn't listen to last year's epic "Okonokos" album released by My Morning Jacket severely deprived themselves of one of the best live rock albums ever. The band first caught my attention after their album Z, which is one of those albums so good that you immediately go back and buy the rest of the band's catalog. I was surprised, then, to discover much of their early work consists of cover songs. I'm not normally a huge fan of cover songs, they're rarely as good as the original (such as ANY Beatles song covered -ever.), unless the group puts a particular spin on the song or infuses it with its own unique style -i.e. Nouvelle Vague. Such is the case with the cover songs on My Morning Jacket's "Early Recordings" releases. Jim James has a voice meant for epic rock songs and sometimes seems to be a singer meant for a different age, but his voice fits perfectly to some of the cover choices, such as Berlin's "Take My Breath Away," Hank Williams' "Why Don't You Love Me?" or a haunting rendition of "Rocket Man." But by far the best cover here is of Erykah Badu's "Tyrone." You heard me right. You'd think that four southern bearded white guys singing a black soul song about a woman's loser boyfriend would border on parody, but you'd be wrong. Once you listen to it you'll never want to hear Erykah Badu's version again. In fact, I think Erykah Badu should just give My Morning Jacket the song permanently. In the hands of Jim James and company the song transcends its roots and becomes a massive southern guitar rock masterpiece. Just listen for yourself.

Successful Search

kaipark25 — Wed, 16 May 2007 00:41:15 GMT

A few days ago I posted a song by The Carrots and asked for any help that could be provided regarding finding one of their albums or EP's to purchase. While no one was able to offer many helpful tips I actually managed to find exactly what I was looking for anyway. While doing some research I ran across the band's myspace page which featured a (legal) link to download their demo CD. Which I did. And it rocks. I was kinda surprised by the look of the band though. They look like a cross between Billy Jo Armstrong and those creepy twins from The Shining.

You can view both the photo and download the demo CD here.

http://www.supercentral.org/wordpress/?page_id=221

Please Help

kaipark25 — Thu, 10 May 2007 03:01:49 GMT

A while ago, while searching the Internet high and low for any Voxtrot-related information and/or downloads I came across the blog of the band's lead singer, Ramesh Srivastava. While he's only posted a couple Voxtrot songs (and ones I already have at that -drat), he usually posts at least one mp3 with each of his entries, and they're usually well worth listening to. In particularly is this song, by a group called The Carrots. I love this song. I've played it 61 times in 3 months (thank you again, iTunes stats). Unfortunately, I can't find ANYTHING else on or by this band anywhere. Has anybody else heard of this band and know where I can buy one of their albums or EP's? Any help the mog community can provide would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, and enjoy.

Music Snobbery, Or, Why Linkin Park Sucks

kaipark25 — Tue, 08 May 2007 01:08:06 GMT

I am, without shame and without a doubt, a complete music snob. Many of my friends consider this an annoying trait of mine, especially when I spend no less than twenty minutes (but no fewer than fifteen) berating them over the fact that, say, Linkin Park is not, actually, a good band. They also tend to roll their eyes when I respond to their excited announcements of things like "I just bought the new Avril Lavigne album and it's sooo awesome!" by repeatedly bashing my head against the nearest hard surface. It's entirely possible that I would break up with a girl based solely on the fact that one of her last five album purchases/song downloads involved any existing or past member of the Black Eyed Peas (and don't think it's a question I wouldn't ask). And if I'm driving in the car with someone who begins a sentence with "So last night, when I was watching American Idol..." that person WILL be finishing their sentence on the blacktop, even if they started it from the driver's seat. Also, if I'm in Best Buy and hear someone say "Oh, look! The new Celine Dion CD!" I firmly hold to the belief that I am morally obligated to kill that person on the spot (And I hereby suggest an amendment to the Ten Commandments: "Thou Shalt Not Kill -except when thy witnesses the purchase of a Celine Dion album, in which case thou shalt commence immediate and righteous smoting"). What's more, I am completely unapologetic about any of these facts.

