So ever since i heard that M Ward and Zooey Deschanel were teaming up for an album, i have been on a constant high. Being a huge fan of M Ward's and really suprised at Zooey's voice that she showed in the movie "Elf". I cant wait for this to come out. I would say this album, Midlakes new album, and My Morning Jackets new album, will make 2008 another great year for music. I wish i could post all these album's but thats impossible. But for now, here are 3 songs played by the duo on a radio station, and what it seems to be a demo track. Get it here
This is probably my favorite Elliott Smith album. Maybe because it is a more studio album, Elliott Smith proved he could make great records with just a guitar, but sometimes something new is welcome and its true here. Lovely tracks are Son Of Sam, In The Lost And Found, Somebody That I Used To Know, and Pretty Mary K. Here
My Ryan Adams favorite album changes from time to time. This album got panned, I have no idea why. Its an album about growing up and older. Ryan proves he can consistently hit the falsetto notes, and the album is more piano based, and includes some of my favorite Ryan tracks. The songs seem to be more structured and chronological stories. My Favs are Strawberry Wine, Carolina Rain, and Night Birds. Here
I sometimes spend some time reading articles by either professional or bloggers about music and musicians. Most of them make me angry than they do good. I was just reading some guys little post about Spoon. He references some quote form Pitchfork, about how they are "a poor man's billy joel." I dont read Pitchfork so i cant confirm that statement, but if true, what are they talking about? Unless it is or was taken out of context. Which brings me to the point of this post. I generally dislike reading magazines such as Pitchfork or RS because quite often the writers have some kind of axe to grind or want a clever little passive aggressive quote about a band or an artist. I am sure more people feel this way, but many dont. The point of these music blogs are to give you the music free to give you the right to make up your mind, not listen to bloggers, or critics, or magazines with some point in mind. We as a world tend to build something up just to crush it, I.E. in this case we'll stick to Spoon. Yea their music is on commercials and movies, and i love it, why should i dislike the fact that music i like is on something i have watched? This phenomenon has occurred all throughout history, look at Mozart for christ sakes, the man was essentially killed by a man jealous of his talents, I believe the same is true here. Im sure these critics or bloggers realize that they have a forum, and soon find ways to get their notoriety by criticizing others. Its not that i dont believe people have a right to voice their opinion or a forum, but it doesnt mean its always a great thing. We must take the good and the bad, it is the duality of this existence. Its their music they do what they want with it, (well at least i hope so). But people are so petty they will drop a band from their listening devices because of a car ad, or a movie soundtrack, well good riddance. This doesnt apply to the blogs on my list or the people who are on this blog (at least i hope so). Sorry for the soapbox post, but we all should be aware of this tendency for critics and bloggers (who most by the way couldn't keep a beat with these musicians) to tear someone down when they are on the top or near the top of their careers. The duality rears its head again, there is a thin line between many things, including love and hate. Critics and bloggers tend to hate or try to bring down things that they once loved, or thought they loved. I dont mean to lump all critics or bloggers in this. Thanks for reading if you did.
Although he is considered pretty self involved Ryan Adams phone message to one critic illustrates the point.
I am so glad that a blogger posted this earlier today, Malkmus is one of my favorite current musicians out there. I heard he is comming to the Southgate in Kentucky in march and i cant wait for that. Enjoy my friends, and hell even my enemies can enjoy this too. Here
Here is a nice tribute of pictures and a great sound clip, of my and many others favorite author Kurt Vonnegut Jr. If there is one major thing i regret, it is not driving to New York and finding him and hugging him, for he has taught me more about what it is to be a human being both good and bad than anyone mortal or immortal ever could.
"A purpose of human life, no matter who is controlling it, is to love whoever is around to be loved."