I'm afraid I can't help this attribute of my personality. My genetics, I suspect, make me predisposed to be completely mystified as to one's motives for voluntarily purchasing an album by Papa Roach, Rob Thomas, or Nickelback and then obliviously shake their heads to the existence of bands like The Thermals, Voxtrot or Band of Horses -you know, GOOD bands. I simmer in rage when Sanjaya Malakar gets unprecedented national attention for being a bad singer when very good singers like Erin McKeown, Sera Cahoone (see previous posts) and Jenny Lewis get the above mentioned oblivious looks from the same people. And nothing, dear readers and fellow moggers, gets me more fired up than someone uttering the phrase: "I like ALL music." While on the surface this seems to be a perfectly acceptable, diplomatic response to the question of which type of music one prefers, it is actually a noncommittal response for people who have no actual taste at all. The phrase "I like everything" basically means you think that all music is pretty much okay. Maybe you happen to like Bob Dylan, U2 and Marvin Gaye, but you also happen to think Britney Spears is a good singer, Barry Manilow writes really catchy songs and -hey, you know, that "My Humps" song isn't so bad either. Contrary to popular opinion, it's okay to have taste and to dislike bad music. Go ahead, see for yourself. You can even tell your friends.

For those who remain unconvinced, I offer the following dialog, which supports the title of this post, arising from an argument with a friend about why they should not, really, be excited by the forthcoming Linkin Park release. Not that I personally have anything against the guys in Linkin Park, or their clever songwriting tactic of hiding outside junior high school locker rooms and writing down what they hear inside. When screeched amidst a distorted metal guitar riff, I too feel as though I want to scream at someone. But for anyone who thinks this is a song that shows Linkin Park "gets" what it's like to be young, or in the middle of a bad relationship, might I suggest as an alternative, go buy or download the Postal Service's "Give Up" album and listen to the track "Nothing Better." The song features a dialog between a couple who has recently broken up. It's an intelligent exchange between two people discussing a relationship. They feel no need to scream or yell at one another, nor call each other names or make hostile threats. The guy in the song, it seems, can't let go, this is his dream girl, but somehow he messed up and, well, she's pretty much had it, they're through. It's a very interesting song that tells a story in a creative way through clever lyrics and music. Imagine, people communicating real thoughts and feelings in a civilized way! Now let's take the Linkin Park track "One Step Closer," also -presumably- about a recently-failed relationship, which contains the following lyrics. I admit, I'm basically paraphrasing here: "SHUT UP!!! SHUUUUUUT UPPP! SHUUUUUUUUUT UPPPPPP WHILE I'M TALKING TO YOU!"

Now then. Any questions?

The Best Bad Song Ever

kaipark25 — Sat, 05 May 2007 01:40:24 GMT

So I was sitting in this cafeteria during my lunch break when overhead they began playing "Everybody Have Fun Tonight" by Wang Chung. I couldn't help but smile. There are few songs in history so completely terrible and yet also completely listenable. I can't explain it. This song probably set music back as a whole nearly half a decade. It's equally confusing as it is terrible. What is the group attempting to compel listeners to do when they invite us to "Wang Chung Tonight?" Possibly to "wang chung" is a descriptive motion detailing one's arm extending outward to change or fast forward the tape. (Notice my historical authenticity by referring to cassette tapes here.) Anyway, just in case you happen to find yourself where you're forced to listen to this song there is one bright point. At roughly around the 3:20 - 3:30 mark, you can actually hear one of the faint background singers cry out "Someone tell me what a wang chung is!" I swear to god. Afterward, you too can Wang Chung your arm over to your ipod and listen to the new Feist album.

Confessions of an iTunes User

kaipark25 — Mon, 30 Apr 2007 21:16:20 GMT

Anybody such as myself with an ipod probably finds themselves as a slave to iTunes. For serious music fans or computer users, Apple has managed to position the program as something of a central hub for all forms of media, including TV shows and movies. It's usually the first program I open when I turn on my computer and is often running in the background when I do anything else. The program's hold on my bank account is, by all accounts, impressive, with my having spent nearly $700 over the course of 3 years. (Hold on. I just re-read that last sentence and threw up in my mouth...)

That's better.

Basically, iTunes encompasses the entire history of my musical interest over the past several years and the sheer size of the stats and information it's capable of holding for that time is pretty amazing. It's always a trip recalling memories of your life when you were listening to certain songs, and it's equally interesting to see which songs you're still listening to. In fact, running down the list of purchased songs, there isn't a single one that I can't account for. For instance, in early 2006 I downloaded a bunch of anti-war songs (Credence Clearwater, The Black Angels, Neil Young). Not because of Iraq or anything but because I had this job that I hated and pretty much made me feel like I was going to war everyday. I'm serious. The day I left, I blasted "Fortunate Son" from my car stereo. The most memorable song from this era, though, was U2's "40." I'm not sure if it had any direct relevance, I just remember listening to it at the end of every day because it had a calming effect on me. Especially the live version where you can hear the crowd singing along.

By the middle of '06 most of the music was of a more upbeat tone, possibly because I had met this girl who would, in some way or another, occupy most of my thoughts for most of the remaining year and pretty much every song from this time reminds me of her, as it did then. The top two would probably be "Gray Or Blue" by Jaymay and "I Will Follow You Into the Dark" by Deathcab for Cutie -which, to this day, remains my most played song of all time at 341 plays at the time of this writing. The girl is gone now, but the song remains. I still love them both.

White City

kaipark25 — Thu, 26 Apr 2007 02:56:36 GMT

My Favorite Erin McKeown track from her kcrw.com presents live album.

It's Been Awhile...

kaipark25 — Sat, 21 Apr 2007 04:26:51 GMT

...since my last post, but I won't bore you with the details. I can't believe my mog-meter is still at "toasty." That must mean people keep popping by, hopefully drawn in by my discerning taste in fine music. There hasn't been a whole lot going on in the popular commercial release calendar so far this year so I've been turning back to some oldies. Turns out I love John Coltrane, The Supremes and Marvin Gaye. Who knew? But I dare you to mix a CD or playlist with these 3 and NOT get hooked on it immediately. There's actually a great audio documentary about Coltrane being released right now as a weekly podcast. Called "The Traneumentary" it features several interviews and commentaries with famous jazz musicians, some of whom actually played with Coltrane. You can download the podcast on itues or check out the official website for the project at http://traneumentary.blogspot.com/

Among the new music I've found this year that I do like, are two exceptional female singer-songwriters. The first one is Erin McKeown, a folksy kind of rock with extremely catchy hooks and melodies. Her live stuff is amazing. Plus I have a huge crush on her. (see above photo) I'd want to date any girl who wrote songs like Erin McKeown.

The second is Sera Cahoone, who recently released a self-titled CD. She sings old school country in the way of Loretta Lynn or, say, Patsy Cline. I'm pretty sure you have be sipping a bottle of Johnny Walker while listening to most of her tracks, but that's just the way I like it. Cahoone also has credit as the drummer in one of my favorite new bands of last year, Band of Horses.

Lastly, until I hear the new (and long, long, LONG anticipated) LP from Voxtrot in May, I'm throwing an early vote to Andrew Bird's Armchair Apocrypha as Album of the Year. It took some getting used to at first, but now I just can't stop listening to it. Mark my words.

An Amendment

kaipark25 — Thu, 04 Jan 2007 01:55:34 GMT

I posted the other day about Snow and Voices album not being on itunes. Well, thanks to the post of another mogger I discovered it IS actually on iTunes, you simply have to replace the "and" with an "&." Because apparently the mighty apple search engine is incapable of differentiating between "and" and an "&." What ARE they paying Steve Jobs for these days anyway? So, just to be clear, go to iTunes, search for Snow & Voices and then download the album. Great stuff.

Recommendations for the New Year

kaipark25 — Tue, 02 Jan 2007 00:58:46 GMT

I don’t do this very often, but everybody needs to go out and buy Snow and Voices’ self-titled album right now. I did a search on Mog earlier and found zero matches to this band so I hearby declare myself the driver of the Snow and Voices Bandwagon here on Mog and any and all hop-ons are welcome. Basically, the band sounds like what might happen if Tori Amos or Aimee Mann was fronting Coldplay. Unfortunately, they haven’t received enough attention yet to even have their album listed on iTunes, but you can find the whole thing at emusic.com, and one of their singles on CNET’s free mp3 download site (http://music.download.com/snowvoices/3600-8585_32-100741431.html?tag=MDL_listing_song_artist). You can also sample the entire album at the band’s website (snowandvoices.com) Also, lead singer Lauri Kranz does have an EP on iTunes. In any regard, everybody needs to check out this band. Hopefully they’ll gain more momentum in the coming year, but I can’t recommend anything more highly in the typical winter season slump.

The second band I have to recommend is The Great Lake Swimmers. They sound more than a little like My Morning Jacket, but that’s absolutely not a bad thing (especially after the brain-exploding awesomeness that was Okonokos) and they’re far from idle soundalikes. Perfect for nights when you just want to lay back with your headphones on and get lost for an evening. Like My Morning Jacket, they have recorded some work inside of a grain silo, giving lead singer Tony Dekker’s voice that ethereal quality that seems to narrate daydreams and stargazing evenings alike.

Most Overrated 2006

kaipark25 — Sat, 30 Dec 2006 01:55:56 GMT

So I've been going through a number of year's end top 10 lists for best CD's of the year (something I think I WON'T be doing, thanks), and am amazed to discover how many of these lists contain both The Killer's "Sam's Town" and Thom Yorke's "The Eraser." I eagerly anticipated both releases as soon as I heard about them and, in fact, pre-ordered both of them through iTunes thinking they might be the closest thing to surefire bets released in '06. Until I listened to them. I have nicer things to say about "The Eraser" so I'll start there with the simple fact that it was boring. It wasn't terrible, but there's not a single standout track in the whole bunch, and in fact several of the songs sound almost derivative of the Postal Service (which may be debatable since one could also argue that the Postal Service is derivative of Radiohead, but if that's the case doesn't that show how good The Eraser isn't?) Anyway, no permanent harm done, I suppose. I can still look at Thom Yorke with respect and can still say I'm looking forward to the next Radiohead album...but I probably won't pre-order it.

On the other hand, "Sam's Town" was undeniably terrible. I listened to "When You Were Young" about 20 times just trying to figure out if I liked it. My conclusion: no. Nor do I understand the value of what someone's resemblance to Jesus has to do with anything. And the same is true for the rest of the album, it's not bad, it's awful. Yet, I'm shocked when I go to a number of websites or open a magazine and see it there on their year's best. The critical review on Amazon touts the the album, claiming it "sounds bigger and shinier, with full-blown strings and choirs coloring epics like "When You Were Young" and "The River Is Wild." The only justification I can think for this is that perhaps Amazon uses words like "bigger" and "shinier" for "steaming pile" and "of crap." This is one of those instances where you wonder why nobody told them that a band of 4 white guys should NEVER release an album with a song entitled "Bling (Confession of a King)." Basically, "Sam's Town" is the Killer's equivalent to U2's "Pop." Unfortunately this is only their second album. My only hope is that they can recover as well as U2 did.

Mog is the Greatest Idea Ever.

kaipark25 — Mon, 18 Dec 2006 18:51:39 GMT

Welcome to my mog. I can't believe it took me so long to find this site. I've picked up so many new and interesting recommendations just by browsing through the different mogs. Ben Gibbard's mog has already won a permanent place among my bookmarks. Well, that's it for now, just a short post for my first entry. Looking forward to sharing music with my fellow moggers.

Also, I have a running non-music related blog at gallopinginsanity.blogspot.com -check it out.